Venice, Italy
Beyond the beauty of the canals, campi and courtyards, there’s even more to Venice than meets the eye.
Italy Cruise Holiday Highlights
Italy offers a choice of truly amazing cities – from the laid-back vibe of Naples, to the history-packed atmosphere of Rome, to the seaside towns that are bustling with life overlooked by gorgeous houses nestled into cliff faces.
Selection of Italy Ports
Naples, Italy
Delve into one of the most ancient cities in the world for artistic culture, tranquil gardens and culinary delights.
Genoa, Italy
Nestled on the Ligurian coast, the bustling city of Genoa is a delight to explore – particularly for lovers of fine Italian food.
Sorrento, Italy
Sorrento is a charming resort town with plenty to see and do, from fabulous boutiques to tasty local food.
Salerno, Italy
Now introduced by Zaha Hadid Architects’ superb ultramodern ferry terminal, this intriguing port soon reveals its historical roots, starting with the pretty gardens of the 18th-century Villa Comunale.
Cagliari, Italy
Sardinia’s stunning capital, Cagliari, is another highlight, boasting Roman ruins, museums, churches and galleries, as well as outstanding fish and seafood.
Messina, Italy
Messina sits on a curved harbour at the northernmost point of Sicily’s Ionian Coast, a few kilometres from mainland Italy.
Olbia, Italy
While the crowds flock to the more famous Costa Smeralda a little further north, those in the know make their first stop on the Italian island of Sardinia at the historic city of Olbia.
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Explore Italy on a Mediterranean Cruise Holiday
From preserved ancient cities and impressive Roman ruins to Renaissance and Baroque art and awe-inspiring architecture, Italy is a treasure trove of antiquity and exquisite beauty. With its irresistible combination of fabulous food and wine, glorious architecture and historic cities, the Mediterranean is a true hotbed of culture.
Reasons to visit Italy on a cruise holiday
Beautiful Ports
There is a huge range of places to see on an Italy cruise. Naples is one of Italy’s largest ports, although many people do tend to head for the islands of Pompeii or the Amalfi Coast instead of settling down in the city.
Relax and Explore
Palermo and Messina are both used to access Sicily. If you want to access the Western side, head for the Palermo stop – there are plenty of churches, palazzos and stunning sights to see before you head further afield. For the eastern side of Sicily, make sure Messina is on your itinerary.
Italian Food
You can’t talk about Italy without talking about the food. Each region has its own speciality, with twists on pasta, bread and meat at every turn, but a focus on fresh and seasonal flavour wherever you go.
Collection of Italy Ports
Rome, Italy
Meander the streets of Rome with a gelato in hand and soak up the history and romance of the Italian capital on a city escape.
Elba, Italy
The island of Elba, off the coast of mainland Tuscany, is best known as Napoleon’s place of exile in 1814. Its history reaches much further back, as the interesting archaeological museum in the main port town Portoferraio attests.
Trieste, Italy
The Italian city of Trieste is entirely surrounded by Slovenia. With historic connections to Austria's Hapsburgs, the city also has German, Jewish, Slavic and Greek influences.
Livorno, Italy
Founded in the 16th century by the Grand Dukes of Tuscany - the Medici Family, Livorno remains a busy port and town.
Palermo, Italy
Sicily’s capital, Palermo, perches at the foot of Monte Pellegrino at the heart of a large natural harbour.
La Spezia, Italy
La Spezia is the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site called Cinque Terre - a collection of five coastal villages perched on the coastline.
Bari, Italy
Bari has often been neglected by visitors, but this atmospheric and architecturally adorned city is a little gem that embraces a rich cosmopolitan past.
Trapani, Italy
Situated on the west coast of Sicily, the port of Trapani was an important hub for trade and remained a key port throughout the Middle Ages
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View a selection of Italian cruise shore experiences
Florence On Your Own
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An Introduction to Venice
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Taormina
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