
Combine the best of Italy’s iconic cities and coastal gems with an unforgettable journey designed by itravel. Start with the 12-Night Best of Italy Independent Rail Journey, exploring Venice, Cinque Terre, Florence, and Rome with premium hotels, rail travel, and curated experiences.
Then, unwind on a 7-Night Royal Caribbean Mediterranean Cruise from Rome to Venice (or reverse your adventure!) aboard Brilliance of the Seas, complete with dining, entertainment, and activities.

✨Exclusive itravel Package✨
Set sail through the Mediterranean to uncover the charms of Rome, Split, Valletta and Venice, then continue your adventure by rail through Cinque Terre, Florence and the heart of Tuscany.
Prefer to unwind at sea to finish your journey? Choose the reverse itinerary – the order is entirely up to you!
Includes:
7 Night Italy, Malta & Croatia Cruise
🚢 Onboard Brilliance of the Seas
Rome (Civitavecchia) to Venice (Ravenna)
🔥Onboard dining in a variety of restaurants, entertainment, and a range of activities
🔥Taxes, port charges, and service charges for stateroom attendant and dining room staff

12 Night Best of Italy Independent Rail Journey
🔥Premium accommodation in Venice, Cinque Terre, Florence, and Rome
🔥Daily breakfast
🔥Standard class rail tickets as per itinerary
Suggested Independent Rail Journey Itinerary:
Day 1: Venice
- Welcome to Venice! Built on an archipelago of 118 small islands connected by over 400 bridges. Renowned for its romantic gondola rides, enchanting canals, and stunning architecture.
Overnight: Venice
Day 2: Venice
- Explore the Venetian sights on a guided walking tour; visit Doge's Palace and its hidden treasures, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture; visit St Mark's Basilica, one of the most important religious sites in Italy, famous for its stunning Byzantine architecture.
Overnight: Venice
Day 3: Venice
- Enjoy a boat tour to discover the lagoon islands of Burano and Murano, known for their scenery, history, and traditional handicrafts. This afternoon, explore the charm of Venice on a romantic gondola ride.
Overnight: Venice
Day 4: Venice to Cinque Terre
- Make your way to Venezia Santa Lucia Station for your journey to the Cinque Terre - 5 centuries-old seaside villages on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline. Spend the afternoon exploring the old town of Monterosso and its narrow streets; visit Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista; relax on the beach.
Overnight: Cinque Terre
Day 5: Cinque Terre
- Take a short train or ferry ride, or 1.5-2 hour hike to Vernazza, the most picturesque village; visit Doria Castle for panoramic views; explore the narrow, colourful streets and harbour; visit the Chiesa di Santa Margherita di Antiochia, perched at the edge of the sea. Another short train ride or 1.5 hour hike takes you to Corniglia, perched on a hilltop, the only village not directly on the water; explore the quaint streets, enjoy a panoramic view of the coast; visit the main square Largo Taragio; visit Santa Maria Church. Return to your accommodation in Monterosso by local train.
Please see important tips for exploring the Cinque Terre below.
Overnight: Cinque Terre
Day 6: Cinque Terre
- Begin your day by taking the train or ferry to Manarola, known for its cliffside colourful houses; enjoy the stunning coastal views; walk down to the small harbour. Take the train, ferry, or the 1-hour hike on the most famous and picturesque path to Riomaggiore, the southernmost village; walk through the narrow streets, explore the shops, and visit the Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista; stroll to the harbour. End your day with scenic views of the Cinque Terre by taking the 50-min ferry ride back to Monterosso. (Check the seasonal ferry schedules for the last ferry time and purchase tickets to avoid being sold out.)
Overnight: Cinque Terre
Day 7: Cinque Terre to Florence
- Leave the coastal charms of the Cinque Terre for the Renaissance art and architecture of Florence, one of the most artistically significant cities in the world.
Overnight: Florence
Day 8: Florence
- Join a walking tour of Florence for an introduction to this culturally rich city. Take a guided tour of the Duomo, the city's most iconic landmark, crowned by Brunelleschi's magnificent dome. Visit Accademia Gallery, famous for Michealangelo's David; and Uffizi Gallery, home to masterpieces by Botticelli (The Birth of Venus), Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo.
Overnight: Florence
Day 9: Siena, San Gimignano, Chianti
- Discover the rich history, glorious scenery, and delicious produce on a full-day tour to experience the best of Tuscany. Visit medieval Siena, the hill town of San Gimignano, and the wine region of Chianti. Return to Florence via Pisa, home of the leaning tower.
Overnight: Florence
Day 10: Florence to Rome
- A 3-hour high-speed train journey takes you to the “Eternal City", Rome. Explore the historic centre's Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Pantheon, and the famous Spanish Steps.
