cruise around italy boot

• Expeditions
• Complimentary Brochures
• Barcelona to Venice (Chioggia)
• Venice (Chioggia) to Barcelona

Mediterranean & Italian Sojourn

• From $5,698
• 12 Guided Tours
• 5 Countries
• Dates & Pricing
• 2024 2025 2026
• Barcelona to Venice (Chioggia) Venice (Chioggia) to Barcelona

Mediterranean & Italian Sojourn Map

Journey to treasured historic ports

Follow the tides of history with overnight stays in Barcelona and Venice. Marvel at the historic treasures of Montpellier. Stroll among the romance of Marseille and the glamour of Monte Carlo. Stay overnight in Renaissance Tuscany, and see ancient Rome and elegant Naples. Sail around Italy’s boot via Sicilian Messina, the pristine ports of Crotone and Bari, and the remarkable Old Town of Šibenik.

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Viking Inclusive Value

Pricing that covers everything guests need—and nothing they do not.

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Complimentary access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center.

Self-service launderettes

Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge

24-hour room service

Your Stateroom Includes:

King-size Viking Explorer Bed with luxury linen

42" flat-screen LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand

Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Direct-dial satellite phone & cell service

Security safe

110/220 volt outlets

Ample USB ports

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Pre: Barcelona

From $899 | 2 Nights

Pre: Madrid

From $999 | 2 Nights

Pre: Best of Barcelona

From $2,499 | 3 Nights

Post: Ultimate Italy—Lake Como & Verona

From $2,299 | 3 Nights

Post: Ultimate Italy—Tuscany

From $1,699 | 3 Nights

Post: Venice

From $1,099 | 2 Nights

Post: Como & the Italian Lakes

On this itinerary, your Viking Resident Historian is delivering the following iconic lectures:

• - The Italian Renaissance
• - History of France
• - History of Spain
• - The Roman Empire
• - The Venetian Republic
• - The Bayeux Tapestry

Viking Resident Historian

As part of our onboard cultural enrichment program and commitment to destination-focused learning, our Viking Resident Historian faculty provides guests with lectures and roundtable discussions on the arts, architecture, music and culture of upcoming ports and various aspects of world history.

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Italy Cruises

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Unforgettable Luxury Cruises to Italy

Experience the joys of la dolce vita on one of our award-winning cruises to Italy. This spectacular destination has a bounty of treasures waiting to be discovered, from mouthwatering cuisine to magnificent archaeological sites and some of the world’s greatest art treasures.

Our Mediterranean cruises visit Italy’s most beautiful destinations. Dive into the azure ocean off the island of Sardinia and marvel at the grandeur of Mount Etna in Sicily. Drift along the romantic canals of Venice from a port stop in Ravenna. Explore the Colosseum and the Vatican in Rome. Gaze at dreamy villages in gelato colors spilling over the lemon-fragranced hillsides of the Amalfi Coast.

Embark on exciting shore excursions that include in-depth city tours, wine tastings, cooking classes, and more. There’s no shortage of beauty and wonder awaiting you on a luxury Italy cruise with Celebrity Cruises.

Italy Cruise Highlights

Fantastic cuisine.

One of the highlights of cruising to Italy is sampling all of the culinary delights of the region. Sip on glasses of Chianti, Barolo, and Pinot Grigio. Try Tuscan specialties like bistecca alla Fiorentina and grab a slice of authentic Neapolitan pizza in Naples. Buy a box of biscotti in Sicily and order a plate of bucatini or gnocchi in Rome. Finish off your meal with a creamy gelato and a reinvigorating shot of espresso.

Famous Landmarks

You’ll find magnificent landmarks everywhere during your cruise to Italy. In Rome, explore the Colosseum, where gladiators once battled, and throw a coin into the baroque Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to the city. In Florence, admire the perfection of Michelangelo’s David. Take a photo at the astonishing Leaning Tower of Pisa and admire the dappled sunlight and azure water inside Capri’s famed Blue Grotto. While in Venice, be dazzled by the exquisite mosaics inside St. Mark’s Basilica.

