Hosted Tour: 25 days / 24 nights

Departing: Wed, 2nd June 2027

On the morning of day 1, we depart from Whangarei, collecting guests from their homes before travelling to Auckland to board our overnight flight. We then arrive at our stopover destination, where we spend two nights relaxing and exploring before continuing our journey to Europe.

Our European adventure begins in Nice (1 night), where we enjoy an overnight stay before travelling to Toulouse (3 nights). Known as La Ville Rose (The Pink City), Toulouse is celebrated for its distinctive rose-coloured architecture, wonderful atmosphere and rich history.

From Toulouse, we journey to Uzès, stopping en route in the magnificent medieval city of Carcassonne for a guided tour. As the largest fortified city in Western Europe, Carcassonne is one of the world’s finest examples of medieval military architecture. Later that afternoon, we arrive in the charming town of Uzès (3 nights). Nestled in the Occitanie region of southern France, Uzès is renowned for its beautifully preserved heritage, picturesque streets, and proximity to the remarkable Roman aqueduct, the Pont du Gard.

On Day 11, we farewell France and travel towards Italy, stopping first in the historic riverside city of Avignon. Situated on the banks of the Rhône River, Avignon is famous for its medieval walls, grand Palais des Papes, and charming old town. After a guided city tour and lunch, we continue to Marseille for our flight to Rome.

Landing in Rome, we travel to our hotel in the elegant town of Tivoli (3 nights). Often described as the jewel of Rome’s countryside, Tivoli is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Villa Adriana (Hadrian’s Villa) and the magnificent Villa d’Este, renowned for its spectacular Renaissance gardens and fountains. We also explore Tivoli’s historic cobbled streets and relaxed Italian atmosphere.

During our stay, we enjoy a full-day excursion to Rome, visiting many of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Roman Forum, the Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps. You can enjoy some free time in Rome, or choose an optional tour to Vatican City.

From Tivoli, we journey into the heart of Tuscany (4 nights). This region is celebrated for its rolling hills, medieval towns, Renaissance art, world-renowned wines, and unforgettable scenery. A combination of guided sightseeing and free time gives you the opportunity to experience this beautiful area.

During our stay, we venture into the picturesque Tuscan countryside for a day exploring the wine region, with its vineyards, olive groves, and postcard-perfect villages.

We then continue north to La Spezia, (3 nights) – the gateway to the breathtaking Cinque Terre. These five colourful fishing villages cling dramatically to the cliffs of the Italian Riviera and, until relatively recently, were connected only by mule tracks, rail, or the sea.

A full-day guided boat excursion allows us to experience this magical coastline from both the water and on foot, visiting some of the villages and soaking up their unique charm. For those wishing to explore further, there is also the opportunity to take an independent day trip by train to Florence from La Spezia.

Leaving the coast behind, we travel to Bologna (2 nights), stopping en route in the elegant city of Parma. Bologna is widely regarded as Italy’s culinary capital, making a guided food tour the perfect way to experience its rich gastronomic traditions.

On Day 23, we begin our journey home, travelling to our stopover destination where we spend a night at an airside hotel, providing a welcome break before our flight to Auckland.

On arrival back in New Zealand, our YMAF van will be waiting to transfer you comfortably back to your home in Whangārei.

If you’re not quite ready to head home, there’s the option to extend your European adventure. This tour has been timed to connect with our England, Ireland and Scotland tour, allowing you to fly from Bologna to London and join the group on its arrival at Heathrow for another unforgettable journey.

Your Hosted Tour Includes:

• You, Me & Friends Host/Driver/organiser
• Pick up & drop off from your central Whangarei home
• Shuttle van for transfers between Whangarei & Auckland
• Strata Lounge entry
• Economy class airfare from Auckland – Stopover – Nice – Toulouse // Rome // Bologna – Stopover – Auckland
• 21 nights in 3½ star + accommodation
• 2 overnight flights
• 1 night at stopover airport hotel
• Daily breakfasts
• 1 lunch
• 2 dinners
• All transport and transfers as noted
• Stopover city morning tour
• Stopover city evening tour
• Walking tour in Toulouse
• Guided tour of Caracsonne
• Guided tour of Pont du Gard
• Walking tour in Uzes
• Guided tour of Avignon
• Walking tour in Tivoli
• Full day in Rome
• Tours in Tuscany
• Tower of Pisa entry
• Private day trip to Cinque Terre
• Food tour in Parma
• Guided tour in Bologna
• Food tour in Bologna

Pricing: Share Twin: $19,990 per person / Pseudo* Single – $24,880 per person / Single room: $24,995

*Pseudo single means that you alternate between having your own room and sharing at different stops