A cruise to Italy allows you to visit several regions of Italy in a reasonable period of time. Being classified under Mediterranean cruises, itineraries are varied and also generally include stops in Balkan countries, Greece, France or Spain. Here we will describe the cruises that focus on Italy.
When to take a cruise to Italy?
The ideal time for your Italy cruise is between April and October. The heat can be overwhelming in July and August. You will find more competitive prices at the beginning and the end of the season. On the other hand, departures are offered almost year-round in this region if the colder temperatures do not bother you. Venice is often the victim of floods. The period at risk for floods (acqua alta) is from September 15 to April 15. The water rises regularly in St. Mark’s Square (a few hours a day).
Departure ports for cruises in Italy
Rome and Venice are the two preferred ports for the departure (or arrival) of a cruise in Italy. Most cruise lines offer itineraries that include 2 days in Venice at boarding or disembarking. Ideally, you should allow a few days before or after your cruise to visit the cities of Venice and Rome. And why not add a few days to Florence by train?
Ports visited during a cruise in Italy
You will have to make choices, because it is difficult to see everything in one trip. If time and money are not an issue, the combined itineraries allow you to see all the attractions of Italy, and much more. The main ports are Venice, Rome, Naples ( Capri and the Amalfi coast), Florence, Sicily and Cinque Terre.
Rome - Venice: Journeys between Rome and Venice usually include stops in Balkan countries (Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia). These routes are ideal for visiting the most parts of Italy in a single trip. On the other hand, It is usually necessary to sacrifice Cinque Terre and Florence or to settle for a brief visit to Florence from Ravenna.
Venice: These routes usually include very few stops in Italy, mainly visiting Balkan countries and Greece.
Rome: Return cruises from Rome do not usually visit Venice and are combined with Greece or France and Spain. Other routes starting from Rome end in Barcelona (Spain) or Piraeus (Athens, Greece).
Destination Highlights
Venice: Venice and its canals are truly beautiful. St. Mark’s Square is the tourist center of the city and many tourists limit their visit to this part of the city that includes the Campanile, the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica as well as some museums. Don’t hesitate to take a tour of the less crowded areas to enjoy the atmosphere of Venice. The islands of Murano and Burano are accessible by Vaporetto.
Rome is rich in history. Its main attractions are the Vatican, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, Navarre Square, the Spanish staircases. A day in Rome allow you to see only an overview of the different attractions.
Amalfi Coast: The Amalfi coast is beautiful. Very steep (advice to those with vertigo), it offers breathtaking landscapes. The traffic is very dense and complex, but the drivers of the small buses are very skilful. The village of Amalfi is very pretty.
A one-day stop in Florence usually requires choosing between Pisa or Florence. Many choose Florence. Once again, a single day in Florence will allow you only a brief overview of the city’s attractions.
More information on Italy Wikipedia.
