$5499—Save up to $4017 on summer Cunard Med fly-stay-cruise

Experience the best of the Mediterranean at the height of the European summer with this 16-night fly-stay-cruise holiday that showcases some of the region's most idyllic destinations. Starting and ending in Rome, you'll cruise in style on Cunard's refined Queen Victoria, and visit the Greek islands of Cephalonia and Corfu, before you cruise along the Adriatic Sea via Montenegro and Croatia, then travel to Malta en route back to the Italian capital.

This luxurious itinerary—which also includes return international airfare and a bonus 2-night stay in Rome—starts from just $5499 per person. This Cunard cruise is regularly priced from $5773 per person (and that's before you add the cost of the flights and hotel stay). Our research found that this offer saves an impressive $3429 to $4017 vs. packaging this trip yourself.

What's included

• Return international flights from Sydney to Rome
• 2-night pre-cruise stay at a 4-star hotel in Rome 
• 14-night return cruise from Rome (Civitavecchia) onboard Cunard's Queen Victoria, including:
  • All onboard meals in complimentary dining venues and selected non-alcoholic beverages
  • Traditional afternoon tea onboard
  • A wide range of onboard activities and entertainment
  • Port charges and taxes
• Transfers throughout your trip:
  • From Rome airport to your hotel (day 1)
  • From Rome city centre to Civitavecchia pier (day 3)
  • From Civitavecchia pier to the airport (day 17)

When

This itinerary departs on 19 July 2025.

To find out more, see our partner's website.

Cabin upgrades 

Featured prices are based on an Interior Cabin while cruising, however, we've found even better savings on upgraded cabins. You'll save $3554 per person if you upgrade to an Oceanview Cabin, and $4017 if you book a Balcony Cabin. Upgrades start from $400 per person:

• +$400 for an Ocean View Cabin
• +$900 for a Balcony Cabin

Holiday snapshot

Sydney - Civitavecchia (Rome) - Cephalonia - Corfu - Kotor - Dubrovnik - Trieste - Zadar - Split - Valletta - Sorrento - Civitavecchia (Rome) - Sydney

About the trip

Day 1-2 - You'll depart Sydney and fly to Rome for what promises to be a memorable holiday across Italy and the Adriatic. Your journey starts with a 2-night stay in Rome, where you'll enjoy endless culture and inspiration. From the historic Old Town, St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican City (recognised UNESCO World Heritage Sites), to famed landmarks including the Colosseum, Pantheon, Roman Forum, and the Trevi Fountain, Rome is any traveller's dream.

Day 3 - Today your cruise departs from the port town of Civitavecchia, just 50 minutes from Rome. Before you hop on board, be sure to check out Civitavecchia's many sights, including Forte Michelangelo, the National Archaeological Museum, and the ruins of a Roman thermal bath complex at Terme Taurine. 

Day 4 - Cruising

Day 5 - You'll spend the day in Cephalonia, one of the less-touristy Greek islands. If you're not visiting one of its stunning beaches, there are many incredible natural attractions to explore, including the Melissani underground lake, Drogarati Cave, and Mount Ainos, the island's tallest mountain.

Day 6 - Next, you'll sail across to the neighbouring Greek island of Corfu, known for its old fishing villages, sun-soaked beaches, and delicious Greek food. While you're here, stroll through the quaint streets of the Old Town and its old Venetian Fortress, take a coastal drive to Achilleion Palace, built by Empress Elisabeth of Austria, or visit the Holy Church of Saint Spyridon, an authentic Greek Orthodox church.

Day 7 - Today you'll cruise to the fortified city of Kotor in Montenegro, marked by dramatic mountains, winding streets, and Romanesque churches. Learn about the city's fascinating history at the Maritime Museum of Montenegro, wander through the impressive St Tryphon’s Cathedral, and stop by the Sea Gate, the town's main entrance, which dates back to 1555.

Day 8 - You'll continue up the coast until you reach Dubrovnik in southern Croatia. Described as "the pearl of the Adriatic", you may recognise Dubrovnik's iconic Old City Walls from Game of Thrones. Take your time visiting the Old Town, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, then marvel at the incredible architecture, including the Baroque St. Blaise Church, the Renaissance Sponza Palace, and the Gothic Rector’s Palace.

Day 9 - Cruising

Day 10 - Situated between Slovenia and the Adriatic Coast, Trieste in Italy is a truly magical place. You'll dock here for the day, giving you time to explore its wonders, which include the cliffside Miramare Castle, the neoclassical Austrian quarter, the Unity of Italy Square (said to be Europe's largest square next to the sea), and a Roman theatre built between the first and second century AD (that is still used today).

Day 11 - Today you'll cruise back down to Croatia; your first stop is the city of Zadar, with its spectacular Roman and Venetian ruins. There's plenty here to pass the time, from white-sand beaches and national parks, to an array of historical monuments, such as the Roman Forum, St Donatus Church (dating back to the 9th century), and the Land Gate, which was once the main entrance into Zadar.

Day 12 - Your final stop in Croatia is Split, an inspiring ancient city with a centre formed around Diocletian's Palace. As with other Adriatic seaside locations, Split offers unrivalled beaches, fresh local seafood, and a vibrant cultural scene.

Day 13 - Cruising

Day 14 - After a day at sea, you'll arrive at the capital of Malta, Valletta. Most commonly associated with the Knights of Malta, the origins of the walled city date back to the 1500s.

Day 15 - Cruising

Day 16 - Today you'll head back up the Italian coastline as you make your way towards Sorrento, overlooking the Bay of Naples. Here, you'll find a laid-back seaside atmosphere with cliffs offering sweeping water views, cafe-lined streets, citrus groves, and colourful houses that add to its charm. You can also catch a glimpse of the Isle of Capri and Mount Vesuvius in the distance.

Day 17 - You'll arrive back in the Italian port of Civitavecchia today, and end your trip on a high as you take in its tranquil sights one last time. Once you've disembarked, you'll transfer to the airport and catch your flight back to Sydney.