The Amalfi Coast

Soak in the beauty of the Amalfi Coast, where mountains plunge straight into the sparkling Mediterranean and pastel-colored townhouses and fragrant citrus groves cling to the hillsides. Visit the picturesque cliffside towns of Positano, Ravello, and Sorrento and savor a lunch of fresh seafood and crisp white wine in a beachfront restaurant. Sail to the fabled island of Capri, famed for its dramatic scenery and lavish villas, and sip limoncello while people watching in the chic Piazzetta.

Featured Italy Cruise Ports

Ravenna (venice).

The beautiful city of Ravenna reflects its one-time status as capital of the western Roman empire. Ancient churches and baptistries throughout the center, all protected by UNESCO, are adorned with exquisite early Christian mosaics. From Ravenna, visit the enchanting city of Venice, famed for its canals, grand waterfront palaces, ancient bridges, and art, from the masterpieces inside the Doge’s Palace to the contemporary Peggy Guggenheim Collection.

Rome (Civitavecchia)

History lovers and cultural connoisseurs will experience a feast for the senses in Rome, Italy’s elegant capital. Step back in time inside the Colosseum, an ancient amphitheater that dates back to the first century. Marvel at the heavenly frescoes of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel inside the Vatican, and the vastness of St. Peter’s Basilica. Sip your morning cappuccino on gorgeous Piazza Navona against a soundtrack of splashing fountains and browse the designer shops on Via del Corso.

The seaside village of Portofino is one of Italy’s most glamorous destinations. Stroll around its winding streets lined with colorful buildings and admire the megayachts bobbing in the pretty harbor. Wander up the hill through the pinewoods beside the town to Castello Brown, a historic fort with dazzling views, or step inside enticing boutiques around the Piazzetta. This alluring square is the perfect spot for homemade gelato or a refreshing Aperol spritz cocktail in the sunshine.

Italy Cruise Itineraries

The Italy cruise season begins in May and lasts until October. Itineraries range from seven to twelve nights and depart from Ravenna (Venice), Rome, Athens and Barcelona. Most of our itineraries include one or two nights at sea and at least six different port stops in each sailing. Depending on your Italy cruise itinerary, you’ll sail around the country while also visiting ports in either Spain, France, Croatia, Greece, Turkey, and beyond, allowing you to explore Italy as well as other top destinations in Europe.

Itineraries

Why cruise to italy with celebrity cruises.

Experience the wonders of Italy while aboard one of our award-winning ships. Find out why we’ve been voted the best cruise line in Europe for 13 years in a row as you enjoy unparalleled service, stay in elegantly designed staterooms and suites, dine on world-class cuisine, and stop in spectacular port destinations along the way.

You’ll have access to non-stop entertainment, both on board and ashore. Sign up for exciting shore excursions that include everything from family-friendly outings to culinary tours. Watch show-stopping performances at the onboard theater, or unwind in our state-of-the-art spa. Spend a night out at one of our world-class specialty restaurants, and finish off the evening by dancing under the stars in a chic lounge in the middle of the sea. 

View All Italy Cruises

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ITALY CRUISES

Eat, pray and love your way through tasty trattorias, calming cathedrals and romantic retreats with a cruise to Italy.

Cruise to Italy and contemplate world-class art and architecture, timeless natural scenery and a food and wine scene against which all others are judged. Roam the lively streets of the Eternal City of Rome, and see the Colosseum in its massive, ancient glory. Check out the unmistakable Duomo ("dome") of Florence, and taste your way through the wineries of the nearby Chianti hills. Ride a gondola down the serpentine canals of Venice, see the brilliant gold mosaics of St. Mark's Basilica, or hike volcanic Mount Vesuvius and refuel with a classic Neapolitan pizza in Naples. Discover the magic with a Italy cruise.

Save Big With These Italy Cruise Deals

Explore more while spending less with Italy cruise deals onboard our best cruise ships

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THE ULTIMATE HISTORY CLASS

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. 

History class comes alive in Italy's iconic structures and celebrated art galleries. From gazing upward at the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, to combing through the dozens of timeless works that make Florence's Uffizi Gallery famous (including "The Birth of Venus"), Italy's artistic heritage is as impressive in the big picture as it is in the finer details.

