Embark on a 19-night Mediterranean Garden Tour & Cruise with Phil Dudman, aboard the elegant Celebrity Equinox. This uniquely curated journey begins with immersive garden experiences across Tuscany—from the tranquil village of Bagno Vignoni and the historic La Foce to Villa Lante, Ninfa’s wild beauty, Torrecchia Vecchia, and the mesmerizing water gardens of Villa d’Este. Once aboard the cruise, explore Italy’s famed gardens such as La Mortella on Ischia and Villa Gamberaia near Florence, then admire the refined landscapes of La Serre de la Madone and the grandeur of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild along the French Riviera. The voyage concludes in vibrant Barcelona, with guided sightseeing and a visit to Gaudí’s whimsical Park Güell. With international flights included, luxurious accommodation both on land and at sea, expert horticultural insights from Phil Dudman, and immersive sightseeing throughout—this tour is a dream escape for garden and culture enthusiasts alike. We hope you can join us!
Phil Dudman is a horticulturist, garden designer, writer and broadcaster with a passion for making gardening easy, practical and enjoyable. His latest book, Down-to-Earth Garden Design, perfectly captures his no-fuss, accessible approach. A seasoned traveller, Phil has explored gardens, landscapes, food and culture across Australia, Europe and Asia and is always on the lookout for great places, great people, and a great story. Before following his horticultural calling in his late 20s, Phil dabbled in architecture and business and even fronted a Sydney rock 'n' roll band. Since then, he's spent over 30 years inspiring gardeners through his work in top gardening magazines, three books with ABC Books, and TV appearances on Channel Nine's Garden Gurus. He also hosts ABC Radio's Good Gardening program and the popular new Get into your Garden podcast. Phil's looking forward to meeting you and sharing good garden chats along the way.
VIEW ITINERARYDAY 1 Tuesday 15 September, 2026 Departure
Our holiday begins with our flight to Rome, Italy.
DAY 2 Wednesday 16 September, 2026 Bagno Vignoni, Tuscany
On arrival in Rome we travel north to the Tuscan village of Bagno Vignoni. We'll spend the next three nights at Le Terme, a charming, family-run 15th-century hotel. Each evening, we'll enjoy delicious home-cooked Italian meals.
DAY 3 Thursday 17 September, 2026 Bagno Vignoni
In the morning we will visit La Foce established by the author Iris Origo and her husband Marquis Antonio Origo. This afternoon will be free to explore the gorgeous village of Bagno Vignoni.
DAY 4 Friday 18 September, 2026 Bagno Vignoni
This morning we visit Villa Vicobello a magnificent 16th century estate. After our garden visit, a local guide will introduce us to the major sights of Siena.
DAY 5 Saturday 19 September, 2026 Rome
This morning, we will travel south to Rome. On the journey we visit the magnificent gardens of Villa Lante near Viterbo. Upon arrival a local guide takes us on a tour of Rome. Highlights include the iconic Colosseum, the ancient Roman Forum, St Peter's Basilica and the Vatican, along with the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain.
DAY 6 Sunday 20 September, 2026 Rome
Today we explore wild and romantic gardens that will be unforgettable highlights of our journey. The Garden of Ninfa (Giardino di Ninfa) is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and acclaimed gardens in the world. After lunch we visit the extraordinary private gardens of Torrecchia Vecchia near Cisterna.
DAY 7 Monday 21 September, 2026 Rome
This morning, we will enjoy free time to explore Rome. In the afternoon, we travel to Tivoli to visit the spectacular Villa d'Este, celebrated for its extraordinary use of water in garden design.
DAY 8 Tuesday 22 September, 2026 Embarkation
This morning we travel to Civitavecchia, to board the luxurious Celebrity Equinox for our nine-night Mediterranean cruise.
DAY 9 Wednesday 23 September, 2026 Naples
After docking in Naples we travel to the ferry terminal, and take a boat across to the island of Ischia to visit the renowned garden, La Mortella, once home of Sir William and Lady Susana Walton.
DAY 10 Thursday 24 September, 2026 At Sea
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea, making the most of the ship's fabulous facilities at your leisure. In the afternoon, join Phil for a fun-filled Gardening Trivia competition.
DAY 11 Friday 25 September, 2026 La Spezia/Lucca
This morning, we dock in La Spezia for an overnight stay and travel to the town of Collodi, famous for its connection with the Pinocchio legend. Our day begins with a visit to the magnificent Villa Garzoni, an exquisite example of Italian baroque garden design. We then continue to Lucca arriving in time for lunch or some free time to explore. In the afternoon a local guide leads us through this enchanting walled city.
