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Best cruise ports in Italy - a guide to unforgettable destinations
Explore the Cinque Terre or see Pisa’s famous Leaning Tower. Indulge in creamy gelato, Aperol Spritz, and ricotta-filled cannoli. See Michelangelo’s David in Florence and the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. With sun, sea, style, and culture, an Italian cruise is the perfect way to enjoy a taste of La Dolce Vita.
4 min
30 Sep 2024
Colosseum in Rome, Italy
Colosseum in Rome, Italy
Colosseum in Rome, Italy
Italian cruise ports you can visit on our Queens
Civitavecchia (Gateway to Rome)
Civitavecchia, an Italian coastal town on the Tyrrhenian Sea, is best known as the gateway to Rome for cruise travellers. As one of Italy’s most iconic cities, Rome boasts impressive ancient wonders. The city centre is inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, highlighting its historical significance.
Top attractions in Rome:
- Colosseum: Walk in the footsteps of gladiators in this largest amphitheatre ever built.
- Pantheon and Roman Forum: Explore remnants of the ancient Roman Empire.
- Trevi Fountain: Toss a coin and make a wish at this famous landmark.
- Vatican City: Visit St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums to see Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescoes.
Shore Experiences: Join our Rome Shore Experiences for a seamless journey from Civitavecchia to Rome, including air-conditioned coach transfers directly from the quayside.
Civitavecchia, Italy
Civitavecchia, Italy
Civitavecchia, Italy
Civitavecchia, Italy
Civitavecchia, Italy
Civitavecchia, Italy
Livorno – Gateway to Tuscany, Pisa, and Cinque Terre
Livorno, located along the Tuscan coast, combines historic charm with modern flair. Known as the "Venice of Tuscany" due to its scenic canals and Renaissance architecture, this port offers a diverse mix of experiences.
Top attractions in Livorno:
- Terrazza Mascagni: Enjoy a seaside stroll along this scenic observation deck.
- Fortezza Vecchia: Capture panoramic views of the city from this medieval fortress.
Livorno also serves as your gateway to some of Tuscany’s most famous destinations, including:
- Florence: Discover Renaissance masterpieces like Michelangelo’s David and stroll through Florence’s bustling markets.
- Pisa: See the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, only 45 minutes away from the port.
- Cinque Terre: Explore these postcard-perfect fishing villages, renowned for their pastel-colored houses and breathtaking coastal views.
With so many options from just one port of call, whether you choose to stay local to your ship or explore wider Tuscany, Livorno is an excellent city to include on your Italian cruise itinerary.
Buildings, canals and boats in the Little Venice district of Livorno, Tuscany, Italy. The Venice quarter is the most charming.
Buildings, canals and boats in the Little Venice district of Livorno, Tuscany, Italy. The Venice quarter is the most charming.
Buildings, canals and boats in the Little Venice district of Livorno, Tuscany, Italy. The Venice quarter is the most charming.
Naples – the birthplace of pizza and gateway to Pompeii
Naples offers a rich blend of culinary traditions, history, and stunning coastlines. Known worldwide as the birthplace of pizza, Naples invites you to savor authentic Neapolitan pizza in its homeland. But the city offers much more than incredible food.
What to see in Naples:
- Spaccanapoli Street: Walk this historic road that divides Naples’ old town, offering a peek into local life.
- Naples National Archaeological Museum: Explore one of the world’s most important collections of Roman antiquities.
From Naples, embark on a Shore Experience to visit the ancient city of Pompeii, buried by ash from Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pompeii offers a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into life during the Roman Empire.
Naples and its surroundings are a paradise for history lovers and food enthusiasts alike, making it a standout destination on your Italian cruise.
Top landmarks and sights in Italy
Cunard offers a variety of Shore Experiences designed to immerse you in the culture, history, and beauty of each Italian port. Whether you prefer a panoramic coach tour through Tuscany, a guided visit to Pompeii, or a culinary tour in Naples, our curated experiences ensure you get the most out of your time in Italy.
Colosseum
One of the most recognised landmarks of all time, the Colosseum in Rome is the largest amphitheatre ever built. Making your way here by coach from Civitavecchia gives you the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the brave gladiators who once battled for their lives and freedom at the centre of this iconic stadium.
Leaning Tower of Pisa
Another of Italy’s most famous landmarks is, of course, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Known for the four-degree tilt that’s earned its popular moniker, the bell tower was designed to be perfectly vertical but began to lean during construction owing to an unstable foundation.
Shore Experiences to Pisa from the port of Livorno take around 45-minutes, with all transport to and from your ship included.
Naples Cathedral
The Naples Cathedral, or Duomo di Napoli, is a Roman Catholic cathedral that’s the seat of the Archbishop of Naples. Built in the 13th century and located right in the heart of the city, a visit here offers you the chance to see one of Italy’s most remarkable examples of Gothic architecture. Entrance to the cathedral is free.
