Exploring everything Italy has to offer is much easier on a cruise.
So many things come to mind when you think of Italy. Food is probably first on the list as Italian cuisine is popular the world over. Italy is also famous for opera, art galleries, Mt. Vesuvius, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, and so much more. A cruise to Italy provides the opportunity to enjoy the history, culture, music, art, and food of this beautiful country.
History is a big part of Italy vacations from Roman artifacts and architecture to the captivating and preserved ruins of Pompeii. Italy cruises are true memory makers. Making wishes at the Trevi Fountain, the look on your face as you taste authentic Italian cuisine, gazing in awe at the Colosseum, and other special moments captured in photographs will provide years of wonderful memories.
Cruising Italy
Some of the ports you may visit on a cruise to Italy include the following:
Naples, Italy – We can thank Naples for the original pizza the whole world has come to love. Beyond pizza, this beautiful city is also known for its excellent Italian cuisine. As one of the oldest cities in Italy, Naples has a significant number of important historic sites including the Palace at Caserta, Pompeii, and Herculaneum. Viewing Mt. Vesuvius from the site of Pompeii’s ruins can be a riveting site.
Messina, Italy (Sicily) – This historic metropolis is known for its mix of beautiful historic architecture and a modern thriving city. Some must-see attractions include the Messina Cathedral (circa 1551), Piazza del Duomo, Messina Bell Tower, Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, Messina Regional Museum, and Temple Christ the King where you will be amazed by captivating panoramic views of the city.
Genoa, Italy – Genoa is known as the gateway city to the Italian Riviera. Some of the favorite tourist attractions include Palazzo Ducale (the Doge’s Palace), Genoa Aquarium (Italy’s top tourist attraction built for the 1992 World’s Fair), Carlo Felice Opera House, Piazza de Ferrari (a beautiful city square with an exquisite fountain), and the Grande Bigo – a large piece of modern art that dominates the skyline. It’s the first thing cruise ship travelers see.
Valletta, Malta – Valletta is often referred to as the Fortress City and was built by the order of St. John. It is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and stunningly beautiful. Valletta is a World Heritage Site, a European Art City, and a major historic area. The city itself is a primary tourist attraction. Cultural events are frequent and include theater performed in English. You’ll find quaint cafes and wine bars where you can take a relaxing break.
Barcelona, Spain – Barcelona is one of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe. The architectural contrast is a marriage of modern soft curves with Gothic steeples and spikes. The city has many distinct neighborhoods including the old city – Ciutat Vella – with museums, cafes, and shops, and Port Vell with an IMAX theater, restaurants, shops, and the largest aquarium in Europe. The Gothic Quarter is the old city and has narrow streets filled with shops and cafes.
Marseille, France – You’ll find a diverse ethnic cuisine in the city where Bouillabaisse was created. You’ll also find Moroccan and Tunisian cuisine is also popular in Marseille. Walk through the Vieux Port where the real art is painted on buildings rather than graffiti and visit some of the many galleries in the area. You can ride the free Petit Train to the Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde setting on the highest elevation in Marseille to see amazing views.
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