DAY 12 Saturday 26 September, 2026 La Spezia/Florence
This morning, we journey through the stunning Tuscan countryside to the heart of Florence. On arrival we'll enjoy a guided walking tour of the city's historical centre. We visit the exquisite Villa Gamberaia, nestled in classic olive-grove country. This small but idyllic garden is beautifully restored to its 16th-century splendour.
DAY 13 Sunday 27 September, 2026 Portofino
Today we dock in the gorgeous village of Portofino, often ranked among Italy's top ten most beautiful villages. You'll have time to wander its charming streets. Later we visit the Abbey of La Cervara in Santa Margherita Ligure.
DAY 14 Monday 28 September, 2026 Villefranche/Nice
This morning, we visit the renowned La Serre de la Madone a beautifully layered garden designed by Lawrence Johnston. In the afternoon Phil will lead the group on our visit to the exquisite Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. From Spanish to Japanese to Florentine, it's a dazzling display of French elegance and exotic charm an unforgettable highlight of the Riviera.
DAY 15 Tuesday 29 September, 2026 Marseille
This morning, we arrive in Marseille. From here, we travel to the elegant Domaine D'Albertas, set in a picturesque valley nourished by natural springs. Designed in the 17th century, the grounds reflect a harmonious blend of Italian and Renaissance styles.
DAY 16 Wednesday 30 September, 2026 At Sea
Today is yours to relax and enjoy the wonderful facilities of the ship. In the afternoon, join Phil for an engaging talk as he shares stories from his fascinating career in the media, spanning radio, television, writing, and garden design.
DAY 17 Thursday 1 October, 2026 Disembarkation/Barcelona
This morning, we arrive in vibrant Barcelona. We begin with a guided sightseeing tour, taking in the city's rich history and dynamic architecture. In the afternoon, we visit the whimsical and world-famous Park Güell, also designed by Gaudi.
DAY 18 Friday 2 October, 2026 Barcelona
This morning, we travel north to the Costa Brava to visit the Jardi Botanic Marimurtra, a remarkable garden created by plant enthusiast Karl Faust. In the afternoon, we visit Santa Clotilde, a grand estate built on the site of an old vineyard. This evening, we gather for a farewell dinner to celebrate the tour and the unforgettable gardens we've explored together.
DAY 19 Saturday 3 October, 2026 Departure
Today we transfer to Barcelona Airport for our return flight to Australia.
DAY 20 Sunday 4 October, 2026 Arrive Australia
The group arrives in Australia and tour arrangements conclude.
| Early Booking Discount | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabin | Description | Deck | Twin-share | Single Fare | Twin-share | Single Fare |
| 12 | Inside | 3, 7, 8, 12 | $13,490 | $18,790 | $12,990 | $17,790 |
| 11 | Prime Inside | 9, 10, 11 | $13,790 | $19,090 | $13,290 | $18,090 |
| 02 | Ocean View | 3 | $14,190 | $19,790 | $13,690 | $18,790 |
| 01 | Prime Ocean View | 3, 7, 8 | $14,390 | $19,990 | $13,890 | $18,990 |
| V2 | Veranda | 6, 7, 8 | $14,590 | $20,490 | $14,390 | $20,090 |
| V1 | Prime Veranda | 6, 7, 8, 9 | $14,690 | $20,790 | $14,490 | $20,390 |
| C2 | Concierge Balcony | 9, 10 | $14,890 | $21,190 | $14,490 | $20,390 |
| C1 | Prime Concierge Balcony | 9, 10, 11, 12 | $14,990 | $21,390 | $14,990 | $21,390 |
| A2 | Aqua Balcony | 11 | $15,790 | $22,990 | $15,590 | $22,590 |
| Included port and handling charges | $720 | $1,190 | $720 | $1,190 | ||
| Included ship gratuities | $290 | $290 | $290 | $290 | ||
You can stay longer in Europe for minimal cost. Please contact 1800 630 343 for more information.
All cabins are subject to availability. A limited number of cabins are available for single occupancy. Please call for fares and information on other cabin categories.
Touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this activity without the need of assistance from others.
TOUR OPERATOR:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd. (ABN 64-00581707) is the tour operator. Celebrity Equinox is operated by Celebrity Cruises and the fly, cruise and tour arrangements are subject to the terms and conditions and general information detailed in the Celebrity Cruises brochure. All passengers must complete an online check in with Celebrity Cruises. Final payments are due to be paid to Travelrite International 92 days prior to the commencement of the cruise. A 1.5% administration fee will be added to payments by Visa, Mastercard and AMEX cards. Cancellations outside 92 days of departure will result in the loss of a $1000 deposit. Cancellations 92 days or less before departure will result in the loss of all monies paid.
