Discover Italy with MSC Med Cruise Escorted Tour 2025
23 Nights

Package Details

Details

Itinerary:

06 June 2025 – Home to Italy 
This morning, we will be picked up straight from your door and transferred to Ballina airport for our flight to Rome via Sydney & Dubai.

07 June 2025 – Welcome to Rome (D)
We will arrive in Rome, Italy in the afternoon. Once arrived in Rome we will be picked up by our driver with a warm welcome. Our driver will be transferring us to our hotel with making a couple stops along the way for some quick photos.
Once arrived at the hotel you will have the remainder of the afternoon at leisure before our welcome dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Genio or similar

08 June 2025 – Rome City Tour (B)
This morning we will enjoy breakfast at the hotel before going on our Rome City Tour.
At 0900 our experienced guide will pick you up at the hotel for a magnificent, guided tour of Roma Barocca: The 3-hour guided walking tour into the artistic heart of the city, better known as the “Baroque Rome”, the extraordinary historical center that stretches between the imposing “Piazza del Popolo” and the surprising “Venice Square”. We will admire wonders such as the prestigious “Piazza Navona”, the “Church of Saint Louis of the French” which carries a magnificent fresco of “Caravaggio” inside; touch with hands emblematic sights such as the “Pantheon”, the famous “temple of all the Gods”, built in Roman times as a pagan temple and converted over the centuries into the Christian church of “Santa Maria a Martyres”. We will continue with the world famous baroque jewel the “Trevi Fountain”, the wonderful “Spanish Square” and its impressive flowering stair case crowned by the “Church of Trinità dei Monti”. We will also discover corners outside the classical itineraries, such as the “Church of San Ignazio”, a masterpiece of the mural perspective, the “Piazza Montecitorio” seat of the Italian Parliament and Government, the “Galleria Colonna”, recently reopened after a renovation that lasted many years.
After 3 amazing hours of walking around Rome. Lunch is at leisure.
In the afternoon we will meet with our local guide for a guided tour of the Colosseum.

09 June 2025 – Rome & Vatican (B)
After we enjoy a buffet breakfast we will depart the hotel in a private bus that will take us to the Vatican Museums where we are going to meet with our local English speaking guide for a 4 hour visit of the Museums.
This art gallery represents the largest art collection in Europe, with more than 65,000 works.
The Rooms of Pio Clementino, the Gallery of the Candelabra, with frescoes and statues, and the Gallery of the Tapestries, dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, end in the Impressive and famous Sistine Chapel, built in the 15thcentury by order of Pope SIxtus and adorned by the genius of Michelangelo. More works by Botticelli, Perugino and Ghirlandaio and the 16th century Bernini Staircase.
At the end of the tour we will pass through a preferential passageway, directly from the Sistine Chapel to St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world designed mainly by Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno and GianLorenzo Bernini. We will admire the majestic beauty of the most important seat of Christendom, home of the Bishop of Rome, “The Pope” and all its treasures, such as Michelangelo’s masterpiece “The Pieta” made when he was only 24 years old. Once outside the Basilica, we will walk through the huge square with the beautiful Bernini’s colonnade.

10 June 2025 – Rome to Venice (B, D)
After breakfast we will depart for our journey from Rome to Venice/Mestre. After a long day of travelling we will enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Antony Hotel or similar

11 June 2025 – Venice (B, D)
After breakfast at the hotel we will meet our local guide for a 2 hour walking tour of Venice: Venice was not only was a powerful, if not the most powerful, Maritime Republic, but it also played an innovative role in the development of trade in Italy. It was a city “ahead” of the rest, precisely because of its peculiarity: it was not a big city but an island that dominated, with its small geographical extension, an enormous heritage.
It is not only the historical power, but also the small traditions, some innovative, some unknown, that make Venice so fascinating.
With this tour we will go through the main stages to enter, not only the city, but the “Venetian world” which from the first glance makes perceptible the power, the elegance and the greatness of the “Serenissima”, a Republic that has ruled uninterruptedly for a thousand years and that has had 120 Dogi, interesting scholars from all over the world until today.
We will pass through St. Mark’s Square to the Bridge of Sighs on the Riva degli Schiavoni, past the Clock Tower and the Basilica, and then on to the Rialto, the market area. Throughout the tour, the guide will introduce the history of the city and the stories of families or characters who have distinguished themselves over the centuries, their palaces, laws and punishments, the customs and traditions of the city in present day life.
After a morning exploring Venice, enjoy the afternoon at leisure before dinner at the hotel.

