Hibernate in a cave in Puglia
Italy, Europe

If you’re looking for an experience that is as unique as it is authentic, then staying in the ancient cave dwellings carved into the limestone cliffs in Italy’s magical city of Matera is for you!
Not the type of cave you might find Bear Grylls bunkering down for the night, but a plush cave hotel in one of Europe’s most unusual landscapes. The Italian city of Matera is renowned for its ancient cave dwellings. These intriguing stone residences are cut into rock faces within a labyrinth of narrow streets and tumbling lodgings chipped into the cliffside.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, between the stone churches and ancient alleyways, the caves have been carefully restored in full respect of the local cultural heritage. Fear not, with king size beds and ensuite bathrooms, these hotel caves offer every comfort!

Jess Carman
House of Travel Wellington City
What I love most about my job is helping others make their travel dreams a reality! It may sound cheesy, but it really is true!
I started out back in 2002 & have enjoyed travels through South East Asia, the Pacific, Australia, USA, the UK & Europe!
After having my son just before our first Covid lockdown in 2020, I took a bit of a hiatus but came back to House of Travel in a support roll for the lovely Petra in April 2024.
Once a travel agent, always a travel agent!
Petra and I work together to weave these dreams for our lovely customers, and I look forward to helping you with yours too!
Jess

Bridget Hanrahan
House of Travel Prestons
Bridget has an amazing collection of knowledge from 19 years creating wonderful itineraries for all her clients. She takes the role of research very seriously from finding the finest cocktail to ensuring everyone has the best activity tips!
Her knowledge in cruising, as well as other adventure and family travel combined with her easy approachable manner takes the pain out of planning your trip of a lifetime.
"Designing unique travel experiences is my passion. My attention to detail and always looking for exclusive options ensures that all client's experiences are seamless right from the initial enquiry".
When Bridget is not pouring over brochures for inspiration, you can find her having a game of tennis, finding the next best HOT Chocolate, or spending time with her family.
"Travel is the healthiest addiction" - Anonymous
Why I love travel:
For me life is about experiences, not things! I love exploring new places, cultures, environments. I see travel for me as an addiction - I just can't stay away and helping people is so rewarding.
My travel tips:
- Travel as soon as you can, don't delay as life is too short.
- If you want an adventure head to Antarctica or the Arctic before anywhere else.
- Always carry a change of clothes, any valuables and medication in your carry-on luggage. The House of Travel online brochures are a great source of information when planning your journey then we can finetune your holiday for you.
My top 5 destinations:
- Africa- Serengeti plains!!! Perfect place to go to create family memories with our young adult kids! Adventure to encounter wildlife and camping in the Serengeti!
- Dubai- the mix of culture, sights, architecture, markets, desert and the malls - even though shopping is not my thing.
- Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska - I was incredibly fortunate to have a family holiday in Canada, Alaska, Las Vegas and California and I'll never forget rafting on the Nenana River, rounding a bend to see a moose and her two calves taking a drink …. we all forgot to keep paddling; it was an incredible sight!
- Rome - the history and the chaos of a bustling city it offers so much culture with a cool vibe.
- Thailand - I lived near Chiang Mai as an exchange student many years ago and have been back to the country three times. It is great for families, couples, singles with so much to see and do.
What's in my suitcase?
- Happiness - I'm always in my happy place as soon as I travel.
- Active wear - Our holidays always include adventure and plenty of travel.
- A copy of my passport and insurance policy number and phone number, in case I lose my carryon bag and phone.
Bridget

Aurelie Johnson
House of Travel Lower Hutt
Born in France, I moved to New Zealand in 2019.
Passionate in travel, I explored Europe from a young age, then decided to go a bit further with my backpack, first in Vietnam for a month, then in New Zealand for a year (that is when I fell in love with Aotearoa).
I started to work in the travel industry by organising safari trips in Tanzania, where I went several times as a tour leader.
Discovering new places, countries, cultures is an amazing way to create memories, that is why I love helping clients to organise their holiday.
There is nothing more satisfying to me than a client popping in store after their journey to tell me all about the adventures they've had.

Namrata Patel
House of Travel Hobsonville
Hi, I’m Namrata — a travel
consultant who genuinely cares about your time, your budget, and your hopes for
that memorable holiday. I love turning travel ideas into something real and
unforgettable. For me, building an itinerary is like solving a puzzle — shaped
by your interests, personality, and sense of adventure.
I’m research-driven and love digging into the details that make a trip special.
Whether it’s tricky airfares, island-hopping cruises, or crafting meaningful
family journeys, I’m here for it.
Travel is never one-size-fits-all, and I look forward to discovering your
unique travel style.
Every trip starts with a good chat — let’s start there.
Namrata
Explore our Italy holidays 4
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