How much can we see with seven days in Italy?

We are a couple in our late 60s with modest levels of fitness. At the end of our cruise in Rome, we will have seven days before we fly home. Could you suggest an itinerary to see essential places across Italy’s main cities and attractions and a reputable and modestly priced travel agency for such a tour?
V. Mahajan, Isaacs, ACT

You don’t have enough time to take in more than a couple of cities and my pick would be Venice and Rome. You could also fit in Florence, but that would be a rush. In Rome, the historic centre is a relatively compact area and the “must-sees” include Piazza Navona, Campo de’ Fiori, the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Borghese Gallery, St Peter’s and the Vatican Museums. In Venice, St Mark’s Square and the Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, the Rialto Bridge, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, the ferry rides along the Grand Canal and across to the Lido and out to the island of Burano are all essentials.

I can’t find an off-the-shelf, one-week tour that includes just these two cities but Audley Travel, Tailor Tours, Italia Mia and Vita Italian Tours can help you put together a personalised itinerary, with accommodation, rail tickets and guides. What you could do is spend your first four nights in Rome and the next three in Venice. The fastest trains cover the distance between Rome and Venice in four hours, with no changes.

I’m looking for recommendations for an ethical and locally based safari company for a two to three-week trip through Namibia and Botswana for two in July/August. My budget would be mid-range for safaris, no camping and definitely not high-end. Suggested itineraries would also be appreciated.
B. Strohfeldt, Hornsby, NSW

Namibia and Botswana stand out for low-volume tourism, lodges that emphasise conservation, expert guiding and wildlife experiences that still feel wild. July/August is prime season with dry weather, excellent wildlife viewing, cool nights and generally easier road conditions. To make this trip run more smoothly, you might choose just one high quality Botswana/Namibia specialist rather than separate operators for each country, and top of the list would be Natural Selection Travel and Go2africa.

Natural Selection can put together safari packages at the 20-plus lodges they operate across Namibia and Botswana as well as South Africa. The focus of their stylish but not luxurious camps is on conservation and strong community partnerships. Go2africa has more than 25 years of experience offering safari packages across Africa and reviews from travellers are excellent.

For the time you have available, 8-10 days in Namibia would give you enough time to experience Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland and Etosha National Park. Follow that with 7-10 days in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. For mid-range but quality accommodation in comfortable camps and game drive with expert guides, you can expect to pay in the region of $1200–2000 per couple per day to cover accommodation, safari activities, meals and transfers. Botswana drives costs up significantly due to the need for charter flights and conservation levies.

My wife wants to go to South Korea at the end of December for a week or two before getting the ferry to Japan. What are your thoughts on the weather in South Korea at that time? My 21-year-old niece says it will be fine if you dress appropriately but friends closer to our age say it really is too cold to get out.
W. Shapiro, Maroubra, NSW

South Korea has an extremely cold winter and late December is close to peak chill. You can expect average daily temperatures between 4 and -6°C. Wind chill is another factor, with a frequent wind off Siberia in the second half of December adding a knife blade to the cold. Going outdoors in those conditions requires thermal layers top and bottom, a wool or fleece top, insulated gloves and a warm hat and a windproof jacket. Even Tokyo, where December temperatures average between 4 and 11 degrees, would seem mild by comparison.

A better alternative might be Taiwan. In Taipei average daily temperatures range between 15 and 20 degrees in December and there’s lots to like. Within its compact dimensions, Taiwan packs in dramatic mountain scenery, a world-class culinary scene, a deep-rooted traditional culture, a high-speed rail system and a warm reception that many travellers find unforgettable. You can fly to Taipei non-stop from Sydney with frequent flights from Taipei to Japan.

I have a six-hour layover in Hong Kong and wonder about the feasibility of meeting up with some relatives, who live in Hong Kong, at the airport. I will have to enter Hong Kong, thus leaving transit, but my relatives live on Lantau Island and could comfortably manage a trip to the airport. Would I need a visa?
A. Balette, Hawthorn, Vic

Australian passport holders do not need a visa to enter Hong Kong for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date. You may also be asked to show proof of onward travel and sufficient funds, but that’s unusual. Immigration processing at Hong Kong Airport is very efficient, you can generally expect to be through in a maximum of 20 minutes even in busy periods.

Travel advice is general; readers should consider their personal circumstances