Best of the Med
September 2025
Small group hosted journey • Guaranteed to go • Flights included
PRICE FROM | DURATION | |
---|---|---|
NZD
$22,820
|
Days
25
|
Nights
|
PRICE FROM | DURATION | |
---|---|---|
NZD
$22,820
|
Days
25
|
Nights
|
Introduction
This exceptional journey starts with a wonderful two days in Barcelona before cruising along the French and Italian coast.
We will sail along the glittering Cote D’Azur, shop in Monte Carlo, explore famous Italian cities and wander the medieval streets of Kotor and Sibenik before disembarking in Chioggia. A taste of Venice follows before visiting the picturesque villages of the Cinque Terre and Lake Como. All wonderful experiences that should be ticked off your bucket list right away!
SPECIAL EXPERIENCES
Gastronomy tour and cooking class
In Barcelona, wander the exotic and lively Bouqueria Market awash with fruit juices, olives, seafood, meats and cheeses, then enjoy a hands-on cooking class.
Discover hidden Venice
Set out on a Bacari tour to enjoy food and wine like a local.
Walking tour of Portofino
Explore charming Portofino and the delightful fishing village of San Fruttuoso on foot, with a local guide.
Visit the stunning Cinque Terre villages
Wander the famed cliffside villages of Monterosso, Vernazza and Manarola.
AZAMARA ONWARD
Built to cross oceans, cruise along scenic waterways and dock at locations larger ships can’t access — this small ship cruising experience is unlike any other. A choice of seven restaurants, cafes and lounges as well as a pool and spa, the Azamara Onward is recently refurbished and ready to welcome you on board. A standard drinks package is included with your reservation.
WELCOME BACK OFFER
If you have travelled on a World Journeys Hosted Journey before, we would like to welcome you back with a saving of $400 per couple (or $200 per person) when you book this Best of the Med journey.
Click here to download the PDF version of this tour
Itinerary
September 2025
Wed 3 : Auckland > Dubai
Overnight flight to Dubai.
Thu 4 : Dubai > Barcelona
Arrive Barcelona and transfer to our hotel.
Fri 5 : Barcelona (B,L)
A leisurely breakfast is followed by a visit to Boqueria Market. Enjoy a relaxed cooking class learning how to prepare a local dish, with sangria. The perfect introduction to Spain!
Sat 6 : Barcelona (B,D)
Join our guide to visit La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s renowned unfinished church and Park Guell, another major work by Gaudi full of amazing stone structures, stunning tiling and fascinating buildings before transferring to our cruise ship, the lovely Azamara Onward. Set sail this afternoon.
Sun 7 : Provence (Toulon) (B,L,D)
Toulon, on the French Riviera, is the gateway to the lovely towns and vineyards of Provence.
Mon 8 : Monte Carlo (B,L,D)
Monte Carlo bubbles with year-round glamour. Lavish hotels, designer shops, and yachts bobbing in turquoise marinas line the promenade.
Tue 9 : Livorno (Florence/Pisa) (B, L, D)
The port city of Livorno is the gateway to a remarkable region. 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, or you have the option to visit Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery, and the Piazza del Duomo with its grand cathedral.
Wed 10 : Civitavecchia (Rome) (B,L,D)
Rome is awash with world-famous churches, monuments and fountains: the Colosseum, the Sistine Chapel, Vatican City, the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. Opt for a guided tour, sip a cappuccino at a café, or window shop at the high-fashion boutiques of Via Condotti.
Thu 11 : Sorrento (B,L,D)
Perched atop cliffs that separate the town from the marina, Sorrento is famous for its sweeping water views and Piazza Tasso, a café-lined square. The historic centre is a warren of narrow alleys that’s home to the Chiesa di San Francesco, a 14th-century church with a tranquil cloister. You may opt to visit the stunning island of Capri.
Fri 12 : Amalfi (B,L,D)
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 façade.
Sat 13 : At Sea (B,L,D)
Relax and explore the ship today.
Sun 14 : Kotor (B,L,D)
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.
