Best cruise ports in Italy
Discover Cunard 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.
Civitavecchia, an Italian coastal town on the Tyrrhenian Sea, is best known as the gateway to Rome for cruise travelers. As one of Italy’s most iconic cities, Rome boasts impressive ancient wonders. The city center is inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, highlighting its historical significance.
Top attractions in Rome:
Shore Experiences: Join our Rome Shore Experiences for a seamless journey from Civitavecchia to Rome, including air-conditioned coach transfers directly from the quayside.
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:
Livorno also serves as your gateway to some of Tuscany’s most famous destinations, including:
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.
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:
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.
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.
One of the most recognized landmarks of all time, the Colosseum in Rome is the largest amphitheater 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 center of this iconic stadium.
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.
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.
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 multicolored 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 the 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.
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 skyward to see them, but their detail and color, 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.
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:
Whether you’re a foodie or simply love trying new dishes, Italy’s culinary offerings will leave you craving more.
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 artisanship is unparalleled.
What to shop for:
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.
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 is not mandatory in Italy, however, a small tip for exceptional service is appreciated.
Italy has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and rainy winters. On average, temperatures reach highs of 79°F during the summer and lows of around 46°F in winter.
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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