Puglia, Amalfi & The Med

• Return international full-service flights (economy class), departure city surcharges may apply

• 7 night Turkey & Greek Islands cruise
• Sail aboard the spectacular 4-star ‘MSC Opera’
• Receive MSC’s ‘Fantastica’ cabin experience for Ocean View & Balcony cabins

• 9 nights in 3-4 star hotel accommodation

• Enjoy 29 meals including daily breakfast

• Parking, check point fees
• English-speaking tour leader and guides

• Transportation by air-conditioned private vehicles

• Return airport and cruise port transfers

• Arrive Early: Arrive up to 30 days before your tour starts (does not include hotel accommodation, meals or transfers)
• Stay Behind: Return up to 30 days after your tour concludes (does not include hotel accommodation, meals or transfers)
• Stopover Packages: Break up the long-haul flight with a stopover at a fantastic location (see checkout for details)
• Flight Upgrades: Upgrade to Business Class (see checkout for details)

Today depart for the flight to Rome, Italy!

Please note: Due to flight scheduling and availability, some customers may be required to depart on Day 2, to arrive on Day 2. Flight times will be indicated on your final documentation, which you will receive 4-6 weeks prior to departure.

Meals included: In-Flight

Upon arrival in Rome, be met and transferred to the hotel to enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Hotel Cristoforo Colombo, Rome (or similar)

Meals included: None

Following breakfast at the hotel this morning, join a half-day guided tour of Rome with a local guide. You will experience some of the richest historical landmarks in the world. First see Piazza Venezia before walking towards the Capitoline Hill (Campidoglio), designed by Michelangelo in the 1500s. Next, travel down Via dei Fori Imperial (Road of the Imperial Forums), the former centre of ancient political, commercial, and legal life. See the spectacular Colosseum (entrance not included), area of gladiators, and the Arch of Constantine, a monument dedicated to Emperor Constantine by the Senate and the people of Rome. In addition to these wonderful sights, see Palatine Hill, where former emperors and influential figures once lived, and the exterior of the gigantic Circus Maximus, the first and main site of chariot racing and mass entertainment. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Overnight: Hotel Cristoforo Colombo, Rome (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before continuing your journey to the stunning Sorrento coastline. Arrive in Pompeii later this morning to learn about this magnificent archaeological site on a locally guided tour. Built in the ancient Roman era, delve into the history and spectacle of the city buried from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD. It remains surprisingly intact, and a great insight into the life of a commercial city of ancient Rome. Afterwards, continue to the beautiful seaside Amalfi Coast after an approximately 270km travel day.

Overnight: Hotel Marad, Amalfi Coast Area (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, enjoy the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Amalfi Coast on an approximately 50km travel day. Uncover the 50km stretch of coastline along the southern edge of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula with your tour leader. A hugely popular holiday destination, the Amalfi coast features sheer cliffs, a rugged shoreline dotted with small beaches and pastel-coloured fishing villages. The coastal road between the port city of Salerno and clifftop Sorrento winds past grand villas, terraced vineyards and cliffside lemon groves. Spend a full day exploring these beautiful villages with your tour leader.

In Sorrento, you'll see the picturesque cliff-top resort town, wedged on a ledge between the mountains and the Mediterranean. It’s well-located for regional sightseeing and is a pleasant place to stay and stroll among beautiful landscapes.

Marvel at the cliffside village of Positano on the southern Amalfi Coast. This is the coast's most picturesque and photogenic town with vertiginous houses dotting the cliffside down to the sea in a cascade of sun-bleached peach, pink and terracotta colours. No less colourful are its steep streets and steps lined with wisteria-draped hotels, smart restaurants and fashionable boutiques.

Amalfi is an outstanding example of the Mediterranean landscape, this is a town in a dramatic natural setting below steep cliffs on Italy’s southwest coast. Between the 9th and 11th centuries, it was the seat of a powerful maritime republic. The Arab-Norman Sant’Andrea cathedral at the heart of the town, with its striped Byzantine facade, survives from this era.

