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This historic city has been an important trading hub since ancient times and boasts a rich cultural heritage that visitors can experience through its architecture, cuisine, and festivals. Located on the western coast of Tuscany, Livorno is a central Italy cruise port that offers access to some of the most beautiful destinations in the region. From here, you can explore Florence, Pisa, and other Tuscan cities and towns that are rich in history, culture, art, and architecture. Genoa is another historic port city located in Northern Italy that should not be missed on an Italy cruise itinerary. This city offers visitors a chance to explore its medieval old town and sample local specialties like pesto and focaccia. The Aquarium of Genoa is also worth visiting for its impressive collection of marine life.
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Aside from its famous canals, Venice is also home to some of the most beautiful churches, museums, and art galleries in the world. St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace are just two of the many iconic landmarks that you can explore during your visit to Venice. If you’re wondering where do cruises leave from in Italy, the answer is several ports including Venice, Genoa, Naples, Civitavecchia (Rome), Livorno (Florence/Pisa), and Messina (Sicily). Depending on the itinerary, some cruises may also visit other Mediterranean countries such as Spain or Greece. Palermo is a harbour side city so it’s easy to jump right off your cruise ship and explore on foot.
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The busiest freight port in Italy is Genoa, and this busy port in Liguria is also a common starting- or ending-point for Mediterranean cruises. The city has a beautiful – and UNESCO-listed – historic center, and the waterfront is also home to Europe’s largest aquarium. Additionally, exploring Palermo on foot or by horse-drawn carriage provides a unique city experience, while the Trenino tourist train offers sightseeing tours starting at the port. The Trieste cruise port, nestled in Italy’s northeastern part of the Adriatic Sea, serves as a key maritime hub. It is recognized as one of Italy’s most pivotal cruise and ferry terminals, catering to both international cruise lines and local ferry services.
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There have been many complaints by residents and, sooner or later, there will be inevitable restrictions on cruising. Venice is both a port of call and a homeport in Italy for cruises in the eastern Mediterranean. However, the overwhelming majority of cruise ships dock in Venice to embark and disembark passengers. The best Italy cruises offer access to some of the country's most-loved cities, as well as a chance to explore some of its sunny islands and lesser-known coastal ports. No matter the itinerary, you're guaranteed to enjoy the splendid landscapes, treasured antiquities and, of course, the incredible gelato. Naples’ one-day itinerary includes visiting Pompeii ruins where visitors can witness how life was back in ancient times before climbing up Mount Vesuvius for stunning views of the Bay of Naples.
Everything I loved and hated about my European cruise with MSC Cruises - Cruise Blog
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Just south of the Cinque Terre is the Ligurian town of Portovenere, where the harbor is also small enough that the large cruise ships can’t get close enough to dock. Again, you’ll be ferried to town on a smaller boat, or the ship will divert to a larger port nearby and you’ll have an option for a shore excursion to Portovenere. With very few exceptions, all cruise ships dock at the Venice Passenger Terminal. This main cruise terminal is in an area connected to the mainland by road and train. Though the cruise ends in Trieste, the wonders of Venice are just 90 minutes away, so adding a few extra nights to explore its colorful, canal-laced islands is a must.
Cruise shore excursions and tours
As your day comes to an end visit the Royal Palace of Naples which stands tall in Piazza del Plebiscito – one of Italy’s largest public squares. Built-in 1600s as a residence for Spanish viceroys who ruled over southern Italy from this location until Italian unification in 1861 when it became home to the House of Bourbon. The palace is now a museum and houses some of the finest art collections in Italy. You can find pizzerias all over the city serving different varieties like Margherita or Marinara.
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Visitors can hike between these villages or take a train to explore each one individually. Portovenere, located just south of Cinque Terre, features colorful houses and historic churches nestled on cliffs overlooking the sea. After docking in Livorno, another popular Tuscan cruise port, most travelers head straight to Florence. As the birthplace of the Renaissance movement, the city has a wealth of art, culture, and history to soak in. Once you arrive at the island’s port city of Cagliari, head off to visit Il Castelo, the town’s citadel, or walk around the 13th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria.
