Guide to the Best Italy Cruise Destinations
Land of pizza, pasta and gelato, what’s not to love about Italy? Boasting a well-deserved spot at the top of many travellers’ bucket lists, Italy spoils everyone who visits with grand art and architecture, timeless natural scenery and some of the best food and wine on Earth.
Best of all, many of Italy’s most famous destinations are located near the coast, making a cruise holiday the perfect way to explore this spellbinding country. Learn more about the breathtaking places you can visit with our guide to the best Italy cruise destinations.
Rome (Civitavecchia)
Live ‘la dolce vita’ in Rome, the revered capital of Italy. Your cruise ship will dock in the nearby port city of Civitavecchia, just 45 minutes from Rome city centre. Cruise to Rome and quickly learn that the possibilities of how to spend your day are endless. Marvel at the mammoth Colosseum, where ancient gladiators once duelled, before wandering amongst further ruins at the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Venture to the Vatican City, an independent city-state home of the Roman Catholic Church, to admire the heavenly frescoes of the Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo. Before heading back to your ship, be sure to throw a euro into the Trevi Fountain – legend says that doing so will guarantee a return to Rome in the future.
Naples
Backdropped by the dramatic Mount Vesuvius, Naples is a must-visit on any Italy cruise. This city is steeped in history, which you can catch a glimpse of by exploring the ruins of Pompeii, an ancient Roman civilisation buried in ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D. If you’re cruising to Naples on a warm summer day, consider taking a scenic boat trip to Capri, a glitzy island known for its sparkling azure waters, sun-kissed rocky beaches and all-around stunning scenery. No matter what you do, don’t leave Naples without indulging in a slice of Neapolitan pizza – this Italian favourite is said to have originated right here in Naples.
Venice
The floating city of Venice may just be Italy’s most enchanting cruise destination. Built atop over 100 islands in a peaceful lagoon, this dreamlike city is made for getting lost. Add a touch of romance to your cruise holiday by taking a gondola ride through the city’s network of winding canals, passing icons like Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs. However, keep in mind that this bucket list experience can be pricey, and a Vaporetto (waterbus) can take you everywhere you need to go at a fraction of the cost. If you have a spare day before or after your Italy cruise, travel to the offshore island of Murano to watch local artisans create one-of-a-kind glass sculptures, the perfect souvenir to commemorate your Italy holiday.
Palermo, Sicily
The Sicilian capital of Palermo may just be one of Italy’s most intriguing cruise destinations. Thanks to its strategic location, Palermo has been conquered countless times throughout history, creating a melting pot of cultural influences that can be seen in its architecture, people and cuisine. Explore the city’s key attractions, including Norman Palace, Palermo Cathedral and the Teatro Massimo opera house, and sample fresh produce and spices at the Vucciria Market. Active travellers can tackle the trails of nearby Mount Pellegrino, while those looking to relax can visit the seaside resort of Mondello to lounge under a beach umbrella or swim in the Mediterranean Sea.
Trieste
Nestled beside the Adriatic Sea, the enchanting city of Trieste is unlike anywhere else in Italy. Once part of the Habsburg Empire, Trieste has heavy influences from Austria, Hungary and even Germany. This is a place where you will find goulash, strudel and sauerkraut on the menu alongside classic Italian favourites. Better yet, the Trieste cruise port is conveniently located right in the heart of town, making it easy to explore local attractions, like the Piazza Unita d’Italia, the Canal Grande and the Teatro Verdi. If you have time to spare, book a shore excursion to Grotta Gigante, one of the largest caves in the world open to visitors. Venture to the cave floor to marvel at the staggering stalactites, stalagmites and calcite flows.
Florence/Pisa (Livorno)
One of the oldest port cities in Italy, Livorno is your gateway to two of Tuscany’s most famous destinations: Florence and Pisa. Travel just 30 minutes to Pisa to snap that quintessential photo with the city’s iconic leaning tower before heading onwards to Florence, a city teeming with art, history and culture. Climb the 463 steps to the top of the Duomo for unparalleled views of Florence before browsing the works of art at Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Gallery, the latter of which houses Michelangelo’s famed Statue of David. Before you leave, duck into a local trattoria to sample some authentic Tuscan dishes, such as Florentine steak, truffle pasta and pappa al pomodoro (tomato soup).
Messina, Sicily
Nicknamed the ‘Doorway of Sicily’ a cruise to the storied city of Messina offers the perfect introduction to the largest Mediterranean island. Spend some time exploring iconic landmarks like Orion Fountain, Sacario di Cristo Re, and the Cathedral of Messina, which houses the world’s largest astronomical clock. Those wishing to explore further can join a shore excursion to the nearby medieval village of Taormina, where you can wander amongst ancient ruins and take a dip in the sparkling waters of Isola Bella. While in Sicily, be sure to sample some traditional sweet treats, like cannoli and frutta martorana, a marzipan dessert shaped like fruits and vegetables.
Amalfi Coast (Salerno)
Famed for its quaint seaside towns and astonishing views, it’s no wonder that the Amalfi Coast is one of the most popular travel destinations in Italy. Immerse yourself in all the Amalfi Coast has to offer by cruising to the cliffside village of Salerno. From here, you can take a scenic drive along the winding coast to reach the postcard-worthy towns of Positano, Amalfi and Sorrento, where you can wander amongst pastel-coloured buildings and laze on sun-soaked beaches. Pop into a café for a refreshing limoncello or a lavish oceanfront ristorante for a plate of spaghetti alle vongole, topped with clams, tomatoes and herbs. A cruise to the Amalfi Coast will leave you wonderstruck.
Cinque Terre (La Spezia)
Cruise to La Spezia, a port city in the Italian Riviera, and find yourself just a 30-minute train ride from Cinque Terre. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a collection of five colourful fishing villages perched atop dramatic cliffs bordering the Ligurian Sea. The most popular way to explore Cinque Terre is via hike, as this offers a great way to discover what makes each village unique. For instance, Monterosso is known for its rugged beaches, while Riomaggiore is home to historic murals, ruins and churches. Before you jump back onboard your ship, spend some time exploring the sights of La Spezia itself, including Via Del Prione, San Giorgio Castle and the Naval Technical Museum.
Cagliari, Sardinia
For an Italy cruise destination that’s further off the beaten path, set your sights on the shores of Sardinia. Italy’s second-largest island offers a ruggedly picturesque coastline, ancient archaeological sites and intriguing cultural traditions. Arrive in the port city of Cagliari to wander the columns of the Saint Remy Bastion and dive into the crystalline waters of Poetto Beach. Learn more about the Roman era by joining a shore excursion to the ruins of Nora, an ancient city that was buried away for centuries, before being rediscovered in 1952. Sardinian cuisine is distinctively different from that of the Italian mainland, so be sure to sample some local dishes, like fregula (ball-shaped pasta often served with meat or fish sauces) and pane carasau (a type of flatbread).
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