12 June 2025 – Venice to la Spezia (B, D)
After breakfast at the hotel we will depart beautiful Venice and head for La Spezia in a private bus. Once arrived visit the 5 Terre with the public ferry departing every hour. We will enjoy breakfast and dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Garden or similar

13 June 2025 – La Spezia to Montecatini (B, D)
This morning we will enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing in our private bus to Montecantini with a stop in Pisa and Lucca for a walking tour with local guides. Then we will continue to Montecantini to our hotel for dinner.
Overnight: Tuscany Inn or similar

14 June 2025 – Monecatini (B, L, D)
This morning, we will enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we are transferred to Florence where we will meet with our local guide for a 3-hour walking tour of the city. After our tour we will enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before making 1 last stop at Accademia. Once arrived back at the hotel we will enjoy dinner at our accommodation.

15 June 2025 – Siena & San Gimignano (B, D)
This morning, we will enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing in a private bus for Siena & San Gimignano where we will be met by local guides for a walking tour in both cities. Once back at our hotel we will enjoy dinner at the hotel.

16 June 2025 – Montecatini to Naples (B, D)
After breakfast at the hotel we will depart for Naples. Once arrived and checked into our accommodation we will meet our local guide for a visit of Napoli Sotterranea and a walking tour of the city. After we will enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Real Orto Botanico or similar

17 June 2025 – Pompei to Sorrento (B, D)
After breakfast we will be transferred to Pompei for a 2hr visit with our local guide In the afternoon we will be transferred to Sorrento. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Panorama Palace Hotel or similar 

18 June 2025 – Sorrento to Capri (B, L, D)
After breakfast at the hotel we will catch the public ferry. Once arrived we will meet our local guide and take the Funicolar to Anacapri where we will visit Giardini Di Augusto, have lunch and some free shopping time before we head back to Sorrento.
Once back in Sorrento we will enjoy dinner back at the hotel.

19 June 2025 – Sorrento to Positano (B, D)
After breakfast at the hotel we will get transferred to Amalfi where we will catch the ferry to Positano. In Positano we will have some free time before we get back on the ferry to head to Salerno. The private bus will then pick us back up and take us back to Sorrento. Dinner at the hotel

20 June 2025 – Board MSC Cruise
After breakfast we will be transferred to Bari port to board our MSC OPERA cruise. MSC OPERA cruise includes a Balcony room with Drinks package and all meals.

21 June 2025 – Zadar
Enjoy the day docked in Zadar

22 June 2025 – Venice 
Enjoy the day docked in Venice – Marghera

23 June 2025 – Day at Sea
Enjoy this day at sea as you travel to your next port of call. This is an opportunity to swim, catch some sun on deck or take advantage of the many activities that are onboard your ship. Eat heartily, take a nap and get ready for the next port of call! This is what makes cruising so great.

24 June 2025 – Dubrovnik 
Enjoy the day docked in Dubrovnik

25 June 2025 – Corfu
Enjoy the day docked in Corfu

26 June 2025 – Kotor
Enjoy the day docked in Kotor

27 June 2025 – Cruise to Rome 
This morning we will disembark from our MSC cruise. Once disembarked from our cruise we will be transferred from Bari port to Rome. Once arrived back in Rome, some free time before our farewell Italy dinner.
Overnight: Hotel Isola Sacra Rome Airport or similar