Cinque Terre
A string of five fishing villages, scattered along the Ligurian coast, the Cinque Terre is a beautiful Shore Experience on an Italian cruise. The narrow streets, most of them ending at the sea, are dotted with layer upon layer of multicoloured houses that cling to the surrounding cliffs like limpets. Quiet coves make for the perfect place to lay down a towel, perhaps to enjoy a dip in the crystal-clear waters or a gelato in the sunshine. You’ll also find no shortages of raised terraces from which to indulge in a glass of local wine while gazing out at sparkling sea. Bellissima.
Shore Experiences to the Cinque Terre depart from Livorno and can be booked in My Cunard in advance of your cruise or on board by visiting your ship’s Shore Experience team.
The Sistine Chapel
Arguably the most famous of the Vatican’s buildings, the Sistine Chapel is where you’ll find the world-renowned frescoed ceilings, painted by renaissance artist Michelangelo in the early 1500s. What is perhaps most miraculous is that Michelangelo, now considered the greatest Renaissance artist of all time, had never painted frescoes before attempting this masterpiece. In some ways this makes the ceilings of the Sistine Chapel an even more impressive feat. The frescoes depict famous biblical stories, such as the creation of Heaven and Earth, the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden, and Noah’s ark. You’ll have to crane your head back and look skywards to see them, but their detail and colour, even after so many centuries have passed, is nothing short of astounding.
Explore local landmarks, savor regional delicacies, and shop for authentic Italian goods in bustling markets or high-fashion boutiques. Our Shore Experiences cater to all types of travelers, from those seeking adventure to those looking to indulge in the finer things.
How can I book a Shore Experience?
Italian Cuisine – a feast for the senses
No cruise to Italy is complete without indulging in its world-famous cuisine. From freshly made pizzas in Naples to creamy gelato on the Amalfi Coast, Italian food is a highlight of any visit.
What to Eat in Italy:
- Pizza: Naples is the birthplace of this beloved dish, and the best place to try an authentic slice.
- Pasta: Ravioli. Lasagne. Spaghetti. Macaroni. You’ll find more varieties of pasta in Italy than you ever knew existed. Then there’s the gnocchi and risotto dishes, even the simplest of which are infused with incredible depths and layers of flavour.
- Seafood: With the Mediterranean Sea offering up all manner of underwater delicacies, just off Italy’s shores, the breadth and quality of the seafood here leaves you wanting for nothing. You’ll find this abundant ingredient in all sorts of guises, from garlicky clam linguine and squid ink risottos to thinly shaved tuna carpaccio, dressed in nothing more than a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of Amalfi lemon. Many of Italy’s coastal towns offer seafood caught fresh that morning, and it’s not out of the question that something you were swimming next to just yesterday could be gracing your plate the very next day.
- Gelato: Savor this classic Italian treat as you explore Italy’s scenic streets.
Whether you're a foodie or simply love trying new dishes, Italy’s culinary offerings will leave you craving more.
Shopping in Italy – style and sophistication
Italy is synonymous with style, and you’ll find no shortage of fashionable boutiques, markets, and designer outlets across its cities. Whether you’re browsing for leather goods in Florence or picking up a stylish pair of sunglasses in Naples, Italian craftsmanship is unparalleled.
What to shop for:
- Leather Goods: From bags to shoes, Italy is renowned for its high-quality leather.
- Designer Fashion: Keep an eye out for luxury brands like Prada, Gucci, and Dolce & Gabbana in cities like Rome and Naples.
- Handcrafted Souvenirs: Take home authentic Italian treasures like ceramics from the Amalfi Coast or artisanal pasta from local markets.
If it’s designer labels you’re looking for, you’ll need to seek these out in larger cities, luxury shopping outlets, and malls. High fashion boutiques often stock these desirable brands, and a little window shopping as you explore can add a nice dimension to your time in Italy.
Find your perfect Italy cruise experience with Cunard
Quick tips for Italy
Currency
Like most of Europe, Italy’s local currency is the Euro. Credit and debit cards are accepted at most establishments, although not all vendors accept American Express so we recommend carrying a Mastercard or Visa with you if possible. Some Italian merchants and stores in small villages may only accept cash. ATMs are available and you can also purchase Euros on board our ships.
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory in Italy however a small tip for exceptional service is appreciated.
Weather
Italy has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and rainy winters. On average, temperatures reach highs of 26 °C during the summer and lows of around 8 °C in winter.
Plan Your Italian Cruise Today
A cruise to Italy with Cunard promises the perfect blend of history, culture, and luxury. From the grandeur of Rome to the coastal beauty of Cinque Terre, our carefully curated Shore Experiences offer the best way to explore Italy’s iconic ports.
You can book your Italian cruise today and embark on an unforgettable journey through this stunning Mediterranean destination.
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