LIVE FOREVER IN ETERNAL CITIES

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.

VISIT A CITY-STATE (OR TWO)

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.

JOURNEY BY FOOT AND FORK

Take advantage of Italy's varied topography with hikes in the hills of Tuscany or through the villages of Cinque Terre. Enjoy world-class food scene, perfect for culinary aficionados who don't mind a little indulgence when you cruise to Italy. 

WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

Who says Italy is only churches, pizza and high-brow art? Take a hike through the hills of the Tuscany region or have a dip in the crystalline waters of Capri, where the harbor is filled with yachts as far as the eye can see. From the pristine coasts to the rolling hills, Italy is a natural beauty.

DARE TO STRAY

Even if you stick to "mainstream" Italian destinations, you can still spice up your time in Italy. Ride a vaporetto (a local form of taxi boat) from Venice to the colorful island of Burano, or take a westward train ride from the  port city of La Spezia  to the lush coast of Cinque Terre. These are great alternatives to going south and east to Florence or Pisa.

TWIRL YOUR FORK

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.

Best Italy Cruises

A cruise to Italy is filled with exciting destinations, each with its own style and vibe. Discover Italy onboard the Best Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships.

GET ROMANTIC IN ROME

Before boarding the  best cruises from Rome , explore the ancient streets once trodden by gladiators and great artists alike. Kick off your dreamiest cruise yet by feasting on pasta, pizza and local wines.

STEP FOOT ON EXOTIC SHORES

Cruise to the warm, crystal-clear waters of the  Amalfi Coast , Greece, Spain and France. Relax on the world's most unique beaches, explore ancient historical architecture and indulge in favorite local dishes.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Italy Cruises Insider

The best time to go to Italy depends on your preferences as a traveler. While summer is better for days at the beach and nights dining al fresco, winter boasts lighter crowds and lower prices. The "shoulder" seasons of spring and autumn, meanwhile, provide the best of both worlds.

Italy's weather is likewise good year-round, certainly among the best in Europe. Winters here are relatively mild, with rarely more than a light snow once or twice a season. Summer temperatures can get up into the '90s, but thanks to the climate, you can have a sunny, mild day here any time of the year.

Traveler’s Bucket List: Italian Architecture and Art

Planning A Food Vacation As You Travel To Italy

Bring along a dictionary or download Italian in your phone's translation app. In spite of its popularity as a travel destination, English isn't commonly spoken, particularly in the south.

Mind your valuables: Pickpocketers crowd Italy's popular tourist areas.

Pick 2 to 3 activities per day, max. Part of enjoying Italy is living at the local pace, and Italians are never in much of a hurry.

FOR FOODIE'S CUISINE WITH A PAST-A

Italian cuisine is popular all over the world, but you've never really eaten it until you've had it in Italy. From familiar favorites like pizza and pasta, to a delightful variety of Italian meats and finishing touches like bitter espresso and sweet gelato, food is an essential part of the Italy travel experience.

LEANING TOWERS OF PIZZA

As its name suggests, Dal Presidente Pizza in Naples is famous because President Bill Clinton enjoyed its pizza during a visit. Whether you choose a simple margherita (mozzarella and tomato) or a complex capricciosa (the heat cooks the raw egg on top of it), Neapolitan pizza is sure to get your vote.

NEXT-LEVEL NOODLES

Pasta in Italy will change your life, whether you choose egg-and-bacon carbonara or pasta primavera, which pairs farfalle with fresh seasonal vegetables. No matter where in the country you are, choose a place that makes its pasta fresh — and one where patrons speak more Italian than English.

SCOOP IT UP

Gelato is not just "Italian ice cream." It uses more milk and fewer eggs (zero, in fact) than ice cream, but that's just the start of why it's essential to Italian dining. Try classic flavors like rich stracciatella (milk flavor with chocolate shavings) and fruity amarena, which tastes like cherries.

