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Best of the Med

25 Days

from $22,820 pp

SMALL GROUP HOSTED JOURNEY
FLIGHTS INCLUDED

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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 Journey at a Glance

Special Experiences:

  • Stay in an eco-lodge in the pristine Amazon Rainforest
    Experience the wonders of the Amazon rainforest staying at the famous Sacha Lodge with the only canopy walk in the Amazon, a birdwatching tower, and butterfly house.

  • Encounter the wildlife of the Galapagos
    The wildlife both above and below the waterline in the Galapagos is incredible. With strict limits on visitor numbers, you will be one of a privileged few who get to enjoy this experience.

  • Be immersed in the ancient history of Peru
    Visit the marvellous Larco Herrera Museum located in an 18th century mansion, surrounded by beautiful gardens. We will see the museum’s amazing archaeological collection.

  • Learn to dance the tango in Buenos Aires
    Learn to dance the tango and enjoy a delicious dinner followed by a multi award-winning tango show.

What's 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

What's Not Included:

  • Items of a personal nature

  • Travel insurance (mandatory)

  • Visas (if applicable)

  • Optional activities

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

Gratuity:

In the countries we are visiting, tipping is customary. For a hassle-free journey, tipping is included and will be handled by the World Journeys host.

Welcome Back Offer:

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) if you book this Grand Tour of South America.

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Your Itinerary:

DAY

01

September 2025 - Wed 3 : Auckland > Dubai

Overnight flight to Dubai.

Meals included: None

DAY

02

Thu 4 : Dubai > Barcelona

Arrive Barcelona and transfer to our hotel.

Meals included:  None

DAY

03

Fri 5 : Barcelona

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!

Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

DAY

04

Sat 6 : Barcelona

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.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY

05

Sun 7 : Provence (Toulon)

We take a short flight over the Andes into the Amazon jungle. Then we transfer by river to the very comfortable Sacha Lodge, set in primary rainforest.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY

06

Mon 8 : Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo bubbles with year-round glamour. Lavish hotels, designer shops, and yachts bobbing in turquoise marinas line the promenade.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY

07

Tue 9 : Livorno (Florence/Pisa)

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.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY

08

Wed 10 : 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. Opt for a guided tour, sip a cappuccino at a café, or window shop at the high-fashion boutiques of Via Condotti.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY

09

Thu 11 : Sorrento

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.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY

10

Fri 12 : 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 façade.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY

11

Sat 13 : At Sea

Relax and explore the ship today.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY

12

Sun 14 : 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.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY

13

Mon 15 : Sibenik

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.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY

14

Tue 16 : Koper

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.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY

15

Wed 17 : Chioggia

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.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY

16

Thu 18 : Chioggia > Venice

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.

Meals included: Breakfast 

DAY

17

Fri 19 : Venice

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

DAY

18

Sat 20 : Venice > 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 most charming and elegant seaside towns of the Italian Riviera, located near Portofino. Dinner is included this evening.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY

19

Sun 21 : Cinque Terre

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!

Meals included: Breakfast

DAY

20

Mon 22 : Portofino

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.

Meals included:  Breakfast

DAY

21

Tue 23 : Santa Margherita Ligure > Lake Como

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

Meals included: Breakfast 

DAY

22

Wed 24 : Lake Como

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

Meals included:  Breakfast

DAY

23

Thu 25 : Como > Milan > Dubai

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

Meals included:  Breakfast 

DAY

24

Fri 26 : Dubai > Auckland

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

Meals included:  None

DAY

25

Sat 27 : Auckland

Arrive late morning

Meals included:  None

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.

Geography

Highlights:

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