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Italy Cruises

Experience Romance in Italy

Beautifully preserved ancient architecture, picture-perfect beaches, rolling countryside and delectable food and wine — there’s no denying that Italy is one of the most enchanting places in the world for all these great reasons! Thanks to the country’s idyllic geography, surrounded by waters on all sides, most major towns are conveniently accessible and feature heavily on cruise itineraries. You’ll likely find at least one Italian port in every Western Mediterranean itinerary, alongside ports from other Mediterranean countries, such as Greece, Spain, Croatia, and France. Italy’s beautiful cities ooze with romance — get ready to be wonderstruck as you soak up the charm of Rome, Florence, Pisa, Naples and Venice on your next Italy cruise!

The gateway to the country’s capital is Civitavecchia, which is just about an hour away via train. Rome is steeped with culture and history, so you’ll have to plan your day and set your priority destinations. Wandering the meandering alleys and piazzas, you’ll reach the Eternal City’s points of interest, such as the Colosseum, the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain. Meanwhile, Livorno is the cruise port that transports travellers to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, and Pisa, which is home to the world-famous leaning tower of Pisa. 

Get a glimpse of the ancient Roman life in Naples, a quaint small city built in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, the only volcano on the European mainland to have erupted in the last hundred years. The same notorious mountain buried Pompeii into thick layers of ash and pumice — now the town serves as an important archeological site, resounding with echoes of its storied and tragic past.

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Italy Cruise Highlights

The Colosseum, Rome

Often topping the list of must-visit spots in an Italy cruise is the Flavian Amphitheatre, commonly called the Colosseum. This gigantic elliptical amphitheatre sits in the centre of Rome, just 20 minutes' walk from the city's main train station, Roma Termini. This historical landmark was built during the reign of the Flavian emperors to host gladiator battles and prisoner executions, and is now the largest standing amphitheatre in the world. The vast ancient ruins sprawl outwards in its shadow, and when you follow the crowds north, you'll reach Piazza Venezia, where the palace overlooks the bustling thoroughfares leading to Nicola Salvi's iconic Trevi Fountain.

Ruins of Pompeii

One of the main draws of the small city of Naples is its close proximity to Pompeii - a timeworn Roman town that was completely destroyed and wiped out after Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. Now a protected archaeological site, Pompeii was preserved perfectly under the molten lava, and it wasn't until the 18th century when it was finally rediscovered. UNESCO has given the town the status of a World Heritage Site as it provides an insight into ancient Roman life while carrying an air of mystery and angst owing to its agonising past.

Tower of Pisa

The Torre Pendente's freestanding bell tower, also referred to as the Tower of Pisa, leans at a slant of 3.9 degrees vertically. This extraordinary silhouette is an excellent example of the Romanesque-inspired mediaeval architecture that eventually claimed fame across the globe for its unintended tilted stance that began to take shape five years into its construction. Regardless if you plan to climb the top of the tower or marvel at its architectural oddity from the grounds of Pisa's Cathedral Square, no trip would ever be complete without a photo op of you trying to push the tower back up!

History and Culture

History and Culture

Italy’s history and culture are entwined with its ancient heritage attributed to its millennia of civilisation. Italy has the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country in the world, which just speaks of its outstanding universal value and legacy. The country prides itself as the home to the epicentre of the Roman empire and the birthplace of Renaissance. From the Colosseum to the Pantheon, the capital’s historic centre is a living museum reflecting the reminders of an important era that pioneered significant contributions to the development of the Western civilisation. Renaissance is also heavily evident in Italy’s art and architecture, seen in the artworks of Michelangelo, Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci, and the architectural feats, such as the Florence Cathedral and St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

Things To Do in Italy

Float downstream on a gondola ride in Venice

Dubbed as the “floating city,” Venice is a romantic city built on over 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. Whether you’re floating downstream on a gondola ride, sharing pizza in a tranquil Venetian ristorante, or getting lost in the maze of vicoli that connect all the stunning isles - this is one city that will never fail to amaze you. Winding canals, beautiful bridges, atmospheric streets and impressive architecture characterise this picturesque city. It has no road for wheeled vehicles; only canals and bridges link the small islands to one another. The S-shaped Grand Canal is the main and largest thoroughfare in Venice, and Rialto Bridge is the oldest and most popular bridge across it.

Visit the holy city of Vatican

The Vatican City is a walled city-state surrounded by Rome and the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. It’s home to several world-famous sites, such as St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums. Get the chance to catch a glimpse of the Pope on Sunday middays when he speaks from the Sistine Chapel’s window or on Wednesday mornings when papal audiences are held in the square or inside the Pope Paul VI auditorium. Be sure to make time to visit the Vatican Museums as well, featuring an extensive collection of works from Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.

Soak in the Renaissance heritage in Florence

Florence is where the Renaissance began, brimming with a wealth of art, architecture, culture and history to soak in. This dreamy city is accessible via the Tuscan cruise ports, Livorno and La Spezia. The city’s crowning glory is the Duomo, or the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, a majestic structure designed by Brunelleschi that visitors are free to explore throughout the week. Step inside the Uffizi and the Accademia galleries, housing many works by the likes of Titian, Botticelli, Michelangelo and da Vinci, including the colossal Statue of David by Michaelangelo. Another highlight in Florence is the Ponte Vecchio, a closed-spandrel arch bridge that crosses over the Arno River and lines with jewellery market stalls.

Food and Drinks

Food and Drinks

It’s indisputable that most of the comfort food that people anywhere in the world enjoy originated from Italy — pizza, pasta, lasagne, risotto and gelato never leave the ‘favourite food’ discussions. Most of the traditional Italian dishes are prepared simply, usually consisting of only three elements, but they use the freshest ingredients to ensure a fine and healthy taste in every meal. Tomatoes and cheese are staples of Italian gastronomy, so you’ll often see these two mainstays in almost all classic recipes. What’s more, Italians are coffee lovers and they like their caffeine fix strong  sipping a short, sharp kick of espresso. Although Italian cuisine might be familiar to the palate through numerous dish adaptations and fusion cuisine, nothing still compares to the authentic food culture and recipes that natives have perfected over time - so be sure to sample it all on your Italy cruise! Buon appetito!

Italy Cruises FAQs

Is there a cruise around Italy?

Italy’s strategic location bordered by waters make most of the cities easily accessible by cruise. Most Western Mediterranean itineraries include Italian ports, such as Civitavecchia for Rome, Livorno for Florence and Pisa, and Capri for Naples. The cruise lines that offer sailings covering these itineraries include Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Oceania Cruises and more.

What are the best months to cruise to Italy?

Italy cruises are available all year round, but the high season for Mediterranean cruises runs from early April to late November, with June to September as the best travel months for the peak season and pleasant weather conditions.

Where do Italy cruises usually go?

It varies depending on your chosen itinerary but most Italy cruise itineraries embark at Civitavecchia after a pre-cruise stay in Rome, and include the ports of Livorno, Capri, and Sicily, with additional ports in other Mediterranean countries like Greece and Spain.

Will I need a passport or visa?

Passports are required for all international travellers outside the Schengen passport-free zone in Europe, while visa policies vary per country. Travellers from other Schengen Area countries are allowed to enter Italy without a visa.

What is the local currency? Where can I exchange currency?

Euros are widely accepted in Italy and in most European countries. Currency exchange stations are available in most local airports and hotels. There are also official currency exchange offices in major cities. Alternatively, you can withdraw euros from ATMs around the country for a more convenient transaction.

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