Overnight: Hotel Marad, Amalfi Coast Area (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, head southeast through sun-baked landscapes to the region of Puglia. On the way stop at Matera for a guided tour and exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sassi (Italian for “stones”) - a labyrinth of cave dwellings, churches, staircases, and arches, hewn out of the solid rock. First occupied in the Palaeolithic Age, the myriad of natural caves were gradually burrowed deeper and expanded into living spaces by peasants and artisans throughout the classical and medieval eras. Today, these underground residences are being re-inhabited by italians, and staying in one of the ‘Sassi di Matera’ cave hotels has become one of Europe’s most exotic new experiences. The journey continues over rolling green hills and wide mountain views, as you head towards Alberobello. Upon arrival, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure after an approximately 315km travel day.

Overnight: Hotel Lanzillotta, Alberobello (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, take some time to discover the spectacular town of Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the small, whitewashed stone houses here - known as Trulli - which are clustered together throughout the city and built entirely without mortar.

Continue to Ostuni early this afternoon. Ostuni is a unique town with winding streets and beautifully decorated, colourful window frames that can fool you into thinking you’re somewhere in Greece. Enjoy a stroll around the old town with your tour leader to see the amazing monuments and medieval buildings. The cultivation of olives is one of Puglia’s greatest resources and economic certainties - enjoy a tasting of authentic local Italian olive oil while you’re here. In the late afternoon arrive in Lecce and take the remainder of the day at leisure after an approximately 120km travel day.

Overnight: Hotel Zenit Salento, Lecce (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Today head to Otranto on an approximately 100km travel day, a historic seaside town and port on the Adriatic coast of southern Italy. It’s a small town with a lovely holiday atmosphere and makes a good destination for a day trip. The picture-perfect blue waters, white buildings and diving rocks make Otranto the frequent cover star of maps, books, and articles about Puglia. On a clear day, it is possible to see over the Strait of Otranto to Albania. The name of Otranto is probably best known abroad for The Castle of Otranto, Horace Walpole’s pioneering Gothic novel. However, the creepy castle of Walpole’s imagination bears little resemblance to the fortress of the real Otranto. In the afternoon travel through the Salento Coast, a divine place for a swim or scenic drive. Here the chalk lightens the red soil, and the crystal sea laps the cliffs and kisses the olive trees at the shoreline.

Enjoy a stop at Torre Sant’Andrea beach (Saint Andrew Tower beach). The looming rocky towers of Torre Sant’Andrea make the waterfront of this small Italian fishing community stand out even within a picturesque backdrop. Continue to the unique site of the Poetry Cave (Grotta Della Poesia), a natural swimming pool located in Roca Vecchia village, considered one of the most beautiful natural pools in the world. The cave is made of two turquoise and blue karst sinkholes surrounded by stunning scenery. Rare inscriptions, animal sacrifices and other inscriptions have been found in a small sinkhole next to the Cave Poetry, named “Little Poetry”. Return to Lecce late this afternoon.

Overnight: Hotel Zenit Salento, Lecce (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy a half-day guided tour of Lecce with a local guide. The architecture here is recognised for its hugely decorative gargoyles, columns, and gremlins. See the Basilica of Santa Croce that features sculptures and a rose window, Piazza del Duomo and the Sant’Oronzo Column, a Roman column topped with a bronze statue of the city’s patron saint (entrances not included). In the afternoon depart for Bari, the capital of southern Italy’s Puglia region. On the way stop at Monopoli, a cosy town with quaint narrow streets and pretty squares. Enjoy an orientation tour of the old town with your tour leader. Like so many towns on the Adriatic, Monopoli’s history has been thoroughly influenced by its east-facing position and its fortified sea-front walls and castles that tell many a story. Later this afternoon, arrive in Bari and check into the accommodation after an approximately 160km travel day.

Overnight: Vittoria Parc Hotel, Bari (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

(Depart at 19:00)

Enjoy free time this morning to further explore this incredible city. Perhaps visit some of the city highlights such as the 11th-century Basilica of San Nicola, a key pilgrimage site, surrounded by narrow streets. To the south, the Murat Quarter with 19th-century architecture, a promenade and pedestrianised shopping areas. In the afternoon you will be transferred to the cruise terminal to embark on your spectacular Mediterranean voyage!

