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20 Days "Jewels of Italy & Greek Islands" package from $11,793 $9,199 after member savings:
Save big dollars off full retail value.
FULL RETAIL VALUE: $11,793pp. YOU PAY FROM $9,099, SAVE UP TO $2,594pp.
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From the grandeur of St Peter's Cathedral and the Sistine Chapel to the intrigue of the Leaning Tower of Pisa; from the beauty, history and magic of Venice to the charm of the seaside towns of Split and Dubrovnik in Croatia; then cruising to the stunning Greek Islands of Santorini and Mykonos... Can you imagine a better holiday, and better value?
* Various itinerary options are available. See full itinerary for details. Package price varies according to season and departure city.
In the style of most Global Escapes Independent Traveler itineraries, this is a perfect blend of self-guided adventure and forward-planning to ensure that the main elements are organised in advance allowing for plenty of time to relax and take in each place you visit.
We guarantee to beat any competitor accommodation-only quote or travel package price and/or value by a minimum of 15%. Conditions.
We guarantee to beat any competitor accommodation-only quote or travel package price or value by a minimum of 15% ("price-beat") on the following conditions:
Note: By requesting a price-beat you are under no obligation to place a booking with us or proceed with the final travel package as the case may be. A non-refundable deposit is required in the case of a tour/travel package price-beat (see below).
The following terms and conditions apply to travel plans and accommodation quotes requested from and supplied by Travel Directions Pty. Ltd. trading as Global Escapes Travel, Australian Escapes Holiday & Travel Club (Australian Escapes) and Kiwi Escapes (the company) and are subject to change without notice. These conditions are to be read in conjunction with our standard booking conditions and conditions applicable to Australian Escapes Holiday & Travel Club membership as defined in website FAQs.
There are two main scenarios:
(1) You request a price-beat on a specific property. Our objective is to provide at least 15% more total value or a price that is 15% lower than a competitor quote supplied to us for the same accommodation property, on the same conditions and with the same inclusions, provided we have access to be able to book the accommodation through our normal supplier channels.
If we do not have access to member rates that property we will offer an alternative that is of the same or higher standard, as per our hotel rating system and that meets the stated requirements, subject to availability, and subject to the following:
(2) We propose a property with member pricing: If the "you pay" price we submit is already discounted using GCash travel credits and the lowest available price at the time it was submitted, it does not qualify. Otherwise our objective is to provide at least 15% more total value or a price that is 15% lower than a competitor quote supplied to us for the same accommodation property, on the same conditions and with the same inclusions.
A price-beat will be deemed successful and this guarantee is therefore met when the applicable objective is achieved.
Inclusions in travel and tour packages assembled by competitor travel agents, tour companies, wholesalers, online travel promoters will all be different in some way. Packages will typically vary by inclusions, validity, suppliers, component type, standard, terms and conditions, travel date, etc ("package components").
Our objective in this type of price-beat situation is to assemble a package containing similar and/or higher value package components to that which you present to us. We guarantee to offer at least 15% more total value (through added value) or a price that is 15% lower than the competitor quote ("successful price-beat") subject to the following:
A price-beat will be deemed successful and this guarantee is therefore met when the above objective is achieved.
The price-beat must be requested before you place a booking with any other travel agent, online booking agent or property direct in relation to the subject accommodation or package.
A price-beat may be requested by providing clear, written evidence of the competitor quote as well as your requirements to an employee of the company who performs a reservations or travel consultant role ("company contact") as follows:
A competitor quote presented under this guarantee must be genuine (not contrived) and must be a final, fixed price, backed by verifiable evidence. A competitor quote that we determine is not genuine or final is excluded. The requested date range(s) for travel/tour commencement as well as for individual package components must be realistic and flexible.
This condition applies to travel/tour packages only. We require up to $900 deposit per person (amount depending on package complexity) as a guarantee that you will proceed with the travel plan after we are successful with the price/value beat. This requirement exists because of the amount of travel consultant time required to price according to a competitor quote.
Your Australian Escapes Holiday & Travel Club membership must be Gold level or above and active and paid up at the time of requesting the price beat.
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* All prices are per-person on a twin-share basis and bookings are subject to availability. The final price and deposit amount varies according to travel date. All prices are estimates only. A firm quote (travel plan) with payment terms will be submitted for consideration prior to agreement to proceed. Full booking terms and conditions are available HERE...
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You’ll explore Italy's sophisticated capitals of Venice, Florence and Rome. The beautiful cobblestone squares, centuries' old tradition and historic highlights like the mighty Colosseum, Leaning Tower of Pisa and the spectacular Duomo of Florence are amongts the places you'll visit. Plus you get to spend plenty of extra time in Rome and Venice to see and do things most travellers never do. Your cruise from Venice via Croatia to the Greek Islands will give you you a taste of the good life cruising the Mediterranean as well as the experience of several great destinations including Santorini and Mykonos.
