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!
Your tour highlights
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.
Tour itinerary
Overnight flight to Dubai.
Arrive Barcelona and transfer to our hotel.
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!
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.
Toulon, on the French Riviera, is the gateway to the lovely towns and vineyards of Provence.
Monte Carlo bubbles with year-round glamour. Lavish hotels, designer shops, and yachts bobbing in turquoise marinas line the promenade.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Relax and explore the ship today.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Drive to Como and on to our lovely hotel in Menaggio overlooking the lake.
Explore the historical villages using water taxi passes – Bellagio, Tremezzo and Lenno can all be visited today.
At leisure until the transfer to the airport for the flight to Dubai. Overnight on the flight.
Arrive Dubai and transit to the onward flight. Travel overnight.
Arrive late morning
What you’ll see on the tour
Tour pricing:
from $22,820
Inside Cabin
TWIN from NZ$22,820
SINGLE from NZ$30,410
Ocean View Cabin
TWIN from NZ$23,225
SINGLE from NZ$30,955
Veranda Cabin
TWIN from NZ$23,995
SINGLE from NZ$32,580
Business Class Upgrade On Request
To secure your place now:
Phone: 03 364 3400 or 0800 747 737
Email: [email protected]
Tour Inclusions:
- 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