Overnight: Rome
Day 11: Rome
- Step inside the Ancient ruins of Rome and visit the Colosseum, the world's largest amphitheatre, which hosted gruesome gladiator battles; walk along the ruins of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
Overnight: Rome
Day 12: Rome
- Join a morning tour of the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel, housing Michelangelo’s stunning ceiling frescoes. Make your way back via Castel Sant’Angelo and Villa Borghese Gardens.
Overnight: Rome
Day 13: Say Ciao to Your Italian Adventure
- After breakfast, your Italian adventure comes to an end. Make your way to the port or airport, by local transport or private transfer, for your onward journey.
Cruise Itinerary:
Day 1: Rome (Civitavecchia)
- Departs at 5:00pm The Eternal City endures with endless adventures, so it’s definitely worth exploring before your cruise from Civitavecchia. Rome is just an hour from the port by train, so spending a few days here is easy and convenient. Start each morning with a frothy cappuccino and a warm, flaky cornetto in an al fresco café and watch the city wake. Then head to the Palazzo Massimo, home to one of the world's biggest collections of ancient art. Or visit the thermal Baths of Diocletian, where you can see two ancient, decorated tombs dating back to the early second century AD. And of course, no visit to Rome is complete without a trip to the famous Colosseum, which once hosted gladiator contests, battle reenactments and Roman dramas. If you’re a foodie, you’re in the right city. Roman cuisine is all about simple, fresh, unfussy flavors. Think thin and crispy pizza cooked in wood ovens, homemade pasta tossed in simple sauces, crispy fried vegetables and decadent breakfast pastries often stuffed with cream.
Your ship departs promptly at 5:00 pm, so plan to arrive at least 2-3 hours early to account for checking in and boarding protocols. During this time, many of the ship's amenities are open and operating, so feel free to start your holiday early.
Day 2: Naples/Capri, Italy
- Docked 7:00am - 7:00pm The third-largest Italian city and one of the oldest in Europe, Naples combines deep history and modern verve. Check out the extravagant Royal Palace of Naples, the former home of the royal family, with its beautiful tapestries and frescoes. People-watch from a streetside cafe in the Sanita district with a glass of wine and slice of classic margherita pizza.
Day 3: Sicily (Messina), Italy
- Docked 8:00am - 5:00pm Messina is the coastal jewel of northern Sicily. Let yourself get a little lost in the city, as you wander the streets taking note the of the history embedded in its architecture. See the famous Messina Cathedral — its dome has stood since 1551. Stroll among neoclassical and Art Nouveau sculptures at the Camposanto. And check out the Church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, a 12th-century church that offers a unique example of Norman architecture, blending Arab, Byzantine and Roman elements.
Day 4: Valletta, Malta
- Docked 8:00am - 6:00pm Begin your Malta adventure by wandering Valletta's Grand Harbor, with its 16th-century fortifications and sweeping ocean views. Then, learn more about this island nation at the Malta Experience Museum — here, an audio-visual show guides you through 7,000 years of the island's history. Savor Malta's eclectic mix of Mediterranean, Arabic and European flavors through dishes like aljotta, a hearty fish stew with tomatoes and garlic, thickened with rice.
Day 5: Day at Sea
- While at sea, take time to recharge before the next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, dine at any of the onboard restaurants or explore the thrills on each deck until we arrive at the next destination.
Day 6: Dubrovnik, Croatia
- Docked 8:00am - 6:00pm Thick 16th-century stone walls encase the entire Old Town of Dubrovnik. But you’ll find boundless adventures among its orange-roofed ramparts. Explore the perfectly preserved Rector’s Palace and enter beloved St. Blaise’s Church. Browse Croatian art and history museums— or kayak crystal blue waters, with the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ shimmering in the distance.
Day 7: Split, Croatia
- Docked 7:00am - 4:00pm Split's town center is compact, so you can see its main sights in a morning. This includes Diocletian's Palace, the large and ancient fortress that constitutes approximately half of Split's Old Town; and Riva, its infamous seaside promenade lined with cafes and restaurants. In the afternoon, relax at one of Split's beaches or do a half-day cruise to picturesque Brac Island.