This is a first-class travel itinerary that's fully flexible. Want more or fewer days or you want to include a special destination or activity? No problem, we’ll customise a travel plan for you.
Click/tap to watch this short video and learn about the sights and beauty and that await you.
If you'd prefer to have more time in the Greek Islands, our Athens and Greek Island Hopper package replaces the cruise from Venice from $0 extra.
The exchange package includes:
All accommodation is hand-picked, central and 3.5 to 5-stars. Sea view accommodation on the islands is included subject to availability.
Read about our accommodation rating standards and the methods used to assess quality.
This itinerary is fully customisable to suit your requirements. Your personal travel consultant is available to discuss changes and additions that will enhance your travel experience.
Lonely Planet is renowned for its first-hand approach, up-to-date maps and commitment to providing the best information for travelers. Lonely Planet authors are experienced, insightful travel experts. They personally research the places they write about - both in the first and in subsequent editions - and provide essential travel details along with a wealth of insider information and first-hand tips.
You will receive these guides to help you gain the most out of your holiday. Recommendation: Take the time to read suggestions for things to see and do before you leave home. Take your Lonely Planet guides with you in your luggage.
* All prices are per-person on a twin-share basis and bookings are subject to availability. Price and deposit amount varies according to travel date. If flights are shown as included then a flight cost provision (allowance) applies and is based on travel from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. Travel can be arranged from any other major centre and for any number of people. All prices shown are estimates only. A firm quote (travel plan) with payment terms will be submitted for consideration prior to agreement to proceed. Total price after member discount (using Getaway Cash travel credits and Australian Escapes Free Flights Vouchers if applicable) is generally payable as follows: Deposit on booking, balance 120 days prior to departure. Packages can be priced for families and groups on request. Standard price and full retail value comparisons are with similar packages offered elsewhere or what we estimate would be payable by a non-member for the same or similar package and may include a value we define for specialty travel agency services. Travel insurance if included is a provision only and may be declined on requestTravel insurance pricing if stated is based on comprehensive travel insurance for two travellers aged 69 years or less as at the date of departure from Australia. No recommendations or advice are given in regard to travel insurance suitability. Surcharge may apply to Greek Islands package depending on the time of year. Travel Directions Pty Ltd (t/as Australian Escapes Holiday & Travel Club) standard booking terms and conditions apply to all booking enquiries and bookings and are available here to view (or visit our website and go to either the "Booking Enquiry" or "About Us" menu item.)
Discover some of the many highlights of Italy and the Greek Islands with this value-packed itinerary. We've slowed the pace in Rome and Venice so you can really get to know and experience these places in more depth. The tour and cruise inclusions mean that you can meet other travellers, one of the most enjoyable and memorable aspects of this type of travel. You also have the option of swapping the included cruise with our Athens and Greek Island Hopper package. If you're an independent traveller, that will give you time to enjoy Athens and up to four of the wonderful Greek islands at a leisurely pace. If you want to see more of Italy, our 5-day Italian Lakes package offers terrific value, as does our Tastes of Southern Italy package. See the options section below for details.
"It feels good to be lost in the right direction" - Anonymous
Welcome to Rome. After checking in, relax and unwind. From your central location you're within easy walking distance of many of Rome’s famous attractions such as Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Pantheon and Piazza Navona. This evening consider a stroll around this fascinating ancient city and mingle with the locals in beautiful squares with stunning architecture. Have dinner at a very Italian Trattoria and enjoy a pizza made in the traditional way while sketching out the rest of your first few days and evenings in this great city.
Special self-guided activity: Doing as the Romans do at sunset
"In Rome, sunset brings unexpected magic. A stroll in the cool of the summer evening is made memorable by the romance of the Eternal City. The tourist who retreats at night to an air-conditioned hotel room is missing the best time to plunge into Rome. Once the museums close and the crowds thin, Rome relaxes. The city, so grand and monumental by day, becomes intimate and approachable." Rick Steves (Famous travel author)
Your Lonely Planet Guide will provide you with plenty of options for places to visit and things to see and do before joining your tour group. Today will be a great opportunity to see things not included in the upcoming tour.
Special included activity: Trastevere Street Eats
Rome is known for having some of the country’s most loved street food. From ancient classics like suppli’- fried risotto balls oozing with fresh mozzarella cheese- to the the trendy Trappizino- a hybrid of pizza and a calzone filled with signature Roman dishes like braised oxtail, you will enjoy them all. This unforgettable food and cultural experience will give you a taste of daily life in one of Rome’s most iconic neighbourhoods, Trastevere.
The morning is free for you to enjoy a casual stroll through one of Rome’s wonderful markets or take in some sights remaining on your list.