Overnight: MSC Cruises - ‘MSC Opera’

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Enjoy fun new experiences around the clock on an MSC Cruises' ship, from enriching indoor and outdoor activities during the day to magical night-time entertainment. With cinemas, tournaments and competitions, outdoor activities that are fun for the whole family and magical night-time entertainment, you’ll have a hard time choosing between all the things you can see and experience.

Overnight: MSC Cruises - ‘MSC Opera’

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

(Docked from 07:00 to 20:00)

The city of Piraeus is one of the oldest ports in the world so it's the perfect spot to be introduced to the treasures of Turkey and the Eastern Mediterranean.\n Piraeus, an MSC Mediterranean Cruises destination, has been the port of Athens since ancient times. It’s a city filled with incredible wonders including Mikrolimano Bay, Agia Triada (Church of the Holy Trinity), and the Archaeological Museum. Nowadays, Piraeus is a bustling centre with attractive waterfront cafés and restaurants, making it an ideal stop in the Mediterranean. Use it as a stepping stone to see the Acropolis and greater Athens.
MSC cruises offer plenty of exciting things to see including:
• The Dramatic Ruins of the Parthenon on the Acropolis
• Pláka Discovery
• Corinth Canal Cruise

Overnight: MSC Cruises - ‘MSC Opera’

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

(Docked from 09:00 to 19:00.)

Kos is a beautiful Greek island located in the south-eastern Aegean Sea. It is part of the Dodecanese Island group and lies close to the coast of Turkey. Kos is known for its stunning beaches, rich history, charming villages, and vibrant nightlife, making it a popular tourist destination.

Kos also has a fascinating history that dates back to ancient times. The island was ruled by different civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Knights of St. John, Ottomans, and Italians. The remnants of these civilizations can be seen throughout the island. One of the most prominent historical sites is the Asklepion, an ancient healing centre and sanctuary dedicated to the god of medicine, Asklepios.

Overnight: MSC Cruises - ‘MSC Opera’

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

(Docked from 08:00 to 22:00)

Rhodes, a Greek Dodecanese island is celebrated for its beautiful beaches, archaeological ruins, and magnificent museums. Its historical Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest medieval city in the European continent!

MSC cruises offer plenty of exciting things to see including:
• Lindos and the Temple of Athena
• The Ruins of Kamiros
• The Grand Master’s Palace

Overnight: MSC Cruises - ‘MSC Opera’

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

(Docked from 07:00 to 17:00)

Bodrum is a popular coastal town located on the southwestern coast of Turkey, known as the Turkish Riviera. It is situated in the Muğla Province and overlooks the Aegean Sea. Bodrum is a vibrant and picturesque destination that offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and modern amenities.

One of the defining features of Bodrum is its rich history. The town dates back to ancient times when it was known as Halicarnassus and was an important city of the ancient Greek world. The most famous historical landmark in Bodrum is the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today, the site is home to the Bodrum Castle, also known as the Castle of St. Peter, which houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, displaying fascinating artifacts from shipwrecks and ancient civilizations.

Overnight: MSC Cruises - ‘MSC Opera’

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Don’t miss an all-new entertainment experience and enjoy an extraordinary embrace of sounds, lights, performers, and special effects that will make you feel part of the show. Discover Carousel productions at sea with all-new entertainment concept blending breath-taking acrobatics, dance, and live music to create exclusive original production specially designed for MSC Cruises ships.

Overnight: MSC Cruises - ‘MSC Opera’

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

(Arrive at 07:00)

Enjoy your final meal on board before arriving back at the port of Bari. After disembarking the ship, be met by a representative and transferred to the hotel in Rome for the night after an approximately 430km day.

Overnight: Hotel Cristoforo Colombo, Rome (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, according to your flight time, be transferred to the airport for the return flight home.

Please note: If your flight departs early, breakfast will be arranged for pick up from the hotel reception the night before.

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

Please note: Some flights may arrive +1 day later.

After purchase, you will receive a receipt and a Purchase Confirmation, directing you to an online Passenger Information Form. You must complete the Passenger Information Form within 72 hours of purchase.

Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below.

On purchasing this Travel Offer, you are bound by the General Terms and Conditions and the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Important Information.