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Finally, visiting Venice would never be complete without a tour to Murano, Burano, or the Lido. The terminal also has good connections to the historical center - namely by Vaporetto or Water Taxi -, and is less than 3/4 of a mile (1 km) from Piazzale Roma. Within walking distance of the Piazzale Roma, there are quite a few impressive highlights.
Palermo Cruise Port
Salerno boasts an efficient metro system that runs parallel to the coast through the city center, making it an ideal place to explore further. As for facilities, Livorno, one of the busiest ports in Italy, also serves as an important ferry terminal, offering sea routes to Corsica, Sardinia, and even Barcelona. The ferry embarkation points are adequately close to where the voyage liners dock.
Or if you just want to take a relaxing day by the sea then head to Boccadasse, the fisherman’s village, or catch the train out along the coast to one of the Italian Riviera’s many colourful towns. Brindisi has played an important role in Italy’s history, partly because of its strategic location on the Adriatic coast; it’s from here that pilgrims would set out by sea for the Holy Land. If you’d rather skip the tourist lines and enjoy a relaxed day in the sun instead, head to nearby Mondello, a scenic seaside resort, and lounge under a beach umbrella or swim in the Adriatic Sea. Spend the day swimming in one of the best beaches in Portofino, and enjoy a leisurely walk around the town’s downtown piazzetta, where you can sip on a Bellini or grab a refreshing sorbetto (sorbet).
It is located just over half an hour south of Taormina, making it a perfect spot to enjoy the city’s renowned Greco-Roman theater, the Teatro Antico di Taormina. Naples Cruise Port is located centrally meaning it is very easy to access the city of Naples itself by foot. There is also a hop on hop off bus stop, located close to the terminal which is another great way to explore the area on your own without the need for a shore excursion. Rome has some much on offer that I would recommend doing a tour on your own so you can pick exactly what you want to do. While there is a train station in Civitavecchia, the times and frequency can be temperamental so this one may be worth doing through the cruise ship. Any long time reader of the blog will know that I love cruising and perhaps my favorite place to cruise is Italy!
It’s also worth noting that many shops and businesses close for several hours in the afternoon (usually between 1 pm and 4 pm) for siesta, so plan your itinerary accordingly. And if you’re planning to visit popular attractions such as the Vatican or Uffizi Gallery, booking tickets in advance can help you skip long lines and save time. The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most famous art museums in the world and houses works by some of the greatest artists in history, including Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci. The museum’s collection spans from ancient Greek sculptures to Renaissance masterpieces. Visitors can spend hours wandering through its halls and admiring its vast collection.
Sicily isn’t the only Italian island that makes for a popular stop on cruise ship itineraries. The island of Sardinia, most frequently accessed via the port city of Cagliari, is another destination travelers will love to cross off their bucket list. Visitors can enjoy hikes around the city’s hillsides, beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters, and archeological ruins to keep them busy for a day. One of the best ways to experience Italy’s diverse culture is through its cruise ports. Whether you’re interested in history, art, architecture or just want to relax on a beach with beautiful scenery around you, there’s always something for everyone.
Stay overnight in every cruise port with this luxury line - USA TODAY
Stay overnight in every cruise port with this luxury line.
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The cruise line's 11-night voyage in October 2024 is one of its most comprehensive. As its name suggests, Dal Presidente Pizza in Naples is famous because President Bill Clinton enjoyed its pizza during a visit. Whether you choose a simple margherita (mozzarella and tomato) or a complex capricciosa (the heat cooks the raw egg on top of it), Neapolitan pizza is sure to get your vote. Part of enjoying Italy is living at the local pace, and Italians are never in much of a hurry. History class comes alive in Italy's iconic structures and celebrated art galleries.
Many Italian cruise ports have modern facilities with amenities such as shops, restaurants, and transportation options making it easy for travelers to get around. Rome also has several ports including Civitavecchia which serves as the main port for Rome cruises. Here you’ll find plenty of things to do including exploring ancient ruins like the Colosseum or visiting Vatican City. In the Sicilian city of Messina, almost everything there is to see and do in town is walkable from the cruise port, making it a convenient stop for those passengers looking to stick around. However, many cruise ship passengers enjoy day trips south to Taormina or nearby beaches along the coast of Sicily. Offered on multiple dates in fall 2023, 2024 and 2025, this itinerary is chock full of port experiences; there are no sea days, and a total of 13 cities are visited.
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