Qantas has commenced its direct flights from Perth to Rome, marking Australia's only nonstop service to Europe. These seasonal flights will operate until October 23, 2026, using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. Initially, three flights per week are scheduled on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, increasing to four with an additional Saturday service.
Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace stated: 'Rome is one of Europe's most iconic destinations and our nonstop flight is incredibly popular with customers who tell us they love being able to depart Perth in the evening and wake up in Rome.'
Sample economy fares include from $2129 for travel between July 15 and 26, 2026; from $2222 for July 27 to August 4 and October 8 to 22; and from $2273 for October 28 to November 8 and January 17 to February 9, 2027. For bookings, visit qantas.com.
Getting to Naples from Rome
Naples is just over an hour from Rome by train, with fares ranging from approximately $33 to $61 depending on the day and time. Bus services take about two and a half hours, with fares from $17 to $73. For train bookings, visit italiarail.com/pages/routes/rome-to-naples; for buses, see itabus.it.
Exploring Naples: A Trio of Tranquil Spots
Italy's third-largest city is often perceived as loud and chaotic, especially during traffic jams or when Napoli is playing. However, it offers many peaceful retreats. On a Collette tour, visitors can stay in a waterfront area that balances vibrancy and calm.
Lungomare
The Lungomare, a curved bayside strip west of the port, was permanently pedestrianised after a successful trial during the 2012 America's Cup. This 2.5km stretch now hosts events like the Giro d'Italia's Grande Partenza, but is mostly used by walkers. Neapolitans enjoy strolling here, eating gelato, and taking photos. While busy during the day and evening, early mornings are quiet, offering stunning bay views perfect for a pre-breakfast walk.
Villa Comunale
Adjacent to the Lungomare, this park was built on reclaimed land in the 1780s. It features Italy's oldest aquarium, children's play areas, shaded benches, and open spaces for sports. Tall palm and pine trees line gravel paths, with classical statues and an art nouveau gazebo. Occasional flea markets or concerts add charm. The park also offers views of colourful hillside buildings.
Chiaia and Vomero
North of Villa Comunale lies Chiaia, an affluent district with upscale shops and baroque churches, including the 17th-century Chiesa di Santa Teresa a Chiaia. Nearby, the oldest funicular (opened 1889) connects Chiaia to Vomero for $2.50 per ride. Vomero features wider, tree-lined streets and terraces with panoramic city and bay views. Free viewpoints include Villa Floridiana gardens, while paid sites like Certosa di San Martino (a former monastery museum) and Castel Sant'Elmo (a star-shaped fortress with modern art) are worth visiting.
Steve McKenna was a guest of Collette. They have not influenced or read this story before publication.
Fact File
Collette's 13-day Amalfi Coast to Puglia tour starts with two nights in Naples. Departures from March to November cost from $7999 per person (twin share). See gocollette.com/en-au. For trip planning, visit visitnaples.eu/en and italia.it/en.