Please note: All countries and territories have different entry requirements in relation to vaccinations, quarantine/isolation periods and travel restrictions. Due to the evolving nature, we would ask all of our customers to monitor, meet and adhere to the specific requirements of their intended destination(s) in the lead-up to and immediately before travel, as well as any requirements post-travel upon their return.

CANCELLATION POLICY 

Qantas Tours packages are non-refundable. If your Qantas Tour package is affected by Covid-19 related travel restrictions and you are unable to travel, you will receive either a free date change (credit that is specific to your original package and purchase value) or an open credit less any non-recoverable supplier fees to the value of your original purchase for use on any other Qantas Tour or package available via the TripADeal website.

Please note: Date change credits are subject to availability and not guaranteed until confirmed by TripADeal, not the tour operator you are due to stay with.

We recommend you consider purchasing travel insurance with Covid-19 protection. The standard cancellation policy will apply if you cannot travel because you have tested positive for Covid-19.

Please note: All additional charges are payable in AUD (unless otherwise stated).

This travel offer is valid for travel on selected dates until the 19th September 2024.

This travel offer is priced per person based on a twin share.

Single Traveller Supplements

For solo travellers, a mandatory single supplement applies. 

• Interior Bella Cabin: $2000

• Oceanview Fantastica Cabin: $2300

• Balcony Fantastica Cabin: $2500

Please note: accommodation for single customers who are travelling on a tour or cruise package may be in a single room, depending on availability.

Departure Dates  

2024

May: 9, 16, *30

June: ^6

*August: 22, 29

September: 5, 19

Please note: See checkout for live dates and availability. 

Surcharges  

Please note:

• Dates/months with a * incur a high season surcharge of $500 per person

• Dates/months with a ^ incur a high season surcharge of $700 per person

Departure Cities

Sydney, Melbourne, *Brisbane, *Adelaide, *Perth or *Auckland (New Zealand)

Departure City Surcharges

Brisbane or Perth: $300 per person

Adelaide: $500 per person

Auckland: $700 per person

Full-Service Airline(s) Used

• Cabin Class: Economy Class

• Airlines: Qantas Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Malaysian Airlines, British Airways, Japan Airlines, KLM, Lufthansa, Air France, Finn Air, ITA Airways, Turkish Airlines, Virgin Australia and partners (subject to availability).

Please note: Qantas Tours cannot accommodate one-way flights. Travellers must take all included flights within the package, and any flights intentionally forfeited will result in later flights being subject to cancellation. 

Missed Flights 

If you fail to arrive for your outbound flight, you risk all flight and land arrangements in your destination being automatically cancelled by the airlines and land operator, respectively. Additional fees may apply to reinstate these services. If you will miss your flight for whatever reason, please contact us as soon as possible to make arrangements. 

Guaranteed Airline Surcharge

• Cabin Class: Economy Class

• Singapore Airlines: $500 per person 

• Emirates: $500 per person 

Please note: 

• Guaranteed airlines are subject to availability. If we are unable to fulfil your request, the above extra cost will be refunded.

• On any upgrade purchase, short-haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed, subject to aircraft configuration.

• In the event that a purchased stopover package and a purchased guaranteed airline upgrade are not compatible, you will have the option to receive a refund for the guaranteed airline upgrade or be offered an alternative stopover city option, e.g if you choose to fly with Singapore Airlines you cannot stopover in Dubai.

• Guaranteed airline refers to the marketing carrier and could include codeshare partners.

Arrive early in Rome, Italy

Non high season dates: $300 per person, subject to availability

High season dates range up to $800 per person, subject to availability

Please note:

• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.

• Arrivals before your selected departure date can only be booked up to one month before check-in. Should you wish to arrive earlier, please contact Qantas Tours to request availability. *Additional costs may apply.

• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.

• High season surcharges apply to flights departing between the below date ranges (only available for purchase over the phone):

- 18 March 2024 - 30 April 2024

- 1 June 2024 - 14 August 2024

- 23 September 2024 - 20 October 2024

Stay behind in Rome, Italy

Non high season dates: $300 per person, subject to availability

High season dates range up to $800 per person, subject to availability

Please note:

• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.

• A stay behind can only be booked up to one month after your package end date upon check-out. Should you wish to stay later, please contact Qantas Tours to request availability. *Additional costs may apply.

• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.

• High season surcharges apply to flights departing between the below date ranges (only available for purchase over the phone):

- 18 March 2024 - 30 April 2024

- 1 June 2024 - 14 August 2024

- 23 September 2024 - 20 October 2024

Stopover Packages

Twin-share: $1000 per person/one way

Solo Traveller: $1500 one way

* Doha

Twin-share: $1000 per person/one way

Solo Traveller: $1500 one way

* Singapore

Twin-share: $1200 per person/one way

Solo Traveller: $1800 one way

Includes:

• 2 nights in 4-star accommodation

• Daily breakfast

• Return airport transfers 

Please note: 

• When a pre and post-tour stopover is chosen, the same stopover location must be chosen each way, due to the airline used

• When selecting an Arrive Early or Stay Behind in conjunction with a Stopover Package, the stopover will take place after the departure date you select for your Arrive Early or Stay Behind

• Stopover packages are subject to availability.

• Blackout dates apply to flights departing between the below date ranges:

- 18 March 2024 - 30 April 2024

- 1 June 2024 - 14 August 2024

- 23 September 2024 - 20 October 2024 

- A stopover is also not available during the following dates:

2024

Singapore Taylor Swift Concert: 1 - 10 March 2024

Singapore Grand Prix: September 2024

Doha Grand Prix: October 2024

Doha MotoGP: November 2024

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (for Dubai): November 2024

Please note: the exact dates are yet to be confirmed.

Flight Class Upgrades

Business or Premium Economy Class: For pricing, please refer to the payment cart at checkout.

Please note: 

• Flight upgrades are subject to availability (if we cannot fulfil your request, the upgrade cost will be refunded).

• On any upgrade purchase, short-haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed; subject to aircraft configuration.

‘MSC Opera’ Ship

A refined style, precious materials and attention to detail make MSC Opera a cruise ship that really is something to sing about! She is built along more classic lines than her sisters in the Musica and Fantasia classes, making for a special atmosphere on board while enabling you to visit those destinations that are inaccessible to larger vessels.

• Family & Kids

With the help of prestigious partners like Chicco, LEGO® and Namco®, fabulous new play areas for children of all ages, starting with an exciting Spray Park packed with fun water features have been created.

• Fitness & Relaxation

There are plenty of options for fitness and fun on board, with a double pool complex complete with whirlpool baths, a gym, power walking track, minigolf, shuffleboard, sauna, Turkish bath and the MSC Aurea Spa wellness centre offering superb massages.

• Entertainment

Whether you are trying your luck in the Med Pearl Casino, relaxing in the La Cabala Piano Bar, dancing in the Byblos Disco, enjoying a show in the Teatro dell’Opera, or browsing in the new walk-through shopping area, there’s never a dull moment on board.

• Restaurants & Buffet

The gourmet dining on board is out of this world, offering an ever-changing array of Mediterranean and international specialties, not forgetting authentic Italian pizza, freshly prepared from the finest ingredients to delight your palate.

Cabins/Staterooms

Fantastica Class Benefits (Oceanview & Balcony Cabins Only)

• Cabins on the upper decks and in the most convenient positions on the ship.

• Wide variety of superb, freshly prepared cuisine.

• Classic dining style with priority in choice of dinner sitting. Seating preference is subject to availability and reconfirmation on board.

• Gourmet buffet with over 13 different areas, open 20 hours a day.

• Broadway-style theatre shows.

• Swimming pool, scenic gym and open-air sports facilities.

• Packed program of daily activities.

• Turndown service to prepare your bed each night.

• Cabin service 24 hours a day.

• Interior Cabin : Surface approx. 13 m², balcony approx 3 m², deck 9-10
  
• Sitting area with sofa
  
• Bathroom with shower, vanity area with hairdryer
  
• Comfortable double or single beds (on request)
  
• TV, telephone, Wifi connection available (for a fee), safe and minibar
  
  

Please note: 

Cabins are subject to availability; some may have restricted views.

