Last Updated on 2025 年 5 月 7 日 by 総合編集組
Embark on Your Dream Italian Holiday: Cathay Pacific Launches New Direct Flights to Rome with Exclusive Deals and Asia Miles Rewards
Italy, a name that conjures images of ancient empires, Renaissance art, exquisite cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes, beckons travelers with its timeless allure.
From the historic grandeur of Rome to the romantic canals of Venice and the fashion-forward streets of Milan, Italy offers an unparalleled travel experience. This year, realizing your Italian dream, particularly a “Roman Holiday,” has become even more accessible and rewarding, thanks to Cathay Pacific’s exciting new route and exceptional promotional offers.
New Horizons: Cathay Pacific Connects Asia to Rome with Direct Flights
Great news for European travel enthusiasts! Cathay Pacific has announced the official launch of its direct flights from Hong Kong to Rome, commencing in June 2025. This marks the airline’s second gateway to Italy, complementing its existing Milan route, and significantly enhances connectivity for Asian travelers eager to explore the cultural heart of Europe.
Unmissable Inaugural Offers: Fly to Rome for Less
To celebrate this new milestone, Cathay Pacific is rolling out limited-time introductory fares that are too good to miss:
- Booking Period: Effective immediately until 11:59 PM (Taipei Time) on May 5, 2025.
- Travel Period: June 4, 2025, to July 14, 2025.
- Promotional Fares:
- Inaugural Flight Special: Book the first flight from Taipei/Kaohsiung (connecting via Hong Kong) to Rome on June 4, 2025, with Economy Class tickets starting from TWD 22,797* (all-inclusive of taxes and surcharges).
- Limited-Time Launch Offer: For travel from Taipei/Kaohsiung (via Hong Kong) to Rome before July 14, 2025, enjoy special Economy Class fares starting from TWD 25,797* (all-inclusive).
- Applicable Routes: Taipei/Kaohsiung to Rome and Munich (via Hong Kong).
Stated fares include taxes and operational surcharges and are subject to change; the final amount will be based on the system display at the time of booking.
Flight Details and Onboard Experience:
From June 5, 2025, to October 25, 2025, Cathay Pacific will operate three seasonal flights per week (Monday, Thursday, Saturday) directly from Hong Kong to Rome. These flights will be serviced by the Airbus A350-900 aircraft, renowned for its comfort and efficiency. Passengers can look forward to a superior travel experience with options including fully flat Business Class seats, Premium Economy, and Standard Economy cabins, catering to diverse traveler needs and preferences.
Cathay Pacific’s Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, Lavinia Lau, expressed enthusiasm for the new route, stating, “Our connection with Italy dates back to 1986 when we first launched direct flights between Hong Kong and Rome. Relaunching this route not only serves our business travelers but also provides convenience for passengers traveling to Rome to experience its cultural heritage or participate in the Jubilee events.”
The timing of this route reopening is particularly significant, coinciding with the 2025 Jubilee, a major event in the Catholic Church held every 25 years. Rome and the Vatican will host numerous celebrations throughout the year, drawing millions of pilgrims and tourists worldwide. Cathay Pacific’s enhanced service to Italy provides an excellent opportunity for Asian travelers planning to be part of this historic occasion.
Maximize Your Rewards: Asia Miles and Co-branded Credit Card Benefits
Beyond the attractive fares, flying with Cathay Pacific to Rome allows you to accumulate valuable Asia Miles. For a round trip from Taipei to Rome via Hong Kong, passengers can earn approximately 5,600 Asia Miles (around 2,800 miles each way).
The deal gets even sweeter for holders of the Taishin Bank Cathay Pacific World Card. When purchasing tickets on the official Cathay Pacific website using this card, members can earn an additional 1 Asia Mile for every TWD 5 spent. Based on the promotional fare of TWD 25,797, this translates to an extra ~5,159 Asia Miles (25,797÷5).
Combining the flight-earned miles with the credit card bonus, travelers can accumulate a total of approximately 10,759 Asia Miles (5,600+5,159). These miles hold significant value; for instance, over 10,000 Asia Miles can be redeemed for intercontinental long-haul Business Class tickets, potentially valued at around TWD 10,000. Therefore, after factoring in the value of these miles, the effective cost of your flight to Rome could be as low as TWD 15,797 ($25,797 – 10,000). This makes the promotional offer exceptionally cost-effective for your European adventure.
(Mileage estimates are for reference only; actual miles earned depend on the final routing, fare class, and Asia Miles terms and conditions. For credit card offer details, please consult Taishin Bank.)
Key Terms and Conditions of the Offer:
- The offer is applicable only for tickets issued through the official Cathay Pacific website.
- It applies to round-trip tickets from Taipei/Kaohsiung to Rome and Munich, on flights marketed and operated by Cathay Pacific.
- Eligible cabin class: Economy (Light/Standard/Flex).
- Child fare is 75% of the adult fare; infant fare is 10%.