TOUR COSTS:
The tour costs are based on airfare, general transport, accommodation costs and foreign exchange rate at 1/8/25. Travelrite reserves the right to alter the costs if any of these factors change, giving any passenger that has booked the right to withdraw with full refund of monies paid or modify arrangements. No alterations to price will be made within 52 days of departure from Australia.
AIR TAXES:
from Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane/Perth as listed in the itinerary. Please contact us for air taxes from different cities. Air taxes are as at 1/8/25. If they change due to government and airline charges and currency variations, Travelrite International reserves the right to charge additional amounts.
DEPOSIT AND PAYMENT:
A non-refundable deposit of $1,000 per passenger should be sent with a completed Travelrite International booking form that lists your requested cabin category. As soon as the booking is confirmed (usually within 24 hours), a cruise confirmation advice will be posted to the client. The confirmation advice will contain all details. The passenger must also complete an online check in with Celebrity Cruises. Final payments are due to be paid to Travelrite International 92 days prior to the commencement of the cruise. A 1.5% administration fee will be added to payments by Visa, Mastercard and AMEX cards.
CANCELLATION CHARGES:
Number of days before sailing. Cancellations outside 92 days of departure will result in a $1000 cancellation fee. Cancellations 91 days or less before departure will result in the loss of all monies paid. Non-appearance/no written notice will result in a 100% loss of full fare.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Travel insurance is recommended to cover the costs of cancellation fees due to illness, death in family, etc.
MINIMUM TOUR NUMBERS AND CONDITIONS:
The tour has been priced on the basis of a minimum number of passengers having booked 92 days prior to departure. Travelrite reserves the right to cancel the tour, giving a full refund of all monies paid or offer arrangements to proceed with the tour at a modified cost.
REFUNDS:
The tour is based on arrangements that do not allow for any refunds in respect to sightseeing, accommodation, meals, airfare or other services not utilised after the tour has commenced.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS:
All passengers will require a valid passport. Visa for countries visited are not required for Australian passport holders. If you hold another passport please check with Travelrite.
BAGGAGE:
All passengers qualify for the 20kg free baggage allowance.
RESPONSIBILITY:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd is the tour organiser. Travelrite acts only as an agent in the making of arrangements for hotels, transportation, restaurants or any other service and do not assume liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, death, loss, accident or delay to person or property due to an act of negligence or a default of any hotel, carrier restaurant company or person rendering any services included in the tour, or by act of God. Further no responsibilities are accepted for any damage or delay due to sickness, pilferage, labour disputes, machinery break-down, quarantine, government restraints, weather, terrorism or other causes beyond their control. No responsibility is accepted for any additional expense, omission, delays, rerouting or acts of any government authority. The passage contract between the carriers concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the purchasers of this tour and/or the passengers. The right is reserved to withdraw any tour and/or make such changes in the tour as may be found desirable or necessary for the convenience of the parties and the proper carrying out of the tour. This contract shall be construed in accordance of the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia and any action must be taken in the State of Victoria.
DELAYS AND UNFORESEEN EVENTS:
You engage Travelrite International to book this tour on your behalf and you acknowledge that Travelrite International acts as your agent for the purpose of making contracts between you and the various providers of accommodation, transportation and other services that comprise the tour. Travelrite may without reference to you provide or make available to you, or may as your agent engage any third party to provide or make available to you, any good or service which Travelrite reasonably believes is necessary for your benefit to maintain the tour itinerary, repatriate you or otherwise accommodate, transport or sustain you in circumstances in which the tour itinerary fails wholly or partly for any reason. You appoint Travelrite International your attorney for this purpose. You agree to pay Travelrite any cost thereof and you indemnify Travelrite in respect of any cost it incurs in this regard. Travelrite advises you to obtain travel insurance generally including in respect of the risk that any such good or service may become required.
HOW TO BOOK:
Bookings can be made by sending full names and addresses of intending tour members with a non-refundable deposit of $1,000 for the Mediterranean Garden Cruise tour. Please send to Travelrite International Pty Ltd 423 Whitehorse Road, Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information can be obtained by telephoning Toll Free: 1800 630 343 Phone: (03) 9836 2522 Email: sales@travelrite.com.au www.travelrite.com.au
ABOUT TRAVELRITE INTERNATIONAL:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a well-established travel company which has been operating in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne for more than 40 years. It is fully ATAS accredited (No. A10538) and fully IATA credited and directly represents the major airlines of the world and all major domestic and international tour and transport operators. Travelrite International has been operating special interest tours for over 38 years, and now runs over 120 tours a year. Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a full member of the Australian Travel Industry Association-ATIA.
“The whole tour was wonderful and the group was a good mix of personality. The gardens visited were interesting and varied.”
“Very enjoyable. Good mix of people in the group.”
