What’s not to love about Italy? From its world-famous food and wine to its amazing art and architecture, this Mediterranean destination has it all. You can view Renaissance masterpieces in Florence, soak up the sun on the Amalfi coast or take part in Venice’s famous Carnival festivities. Art meets life in grand piazzas laden with sculptures, and you’ll see reminders of Roman Empire grandeur at every turn. Visit designer boutiques in the home of Prada and Gucci, or just take it easy and enjoy the dolce vita with Aperol spritz in ...
You may feel like you’ve jumped back in time when visiting Cagliari! This Sardinian capital is most famous for its Castello district, with well-preserved medieval walls and a 13th-century cathedral. Stop off at the National Archaeological Museum to see artefacts from the Bronze to Byzantine eras, catch an outdoor concert at the Bastione Saint-Remy, or simply relax in an outdoor piazza and watch the world go by.
The port of Livorno is nestled into the west coast of Italy’s Tuscany region, the main gateway to the iconic city of Florence. Livorno itself boasts a large aquarium and amazing seafood, but most visitors will head straight to Florence with its unbeatable Renaissance art and architecture. See the iconic Duomo, walk across the Ponte Vecchio, and visit the Uffizi Gallery for masterworks from Botticelli and Da Vinci.
It’s easy to get distracted from the main sights in Catania, with Mount Etna looming overhead! This ancient Sicilian port sits at the foot of Italy’s legendary active volcano, so one of the main attractions here is to have a wander around its hilly landscapes. Within the city, you can enjoy seafood straight from its colourful fish market, people watch in the Piazza del Duomo, or tour the historic Catania Cathedral.
Sicily’s capital city buzzes with life, whether you’re visiting its bustling marketplaces or enjoying a night out in the gorgeous Teatro Massimo! You’ll find stately buildings throughout this city, from the Byzantine Cappella Palatina to the sprawling Palazzo dei Normanni palace. Don’t miss a visit to the 12th-century Monreale Cathedral, particularly the royal tombs underneath filled with mummies from centuries past.
The city that’s built on a lagoon, Venice is like no other port and is often referred to as a real life fairy-tale. You’re bound to fall in love with this enchanted city as you take a gondola ride down the Grand Canal where you’ll see historic palaces, churches and gardens. A trip to St. Mark’s Basilica is one of the most valuable treasures in Europe, where history and art is intertwined to create something truly beautiful in the heart of Venice…
This Italian port city gives direct access to the Adriatic Sea with its bustling harbour and port. It’s the capital of the Puglia region, with a large university drawing a youthful, energetic population. Stroll through the historic Murat quarter along its promenade and you’ll see grand architecture from centuries past. Don’t miss a peek at the iconic Basilica di San Nicola, which holds the remains of St Nicholas.
The capital of Italy is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks including The Colosseum, Teatro Marcello and II Vittoriano, all of which can be visited. Fashion guru’s will fit right in with the locals as the city is known for starting the newest trends and hosting the renowned Rome Fashion Week. Surrounded by Rome, Vatican City boasts architectural masterpieces and ancient Roman sculptures, not to mention that its home to the Pope.
Latin for gateway, Genoa is Italy’s largest sea port and indeed acts as a gateway to the sea for many cruisers. As the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, tourists can visit a reconstruction of the home which he grew up in. The city is known for its magnificent cuisine, having invented pesto and focaccia which are two of Italy’s most popular exports. Genoa’s old city will take you back through time, where you can also find the ports spectacular Cathedral.
Most Italian cruises set sell in the spring, summer, and autumn months, but you’ll now find year-round itineraries to explore the country in all seasons. The long days of summer offer abundant sunshine and lively beaches. However, it can get very hot during August and many Italians depart on holidays of their own, which can mean family-owned businesses are shut during this time. Early summer and September offer the perfect solution, with slightly more comfortable temperatures and a bustling atmosphere in the ports. Winter brings the twinkling lights of traditional markets and Christmas festivals, with Italy’s chic ski resorts in full swing!
From art to culture to the great outdoors, there’s something for everyone in Italy. Florence is a top highlight for art lovers, with works from artists like Michelangelo and Giotto lining Florentine palazzi and churches. Don’t miss a visit to the Uffizi Gallery and famous Duomo. See the lost-in-time city of Pompeii, take a day trip to Capri, or taste pizza where it was invented in Naples. Rome is chock-a-block with top sights from Vatican City to the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain, yet its smaller winding streets are worth exploring on foot to discover hidden gems. And Venice’s waterways are a must-see along with its romantic, crumbling grandeur.
Italy’s gastronomy is world-famous for a reason, with its emphasis on fresh, local and seasonal ingredients. Italian meals are long and leisurely, allowing you to truly enjoy each course. Start with a vegetable-laden minestrone or ribollita soup, or enjoy the simplicity of a freshly-made pesto rich with basil, garlic and Parmesan. Enjoy the heavenly combination of cocoa, mascarpone and coffee flavours in tiramisu, or taste hand-stuffed ravioli pasta and creamy risotto dishes. Naturally, you won’t want to leave without tasting a slice of pizza where it was invented, made with fresh tomatoes, basil and mozzarella on a crispy thin crust.
Although visitors often focus on Italy’s famous cities, there’s plenty to enjoy in the beautiful countryside as well! The country hosts 24 national parks of varied terrain, including the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park and Gran Paradiso. Did you know that there are over 100 mammals that call Italy home? Head out into the mountains and forests and you may spot the Eurasian lynx, Marsican brown bear and small alpine marmot. The Dolomites Mountain Range is in the country’s northeast region, and it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its abundance of native plant species and untouched beauty. You can visit the Dolomites to try out adventure sports like base jumping and paragliding, go skiing down the slopes, or simply take a hike to breathe in the fresh air. Of course, Italy’s beaches are also a top draw for cruise passengers, and you’ll be spoilt for choice whether you prefer secluded rocky coves or golden sands lined with loungers. The Amalfi Coast offers a bevy of beaches to choose from around Positano, framed by rocky cliffs and outdoor terraces. The Island of Elba is a short jaunt from the mainland in Tuscany, with five popular beaches that heat up during the summer months.