RELATED PORTS

Want to learn more about the best Italy cruise ports? Visit Civitavecchia to explore the port of Rome, bustling Naples and the yacht-filled Isle of Capri. Venice is more than just canals and gondolas, while La Spezia is an ideal entry point to both Florence's Renaissance-era art and Pisa's Leaning Tower.

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

Venice, Italy

Bologna (Ravenna), Italy

Amalfi Coast (Salerno), Italy

Sardinia (Cagliari), Italy

Sicily (Messina), Italy

Sicily (Catania), Italy

Genoa, Italy

Sicily (Palermo), Italy

Ravenna (Venice), Italy

Florence / Pisa (La Spezia), Italy

Florence / Pisa (Livorno), Italy

Naples / Capri, Italy

Portofino, Italy

Sicily (Siracusa), Italy

Florence / Pisa (Carrara), Italy

Santa Margherita, Italy

Trieste, Italy

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8 best Italy cruises for a Mediterranean vacation

You don't have to search all that hard to find the best Italy cruises — most leading cruise lines offer dozens of itineraries that visit Italian ports, often in conjunction with neighboring countries France, Greece and Croatia.

The reason? Italy has it all: coastlines on both the Mediterranean and the Adriatic, historic port cities (Rome, Venice and Naples among them) and spectacular islands (including Sicily, Sardinia, Capri and Elba).

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Plus, with a cruise season that runs from early April through late October (and even year-round for a few cruise lines), Italy offers something for everyone. Travel here to find an alluring mix of impeccably preserved historic sites, renowned regional cuisines and natural wonders waiting to be discovered.

Here are eight of the best Italy cruises for every type of traveler.

Best Italy cruises for cultural immersion: Azamara

Azamara pioneered the concept of single-country itineraries, which allow for greater cultural immersion and even overnight stays in select ports. The cruise line's 11-night voyage in October 2024 is one of its most comprehensive.

The sailing begins in Monte Carlo, Monaco, and ends in Rome (Civitavecchia), with visits to seven more Italian ports and Tunis, Tunisia. You'll explore Genoa, Livorno (overnight for Florence/Pisa), Porto Santo Stefano (on the Tuscan coast), Cagliari (on Sardinia), Trapani (on Sicily), Amalfi and Sorrento.

This voyage is aboard the 684-passenger Azamara Onward, one of the cruise line's four virtually identical ships. (All are former Renaissance R-class ships built in the early 2000s and renovated over the past several years.) The vessels' intimate size and Azamara's focus on cultural experiences and shore excursions emphasizing history and food (including cooking classes and market tours) make for an immersive cruise itinerary.

Other Italy-Intensive voyages in 2023 and 2024 include the following: a 10-night voyage in October 2023 aboard Azamara Quest, a 10-night voyage in April 2024 aboard Azamara Pursuit, and a seven-night voyage in May 2024 aboard Azamara Quest.

Best Italy cruises for small-ship lovers: Windstar Cruises

It's rare to find a cruise itinerary so fully focused on one specific region of Italy, but Windstar Cruises ' small ships — three classic sailing yachts and three all-suite motor yachts, which accommodate 148 to 342 guests — allow it to offer cruises to less-frequented ports.

Windstar's 10-day Sicilian Splendors , aboard its 342-passenger sailing yacht Wind Surf, is available on multiple dates in 2023, 2024 and 2025. The ship will cruise round-trip from Rome and call on six Italian ports: Catania (for Mount Etna), Porto Empedocle (for the ancient ruins at Agrigento) and Trapani (for its signature colored salts and Marsala wines), all in Sicily; the island of Lipari (the largest of seven Aeolian Islands); and Sorrento and Amalfi on the stunning Amalfi Coast. The cruise also visits the neighboring islands of Malta and Gozo.

Five-masted Wind Surf is the world's largest sailing ship. It manages to be intimate without feeling claustrophobic, although it is worth noting that none of its staterooms or suites has a balcony. There is, however, ample deck space for relaxation, with a pool and two hot tubs, as well as inviting alfresco bars and dining areas.