- The offer is subject to system availability and seat allocation, with other terms and conditions applying. Cathay Pacific reserves the final decision on this offer.
A Roman Holiday: Immerse Yourself in the Eternal City’s Millennia of Splendor
Rome, a city with nearly 3,000 years of history, is an open-air museum. From the majestic Colosseum to the awe-inspiring Pantheon, every monument tells a story of past glory.
Must-Visit Landmarks in Rome:
- Colosseum: A New7Wonder of the World, this ancient amphitheater once hosted gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.
- Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: The heart of ancient Rome’s political, economic, and religious life. Palatine Hill is fabled as the founding site of Rome.
- Pantheon: An architectural marvel of ancient Rome, famed for its massive dome and oculus.
- Trevi Fountain: The world’s largest Baroque fountain and a famous wishing well. Toss a coin to ensure your return to Rome!
- Spanish Steps & Piazza di Spagna: Made famous by the film “Roman Holiday,” these steps are a popular gathering spot.
- Vatican City: An independent city-state within Rome, home to St. Peter’s Basilica (a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture) and the Vatican Museums, which house the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s breathtaking frescoes.
- Castel Sant’Angelo: Originally Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum, later a papal fortress and prison, connected to Vatican City by a fortified corridor. The bridge leading to it, Ponte Sant’Angelo, is adorned with angel statues designed by Bernini and his pupils.
Culinary Delights of Rome:
No trip to Rome is complete without indulging in authentic Italian cuisine:
- Pasta: Savor classic Roman dishes like Carbonara, Amatriciana, and Cacio e Pepe.
- Pizza: Try Roman-style pizza, known for its thin, crispy crust (pizza al taglio or tonda).
- Gelato: Enjoy artisanal ice cream with a myriad of flavors from renowned gelaterias like Giolitti or Fassi 1880.
- Coffee (Caffè): Experience Italy’s coffee culture by having an espresso or cappuccino at a local bar. Notable cafes include La Casa del Tazza d’Oro and Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè.
Tips for Your Roman Holiday:
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather.
- Transportation: Rome is walkable, but its metro, bus, and tram systems are also efficient.
- Accommodation: A wide range from luxury hotels to budget-friendly B&Bs. Book in advance, especially during peak season or the Jubilee year.
- Dress Code: Dress modestly when visiting churches (cover shoulders and knees).
- Safety: Be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas.
Beyond Rome: Exploring Italy’s Diverse Treasures
Rome serves as an excellent starting point for a broader Italian adventure:
- Florence: The cradle of the Renaissance, home to artistic masterpieces by Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, the Duomo, and the Uffizi Gallery.
- Venice: The unique city of canals, gondolas, and St. Mark’s Square.
- Milan: Italy’s fashion and business capital, featuring the magnificent Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and Leonardo’s “The Last Supper.”
- Naples & Pompeii: Naples, the birthplace of pizza, and the nearby ancient Roman city of Pompeii, preserved under volcanic ash.
- Amalfi Coast & Cinque Terre: Stunning coastal regions with picturesque towns clinging to cliffs above the turquoise sea.
- Tuscany: Rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves, and charming medieval towns, offering a quintessential Italian countryside experience.
Smart Strategies for Booking European Flights
Beyond Cathay Pacific’s current promotion, here are general tips for securing affordable flights to Italy and other European destinations:
- Plan and Book Early: Aim for 1-4 months in advance for international flights, or even earlier for peak seasons.
- Utilize Comparison Tools: Websites and apps like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Kayak help compare prices across airlines. Set price alerts.
- Be Flexible with Dates and Airports: Traveling during the off-season (e.g., March or November for Italy) or on weekdays can significantly reduce costs. Consider flying into nearby, smaller airports.
- Watch for Airline Promotions: Subscribe to airline newsletters and follow them on social media. Leverage credit card partnerships for discounts and bonus miles.
- Understand Airline Types: For long-haul, full-service carriers like EVA Air and China Airlines also fly to Italy. Within Europe, budget airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air offer competitive fares but often charge extra for baggage and other services.
- Consider Booking Channels: Booking directly with airlines often provides more transparency and easier handling of changes. Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) might offer lower prices but can have stricter and more complex terms.
Conclusion: Your Italian Dream Awaits!
Whether you’re drawn to Rome’s ancient history, Florence’s artistic legacy, or Venice’s romantic waterways, Italy promises an unforgettable journey. With Cathay Pacific’s new direct flights to Rome and enticing launch offers, coupled with valuable Asia Miles rewards, there’s never been a better time to plan your Italian getaway. Seize the opportunity to book by May 5, 2025, and prepare for an incredible European adventure filled with sunshine, exquisite food, and rich cultural experiences. Your Roman holiday is just a flight away!
(Disclaimer: Flight, fare, and mileage information provided is for reference. Please refer to the official Cathay Pacific website, Asia Miles program, and relevant bank for the latest and most accurate details. Always adhere to local travel advisories and regulations.)
