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However I will note that if you are going to Naples in the summer, and plan to head down to the Amalfi Coast the traffic can be crazy. Pompeii, Herculaneum, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, and of course the island of Capri are all great choices for excursions and can be easily organized through the ship or independently. However for me there is one place anyone day tripping from Messina should visit and that is Taormina. Here you can see David, the Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio and have some amazing food. The wider region of Liguria is famous for the quality of its olive oil, focaccia, and basil.
Which European cities are trying to cut back the number of cruise ship visits? - Euronews
Which European cities are trying to cut back the number of cruise ship visits?.
Posted: Tue, 16 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Venice Cruise port details
However, if you want to live it up at night, note that the ship does not have an onboard casino. Beyond Italy, this itinerary offers a sampling of scenic locales in six other Adriatic and Mediterranean countries with a possible pre-cruise stay in Venice. You'll visit Korcula and Split in Croatia; Kotor, Montenegro; Igoumanitsa and Katakolon in Greece; Ajaccio, Corsica; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Marseille, France; and Barcelona, Spain.
Naples: A Vibrant Port City near Pompeii and Amalfi Coast
Ferries are constantly in motion back and forth, but larger cruise ships use Messina as the port of call to get to nearby Taormina (32 miles away) and Mt. Etna (66 miles away). Palermo, a city teeming with history, is a lively cruise port on Sicily’s northwestern coast. Its proximity to downtown, just a five-minute walk, makes it a convenient entry point for visitors to explore the area directly from the port, which currently accommodates ferries.
THE ULTIMATE HISTORY CLASS
While larger cruise ships tend to dock in Salerno, smaller ships can access the port of Amalfi, much closer to Cinque Terre. This Italian port town is a popular stop on Mediterranean cruises, and though many travelers use time in Genoa to head to smaller coastal villages nearby, there is more than enough to do here to spend a day. With magnificent views of the sparkling blue Mediterranean Sea and charming towns littered across its hilltops, the Amalfi Coast’s beauty is unparalleled. During an Italian cruise, you can visit the popular seaside destination when you arrive in the port city of Salerno, which makes it easy to explore many of the Amalfi Coast’s cities and beaches. Trieste has long been an important regional port city, although it hasn’t always been part of Italy.
Genoa Cruise Port
For instance, a return ferry trip to the quaint town of Amalfi is modestly priced. Conveniently positioned on the Ligurian coast, Genoa offers convenient services to various destinations, including France, Tunisia, Morocco, Spain, and notable Italian gems. The Civitavecchia port (website) is a vital hub for anyone setting sail on a Mediterranean cruise. Known as Rome’s cruise port, this hub is more than just a stopping point; it’s a destination enriched with cultural landmarks. Cruise passengers looking to buy a nice souvenir to take a bit of Venice home should look for handcrafted glass made in nearby Murano. The Teatro La Fenice, the Jewish Ghetto (and Museum), the Arsenale, the Riva degli Schiavoni (Waterfront Promenade), the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, the Ca' D'Oro, are among the top landmarks to enjoy.
Regardless of your religious beliefs, no trip to Rome is complete without a tour of Vatican City, where the splendor transcends its Catholic identity. From Florence or Venice, visit the mountainous micro-country of San Marino, which boasts an 11th-century citadel that rests hundreds of feet above the ground. Rome is Italy's Eternal City, with its massive Colosseum and the ruins of the Roman Forum, but there are other spots here with roots equally as deep. In Florence, visit the Gothic church of Santa Maria del Fiore, built on the site of a 7th-century chapel. In Venice, you can set foot in 9th-century St. Mark's Basilica and see the dazzling gold mosaics from Byzantine times.
Best Italy cruises for adults-only ambiance: Viking
It’s the gateway to the Eternal City of Rome; just an hour away, the capital of Italy is a perfect day trip destination for cruise passengers. Whether you spend the day wandering through the Vatican museums, eating pizza and gelato, or exploring the ancient Roman forum, a stop in Rome will be the highlight of your Italy cruise. There’s no more popular Mediterranean cruise destination than Italy, with ports ranging from some of Europe’s most impressive capitals to tiny fishing villages and everything in between. Whether you’re dreaming of a European cruise someday soon or choosing between the best cruise itineraries for your adventure-in-the-making, read on for all the most popular – and unforgettable – cruise ports in Italy.
Catania, Sicily
Other local specialties include spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams) and sfogliatella (a pastry filled with ricotta cheese). If you don’t see the port of Livorno on your Italian cruise itinerary, look out for La Spezia. Just an hour north of Livorno, La Spezia is another gateway port to Tuscan highlights like Pisa, Lucca, and Florence.