28 June 2025 – Rome to Home 
Enjoy your last day in Rome before our transfer to the airport at 1700 for our flights.

29 June 2025 – Flying Home 

30 June 2025 – Return Home
After we arrive back in Ballina we will be met by our transfer and taken back home.

Inclusions

• Fully escorted by Tony Mota with a maximum of 14 passengers
• Return Transfers from your home to the Airport
• Return Economy Class Fares
• 14 Nights’ Hotel Accommodation with Breakfast Daily
• 19 Dinners, 9 Lunches Included
• Local English speaking Tour Guide & Private transport, entrance fees.
• 7 Nights Mediterranean cruise on board the MSC OPERA – Price based on Balcony cabin, drinks package & on-board general gratuities

Deposit of $4000.00 required at time of booking (Non refundable)

Single Room Supplement + $3700.00

Terms

Deposit of $4000.00 required at time of booking (Non refundable)
Single Room Supplement + $3700.00

TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Tour Cost: Total tour cost reflected in this brochure is per person twin share. (minimum 10 passengers to be guaranty departure fully escorted)

Single Supplement applies.

(All costs are subject to change until your tour has been paid in full.)

Deposit:
A non-refundable deposit per person is required within 7 days of confirmation of your reservation.

Final payment:
The final payment, plus single supplement (if applicable) must be received 90 days prior to departure or as advised at the time of the booking.

Payment methods:
Payment can be made by cash, cheque, direct deposit and credit card. Credit Cards incur a 1.0% surcharge above the tour cost. The following credit cards are accepted: Visa and MasterCard. Please note no foreign credit cards can be accepted for payment.

Cancellations: In the event of cancellation, you agree to pay the cancellation fees listed on the Casino Travel Shoppe Schedule of Service Items and Fees. In addition, you agree to be liable for all supplier cancellation fees.

Travel insurance:
It is compulsory and provides protection against most legitimate reasons for cancellation. Your deposit is non refundable. Once you have made the final payment, the full payment is non-refundable. The client is responsible for cancellation fees immediately confirmation of arrangements is conveyed verbally or in writing to you as the client.

Refunds:
Once the departure is reached, cancellations for unused services/vouchers are not refundable. Refunds cannot be authorised by service providers.

Amendment Fees:
Once tour reservations are confirmed changes will attract a minimum fee of $330 per client file, plus fees applied by airlines and other service providers.

Late bookings:
Bookings made within 25 days of departure may require an additional fee. Details of the fee if applied will be advised at the time of requesting your reservation. Additional airfare costs may also be necessary and will also be passed on at the time of your booking request.

Late payment:
In some instances suppliers impose a late payment fee, should the late payment be due to the failure of the client to pay by the due date this fee may be passed on as an additional amount payable above the tour cost advertised.

Document reissue:
A fee of $330 dollars will apply to reissue and dispatch of documents

Departure date:
The departure date is the date selected for this tour. The tour will be operated by a Supplier/s commencing on the date stipulated in the itinerary and the Casino Travel Shoppe group will form part of the overall Supplier departure for this tour. Should this tour date change, clients will be offered alternate departure dates. Where a client is affected by a departure date change, then the client’s consent as to alternatives will be sought.

Prices:
All prices and amounts quoted are current at the time of publication. Airfares, taxes, fuel surcharges, and currency fluctuations as well as land content costs from suppliers can change at any time and are beyond our control and the control of suppliers of product offered. Any changes in price affecting the client will be advised immediately they become known. Regrettably in some instances the change is not advised in time to protect the client from additional cost for the tour.

Not included:
Charges for excess luggage, personal services, gratuities (unless stated in the departure itinerary), laundry, drinks, meals except as specified, pre travel documentation unless stated in the departure itinerary), personal accident and medical expenses including all communication charges incurred on the passengers behalf

Tour operator’s responsibility:
The supplier/s and its/their associated companies or agents act in the capacity as agent for the suppliers of transportation and tour operation services. Seasonal variation in airline, transport and accommodation services may necessitate minor variations to itineraries and hotel standards. Any variation inconsistent with the applicable tour described in this brochure or the Supplier’s brochure/website will be discussed and agreed with the client

Quotations for tours are subject to tariff and exchange rate variations and may differ from prices quoted in this brochure and that of the Supplier.

