Best of the Med

Embark on an unforgettable journey beginning with two delightful days in Barcelona before cruising along the enchanting French and Italian coastlines onboard Azamara Cruises latest ship, Azamara Onward.

Sail along the sparkling Cote D’Azur, explore glamorous Monte Carlo, and discover iconic Italian cities. Wander through the medieval streets of Kotor and Sibenik before disembarking in Chioggia. Experience the magic of Venice before exploring the picturesque villages of the Cinque Terre and the beauty of Lake Como. These extraordinary experiences are sure to be the highlight of your travel bucket list!

Pricing

Business Class Upgrade available on request and subject to availability

Inclusions

What's Included:

• Return Economy class flights from New Zealand to Barcelona
• Accommodation in 4 star hotels
• 12-night cruise onboard Azamara Onward from Barcelona to Venice in your choice of stateroom, including basic drinks package, entertainment onboard the ship, laundry, Cultural Evenings on shore & port taxes
• Transfers, sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
• Meals including 21 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 13 dinners
• Gratuities

What's Not Included:

• Items of a personal nature
• Visa (if applicable)
• Travel insurance (mandatory)
• Cruise shore excursions and optional activities

Notes:

Tipping is customary in the countries visited so for a hassle-free journey, tipping for all group activities is included and will be handled by your host.

Special Experiences

Gastronomy tour and cooking class in Barcelona. Wander the exotic and lively Bouqueria Market awash with fruit juices, olives, seafood, fruit, meats and cheeses. Topped off with a hands-on cooking class.

Discover hidden Venice with a Bacari tour to enjoy food and wine as the locals do.

Walking tour of Portofino and the delightful fishing village of San Fruttuoso.

Visit the stunning Cinque Terre villages of Monterosso, Vernazza and Manarola.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Wed 3 Sep: Auckland to Dubai

Fly to Dubai travelling overnight.

Thu 4 Sep: Dubai to Barcelona

Arrive Barcelona and transfer to our hotel.

Fri 5 Sep: Barcelona 

Visit to Boqueria Market and enjoy a relaxed cooking class. The perfect introduction to Spain! (B,L)

Sat 6 Sep: Barcelona

Visit La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s renowned unfinished church and Park Guell, another major work by Gaudi full of amazing stone structures. Transfer to our cruise ship, the lovely Azamara Onward. Set sail this afternoon. (B,D)

Sun 7 Sep: Provence (Toulon)  

Toulon, on the French Riviera, is the gateway to the lovely towns and vineyards of Provence. (B,L,D)

Mon 8 Sep: Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo bubbles with year-round glamour. Lavish hotels, designer boutiques, and yachts bobbing in turquoise marinas line the promenade. (B,L,D)

Tue 9 Sep: Livorno (Florence/Pisa)

Perhaps take an optional trip to Florence, with a stop at the leaning Tower of Pisa. See treasures of the Italian Renaissance - works by Botticelli, Da Vinci and Michelangelo. (B,L,D)

Wed 10 Sep: Civitavecchia (Rome)

Rome is awash with world-famous churches, monuments and fountains: the Colosseum, the Sistine Chapel, Vatican City, the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. (B,L,D)

Thu 11 Sep: Sorrento

Perched atop cliffs that separate the town from the marina, Sorrento is famous for its sweeping water views and Piazza Tasso, a cafe-lined square. You may opt to visit the stunning island of Capri. (B,L,D)

Fri 12 Sep: Amalfi

The dramatic setting at the base of cliffs plunging into the sea gives Amalfi the deserved nickname of ‘Divine Coast’. Take some time to visit the Arab-Norman Sant’Andrea cathedral at the heart of town, with its striped Byzantine facade. (B,L,D)

Sat 13 Sep: At Sea  

Relax and explore the ship today. (B,L,D)

Sun 14 Sep: Kotor

Montenegro’s most beautiful bay, first settled by the ancient Romans. Visit the well preserved urban centre and vibrant community, medieval architecture and numerous monuments of cultural heritage of this UNESCO World Natural and Historical Heritage Site. (B,L,D)

Mon 15 Sep: Sibenik

The Croatian coastal town of Sibenik boasts gorgeous Venetian style architecture, as well as the 15th century stone cathedral of St James and the white stone fortress of St Michael. (B,L,D)

Tue 16 Sep: Koper

The medieval town centre of Koper (Slovenia) has Venetian influenced landmarks such as the Praetorian Palace and a Gothic-style loggia, while nearby Da Ponte Fountain is a replica of Venice’s famed Rialto Bridge. (B,L,D)

Wed 17 Sep: Chioggia

Just south of Venice, Chioggia echoes its larger neighbour with canals and picturesque narrow alleyways. (B,L,D)

Thu 18 Sep: Chioggia to Venice

Transfer to Venice to check in to our hotel overlooking the Grand Canal. This afternoon enjoy a Hidden Venice food and wine experience. (B)

Fri 19 Sep: Venice

Visit St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace and Basilica. Cross the Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs to visit the Palace Prisons. (B)

Sat 20 Sep: Venice to Santa Margherita Ligure

Drive to the Italian Riviera where we stay near to the villages of the Cinque Terre, in Santa Margherita Ligure, one of the area’s most charming and elegant seaside towns. Dinner is included this evening. (B,D)

Sun 21 Sep: Cinque Terre  

A full day in the Cinque Terre today. Visit stunning Monterosso, Vernazza and Manarola. Colourful houses and ancient vineyards cling to steep terraces, fishing boats bob in harbours and trattorias serve seafood specialties leaving you wonderfully relaxed and never wanting to leave! (B)

Mon 22 Sep: Portofino

Meet our guide for a half day walking tour in Portofino. Take the ferry to San Fruttuoso, a small fishing village in a deep inlet along the coastline of the Portofino promontory. (B)

Tue 23 Sep: Santa Margherita Ligure to Lake Como

Drive to Como and on to our lovely hotel in Menaggio overlooking the lake. (B)

Wed 24 Sep: Lake Como  

Explore the historical villages using water taxi passes – Bellagio, Tremezzo and Lenno can all be visited today. (B)

Thu 25 Sep: Como to Milan to Dubai  

At leisure until the transfer to the airport for the flight to Dubai. Overnight on the flight. (B)

Fri 26 Sep: Dubai to Auckland  

Arrive Dubai and transit to the onward flight. Travel overnight.

Sat 27 Sep: Auckland  

Arrive late morning.

Terms and Conditions

Prices are in NZD (unless specified otherwise) per person, in complete twin/double share accommodation (or single occupancy or family share where specified), valid for new bookings only, subject to availability. Offers are capacity-controlled and may be reduced, changed, extended or withdrawn at any time, without notice. Unless specified, airfares
(and often transfers) are additional. Pricing variations may occur due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Prices include savings/discounts where applicable and all taxes/charges. A non-refundable deposit of $3,000 per person is required, with the balance due 120 days prior to departure. Amendment and cancellation fees apply. All products and itineraries are subject to change at the discretion of the supplier. Prices are based on cash, Eftpos, or Direct Credit payment only. We accept all major credit cards, however, processing fees apply. World Travellers reserve the right to correct any errors or omissions at any
time. To be read in conjunction with the booking terms and conditions applicable to World Journeys. Please always refer to your World Travellers Consultant for full details. Travel documents & vaccination requirements are the responsibility of the individual traveller and Travel Insurance is mandatory. Professional service fees may apply.