ITALY PORTS & CITIES
ITALY PORTS & CITIES
| Amalfi | Elba | Florence | Genoa |
| La Spezia | Livorno | Naples | Portofino |
| Rome | Santa Margherita | Sorrento |
Amalfi
Italian Cruise to the Amalfi Coast, the Greatest Meeting of Land and Sea on Earth - Italy
Cruise to the Campania region between Sorrento and Salerno, Amalfi is one of the main towns, the other being Positano, on the world famous Amalfi Drive - known as the most romantic drive in Italy. The road is gouged from the side of rocky cliffs plunging into the sea. Erosion has contorted the rocks into mythological shapes and hollowed out fairy grottoes where the air is turquoise and the water an icy blue. During the Middle Ages, Amalfi was an independent maritime state with a population of 50,000. The ship compass was invented here in 1302. Approximately 10 miles away from Amalfi is the village of Ravello. An enchanting village with wonderful views and quiet lanes, Ravello boasts romantic gardens that showcase medieval ruins, and afford magnificent views of the entire Bay of Salerno.
Elba
Italian Cruise to Elba, Steeped in History Running Way Back to the Romans and Etruscans -Italy
As soon as you step ashore in Elbas cruise harbour Portoferraio, you will feel the centuries slip away as you imagine how Napoleon felt when he arrived to start his first period in exile. Steeped in history running way back to the Romans and Etruscans - Greek mythology even has it that Jasons Argonauts came this way too - Elba has prospered ever since the medieval. You will see an imposing Medici fort, as well as a Martello Tower and second fort (Stella), looking down on you as you cruise into the harbour and then walk through the Porta a Mare archway into an old town full of cafés, bars and shops. Touring around Elba, you will enjoy beautiful scenery and discover hidden coves and beaches. You can even take a funicular to enjoy the panoramic views from the top of 3,200ft Mount Capanne. A visit to Napoleons ornate summerhouse and gardens at San Martino will also be on your wish list.
Florence
Italian Cruise to the Startlingly Beautiful Renaissance City of Florence
Cruise to Florence which occupies both banks of the Arno River and the Ponte Vecchio is Florence's only bridge to survive World War II. Today, it is a bustling pedestrian bridge of shops and home to the gold and silver guilds. History and art meet here and masterpieces like Michelangelo's David can be seen in the city's many museums, churches and galleries.
Genoa
Cruise to the Real Italian Gem of Genoa - Italy
A cruise to Genoa with it's secret beauty that can be found in its daring architecture, traces of splendid frescoes and imposing, noble palaces. Here you can see the house where Christopher Columbus was allegedly born and sample some of its delicious pesto, which originated from this region. Explore the labyrinth of narrow alleyways of the old city, which are filled with shops, and restaurants. In the centre you will come to the Piazza de Ferrari, around which is sited the Opera and the Palace of the Doges. Some of the other main sights here include the beautiful black and white striped S.Stefano Abbey and St. Lawrence Cathedral, with its bare medieval style. One of the most charming areas of Genoa is the district of Via Garibaldi. Dating from the mid 16th century, it was designed to accomodate Mannerist palaces of the citys most eminent families, including Palazzo Rosso, which is now a museum.
La Spezia
Cruise to La Spezia, Gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Called Cinque Terre - Italy
Cruise the Ligurian coastline between Genoa and Pisa, is the pretty town of La Spezia – one of Italy's most important military and commercial harbours. But it's not this that attracts so many. La Spezia is the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site called Cinque Terre – a collection of five coastal villages perched on the coastline. Monterosso al Marc is famous for its beaches. Vernazza is a charming fishing port decorated with colourful buildings. Cornigilia is perched high above sea level with painted houses clinging to the cliff face. Peaceful Manarolais is modern in comparison and boasts a rocky cove. While Riomaggiore is a pretty town with attractive tall houses marching up the hillside. Back in La Spezia itself you'll find a number of churches and museums. There's the 13th century Our Lady of Assumption church, housing a surprising collection of art, and the civic museum in the Castle of San Giorgio is just one of seven museums in the town.
Livorno
Italian Cruise to Livorno, Gateway to Pisa, Florence, or the Tuscan towns of Lucca and Siena
Founded in the 16th century by the Grand Dukes of Tuscany - the Medici Family, Livorno remains a busy port and town. Its centre, which is walkable from the port, has some pretty bars, cafés and chic shops but most of Livornos cruise visitors head straight for Pisa, Florence, or the Tuscan towns of Lucca and Siena. You may be surprised to find that the recently restored Leaning Tower is just one of many towers in Pisa and happy to find that elegant Florence is compact enough to be walkable. With the Arno river running through it, you should be able to keep your bearings fairly easily as you visit the Uffizi Gallery and cross the gold and silver merchants-lined Ponte Vecchio on your way round the many attractions of this startlingly beautiful Renaissance city.