The Supplier/s and other eligible parties shall not be responsible for any injury, damage, accident, loss, and delay in respect of any person or property. In this clause “eligible parties” shall include any carrier, tour operator or other provider of any service in respect of a tour and for the purpose of conferring the benefit of this clause upon eligible parties. The exclusion of liability contained in this clause shall be subject to all statutory warranties. These conditions of booking shall form part of the contract between the client and the Supplier/s. Where a carrier notifies conditions of carriage on any ticket, coupon or brochure, then the client shall be bound by those conditions.

Cancellation:
The Supplier/s reserves the right to cancel or withdraw at any time any booking made for any client and in such an event the Supplier/s shall be under no liability in respect of any loss or damage to a client provided that the client shall be entitled to a full refund in respect of any monies paid.

Holiday costs:
Tour costs are a gross amount including all services stipulated and itinerary planning, currency transfers, booking procedures and communication costs. Unless agreed by the Supplier/s, no itemized costing will be provided

Conditions of booking: By instructing Casino Travel Shoppe or the Supplier/s directly, either verbally or in writing to proceed with Reservations on your behalf, you, the client shall be taken to have accepted these conditions of booking as binding.

Fully Escorted Conditions**
A member of the Casino Travel Shoppe staff will accompany this tour as long as the minimum number of passengers (between 8 and 14) are booked on this tour. Should the required numbers not be reached the tour will operate as normal with national and local guides. All items mentioned in the itinerary will be provided however you will complete the international flights unaccompanied. All transfers will be provided within Australia and at your destination.

Product Descriptions: Descriptions and information on products and services are based on information supplied by our third party suppliers and are subject to change at any time. The standard of accommodation and other services are based on various factors, which are generally accepted as indicative of a certain class; however, we do not guarantee the standard, class, or fitness for purpose of that accommodation or service.

Limit of Liability:
We do our best to make sure your arrangements are satisfactory, however many of the goods and services offered by Casino Travel Shoppe are supplied by third parties and we act as an agent only for those suppliers. To the extent permitted by law, Casino Travel Shoppe Pty Ltd excludes all liability for any loss or damage whatsoever (including but not limited to physical and psychological injury, and loss or damage to property of whatever nature) that may arise in any way in connection with the offer or supply of goods or services through Casino Travel Shoppe or any third parties, or in connection with the supply of such goods or services.

If the Trade Practices Act 1974 or any similar law implies a condition of warranty that cannot be excluded, the liability of Casino Travel Shoppe Pty Ltd for a breach of the condition or warranty will be limited as determined by Casino Travel Shoppe Pty Ltd in its absolute discretion to:

In the case of services: The supplying of the services again; or the payment of the cost of having the services supplied again.

Events beyond our control:
Casino Travel Shoppe Pty Ltd does not accept any liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, loss, delay, additional expenses or inconvenience caused directly or indirectly by any events which are beyond its control including, but not limited to, war, civil disturbances, fire, floods, acts of God, acts of Government or any other authorities, accident to or failure of machinery or equipment or industrial action.

Destination passenger enquiries:
Casino Travel Shoppe makes no representations as to the safety, conditions or other issues that may exist at any destination. International travel advice can be obtained from various sources, including local government, local consular offices and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. (www.smartraveller.gov.au)

Travel Insurance:
On all Casino Travel Shoppe Group tours, purchasing a travel insurance policy of your choice to cover loss, damage, illness, injury or other unexpected circumstances is compulsory. In all instances Travel Insurance is compulsory before you are accepted on a tour. You can not insure against changing your mind about your journey.

Health and immigration:
You should familiarise yourself with any health or visa requirements that may be applicable in the areas you intend visiting. You are responsible for all exit, entry, health and other documents required by laws, regulations, orders, demands or requirements of the countries visited or transited. Each person travelling internationally shall carry a valid passport with at least 6 months validity at all times. Passports and Visas are your personal responsibility. In some instances the staff at Casino Travel Shoppe can arrange visas.

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