12 Top Cruise Ports in Italy: A Mediterranean Journey
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It’s one of the main connections from mainland Italy to Sicily, with regular ships from Naples, Genoa, and Livorno. Ancona is in the Marche region on the eastern coast of Italy, on the Adriatic Sea. The city has ancient Roman and ancient Greek ruins, as well as a hilltop cathedral. Passengers can simply walk along a designated pathway and cross the street to find themselves in the heart of the city, immediately immersed in its rich array of attractions and historical sites.
Salerno / Amalfi
Roam the lively streets of the Eternal City of Rome, and see the Colosseum in its massive, ancient glory. Check out the unmistakable Duomo ("dome") of Florence, and taste your way through the wineries of the nearby Chianti hills. Ride a gondola down the serpentine canals of Venice, see the brilliant gold mosaics of St. Mark's Basilica, or hike volcanic Mount Vesuvius and refuel with a classic Neapolitan pizza in Naples. Each region has its own unique specialties – from creamy risotto in Milan to spicy arrabbiata pasta in Rome. Seafood is also a highlight in many coastal towns, with dishes such as grilled octopus or spaghetti alle vongole (with clams) being particularly popular. Italy is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks and cultural treasures, making it an ideal destination for history buffs and art lovers alike.
Southern Italy Cruise Ports: Amalfi Coast and Sicily
Rome is a city that offers a bit of everything – history, culture, food, and shopping. If you only have one day to explore the city, you’ll want to make sure you hit some of the most iconic landmarks. Start your trip by visiting the Colosseum, which is an impressive structure that has been standing for nearly 2,000 years.
Best Italy cruises for foodies: Silversea Cruises
Civitavecchia records 3m passengers, a first for an Italian port - Seatrade Cruise News
Civitavecchia records 3m passengers, a first for an Italian port.
Posted: Tue, 21 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
The Amalfi Coast is also known for its stunning natural beauty, with rugged cliffs plunging into crystal-clear waters below. Visitors can take a boat tour along the coast to see these incredible sights up close, or simply relax on one of the many beaches that dot the coastline. If you prefer something more relaxing than sightseeing tours, then head over to one of the beaches along the Tuscan coast. There are plenty of options ranging from sandy stretches like Marina di Cecina to rocky coves like Cala del Leone. The town also has several other notable landmarks such as Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) with its stunning cathedral complex.
Plus, with a cruise season that runs from early April through late October (and even year-round for a few cruise lines), Italy offers something for everyone. Travel here to find an alluring mix of impeccably preserved historic sites, renowned regional cuisines and natural wonders waiting to be discovered. Even if you stick to "mainstream" Italian destinations, you can still spice up your time in Italy. Ride a vaporetto (a local form of taxi boat) from Venice to the colorful island of Burano, or take a westward train ride from the port city of La Spezia to the lush coast of Cinque Terre. Cruise to Italy and contemplate world-class art and architecture, timeless natural scenery and a food and wine scene against which all others are judged.
Head first to the redeveloped Old Port area for Genoa’s main tourist attractions, as well as plenty of curiosities. Just be sure that if you are visiting any religious sites on your excursions that you know what the Italian church dress code is. In fact it is only a short walk from where most cruises dock to get to historic town centre – be warned it can be a bit industrial on arrival however. Some of the finest attractions in Southern Italy are within easy reach of the city. The magnificent Baroque town of Lecce, built by the Spanish in the 17th century, is packed with exquisite buildings reminiscent of Florence. Brindisi also has some fine sandy beaches nearby, including Torre Guaceto, a nature reserve, and the more organized Lido Azzurro, where you can rent a sun umbrella and beach chair.
Landmarks beyond St Mark's square
As mentioned earlier, Florence is one of the most popular destinations in Tuscany thanks to its rich cultural heritage that spans centuries. It’s considered by many as the birthplace of Renaissance art with works by famous artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael gracing its galleries. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a tour of Mount Etna – Europe’s tallest active volcano – which is just an hour’s drive from Messina. And don’t forget to try some local seafood dishes like swordfish or sardines while you’re here as they are known for their fresh catch-of-the-day cuisine. Giardini Naxos is the Italian port for Taormina on the island of Sicily, known for being one of this Mediterranean island’s most beautiful cities.
Royal Palace of Naples
Getting around Italy’s cruise ports can be a breeze with the many transportation options available. One of the most popular modes of transportation is by water taxi, which offers a scenic and easy way to explore Venice’s canals or hop between islands in Naples. Buses are also widely available and affordable, making it easy to reach nearby attractions such as Pompeii or Mount Vesuvius. While stopped in one of the most famous Italy cruise ports, marvel at the Colosseum, the famous amphitheater where gladiators dueled during the Roman Empire era, and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Continue your history lesson by visiting the burial site of Julius Caesar at the Roman Forum, where many other ancient ruins still stand today, and the Pantheon, the most well-preserved monument of the Roman era.
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The food, the wine, the history—it’s no wonder people can’t get enough of la bella Italia. Alongside its historic and architectural sights, Cagliari’s coastlines boast expansive sandy beaches and inviting waters, ideal for leisure or aquatic activities. The city’s convenient bus service provides easy access to local beaches and key viewpoints like the Duomo and Passeto.
Take a stroll through its charming streets lined with cafes and shops selling traditional Sicilian sweets like cannoli or granita. As the closest port to Rome, Civitavecchia is a popular stop for those looking to explore the Eternal City’s ancient ruins and iconic landmarks. From the Colosseum and Roman Forum to the Vatican City and Sistine Chapel, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in Rome. If you’re looking for something more low-key, Naples has plenty of charming streets lined with shops selling local delicacies like pizza margherita (which was invented here). And speaking of food, Naples is known as one of Italy’s culinary capitals so be sure to indulge in some delicious Italian cuisine while you’re here.
The museum’s collection includes mosaics, frescoes, sculptures, and everyday objects such as pottery and jewelry. One highlight is the Farnese Collection which includes some of the most famous classical sculptures in existence. Visitors can stroll along the bridge and admire its unique architecture, which includes two rows of shops that are connected by a covered walkway. The bridge is particularly beautiful at sunset when the light reflects off the river below. Legend has it that if you toss a coin over your shoulder into the fountain, you are guaranteed good luck and will return to Rome someday. The fountain itself is incredibly beautiful with intricate sculptures depicting Neptune (the god of water) riding his chariot pulled by sea horses.
In addition to these two iconic destinations in southern Italy, there are several other notable cruise ports worth visiting. Sardinia is one such destination known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Cagliari, the capital city of Sardinia, is also a popular stop for cruise ships and boasts a rich cultural heritage that visitors can explore through its museums and historic landmarks. Italy is a country that has been attracting cruise ships for many years, and it’s no wonder why. With its beautiful coastline, rich history, and vibrant culture, Italy offers a variety of experiences for any type of traveler.
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