Related: The 2 classes of Windstar ships, explained

Indoors, the ship's restaurants and social spaces, such as the Veranda Restaurant, Stella Bistro and the Compass Rose Bar, are light-filled, with elegant neutral decor refreshed in 2019.

Musical entertainment takes place in the Wind Surf Lounge and Compass Rose Bar, and Windstar's excellent dining program reflects an ongoing partnership with the James Beard Foundation. In select tender ports, passengers can enjoy a watersports platform and take out sea kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.

Best Italy cruises for onboard pampering: Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

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. This cruise visits scenic hot spots such as Sorrento and Amalfi on the Amalfi Coast, history-rich Siracusa in Sicily and three ports (Gallipoli, Taranto and Otranto) in lesser-known Puglia, located on the heel of boot-shaped Italy, before passengers disembark in Malta.

Ritz-Carlton, which entered the cruise realm in 2021 with its 298-passenger luxury yacht, Evrima , offers an all-inclusive "yachting lifestyle" experience. This leisurely sailing features overnights in Sorrento and Taranto and two sea days with ample ways to enjoy onboard pampering. The ship's spacious suites are designed with a contemporary residential feel and range in size from 300 square feet with an 81-square-foot terrace to 1,091 square feet with a 635-square-foot terrace.

Evrima also offers nine bars and dining venues featuring menus created to reflect the ports visited. For culinary indulgence, guests can book a table at S.E.A., a specialty dining experience designed by Chef Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, the Michelin three-starred restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton in Wolfsburg, Germany.

The ship also features chicly designed spaces for relaxing and socializing, such as the Pool House lounge overlooking an aft infinity pool, a second pool located next to the alfresco restaurant Mistral, a panoramic Observation Lounge and a full-service Ritz-Carlton Spa.

Related: The best luxury cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

Best Italy cruises for foodies: Silversea Cruises

The three newest ships in the Silversea Cruises fleet — Silver Moon, Silver Dawn and 2023's first-in-class Silver Nova — all feature the cruise line's immersive culinary program known as S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste). When Silversea's next ship, the 728-passenger Silver Ray, debuts in 2024, it will also take its guests on culinary-focused journeys — among them an 11-day Rome to Venice itinerary in June 2024.

The itinerary includes calls on seven ports in Italy: Rome, Naples, Sorrento, Palermo, Siracusa, Trieste and Venice. The sailing also visits ports in Malta, Montenegro and Croatia.

Silversea's sailings blend food-centric excursions — such as a visit to a family farm for a tasting of fresh cheese, salami and olive oil in Sorrento — with the onboard S.A.L.T. program to make sampling local cuisine a natural part of the cruise experience. The day-to-day menus at S.A.L.T. Kitchen are all inspired by the ports visited. The Terrain menu focuses on that day's port while the Voyage menu draws from the best flavors of the entire itinerary.

Passengers aboard Silver Ray should definitely pack an appetite — in addition to S.A.L.T. Kitchen, the ship features seven other restaurants. They are La Dame for haute French cuisine, Atlantide for signature fine dining (think caviar and lobster), Kaiseki for Japanese sushi and teppanyaki (as well as pan-Asian dishes), Silver Note for tapas-style dining and live music, The Grill for casual burgers and salads, La Terrazza for handmade pasta and other Italian specialties, and Spaccanapoli for thin-crusted Naples-style pizza. With 11 nights aboard, there's time to sample all of them.

Related: The ultimate guide to cruise ship food and dining

Best Italy cruises for families: Norwegian Cruise Line

If an Italy adventure with the entire family sounds like the perfect cruise vacation in 2024, Norwegian Cruise Line 's new Norwegian Viva, launching in August 2023 as the sister ship to 2022's Norwegian Prima, is an ideal playground for guests of all ages.

The most Italy-focused itinerary? The 10-day Mediterranean: Italy, Greece & Croatia cruise (offered aboard 3,099-guest Viva in late June and late September 2024) calls on six ports in Italy — Rome, Livorno, Naples, Messina, Siracusa and Trieste — as well as the islands of Corfu and Malta; Koper, Slovenia; and Dubrovnik and Split in Croatia.

