25 Days Escorted Journey | 3 – 27 September 2025
From $22,820 per person Twin Share (single pricing available)
Escorted from Auckland by World Journeys, the BEST OF THE MED 25-day return journey takes you through the enchanting landscapes of Spain, France, Italy, Slovenia, Montenegro, and Croatia. Packed with incredible experiences, this trip is a must for your bucket list!
This exceptional journey begins with two wonderful days in Barcelona before cruising along the French and Italian coast. You 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.
Inclusions
- Economy Class flights from New Zealand
- A World Journeys host
- Accommodation in 4-star hotels
- Accomodation on Azamara Onward, including basic drinks package and port taxes
- Transfers, sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
- Meals as indicated on the itinerary – B|L|D
- Gratuities
Gratuities
In the countries we are visiting, tipping is customary. For a hassle-free journey, tipping for all group activities is included and will be handled by the World Journeys host.
Not Included
- Items of a personal nature
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Visa (if applicable)
- Cruise shore excursions and optional activities
Special Experiences
- Gastronomy tour and cooking class in Barcelona.
Wander the exotic and lively Bouqueria Market awash with fruit juices, olives, seafood, fruit, meats and cheeses. Topped off with a hands-on cooking class. - Discover hidden Venice with a Bacari tour to enjoy food and wine as the locals do.
- Walking tour of Portofino and the delightful fishing village of San Fruttuoso.
- Visit the stunning Cinque Terre villages of Monterosso, Vernazza and Manarola.
Itinerary 3 – 27 September 2025
WED 3 AUCKLAND to DUBAI
Fly to Dubai travelling overnight.
THU 4 DUBAI to BARCELONA
Arrive Barcelona and transfer to our hotel.
FRI 5 BARCELONA - B|L
Visit to Boqueria Market and enjoy a relaxed cooking class.
The perfect introduction to Spain!
SAT 6 BARCELONA - B|D
Visit La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s renowned unfinished church and Park Guell, another major work by Gaudi full of amazing stone structures.
Transfer 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 boutiques, and yachts bobbing in turquoise marinas line the promenade.
TUE 9 LIVORNO (FLORENCE / PISA) - B|L|D
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.
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.
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 cafe-lined square. 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 facade.
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
The Croatian coastal town of 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
The medieval town centre of Koper (Slovenia) has 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.
WED 17 CHIOGGIA - B|L|D
Just south of Venice, Chioggia echoes its larger neighbour with canals and picturesque narrow alleyways.
THU 18 CHIOGGIA to VENICE - B
Transfer to Venice to check in to our hotel overlooking the Grand Canal.
This afternoon enjoy a Hidden Venice food and wine experience.
FRI 19 VENICE - B
Visit 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 to 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 area’s most charming and elegant seaside towns.
Dinner is included this evening.
SUN 21 CINQUE TERRE - B
A full day in the Cinque Terre today. 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. 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 to 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 to MILAN to DUBAI - B
At leisure until the transfer to the airport for the flight to Dubai. Overnight on the flight.
FRI 26 DUBAI to AUCKLAND
Arrive Dubai and transit to the onward flight. Travel overnight.
SAT 27 AUCKLAND
Arrive late morning.
AZAMARA ONWARD
Enjoy a small ship cruising experience unlike any other. Recently refurbished, you have a choice of 7 restaurants, cafes and lounges as well as a pool and spa. A standard drinks package is included with your reservation.