Later you’ll head to the tour start hotel to meet with your Travel Director and fellow travellers. One of the great joys of travelling with a Trafalgar tour group is making new friends and experiencing many new places as a group. This certainly adds to the experience.
On this tour you’ll explore Italy's sophisticated capitals of Venice, Florence and Rome. The beautiful cobblestone squares, centuries' old tradition and historic highlights like the mighty Colosseum, Leaning Tower of Pisa and the spectacular Duomo are included in your group tour of this fascinating destination.
Your local specialist takes you on a sightseeing tour with a visit to the Vatican City. Enter the awe-inspiring St. Peter's Basilica and view Michelangelo's statue, the Pietà.
Don't miss the opportunity to join an Optional Experience to visit the famous Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums. View the mighty Colosseum and see the ancient sites of Rome.
This morning, leave Rome and head north towards Central Italy. Travel through picturesque scenery in Tuscany before arriving in the town of Pisa. Visit the Square of Miracles featuring the Leaning Tower, Cathedral and Baptistery. There is time to shop for souvenirs and take pictures. Later, arrive at your hotel near Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance.
There are few cities in the world with an artistic legacy to equal that of Florence. Your Local Specialist gives a superb commentary of the city's history during your walking tour, which includes views of the Baptistery, Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the impressive Giotto's Bell Tower, Ponte Vecchio and a visit to Piazza della Signoria.
Learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city's historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. Don't forget to try a gelato! Later enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Your journey continues north across the dramatic Apennine Mountains to Verona, the home of Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers. View the vast Roman Arena, where concerts are still held regularly each year. Stop and view Juliet's balcony in a courtyard which has become a popular tourist site for the tragic story of the Montague and Capulet family feud. Head east to the magical, romantic city of Venice.
Watch the Venetian craftsmen at work creating local specialities at a glassblowing workshop on Giudecca Island. Then cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square in the heart of Venice.
Admire the Bridge of Sighs, the ornate Doge's Palace and the Byzantine Basilica of St. Mark. Spend free time afterwards exploring this fascinating city or perhaps take a cruise across the lagoon to Burano for a relaxing farewell dinner. Burano is an island in the Venetian lagoon known for its brightly coloured houses.
This morning say 'arrivederci' to your Travel Director and newfound friends and return to Venice San Marco Square area where you’ll be staying for three more nights. Now you can slow down and relax. According to Venice for Visitors website, the #1 Mistake travelers make is what they call “Hit and run” visits. You will avoid that mistake and really get to know this magical place. Maybe you'll end up joining the ranks of those travelers who can't get enough of Venice and discover new things about the city with every visit.
There's a lot to see beyond the usual tourist attractions: e.g., the islands of the lagoon, the ancient Jewish Ghetto, and the bridges, canals, back streets, and shops of neighborhoods that hurried and harried tourists never see. Many sights won't cost you a anything except perhaps a vaporetto (water bus) ride. For example – The Grand Canal. Take a vaporetto preferably in the evening, when the day-trippers have gone home and the palazzi along the canal are floodlit or illuminated from within. If you're on one of the older boats with an open bow, sit up front; otherwise, grab a seat in the covered open-air section at the boat's stern, beyond the doors at the rear of the vaporetto's enclosed passenger compartment. As the water bus zigzags between stops on both sides of the canal you'll pass under several bridges and see dozens of palaces that were built from the 12th to 18th centuries. Your Lonely Planet guide and a special traveler website will provide everything you need to plan your trip.
Leave your bags at reception and spend the morning doing some more of the things on your to-see and do list. Later today you’ll take a water bus to the cruise port to board your ship that will take you on a completely different adventure.
Note: This cruise is in high demand and bookings are subject to availability for your travel dates. If this cruise is not available for your preferred departure date, we will find an alternative to suit.
Optional: 8-night Athens & Greek Island Hopper package. See details in “Inclusions” above.
Croatia's second-largest city, Split (Spalato in Italian) is a great place to see Dalmatian life as it’s really lived.
Always buzzing, this exuberant city has just the right balance between tradition and modernity. Step inside Diocletian’s Palace (a Unesco World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most impressive Roman monuments) and you’ll see dozens of bars, restaurants and shops thriving amid the atmospheric old walls where Split has been humming along for thousands of years. (Arrive 7am, depart 5pm)
Today is just a day to relax and enjoy the facilities of your luxury cruise ships and share some time with any new friends you’ve made.
You’ll either love or hate Santorini. Its magnet, the multicoloured cliffs that soar above the sea-drowned caldera, are amazing indeed.
