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There are few places that can match the attractiveness of Italy as a tourist destination. Those who travel there have the opportunity to experience incredible cities, charming villages, beautiful coastlines, delicious food, and a rich history.
While skiing, visiting cities, or going to an Italian lake all have their own advantages, there is a method to experience multiple parts of the country in one fast-paced trip.
Passengers on cruises around Italy have the chance to experience the country’s diverse array of attractions. You can begin by exploring the romantic city of Venice and then travel to the rugged and picturesque islands of Sicily and Sardinia. Alternatively, you can start by admiring the stunning coastal scenery of the Cinque Terre and end your journey in the bustling and charming city of Naples, passing through the enchanting capital of Rome along the way.
Whether you just want to see one destination or a handful, there’s likely a cruise to suit you; we’ve rounded up some of the best below.
Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is recognized as a Unesco World Heritage site.
The Amalfi Coast offers a taste of all the elements that have made Italy renowned: stunning shorelines, sandy beaches, charming villages, ancient landmarks, and a rich dose of la dolce vita.
The main cities located on this shoreline are Amalfi, Sorrento, and Positano. These cities are known for their opulent atmosphere and luxurious amenities, such as relaxing beaches or extravagant hotels. Nearby, Pompeii offers a remarkable glimpse into a significant moment in world history. For stunning views and a chance to explore charming towns, driving along the winding roads of the Amalfi Coast is highly recommended.
How to accomplish it
Experience both Sicily and the Amalfi Coast with the ‘Amalfi & Sicily’ package offered by Star Clippers for seven nights. The journey begins in Civitavecchia and includes stops in Amalfi, Sorrento, Messina, before returning to Rome.
The cost for this package starts at £3,629 per person and includes seven nights of lodging, all meals and beverages, as well as select entertainment. The departure date is July 6, 2024.
Explore the top-rated accommodations along the breathtaking Amalfi coast.
Rome, the capital of Italy, is a highly sought-after starting and ending point for cruise trips.
Rome’s capital city is a stunning blend of traditional and modern Italian culture, with options ranging from trendy restaurants and vibrant nightlife in Monti to quaint homes and quaint eateries in Trastevere or Parione.
Rome is known as the Eternal City and is home to Europe’s most iconic landmarks, ranging from ancient Roman ruins to 18th-century fountains. The must-see attractions include the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Spanish Steps, and Trevi Fountain. Additionally, the Vatican City is located within Rome and visitors should not miss out on the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica.
Many voyages to this region typically stop at the nearby port of Civitavecchia, about an hour away from the capital city. Rome is also a popular starting point for cruises, as travelers can embark on journeys to the north towards Cinque Terre, east to Sardinia, and south to Naples and Sicily.
Instructions on how to complete the task
The Atlas Ocean Voyages’ Italian Treasures cruise starts in the ancient Maltese capital, Valletta, but primarily travels along the eastern coast of Italy. It makes overnight stops in Syracuse and Giardini Naxos (both on Sicily) before heading to the Amalfi Coast and Capri. The cruise ends in the capital, giving you the opportunity to freely explore before your flight home.
The cost for this package, which includes eight nights of accommodation, all meals and drinks, and onshore excursions, starts at £2,946 per person. The company is currently offering a promotion where the second guest can sail for free, making it possible to book the entire package for just £2,946. The departure date for this offer is September 1, 2024.
Discover the top hotels in Rome by reading further.
Due to its position in the north, Venice is commonly the starting or concluding destination for cruises that include stops in Croatia and Greece.
Venice is perhaps the most beautiful of all Italian cities, situated on a vast lagoon and criss-crossed by dozens of bridges that hang over its canals. Its waterways are lined with the colourful facades of centuries-old buildings, many of which carry a Venetian style that is unique to the city, making for an eclectic cityscape.
For first-time visitors to the city, it is customary to take a gondola ride, explore St. Mark’s Square, cross the Ponte Rialto, and tour the Doge’s Palace. However, for many, the true allure of the city is getting lost in its labyrinthine streets and admiring its ancient bridges.
Several cruises originate and terminate in Venice, but because of its position at the northern part of the Adriatic Sea, it may take some time to sail to other sought-after locations such as Bari, Sicily, and the Amalfi Coast. If you are traveling to Venice on a cruise, it is likely that the trip will be longer or that it will make stops in northern Croatia, Dubrovnik, or northern Greece.
Instructions on how to do it.
The ‘Italy Intensive Voyage’ by Azmara Cruises travels from Rome to Venice, making stops in Florence, the Amalfi Coast, Sicily, and Kotor, Montenegro. The trip ends in Venice, allowing for free time to explore before returning home.
The cost for this package starts at £2,060 per person and includes 10 nights of lodging, all meals and beverages, evening entertainment, and a choice of specific onshore excursions. This offer is available for departure on April 10, 2024.
Learn more about the top-rated accommodations in Venice.
Every year, approximately five million tourists visit Sicily.
Sicily, one of Italy’s renowned islands, is situated in the Mediterranean Sea alongside its neighboring island, Sardinia. Comparable to Sardinia in charm, Sicily boasts enchanting towns, diverse natural scenery, and a rich cultural and historical heritage that Italy is known for.