Cruise timetables are subject to change

Accommodation Used:

3-4 Star (Self-rated) Properties 

• Rome: Hotel Cristoforo Colombo

• Amalfi Coast Area: Hotel Marad

• Alberobello: Hotel Lanzillotta

• Lecce: Hotel Zenit Salento

• Bari: Vittoria Parc Hotel

Cruises:

4-star (self-rated)

• MSC Cruises ‘MSC Opera’ ship

Please note: Accommodation/rooms offered are based on a lead-in room type and are subject to availability based on seasonality. In the instance a property is not available, a similar standard of accommodation will be provided. Properties will be confirmed and included in your travel pack, which you will receive 4-6 weeks before travel.

Extra Nights

Not available.

Maximum Room Capacity

2 people.

Child Policy

• No child discounts. The full price applies to all children travelling with their parents.

• Valid for Children 8 years old and over.

Please note: Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors are allowed.

Triple Share

Not available.

Bedding Configuration

Double or Twin bedding (subject to availability).

Minimum group size 20, maximum group size 36 per vehicle.

Optional Tours/Activities

Please note:

• Some Shore excursions require minimum numbers to operate.

• Shore excursions can be booked/reserved directly with the cruise line before travel (subject to availability)

• Shore excursions can also be booked whilst onboard (subject to availability).

• Shore excursion programmes and itineraries may vary depending on local conditions and/or any unforeseen events concerning the timing on the day of the tour. Some excursions are very popular, and therefore availability cannot always be guaranteed, it is advisable to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

• Visa fees and requirements 

• Meals/beverages not stated in the deal offer

• Recommended gratuities/tipping 

• Optional activities/tours 

• Personal expenses

• Travel insurance

• Italy city taxes

CITY TAXES

Italy:

• Rome - €6 per person, per night

• Amalfi Coast/Sorrento/Naples - €3 per person, per night

• Alberobello - €1 per person, per night

• Lecce - €4 per person per night 

Please note: Pricing is approximate and subject to change upon arrival. All amounts are payable at your accommodation for the night/s.

TOUR GUIDE VS. TOUR LEADER

Tour Guide: 

Often locals with intimate knowledge of an area, its culture, and history. Their role entails providing commentary, routing the tour, and seeing that people have a good time. They are a licensed, qualified expert who supplies specific information on the history, art, architecture and culture of the city/village/attraction where they are guiding the tour. The guide meets the group at the required place and leaves it at the end of the tour; they do not travel with the group. 

Tour Leader: 

An experienced person tasked with ensuring the smooth operation of tours, as well as providing practical support to passengers throughout the whole trip. Their role primarily includes assisting with accommodation, transportation between locations, and communication with tour guides at each stop. A tour leader may provide general guidance around a city or village and offer information on the place visited on the bus. However, they are not required to have specific art, architecture, or historical knowledge. They are not allowed to provide a guided tour or commentary of a city/village/attraction once there and, if caught doing so, can be fined. 

Please note: Tour leaders/guides are not a standard inclusion in all travel offers. Tour leaders/guides will only be made available when required to enhance the experience of the destination featured. 

CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES

South Italy and East Mediterranean:

Southern Italy is largely characterised by a typical Mediterranean climate made up by warm springs and hot and dry summers, the climate here is very pleasant. Along the coast of Southern Italy in July and August, the average temperature is above 25°C. April to June and September to October are the best months to travel through South Italy. You can expect temperatures of up to 26°C during the warmest part of the day.

FLIGHTS

Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points:

At Qantas Tours, we do not arrange seat selection. It is essential to highlight that some airlines do not allow pre-selected seats. We strongly suggest you contact the airline directly with seating allocation requirements and/or arrive at the airport earlier to arrange your seating. While we do not add frequent flyer member details to bookings, you can do this directly with the airline once you have your flight information.

Passport Validity:

Customers must provide valid passport details either at the time of purchase or no later than 45 days before the departure date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the booking. Customers will be responsible for any costs and fees incurred in this instance.

CRUISE

Embarkation / Disembarkation:

• Begins approximately 2 hours after docking.

• Due to security reasons, all guests must be on board 2 hours before sailing.

• Itineraries are subject to change at any time without notice.

• Check your specific sailing for exact departure and arrival times. All times are local to the port.

Please note: Strict Covid-19 terms may also apply regarding proof of insurance covering Covid-19 and/or vaccination. Please refer to the cruise lines’ terms and conditions for further information before boarding.