Night Adriatic & Italian SplendorsDetails
The Rialto Bridge is another must-visit attraction that offers breathtaking views of the Grand Canal. Located on the western edge of Sicily, the small port of Trapani is often left off the itineraries of larger cruise ships, though it is a highlight for small cruise ship travelers who love its laidback vibe. The historic center of Trapani is accessible as soon as passengers step off the ship, making for a leisurely day of exploring – no expensive shore excursions needed. Larger cruise ships tend to head to Genoa, but smaller ships like luxury Windstar Cruises can visit smaller, tucked-away Italian ports like Portofino that have become some of the country’s most popular destinations. This charming and colorful village is a paradise for the rich and famous, though it boasts plenty to do for travelers of all budgets, including visiting the hilltop Castello Brown for stunning views over the town.
Sophia Loren famously said that she'd rather eat pasta and drink wine than be a size zero, which is a great attitude to have while visiting Italy. Indulge in the notorious pizza of Naples or the award-winning pastas of Rome's Trastevere district — you'll need the energy for exploring cities on foot. Whether you traipse through the "Eternal City" of Rome or get lost in the museums and chapels of Florence, history lives in Italy — and outside it. Trips to the city-states of San Marino and Vatican City make for great excursions during your vacation onboard the best Italy cruises. Inside the cathedral, visitors can see Giorgio Vasari’s fresco depicting “The Last Judgment” as well as beautiful stained-glass windows. The cathedral also houses Giotto’s bell tower next door which offers an equally impressive view over Florence.
Don’t forget about shopping either – Via del Corso is a popular street lined with shops selling everything from designer clothing to souvenirs. Palermo is perhaps one of Sicily’s most famous ports, known for its vibrant street markets and stunning Norman architecture. Visitors can wander through Palermo’s historic center to see some of these incredible buildings up close or sample some of Sicily’s delicious street food at one of its many markets. If you have time, take a day trip from Naples to Pompeii or Herculaneum which are both ancient Roman cities destroyed by Mount Vesuvius eruption in 79 AD. Alternatively, explore the stunning Amalfi Coast with its picturesque towns like Positano and Ravello which are famous for their colorful houses and dramatic cliffs. There’s no better way to see the city that floats above the waves than from the water.
Genoa is one of the largest cruise ports in Italy and serves as a major hub for Mediterranean cruises. This historic city offers a mix of old-world charm with modern amenities such as a large cruise terminal with shops and restaurants. Visitors can explore Genoa’s narrow streets lined with medieval buildings or take a stroll along the picturesque harbor. Cross the Gulf of Naples and you’ll find the port city of Sorrento, one of the most popular cruise ports in Italy. Not only is Sorrento within day-trip distance from the ruins of Pompeii, but it’s also a short drive from the towns of the Cinque Terre. Romantic piazzas, historic ruins, world-class museums, and pasta (so much pasta!) await in the Italian capital of Rome.
Don’t miss taking a small boat into the stunning Blue Grotto cave, where the sun’s reflection creates a magical crystalline glow in the water. Most establishments follow a siesta schedule, closing in the early afternoon and reopening in the evening, Monday to Saturday. The port is more than a point of transit; it’s a cultural hub, reflecting Bari’s Byzantine, Norman, and Arabic heritage. The city’s diverse districts highlight Bari’s rich urban tapestry, from the medieval streets of the Old Town to the modern core of Borgo Murattiano with its shopping lanes. Located in the heart of the vibrant city of Naples, the Porto Napoli, also known as Stazione Maritima (website), is strategically positioned just across from the prominent Piazza del Municipio and the majestic Castel Nuovo.
If you are disembarking a cruise in Venice, you should also consider staying an extra day to explore the city, although you should have in mind that hotels tend to be very expensive but worth every penny. The maze of tiny cobbled streets and courtyards, where you bump into history around every corner, seems to go on forever. Not surprisingly, Venice remains a city that all cruise passengers must have on their bucket list.
Naples is home to Pompeii ruins where visitors can walk among ancient Roman streets while Mount Vesuvius looms in the background. Located along the eastern coast of Sicily, Catania is one of the more popular and busier ports on Italy’s most enchanting Mediterranean island. While many cruise passengers choose to head up the coast to Taormina or visit the famous volcano Mt. Etna, there are plenty of historic sights and popular attractions within Catania to appeal to all travelers. The picturesque port city of Messina (website), located on the northeastern coast of Sicily, is a notable stop for cruise ships navigating the Mediterranean Sea. For over one century, cruise ships have been sailing in and out of the lagoon, offering spectacular vistas of Venice but damaging the wooden structure underwater.
The bridge has a rich history and was once home to butchers, fishmongers, and tanners. It boasts a picturesque waterfront area where you can stroll along the promenade or enjoy a meal at one of the many seafood restaurants. The city center is home to numerous historical landmarks such as Fortezza Nuova, which dates back to the 16th century. Naples is certainly not one of Italy’s most beautiful destinations, though this major cruise port has plenty to offer. Stop in some of the oldest shops in Naples to try the world’s original pizza, or head south to the ruins of Pompeii in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius.
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