The importance of tradition is highly valued in this region, evident in the strong sense of community among locals. This can be seen in various towns and cities, including Palermo and the timeless charm of Syracuse. The presence of olive groves and vineyards on the slopes of Mount Etna also adds to the cultural richness of Sicily. For those seeking a combination of modern Italian lifestyle and outdoor exploration, Sicily offers a great opportunity to visit places such as Parco dell’Etna and experience its historic charm, exemplified by cities like Syracuse.
How to do it
Windstar Cruises’ ‘Sicilian Spendours’ cruise begins and ends in the Italian capital, but as the name suggests, this trip very much focuses on the largest island in the Mediterranean. It begins by heading to the Amalfi Coast, but then moves on to three Sicilian towns – Trapani, Porto Empedocle and Catania, via Gozo and Malta.
The cost for this package is £3,105 per person, which includes 10 nights of lodging, meals, and onboard activities. The departure date is May 28, 2024.
Discover the top-rated accommodations in Sicily.
Sardinia can be reached in approximately one hour from Rome by plane.
Sardinia, located on the eastern coast and accessible by a six-hour ferry ride from Civitavecchia, is a highly sought-after summer destination in Italy. It is beloved by both tourists and locals, thanks to its numerous beautiful beaches such as Cala Goloritzé and Costa Smerelda. This makes it the perfect spot for indulging in water activities and relaxing under the sun.
While it is reasonable to want to primarily enjoy the beach during your stay, it would be a missed opportunity to not explore the charming pastel towns and lush national parks located both inland and along the coast. Cities such as Alghero, Bosa, and San Teodoro offer a rich historical atmosphere within their quaint streets, while Asinara and Gennargentu are known for their breathtaking natural landscapes.
Cruise ships that make a stop in Sardinia, due to its southern location, may also continue on to Sicily and Malta, and possibly even the Balearic Islands, Greek islands, or Tunisia.
How to do it
The tour titled “Enchanting Italian Coastlines” offered by Emerald Cruises includes a seven-night itinerary covering both Sardinia and the eastern coast. Starting in the capital, the tour visits Sorrento and Amalfi before sailing across the Mediterranean to Sardinia and Corsica and then returning to the starting point.
The cost for this package is £3,379 per person, which includes lodging for seven nights, meals and beverages, and transportation to and from the airport. The departure date is April 27, 2024.
Cinque Terre
Genoa is the primary urban center on the Italian coastline, although it is situated approximately 90 minutes away from the Cinque Terre settlements.
The Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast are both renowned coastal regions in Italy, but the Italian Riviera boasts a unique charm with its sparkling green waters and charming pastel-hued towns. This area, located in Liguria, is made up of five villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.
Each one has an abundance of old Italian charm, from the faded colours that come alive at sunset to the mazes of alleys leading up from tiny harbours. Only Monterosso has a proper beach, but this village quintet isn’t the place for solely a beach holiday, despite the coastlines. Instead, wander aimlessly through the villages, enjoy a laid-back meal or take to any of the surrounding hiking paths.
These once isolated villages are now tourist hotspots in their own right, with the Cinque Terre Express one of the best ways to get between them. Most cruises dock at La Spezia, the province’s main city, which lies just 20 minutes from the nearest Cinque Terre village, Riomaggiore.
How to accomplish this task.
The Cinque Terre is a less frequented destination on longer cruises, so the best bet is to visit as part of a multi-country cruise. Celebrity Cruises offers one such option with their ‘Italian Riviera & France’ package, which departs from Rome and initially heads south to Naples before circling around to La Spezia and Santa Margherita. After some time spent enjoying the Italian Riviera, you move on to the French one, seeing Cannes and Marseille before finishing in Barcelona.
The total cost for this package, which includes nine nights of lodging, round-trip airfare, all meals, daily activities, and entertainment, is £1,209 per person. The departure date is June 4, 2024.
In 2022, approximately 1.1 million cruise passengers were welcomed in Naples.
Naples is a fascinating city, buoyed by a vibrant and chaotic energy and blessed with beautiful surroundings – including Mount Vesuvius and an azure bay – and an eclectic blend of architecture.
The city is full of rich culture and history, ranging from modern aspects such as a love for pizza and a popular football club, to ancient and significant landmarks such as the Duomo cathedral and the National Archaeological Museum which houses a vast collection of Greco-Roman artifacts. Make sure to explore the Spanish Quarter, Centro Storico, and Spaccanapoli (the main street) to truly experience the bustling lifestyle of this city.
Naples is the nearest big city to the Amalfi Coast, so it is common for visitors to also explore nearby towns such as Sorrento or Positano.
Instructions for completing the task
There are many options for including Naples in a cruise schedule, and several cruises that stop here also offer opportunities to visit other parts of Greece and Croatia. For example, Norwegian Cruise Line offers a seven-day Mediterranean cruise that stops in Rome, Venice, Valletta, Split, Corfu, and Messina, Sicily. Although there are additional stops, the main focus remains on exploring Italy, including its historic capital, the romantic canals of Venice, and the unique chaos of Naples.
The cost for this package, including a week’s stay, food and beverages, and onboard activities, starts at £1,573 per person. The departure date is August 14, 2024.
Source: independent.co.uk