This itinerary is rich in history and culture, including the ancient landmarks of Rome, the archeological wonders of Pompeii and the Leaning Tower of Pisa near Livorno, plus the beauty and culinary treats (sweet cannoli and savory arancini) of Sicily, where Viva makes two port calls. Though the cruise ends in Trieste, the wonders of Venice are just 90 minutes away, so adding a few extra nights to explore its colorful, canal-laced islands is a must.

Onboard Viva, you'll enjoy more than a dozen dining options (five of them complimentary, including the casual and family-friendly Indulge Food Hall), 16 bars and lounges and all the fun activities/entertainment (including a production of the Broadway hit "Beetlejuice: The Musical") that the line offers.

Related: Best cruise lines for families

Top amenities include the three-deck Viva Speedway for exhilarating go-kart racing, three thrilling slides (two of them 10-story corkscrew dry slides and one tidal-wave-style waterslide), virtual-reality gaming in the Galaxy Pavilion, tech-enhanced minigolf and more. Also, Viva's generous outside deck space — especially Deck 8's Ocean Boulevard with its lively Indulge Outdoor Lounge and sleek Infinity Beach pools — is ideal for scenic cruising in the Mediterranean and Adriatic.

Best Italy cruises for couples: Oceania Cruises

The sophisticated onboard ambiance and a romantic itinerary are a lovely combination, and couples can enjoy both on the 12-night Mediterranean Tapestry sailing offered in June 2024 aboard Oceania Cruises ' newest vessel, Oceania Vista.

The 1,200-passenger ship, which debuted in May 2023, will visit four top ports in Italy — Venice/Trieste in Northern Italy, Taormina in Sicily, Amalfi/Positano in Southern Italy and Civitavecchia for a day in Rome.

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.

Oceania caters to couples seeking an upscale cruise experience with a culinary focus. Onboard Vista, the atmosphere is sleek and polished, with interior decor awash in elegant neutrals of varying patterns and textures, all woven together into a soothing mosaic (in some cases, literally, as tiled vignettes are used throughout the ship). Vista's bars and lounges, especially the Martini Bar and the Grand Lounge, are so chic you'll want to get dressed up every night to enjoy one of the craft cocktails on their newly enhanced menus.

All specialty dining is included in the cruise fare, and stand-out meals at Polo Grill (for an excellent steakhouse menu), Toscana (for authentic Italian, including recipes by Vista's godmother Giada De Laurentiis) and Red Ginger (for flavorful pan-Asian) are just a reservation away. Two new eateries, Aquamar Kitchen and Ember, serve wellness-focused cuisine and casual American comfort food, respectively, and an expanded Culinary Arts Center lets guests who love to cook take hands-on classes.

Best of all, Vista is an all-balcony ship, so every stateroom features access to fresh air (French Veranda Staterooms don't have an outdoor sitting area, however). Veranda Staterooms and Concierge Level Veranda Staterooms offer a spacious 290 square feet of indoor space — and some of the best standard bathrooms at sea with roomy walk-in showers and ample storage.

Related: The best cruises for couples seeking romance and together time at sea

Best Italy cruises for travelers on a budget: Royal Caribbean

To score a budget cruise fare in the Mediterranean, it helps to look for sailings aboard a cruise line's older ships. If Italy is your main focus for a future cruise, it's hard to beat the seven-night Western Mediterranean itinerary in September 2024 aboard Royal Caribbean 's Voyager of the Seas.

It visits five Italian ports: Venice/Ravenna, Messina in Sicily, Naples, Rome and Livorno (for Florence and Pisa). The ship also calls on Marseille and Barcelona. Voyager's Italy-focused cruise is a jam-packed itinerary with just one sea day.

Ideal for both couples and multi-generational families, the 3,600-passenger Voyager of the Seas (which debuted in 1999 and was last refurbished in 2019) features seven restaurants (including three complimentary dining venues and specialty restaurant favorites Chops Grille and Giovanni's Table) and eight bars/lounges.