Mon 15 : Sibenik (B,L,D)
Nestled between Zadar and Split, this tiny city shares some similarities with Dubrovnik. Both were maritime trading hubs in the Middle Ages and conquered by the Venetian Republic. 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.
Tue 16 : Koper (B,L,D)
Koper’s medieval town centre has such 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. Rebuilt many times, the circa-12th-century Cathedral of the Assumption features a tall campanile with sweeping bay views.
Wed 17 : Chioggia (B,L,D)
Just south of Venice, Chioggia echoes its larger neighbour with canals and narrow alleyways. The historic centre is home to the Torre dell’Orologio S. Andrea, a Romanesque watchtower with a medieval clock. While on an island to the east are wide Sottomarina beach and Forte San Felice, a 14th-century fort. Enjoy your last evening on board.
Thu 18 : Chioggia > Venice (B)
Disembark and transfer to Venice to check in to our hotel overlooking the Grand Canal. This afternoon enjoy a Hidden Venice food and wine experience. Bacari are relaxed local wine bars where Venetians stop to snack and socialize before and after meals.
Fri 19 : Venice (B)
Our walking tour today starts by visiting the St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace and Basilica. Cross the Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs to visit the Palace Prisons.
Sat 20 : Venice > Santa Margherita Ligure (B,D)
Drive to the Italian Riviera where we stay near to the villages of the Cinque Terre, in Santa Margherita Ligure, one of the most charming and elegant seaside towns of the Italian Riviera, located near Portofino. Dinner is included this evening.
Sun 21 : Cinque Terre (B)
A full day in the Cinque Terre today. Travel with our guide by train into the National Park to 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!
Mon 22 : Portofino (B)
Meet our guide for a half day walking tour in Portofino. Uncover this wonderful village, walk to Brown Castle for breathtaking views of the village and coast. Take the ferry to San Fruttuoso, a small fishing village in a deep inlet along the coastline of the Portofino promontory.
Tue 23 : Santa Margherita Ligure > Lake Como (B)
Drive to Como and on to our lovely hotel in Menaggio overlooking the lake.
Wed 24 : Lake Como (B)
Explore the historical villages using water taxi passes – Bellagio, Tremezzo and Lenno can all be visited today.
Thu 25 : Como > Milan > Dubai (B)
At leisure until the transfer to the airport for the flight to Dubai. Overnight on the flight.
Fri 26 : Dubai > Auckland
Arrive Dubai and transit to the onward flight. Travel overnight.
Sat 27 : Auckland
Arrive late morning
Need Help?
Pricing
Pricing (per person), NZD
TYPE |
TWIN from |
SINGLE from |
EXTRA from |
---|---|---|---|
2025 | |||
Inside Cabin |
NZ$22,820 |
NZ$30,410 |
|
Ocean View Cabin |
NZ$23,225 |
NZ$30,955 |
|
Veranda Cabin |
NZ$23,995 |
NZ$32,580 |
|
Business Class Upgrade | On Request |
Departs
Included
- Small group cruise-tour (18 max)
- Economy Class flights from New Zealand
- Airline and airport taxes
- A World Journeys host
- Accommodation in 4-star hotels
- Accommodation on Azamara Onward, including a basic drinks package and port taxes
- Transfers, sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
- Meals as indicated (B,L,D)
- Gratuities for all group activities
Not Included
• Items of a personal nature
• Travel insurance (mandatory)
• Visas (if applicable)
• Optional activities and shore excursions while cruising
Gratuity
In the countries we are visiting, tipping is customary. For a hassle-free journey, tipping is included for all group activities, and will be handled by the World Journeys host.
Important Notes
• A non-refundable deposit of $3,000 per person is required, with the balance due 120 days prior to departure
• As cancellation fees apply, travel insurance is mandatory
• Business Class upgrade fares are available on request but are subject to availability
• Please also refer to our Health & Medical Requirements within our Terms & Conditions
Let us introduce you to Azamara Cruises with this short video:
Please refer to World Journeys terms & conditions
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