Naples
Cruise the Amalfi Coast its skyline is dominated by the heights of the not-too-distant Mount Vesuvius to Naples - Italy
Modern Naples is a lively, working port city along the Amalfi Coast. Nearby Pompeii is one of the world's most magnificently preserved ancient cities. Across the bay lies the island of Capri with its dramatic Blue Grotto and cliff top views.
Portofino
Cruise to Portofino and Hang out with the Rich and Famous - Italy
A cruise to the delightful seaside town of Portofino a favourite Italian Riviera hangout of the rich and famous, whose mega-yachts jostle in its pretty harbour while their occupants shop for the latest Cartier and Hermes trinkets ashore. For lesser mortals, there are cheerful pizzerias and craft shops in the streets around the waterfront – and you are guaranteed a stylish cup of coffee at one of the swish harbourside restaurants, even if your budget does not stretch to a big meal. To experience a real touch of class, it is worth puffing your way up through exquisite tiered gardens to the Hotel Splendido - a former Benedictine monastery perched right above the harbour – which lives up to its name and is a spectacular setting for afternoon tea. Alternatively, stay at sea level and catch a boat across to the sandy beach at Santa Margherita, or to Abbazia di San Fruttuoso, a beachfront monastery containing exhibits of 13th and 14th century pottery.
Rome
Cruise to the Eternal City of Rome and Have so Many Unique Experiences of a Lifetime
From the seaport of Civitavecchia romantic and beautiful Rome was one of the great centres of the ancient world. Standing in the Colosseum, visiting Vatican City and tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain are all unique experiences of a lifetime to be had in the Eternal City of Rome, reached from your Italian cruise port Civitavecchia. Today's Rome, with its splendid churches, ancient monuments and palaces, spacious parks, tree-lined boulevards, sparkling fountains, outdoor cafés and chic shops is a destination not to be missed.
Santa Margherita
Italian Cruise to the Charming Harbour Town of Santa Margherita - Italy
Once a quiet fishing village in the shadow of its flashier near neighbour Portofino, cruise to Santa Margherita has developed into a charming resort with its own distinct appeal. As well as the inviting cafés, restaurants and bars around the harbour, Santa Margherita is unusual for this part of the Italian coastline in having some fine, sandy beaches. You can even hire changing cabins from the beach bars. There are some fancy boutiques around the harbour and along the narrow lanes that lead from there into the pretty town. Well worth a visit are the ruins of its 15th century castle, several Baroque-style churches, and of course, Portofino, which is just a short bus ride (or cruise) along the coast.
Sorrento
Cruise to Sorrento, Presenting a Dramatic Face to Your Cruise Ship - Italy
Perched on top of a craggy cliff along Italy's Amalfi Coast, Sorrento presents a dramatic face to visitors from the sea but once you reach the centre - either by foot or, less strenuously, by minibus from the Sorrentos cruise tender dock (Marina Piccola) - it is a different story. This is a charming resort town which really knows how to welcome tourists. Service always comes with a smile in the shops, cafés and restaurants around its pretty piazzas and you will also discover some fascinating buildings including a 15th century cathedral and the 14th century Correale Palace. Jewellery stores galore and plenty of designer labels in fancy boutiques make this an exciting place for shopaholics, too. The main attractions of this region are the extraordinary sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum, the frenetic city of Naples and the swish island of Capri.
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Costa Cruises
Mediterranean 09 Nov 2013, 7nts Costa Mediterranea |
inside £449
outside CALL US balcony CALL US More Details |
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MSC Cruises
Mediterranean 06 Jul 2013, 7nts MSC Opera |
inside £499
outside CALL US balcony CALL US More Details |
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Thomson Cruises
Mediterranean 11 Oct 2013, 7nts Thomson Majesty |
inside £829
outside £869 balcony CALL US More Details |
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Carnival Cruises
Europe 09 Jun 2013, 12nts Carnival Legend |
inside £699
outside £899 balcony £999 More Details |
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Norwegian Cruise Line
Mediterranean 02 Nov 2013, 12nts Norwegian Spirit |
inside £799
outside CALL US balcony CALL US More Details |
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