Thoughts of Italy evoke images of ancient Rome, the scents of aromatic Italian spices and wines, tossing coins in the Trevi Fountain, and sailing down the romantic canals of Venice with the one you love. Italy offers so much for visitors to see and do, and all of that sightseeing can be accomplished in a number of ways, including through a wonderful selection of Italy cruise vacations.
While many choose to experience Italy via land tour, those who enjoy cruising often prefer the option to explore the country during the day and return to a comfortable cabin aboard their floating hotel each night. The most popular cruise lines offer Mediterranean cruises that include stops at a variety of ports in Italy and neighboring countries.
Truly, an Italy cruise vacation is a great way to see the country, from the sometimes rugged but always beautiful coastline to the inland cities brimming with history and romance. While shore excursions may not include everything you’d see on a bus or self-guided driving tour, cruises let you see the highlights of this stunning country.
ports of call
When looking for an ocean cruise that includes stops in various Italian towns and cities, take some time to research specific ports of call to determine which one you’d like to see. Options include:
Civitavecchia
Don’t be fooled by the long unknown name. Civitavecchia is the name of the port that services the capital, Rome. Many cruises depart from Civitavecchia so you can spend time seeing Rome before or after your trip. However, if Rome is one of your ports of call, you can travel by taxi or bus from the port to the city. Rome, one of the most impressive capitals in Europe, is full of amazing historical sites waiting to be explored, such as the Forum, the Colosseum, the Vatican and its museums, and much more. Don’t forget to grab some ice cream for a refreshing snack!
genoa
This ancient city, with its narrow streets and impressive palaces, is a treasure. Easy to reach on foot from the cruise terminal, you’ll want to take the time to explore every nook and cranny.
Leghorn
Many Italy cruise vacations include a stop in this coastal city, which is close to Florence and Pisa. The first, a city of great art and culture, is the gateway to the Tuscany region of Italy and is a joy to explore. Be sure to stop at the Ufizzi Gallery, where you can see masterpieces by some of Italy’s greatest artists. Of course, in Pisa you can visit the famous Leaning Tower.
Venice
The City of Canals is located at the head of the Adriatic Sea and has long been considered one of the most romantic destinations in the world. Take a gondola ride through the canals or explore the picturesque Piazza San Marco. If time permits, take a water taxi to the island of Murano, where glassblowing has been practiced for centuries.
Other ports of call in Italy include the islands of Elba, famous as the place where Napoleon was exiled; and Sardinia, once owned by Spain and boasting magnificent Catalan architecture, as well as impressive archaeological sites dating back several millennia. Naples, on the picturesque Amalfi Coast, is also a stop on a number of Italian cruise vacations. From the Naples area you can reach Pompeii, the best preserved ancient city in the world, and the Isle of Capri with its famous Blue Grotto.