Day 8: Ravenna (Venice), Italy
- Arrives at 6:00am Discover enchanting Ravenna — once the capital of the Western Roman Empire and a thriving hub for craftsmen, artists and master masons. This charming seaside port is a haven for lovers of art and architecture boasting a staggering 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Which makes it an excellent place to spend a couple of days exploring after your cruise. Wander through majestic churches and impressive palaces that showcase some of the world’s finest Christian mosaics. Plus, take advantage of your proximity to Venice and Bologna — both less than 2-and-a-half hours by car. Stroll through the iconic St. Mark’s Square and ride a gondola beneath the Rialto Bridge in Venice. Or eat your way around the Mercato Delle Erbe and catch amazing views from the top of Asinelli Tower in Bologna. Visiting Ravenna gives you the opportunity to go off the beaten path and to visit Venice’s famous canals or Bologna’s enchanting streets. The cruise might have ended, but there are still some great activities to enjoy in the area. If you flew into this port, be mindful of your departure flight time and plan accordingly.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
✅ All prices are correct at the time issue. Pricing is dynamic and is subject to changes & fluctuations at any time without notice, subject to availability at the time of booking for guests chosen travel dates.
✅ The category quoted may be based on a Guarantee Stateroom where you are guaranteed to receive a stateroom within a selected category class or better, anywhere on the ship. However, the actual room assignment and location on the ship may be determined at any time after your reservation has been completed and paid in full, up to the day of sailing. Requests for specific deck, cabin or location cannot be accommodated.
✅ Outside Staterooms may have a porthole or window, or an obstructed view, however upgrades to a non-obstructed window may be available for an additional charge.
✅ Balcony Staterooms may have an obstructed view, however upgrades to a non-obstructed view may be available for an additional charge.
✅ Accessible Staterooms are on application only, subject to limited availability in limited categories, and may be subject to a price difference depending on availability.
✅ Accessible accommodation is limited in Italy due to the prevalence of historical buildings that were not designed with modern accessibility in mind. These historical structures often have architectural barriers like stairs, narrow doorways, and lack of elevators, while conservation laws prioritise preserving their historical integrity over accessibility modifications. Accessible accommodation options are on application only, subject to limited availability, and may be subject to a price difference depending on availability.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PASSENGERS
✅ All passengers are required to sign in or create an account and complete the Online Check-In process (including contact information, passport details, emergency contact, etc). Once all required passenger information is complete, and your documentation is ready, you will be able to download or print your cruise documentation. You will be required to present your documentation, passport, and visa (if required) at embarkation.
✅ In your cruise line account, you will have the opportunity to book shore excursions, make dining reservations, reserve onboard experiences, such as spa treatments, etc, when they are bookable for your sailing.
✅ All travellers, including infants, are required to present on check-in a valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond your return travel date to Australia.
✅ Visa and entry requirements vary by country and are subject to change without notice. It is your responsibility to obtain required visa and other documentation prior to travel for the countries you are travelling to and through. For the most up-to-date travel requirements, please visit: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
✅ For non-Australian passport holders, only the countries you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about visa and entry requirements. Please contact the embassy or consulate of the countries you are visiting well in advance of travel. Please also ensure that you hold a valid re-entry visa or permit for Australia.
✅ We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance with cruise cover, that covers you for the duration of your holiday, to protect you from any possible cancellation charges, overseas medical costs, repatriation, loss of luggage, personal liability, or other expenses that may arise.
✅ When a minor (age 17 and under) travels without their legal guardian, an accompanying adult must present a notarized form signed by the child’s guardian. This ensures the child has the guardian’s consent to leave the country and participate in release-form activities onboard. The Minor Consent Form can be obtained from the cruise line.
✅ If your child has a different last name than you, you will need to bring an official supporting document to help explain why the names are different. The supporting document must be the original, or a notarized copy. Please refer to the cruise line’s website for examples of valid supporting documents.
✅ Whilst the cruise line will make all reasonable endeavours to provide a cruise in accordance with the published schedules and itineraries, your cruise itinerary is not guaranteed and does not form part of your contract. Many factors may affect the cruise line’s ability to provide an itinerary as scheduled. These could include weather, mechanical difficulties, civil unrest, or other unforeseen circumstances.
✅ Your cabin number may be assigned by the cruise line at any time until embarkation. Final cabin numbers may change at any time until day of departure. The cruise line will guarantee the same or higher cabin category.
✅ Due to security reasons, all passengers must be on board at least 2 hours before sailing on Day 1 of the cruise or you will not be permitted to sail. Please refer to your cruise documentation for your boarding time.
✅ Disembarkation usually begins 2 hours after docking on the final day of the cruise.
✅ Fuel Surcharges, Taxes, and Port Fees are subject to change without notice at any time whether or not you have a confirmed booking under deposit, or if you have made final payment.
CITY TOURIST TAXES AND RESORT FEES
✅ Europe City Tourist Taxes, or other taxes & charges imposed by the hotel or city and are not included in the hotel rate. These taxes may vary by season and location within a destination and cannot be prepaid. Any such charges are mandatory and must be paid directly to the hotel.