The ship has been "amped-up" so guests can enjoy features found on Royal Caribbean's newer ships: Perfect Storm waterslides, FlowRider simulated surfing, Battle for Planet Z laser tag, Voyager Dunes minigolf, Studio B ice-skating shows and reimagined spaces for kids and teens.

Nights aboard Voyager of the Seas will be filled with complimentary entertainment options: production shows in the Royal Theater, pub performances by guest entertainers and bands, game-show competitions, pool parties, outdoor movie nights and a '70s disco party.

Best Italy cruises for adults-only ambiance: Viking

Is Venice at the top of your wish list? Does an adults-only cruise on a ship with serene, Scandinavian-inspired interior decor and complimentary wine or beer with lunch and dinner sound ideal?

If so, check out Viking 's 15-night Italy, the Adriatic and Greece itinerary , which sails from Athens to Rome and visits six Italian ports — Venice/Chioggia, Bari, Crotone, Messina, Naples and Rome — with three days spent in Venice. As a bonus, you'll also visit ports in Greece (Katakolon and Corfu), Croatia (Dubrovnik, Split and Sibenik) and Montenegro (Kotor).

Offered on multiple dates in fall 2023, 2024 and 2025, this itinerary is chock full of port experiences; there are no sea days, and a total of 13 cities are visited. Viking includes one free guided shore excursion in each port, usually a panoramic bus tour or historic walking tour. Use that as an overview and then explore on your own or book one of the cruise line's longer or more specialized excursions. Onboard guest speakers also offer insight into the ports visited and the cultural landscape.

The cruise line's nine ocean ships are all identical and accommodate 930 passengers, most of whom are couples over age 55. Onboard dining is available in eight restaurants, including the main venue, The Restaurant and the buffet-style World Cafe, the casual Pool Grill and the Norwegian-focused Mamsen's. Guests can also reserve dinner at two specialty restaurants (at no extra charge): Manfredi's for Italian cuisine and The Chef's Table for multi-course, wine-paired menus that rotate throughout the cruise.

Afternoon tea is served in the elegant Wintergarden. The Aquavit Terrace overlooking the aft infinity pool is a sunny spot to enjoy alfresco dining.

If you're willing to come back early from port, Viking's ocean ships offer plenty of ways to relax on board. All passengers enjoy complimentary access to the ship's thermal suite in the LivNordic Spa. It features a thalassotherapy pool, steam room, sauna and snow room. The Main Pool has a retractable roof and can be enjoyed no matter what the weather. However, if you want to live it up at night, note that the ship does not have an onboard casino.

Bottom line

The best Italy cruises offer access to some of the country's most-loved cities, as well as a chance to explore some of its sunny islands and lesser-known coastal ports. No matter the itinerary, you're guaranteed to enjoy the splendid landscapes, treasured antiquities and, of course, the incredible gelato.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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Home » Italy Cruises » Cruises Around Italy

Home » Italy Cruises » Cruises Around Italy

Cruises Around Italy

The pleasure of visiting Italy by sea makes it unique among all the best vacation destinations in the world. Italy’s coastal views from the water are gorgeous. Italy’s famous art cities Rome, Florence, and Venice are all accessible by cruise ship. Rome’s cruise port Civitavecchia and Venice’s cruise port are among the largest cruise ports in the Mediterranean. From either port you may sail around Italy on all the major cruise lines visiting all of Italy’s ports on the Adriatic, Sicily, and along the Mediterranean. Here are our picks for the top rated cruises around Italy. And don’t forget, we guarantee the lowest price on all cruises around Italy.

Cruises around Italy from Rome to Venice

April 10, 2024

ROME (CIVITAVECCHIA), ITALY | FLORENCE / PISA (LIVORNO) | FLORENCE / PISA (LIVORNO) | AMALFI | CATANIA, SICILY,ITALY | TARANTO | KOTOR, MONTENEGRO | ANCONA | BOLOGNA (RAVENNA) | VENICE | VENICE 

April 11, 2024

Rome (Civitavecchia) | Florence/Pisa/Tuscany (Livorno) | Cinque Terre (La Spezia) | Nice (Villefranche) | Provence (Marseille) | Barcelona | Valencia | Alicante | Palma De Mallorca | Valletta | Ephesus (Kusadasi) | Istanbul | Istanbul | Mykonos | Athens (Piraeus) | Dubrovnik | Pula/Rovinj | Venice (Trieste) 

