Italy Cruise Ports: A Tourists Guide

Table Of Content

• Southern Italy Cruise Ports: Amalfi Coast and Sicily
• Best Italy Cruise Ports to Visit
• Famous Italian Chefs: Top 15 Culinary Masters from Italy
• Italy Cruise Ports: A Tourists Guide
• One-Day Itinerary for Rome: Colosseum, Vatican City, and Trevi Fountain
• Naples: A Vibrant Port City near Pompeii and Amalfi Coast

In spite of its popularity as a travel destination, English isn't commonly spoken, particularly in the south. A cruise to Italy is filled with exciting destinations, each with its own style and vibe. Take advantage of Italy's varied topography with hikes in the hills of Tuscany or through the villages of Cinque Terre.

Southern Italy Cruise Ports: Amalfi Coast and Sicily

Located on the eastern coast of Italy, the port of Ravenna is a perfect gateway to explore Venice to the north, Bologna to the west, or the tiny independent city-state of San Marino to the south. Even those cruise ship passengers sticking closer to Ravenna will enjoy the city’s age-old churches that boast some of the most impressive and complete Byzantine mosaics in Europe. You may not recognize the name, but Civitavecchia is one of the busiest ports in Europe.

Best Italy Cruise Ports to Visit

You can also take a short car drive to the nearby medieval village of Taormina, where you can hop aboard a boat and take a dip at the small island of Isola Bella. At the Piazza del Duomo, go inside the Cattedrale di Sant’Agata, a beautiful example of the region’s baroque architecture, with a rich variety of colorful frescoes decorating the ceilings and walls inside. Head to the Vatican, one of the sites that Italy is famous for, and admire the heavenly frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and see if you can catch a glimpse of the Pope in St. Peter’s Square. Before heading back to your ship, throw a euro into the Trevi Fountain with your right hand over your left shoulder to guarantee you’ll return to Rome in the future. Start planning your Italy vacation now with this guide to the best Italian ports to cruise to.

Famous Italian Chefs: Top 15 Culinary Masters from Italy

A complimentary shuttle bus aids those looking to venture from their cruise ship directly to Piazza Matteotti, a hub near key transport links. Key attractions in Palermo include the Politeama and Massimo theatres, Piazza Quattro Canti, and the botanical gardens. The historic city center, a short 20-minute walk from the port, is easily accessible, with plenty of shuttles and taxis available. Arriving at Bari via Karol Wojtyla Airport, the journey to the terminal is straightforward.

The best way to explore Florence is on foot, as many of its attractions are within walking distance of each other. Start with the Duomo (cathedral) which dominates the city skyline with its red-tiled dome. Then move on to Piazza della Signoria, a grand square that’s home to Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace) and a replica of Michelangelo’s David statue.

8 best Italy cruises for a Mediterranean vacation - The Points Guy

8 best Italy cruises for a Mediterranean vacation.

Posted: Fri, 09 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

If enjoying yacht-style indulgence as you explore Southern Italy is on your cruise wish list, consider the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's 10-night Rome to Valletta itinerary in May 2024. The Ponte Vecchio is a medieval stone bridge lined with shops that sell jewelry and souvenirs. It spans across the Arno River and is a popular spot for tourists to take photos and enjoy the views.

Genoa

Are you a wanderlust-driven traveler yearning for thrilling escapades across the world’s seas? Cruise Ports Info Guide is your ultimate resource for exploring breathtaking destinations, unlocking the magic of cruising, and embarking on unforgettable journeys. In Venice, be sure to try cicchetti – small plates of savory snacks served alongside local wine – while Naples is famous for its pizza margherita made with fresh mozzarella and San Marzano tomatoes. The Duomo, or Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, is a magnificent feat of Renaissance architecture that took over 140 years to complete. Its striking facade features pink, green, and white marble panels that are arranged in intricate patterns.

The Naples cruise terminal is located just minutes away from the historic center of Naples where visitors can indulge in authentic Italian cuisine or visit museums such as the National Archaeological Museum. Venice is on the northern tip of the Adriatic sea, formed by the Italian peninsula on the west and coasts of Croatia, Albania, and Greece on the east side. Trieste and Ravenna are another two cruise ports nearby and also visited by cruise ships to explore Venice. Trieste is 68 miles (110 km) to the east, and Ravenna is 66 miles (107 km) to the south.

Venice is a pedestrianized city which means that it is a great city to explore by foot. There really is no need to get a shore excursion around Venice if you don’t want to. Any day in Palermo should start at the Cathedral of Palermo which is a fusion of Western, Islamic and Byzantine architecture. Tours of the Cathedral’s tombs, crypts and its roof terraces are available either onsite (€7 per person) or through your ship’s excursion team. When we were in port we opted to look around the main Cathedral, which is free, and then watch the world go by from a neighbouring cafe with gelato in hand.

Additionally, Sitabus operates extensive coach services, connecting Salerno to popular destinations like Amalfi, Positano, and Sorrento. A 24-hour pass is affordable, but note that buses can be crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. Cruise ships now mainly dock at alternate ports such as Venice-Marghera, Ravenna, and Monfalcone. Passengers typically check in at Stazione Marittima and are then transported to their respective ports. Venice and all Italy is on CET (Central European Time) and participates in daylight saving time (DST) changing every year to CEST (Central European Summer Time). Yet, be aware that Venice is famous for not having as good restaurants as you would expect.

Take a taxi or bus to the city center, and then bus number 20 leads directly to the new terminal. The Cathedral of Ancona, established in 1189 with its notable lion-flanked doorway, stands as a testament to the city’s art and history. Other significant sites include the Arch of Trajan, an ancient entrance to the harbor, and the architectural marvels of the Lazzaretto and Episcopal Palace. Ancona, located along the Adriatic Sea, is renowned for its picturesque sea views and wealth of historical architecture. Historically, even before its incorporation into Italy during the Austro-Hungarian Empire era, Trieste played a crucial role as a significant port city in the region.

Taormina is a beautiful hillside town with Roman ruins, amazing food – try the local gelato, and local wines. It is really the quaintest Italian town to walk around and is a draw for many celebrities. Walk along the promenade and you’ll come across pirate ships, museums, cafes, and a panoramic lift, but families should make a beeline for the Aquarium. One of the great things about the Genoa Cruise port is that the e port is located near to the redeveloped Old Port Area so is within easy walking distance providing you don’t have too much luggage with you.