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Italy

La Dolce Vita, living the sweet life!

A land of timeless art, culinary delights, and scenic beauty

Ciao! Passion seeps into all aspects of life here – you can hear it in the opera, taste it in lovingly prepared pasta, and see it in action as the Italians promenade across their piazzas, talking loudly and proudly with their hands. In Rome and Milan, life zooms by on Vespas, while Venice and Florence dazzle with their unique charms. In the countryside, things slow down - ideal for savoring wine, long lunches, and sunflower fields. Enjoy Tuscany’s scenic hills, historic Pompeii, and pastel coastal villages. On the coast, villages washed in pastel colours cling to cliffs; and in the Italian Alps, elegant villas overlook tranquil lakes. No wonder Italy was home to so many inspired painters and composers.

Chat to our Italy travel specialists and let’s start planning your belissimo holiday today!

Flight time.

Flying from Auckland to Italy usually takes around 24 hours, including a stopover. The journey is long, but the art, culture, and cuisine of Italy await you.

Best time to go.

The best times to visit Italy are during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). These seasons offer mild weather, fewer tourists, and the chance to see Italy at its most beautiful.

Time difference.

Italy is 10 hours behind New Zealand, so you’ll experience a substantial time difference upon arrival.

Our favourite things to do in Italy

See Rome or Tuscany on a vespa

Want to explore Rome like a local?

Learn to cook (and eat) like an Italian!

Go for an Italian Cooking class when in Italy!

Attend pizzafest in Naples

If you're borderline addicted to pizza, you're not alone.

Start your day with breakfast at the Vatican

Treat yourself to a VIP experience in Rome!

Head to the markets

Experience Rome's oldest market at the Campo dei Fiori, which serves up fresh seafood, vegetables, fruit, spices and homewares daily from Monday to Saturday.

Live like a local and hire a villa in Tuscany

One of the best experiences in Tuscany is to stay in a villa.

Try the best basil pesto

Explore the stunning villages of Cinque Terre and taste the best basil pesto!

Visit the outer Venetian islands

No trip to Venice is complete without a visit to its prized islands—Murano and Burano.

Hiking the Amalfi Coast

For something active and different - go for this popular hike on the Amalfi Coast!

Milestone celebration holiday ideas

Whether you’ve got a big birthday coming up, planning a 3G holiday (aka a fun trip with three generations), or making the most of your family time before the kids head out into the world, we’ve got you covered!

Our top 6 wellness experiences for 2025

Wellness holidays are one of the fastest growing travel trends for kiwis. Here are our favourite wellness holidays for 2025.

Hibernate in a cave in Puglia

Italy, Europe

Live like a local with an Italian Agriturismo stay

Italy

Italy: Know before you go guide

From historic cities and stunning countryside to world-famous cuisine and local customs, Italy has something for everyone.

Our top 10 things to do in Rome

Rome is among the world's most intriguing cities, a place where vestiges of ancient history sit alongside icons of stylish modern Europe

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Meet our Italy specialists

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Nigel Bennett

House of Travel High Street Lanes, Christchurch CBD

I love and get joy from creating amazing holidays and experiences for people.

I have travelled extensively all around the world so wherever you want to go or whatever you want to do I can assist you with reaching your dream holiday.

Nigel

Vicky Baker

House of Travel High Street Lanes, Christchurch CBD

I can’t wait to meet you and help turn your travel dreams into reality! Originally from South Africa I have over 20 years experience working in New Zealand, South Africa and the UK, I genuinely love arranging holidays. I have a particular passion for Asia as a destination and extensive knowledge of family-friendly travel options. Let’s create an unforgettable journey together!

Vicky

Rosie Grimwood

House of Travel Kapiti Coast

Embarking on a journey, whether it's a leisurely escape or an adventurous expedition, requires meticulous planning and a touch of expertise to transform travel into unforgettable experiences. That's where I come in. As your travel consultant, I don't just see it as a job; it's a passion that drives me to curate journeys tailored to your desires and aspirations. Whether you crave the adrenaline rush of scuba diving in Thailand, the thrill of jungle treks in Costa Rica, the freedom of backpacking through Asia, or relaxing on a white sandy beach, I am here to help create the perfect itinerary for you.

Rosie

Jo Beddard

House of Travel Blenheim

I've been involved in travel for over 30 years. It's more than a job it's a way of life for me! I've visited close to 90 countries and I love using my experiences to help others plan an amazing trip away.