April 14, 2024

Rome (Civitavecchia) | Naples | Sicily (Messina) | Crotone | Bari | Sibenik | Venice | Venice 

Aug 4, 2024

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• Expeditions
• Complimentary Brochures
• Rome (Civitavecchia) to Venice (Chioggia)
• Venice (Chioggia) to Rome (Civitavecchia)

Italian Sojourn

• From $4,299
• 6 Guided Tours
• 2 Countries
• Dates & Pricing
• 2024 2025 2026
• Rome (Civitavecchia) to Venice (Chioggia) Venice (Chioggia) to Rome (Civitavecchia)

Italian Sojourn Map

Sail around Italy’s boot

Experience the legacies of civilizations during this fascinating 8-day itinerary cruising Italy between Civitavecchia and Venice. Discover the magnificent Amalfi Coast from Naples and visit Messina, Sicily’s cultural crossroads. Hear the echoes of ancient Greece in Crotone and witness the beauty of Puglia in Bari. Explore historic Šibenik, Croatia’s oldest coastal town. An overnight in Venice lets you immerse yourself in Italy’s most romantic city.

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Viking Inclusive Value

Pricing that covers everything guests need—and nothing they do not.

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Complimentary access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center.

Self-service launderettes

Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge

24-hour room service

Your Stateroom Includes:

King-size Viking Explorer Bed with luxury linen

42" flat-screen LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand

Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Direct-dial satellite phone & cell service

Security safe

110/220 volt outlets

Ample USB ports

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

From $1,499 | 2 Nights

Pre: Ultimate Italy—Sicily

From $2,599 | 3 Nights

Pre: Ultimate Italy—Tuscany

From $2,299 | 3 Nights

Pre: Ultimate Italy—Umbria

Pre: Parma & Bologna

From $2,999 | 3 Nights

Pre: Best of Rome

From $3,299 | 3 Nights

Post: Ultimate Italy—Lake Como & Verona

Post: Venice

Post: Como & the Italian Lakes

Post: ultimate italy—tuscany.

Post: Best of Venice

On this itinerary, your Viking Resident Historian is delivering the following iconic lectures:

• - The Roman Empire
• - The Venetian Republic
• - The Bayeux Tapestry

Viking Resident Historian

As part of our onboard cultural enrichment program and commitment to destination-focused learning, our Viking Resident Historian faculty provides guests with lectures and roundtable discussions on the arts, architecture, music and culture of upcoming ports and various aspects of world history.

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11-Day Around Italy's Boot: Venice Overnight

Amazing food and superb service make Holland America one of the longest running cruise lines.

Delve into culinary treats in Italy and Turkey or enrich yourself with the history of France and Spain with a Mediterranean cruise.

Discover imaginative architecture, impressive Spanish dishes and beautiful excursions into nature when you cruise to Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia.

• Oosterdam - Passenger Capacity: 1,964 (double occupancy) Year Built: 2003 Last Refurbished: 2018

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Ports of Call

Barcelona, Spain , Cannes, France , Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy , Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy , Naples, Italy , Kefalonia, Greece , Dubrovnik, Croatia , Kotor, Montenegro , Zadar, Croatia , Trieste, Italy

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11-Day Around Italy's Boot: Venice Overnight sailing on the Oosterdam

Departure dates: sep 2025 - sep 2025.

From $2,554

Stateroom prices for Sep. 10, 2025

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Sailing Map

*** All itineraries are subject to change without notice. Please confirm your itinerary on the Review page before purchasing your cruise.

Rates & offers are subject to select dates & categories, cruise only, per person, based on double occupancy, in US Dollars, & include NCCF. Government taxes & fees are additional. All rates & offers are capacity controlled, are subject to availability & confirmation, & may change without notice. Additional restrictions may apply. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed -- please confirm details at time of booking. Stateroom photos are for sample purposes only -- actual design and layout may vary.

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