£6999pp—Cape Town-to-Rome: adults-only small-ship cruise

This luxury trip bridges two different worlds. Browse colourful street markets and see wildlife in their natural habitat at remote African ports. Then, explore charming old towns and Mediterranean cultures in Southern Europe. You can’t buy the cruise alone for less than our deal price. Our package also has BA flights and a stay at a 5-star hotel. We save £3203–£3943 on putting it together separately.

What's included

• Flights to Cape Town and from Rome with British Airways, including up to 23kg checked baggage
• All private transfers overseas
• Two nights in Cape Town at the 5-star Taj Cape Town, South Africa, in a Taj Club Room, with daily breakfast
• Choice of one full-day tour in Cape Town: a Table Mountain and Cape of Good Hope tour, or a Cape Winelands tour with tastings
• A 26-night cruise aboard Oceania Vista, in an Veranda Stateroom
• All meals, including gourmet speciality restaurants
• A house beverage package, including beer, wine, and champagne at lunch and dinner, or a US$1200 (approximately £894) per stateroom shore excursion credit
• Unlimited Wi-Fi
• Gratuities
• All local taxes and fees

When
Fly from London Heathrow on 17 May, 2027.

For more information, see our partner's website.

Itinerary highlights
First, spend two nights at the 5-star Taj Cape Town, South Africa. It has a convenient central location, right by the shops on tree-lined St George’s Mall. The hotel is  "teeming with sophistication", according to the Forbes Travel Guide. There's a plush spa, an indoor pool, two restaurants, a bar, and a whisky lounge.

A full-day tour is included during your stay. You can explore Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope, and see African penguins at Boulders Beach. Alternatively, taste wine with cheese and chocolate pairings in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek in the beautiful Cape Winelands.

You'll then join Oceania Vista for a 26-night adults-only cruise, calling at:

• Walvis Bay, Namibia… spot flamingos, whales, and dolphins, then head to the desert to the enormous Dune 7, the highest sand dune in Namibia (shore excursions cost extra).
• São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe… this tropical paradise offers a mix of lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and a plethora of wildlife.
• Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana… browse market stalls for West African crafts and textiles, head to Monkey Hill, a tropical reserve for primates, and take in coastal views from the 17th-century Fort Orange.
• Banjul, The Gambia… wander the sun-drenched colonial buildings of the Old Town, or spot wildlife at the Abuko Nature Reserve.
• Porto Grande, Cape Verde… dock at the island of São Vicente, where you can see a replica of Lisbon's Belém Tower, or the striking lunar landscapes around Catfish Bay.
• Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands… stroll past colourful townhouses with carved wooden balconies, and settle down for a coffee in one of the lush public parks. Or, hop on a tram to visit the UNESCO-protected old town of nearby La Laguna.
• Almería, Spain… this energetic Andalusian port is home to the Alcazaba, one of the largest Moorish fortresses in Spain, and an impressive, six-towered cathedral.
• Alicante, Spain… explore the ramparts and dungeons at the hilltop Santa Bárbara Castle. Then, walk back down to the palm-fringed waterfront through the whitewashed houses of the El Barrio district.
• Barcelona, Spain… admire Park Güell's colourful mosaics, sample delicious tapas, or visit the famous Sagrada Família.
• Sète, France… this Occitan city gives you a real feel for daily life in southern France. Go café-hopping, relax on the beach, or stroll along the canals that earned the city its "Little Venice" nickname.
• Monte Carlo, Monaco… make port in the world's second-smallest country. A magnet for high-rollers and their superyachts, it is home to the annual Formula One Grand Prix.
• Livorno, Italy… the gateway to Tuscany's rolling countryside and world-famous food. It takes just 20 minutes to reach Pisa by train, where you can climb the Leaning Tower.

Your luxury cruise concludes in Civitavecchia, where you will be transferred to Rome Fiumicino Airport for your flight home

Ship details
Oceania Vista is a 5-star cruise ship that carries 1200 guests at maximum capacity, served by 800 crew members. Its size allows it dock in smaller ports that megaships can't reach.

Oceania Cruises is famous for its gourmet food. 11 venues are included at no extra charge. Speciality restaurants include Asian, Italian, and a steakhouse. Every dish is cooked fresh to order, and there's one chef for every 10 guests.

Veranda Staterooms are a sizeable 290 square feet. There's a floor-to-ceiling glass window that opens onto a furnished private balcony for stunning views. Interiors are "opulent", says Cruise Critic.

Other options

• Sail in a Concierge Level Veranda Stateroom from £7899 per person. Additional benefits include priority embarkation and speciality dining reservations; expanded room service covering course-by-course lunch and dinner from the main dining room; up to three bags of laundry per stateroom; access to a dedicated lounge with soft drinks and snacks; and access to the Aquamar Spa Terrace with its own relaxation areas and hot-water hydrotherapy plunge pools.
• Sail in a Penthouse Suite from £9899 per person. Extras on top of Concierge Level benefits include priority luggage delivery on embarkation day; 24-hour butler service during the cruise; access to the exclusive Executive Lounge; a bottle of welcome Champagne; and a minibar stocked with full-size premium wines and spirits on arrival.

Transfers & baggage
Private transfers, and a 23kg checked baggage allowance are both included.