Cruise Loyalty Discounts:

Please note: Travellers booked via Qantas Tours must contact the cruise line directly upon receiving their Qantas Tours travel documents in order to request any membership benefits they may be entitled to.

COACH TOUR

Meals:

Daily breakfast is included in the package. For meals not included, the tour leader (when available) will offer assistance with reservations, suggestions and directions to local restaurants. It is your responsibility to notify Qantas Tours of any dietary requests/requirements. Please note: We will do our best to meet your requests/requirements; however, we cannot guarantee that we will always be able to.

Luggage:

You will be responsible for all your personal belongings whilst on tour. You must carry your own luggage from the vehicle to the hotel room and back to the vehicle. The driver will assist with the uploading and offloading of bags from the vehicle.

OTHER

Mobility:

If you would love to travel with Qantas Tours and require wheelchair access please contact our friendly sales and service team to inquire on your behalf.

Fitness Level Required:

An Easy / Low level of fitness will be required. 

Easy/Low is described as light walking on well-maintained surfaces, occasional climbing of stairs and ability to get on and off vehicles without assistance and stand for a minimum of 30 mins in hot/humid conditions. A general level of fitness and mobility.

Please note: If you have any concerns please consult your healthcare provider prior to purchase/travel.

Gratuities / Tipping:

Land

Gratuities (tips) are not included in the tour price for services of the tour leader (when available) and driver throughout the tour. The recommended tip is €5 Euro per person per day. This covers the guide/leader and the driver, and will be collected whilst on tour. 

Tipping for all services provided on tour is always a matter of personal discretion, however please be aware that tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and they may approach you for payment and there is no need to be intimidated by the request.

Cruise

Gratuities (tips) are not included in the tour price for the services of the cruise staff throughout the cruise component of this tour. MSC Cruises is an internationally registered company & operates to US & European standards, both of which have an economy driven by a gratuities culture. Gratuities are expected on your cruise and will be charged to your onboard account at €10 Euro per person per day. If you have any questions in regards to the gratuities on your cruise please speak to the guest services staff onboard the ship.

Sightseeing:

Please note: If entrance to a site is affected by changes in operating hours or public holiday closures, your itinerary, where possible, may be adjusted, or a similar activity will be offered in its place (subject to availability).

Shopping: 

Shopping overseas can be a daunting and confusing experience, especially when there is a language barrier. Please be very cautious when foreign currencies and prices are involved. If paying by credit card, please pay close attention to the amount you are being charged and keep all your receipts. 

Do not make any purchases you are not comfortable with or feel pressured into. If you are uncertain or need assistance with the language barrier, please seek assistance from your Tour Guide/Leader.

Please refer to our Terms and Conditions regarding shopping for further information.

A tourist visa is not required for Europe for stays up to 90 days if travelling on an Australian passport.

Important: 

• Please start arranging your visa three weeks before departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours.

• Visa rules may have changed since Covid-19. Some countries and airlines may require you to obtain an additional visa before arrival. Please check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.

Please note: 

• Passengers who are not Australian citizens must also check with the respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required.

• It is also important to note that some areas of employment, such as journalism, government authorities and charity organisations, may have additional restrictions in applying for Visas. This may, in turn, affect the type of application required.

Voluntary Changes

This includes booking changes requested by you, including but not limited to those changes requiring an airline ticket or a Purchase Confirmation reissue.

• Changes - $100.00 per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

Name Changes Due To Passenger Error

• If the incorrect name has been provided, charges of $100.00 per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

Supplier Fees

In the event the Qantas Tour you have purchased is unable to proceed, and/or a travel Supplier is unable to fulfil the Qantas Tour due to external circumstances (Limitation of Liability e.g. a Force Majeure event), there may be a fee or amount of money that is withheld by our Suppliers and is unrecoverable. This may be due to non-refundable airline tickets, cancellation penalties with cruise cabins or unrecoverable payments with our land/accommodation partners. If refunds are not available from Suppliers, we will endeavour to obtain a travel credit on the best terms available and communicate these outcomes to you. In the event we are unable to obtain a refund or travel service credit, or part thereof, this cost is passed on to the customer as a Supplier Fee.