The main towns of Fira and Oia – a snow-drift of white Cycladic houses that line the cliff tops and spill like icy cornices down the terraced rock – will take your breath away. And then there’s the sunsets, the glorious sunsets. And the island’s fascinating history, best revealed at the Minoan site of Akrotiri. (Arrive 7am, depart 3pm)
Mykonos is the great glamour island of Greece and flaunts its sizzling St-Tropez-meets-Ibiza style and party-hard reputation, with bronzed bodies thronging its beaches by day and basslines pounding through its superclubs until dawn.
But there’s more to it than the dazzling sand, preening celebrities and insatiable revellers. Those who spend a little time here will discover the quiet charm of the Cycladic maze of Hora, the pleasure of travelling the backcountry roads and a dining scene to rival any Greek island. (Arrive 8pm)
You can enjoy everything Mykonos has to offer through Day 14 and into the night if desired, then re-board the ship around midnight because we depart at 3am.
Regardless of whether you are visiting Dubrovnik for the first time or the hundredth, the sense of awe never fails to descend when you set eyes on the beauty of the old town.
Indeed it’s hard to imagine anyone becoming jaded by the city’s limestone streets, baroque buildings and the endless shimmer of the Adriatic, or failing to be inspired by a walk along the ancient city walls that protected the capital of a sophisticated republic for centuries. (Arrive 1pm, depart 8pm)
Often brushed aside as being just another of Italy's bolshie, gritty port towns, Ancona is no beauty at first glance from the ferry, it's true. But there's more to Ancona than meets the superficial eye, and to simply bypass it is to miss much. In the old town, crowned by the duomo, you can peel back layers of history of the city founded by Greek settlers from Syracuse around 387 BC, admiring Roman ruins, the rich stash of its archaeological museum and its Renaissance palazzi, which glow softly in the evening light. Linger long enough in its hilltop parks overlooking the Adriatic and lively boulevards and cafe-rimmed piazzas and you'll see a more likeable side to Le Marche's seafront capital, promise. (Arrive 10am, depart 6pm)
This morning after breakfast you’ll leave your cruise ship behind and head to the airport for your trip back to Australia. If time permits, you can leave your bags at Piazzale Roma near to the cruise port and head back into Venice for the day. Of course you might like to extend your Italian holiday with a trip to Milan and famous Lake Como and Lake Maggiore.
Spend 3 days in some of the most charming cities of Southern Italy. Explore bustling Naples, marvel at the UNESCO-listed ruins of Pompeii and take a boat ride to Capri's magical Blue Grotto, before enjoying a stroll around beautiful, colourful Sorrento.
Day 1 – Naples & Pompeii
Leave Rome behind and take in stunning views of the Roman countryside as you head to Naples. Renowned as the birthplace of Italian pizza, Naples is also an important cultural and historical centre. Enjoy a panoramic tour of this lively city before making your way to the fascinating ancient ruins of Pompeii. Your tour ends with a delicious dinner and overnight stay in Sorrento.
Day 2 – Capri (from April to October)
After breakfast, reach the charming island of Capri and enjoy a boat ride to the Blue Grotto. Relax and take in the stunning scenery, the sunlight passing through the underwater cavity, creating a magical blue light that illuminates the grotto. Discover the elegant town of Anacapri and head back to Capri for a traditional lunch. Later, take some time to explore the area, and maybe do a little shopping before heading back to Sorrento.
Day 3 – Sorrento
Wander around Sorrento's pretty streets and take pictures of the stunning blue sea. Due to an abundance of lemons in the area, sunny Sorrento is renowned for its production of limoncello, a famous digestif made from lemon rind. Taste some limoncello, or perhaps buy a bottle to bring home with you, before returning to Rome in the afternoon.
Extend your stay in Sorrento to visit the Amalfi coast including Positano, Ravello and Amalfi. Consider this tour package to follow some time in Rome before joining your main northern tour.
Includes:
After a day of relaxing and taking in the sights of Milan, you'll travel north to the breathtakingly beautiful Lake District region. Perhaps most well-known is Lake Como. Here you'll explore the enchanting village of Bellagio and enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the lake before returning to Milan. Next day, you'll visit the fashionable town of Stresa and the incredibly beautiful islands on Lake Maggiore and take a boat cruise around the Borromean Islands, stopping at Isola dei Pescatori for some shopping and sightseeing. Afterwards you'll head to Isola Bella to see the opulently decorated Borromean Palace. A wonderful addition to your European Delights package.
Optional Bernina Express Rail Tour to St. Moritz: $199 per person
Gaze out the window at the shifting landscapes as you leave bustling Milan behind and head for the foothills of the Swiss Alps. Board the Bernina Express and journey through gorges and past glacier lakes, reaching heights of 7,400 feet (2,250 m) before alighting in the chic winter resort of St Moritz. Return to Milan via coach after speninf some time in St Moritz.
Consider stopping in Singapore for one ot two night on the way back to Australia to break the trip. Price is from $299 total for two people according to preferred hotel standard, including round-trip, private airport transfers.
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