Western Mediterranean cruises are the most popular choice of cruise for Brits to make and will always include Italy in their itinerary, with many departing from or ending up in Rome. It is unsurprising perhaps, because Italy as a destination offers so much to its visitors: history, culture, cuisine, beaches and climate.
With historical sites dotted the length and breadth of the country, a cruise is the ideal way to see multiple sites during a single holiday, without the hassle of travelling, packing and unpacking. A cruise will generally visit at least three Italian ports and if it is a two week cruise then possibly three more on the return leg of the journey.
A visit to Italy will always entail visiting the Eternal City, Rome, via the nearest sea port of Civitavecchia. With so many incredible sights of amazing beauty you can wander the streets and around every corner will be a new surprise. You must try and fit in the major sites such as the Vatican, The Sistine Chapel, the Trevi fountain and the Spanish Steps but the list is endless and a pre or post cruise stay is highly recommended to really get the full flavour of Rome.
Italians are known for their warmth and welcoming visitors, there is always a lively atmosphere in the cafes, restaurants and gelaterias. With an enviable Mediterranean climate the summer is long and hot and in August, Rome and the other main inland cities are at their quietest, with many Italians spending the hottest month closer to the coast. You can visit any time from early Spring until October and be confident that there will be blue skies overhead.
The long coastline of Italy provides many fantastic ports to visit. One of the most famous is the romantic city of Venice with its shimmering Grand Canal and tangle of waterways. With magnificent palaces rearing up from the water and elegant piazzas, this is one of the must-visit ports, but note that after late 2014 larger cruise ships will be banned from entering the harbour to ensure the preservation of Venice.
Other Italian ports of call that are always featured on Western Mediterranean cruises include grand and handsome Naples, and bustling Livorno which is often used as a gateway to the artistic treasures of Florence and Pisa’s beautiful leaning tower. Palermo gives an insight and inroad into Sicily’s heartland and Genoa in the north is a charming blend of modern and ancient.
Italy is a country of great charm and a treasure trove of historical sites. By cruising to Italy you can see a vast amount in just one holiday and you'll find it hard not to slip straight into the laid back Mediterranean lifestyle.
Western Mediterranean cruises are the most popular choice of cruise for Brits to make and will always include Italy in their itinerary, with many departing from or ending up in Rome. It is unsurprising perhaps, because Italy as a destination offers so much to its visitors: history, culture, cuisine, beaches and climate.
With historical sites dotted the length and breadth of the country, a cruise is the ideal way to see multiple sites during a single holiday, without the hassle of travelling, packing and unpacking. A cruise will generally visit at least three Italian ports and if it is a two week cruise then possibly three more on the return leg of the journey.
A visit to Italy will always entail visiting the Eternal City, Rome, via the nearest sea port of Civitavecchia. With so many incredible sights of amazing beauty you can wander the streets and around every corner will be a new surprise. You must try and fit in the major sites such as the Vatican, The Sistine Chapel, the Trevi fountain and the Spanish Steps but the list is endless and a pre or post cruise stay is highly recommended to really get the full flavour of Rome.
Italians are known for their warmth and welcoming visitors, there is always a lively atmosphere in the cafes, restaurants and gelaterias. With an enviable Mediterranean climate the summer is long and hot and in August, Rome and the other main inland cities are at their quietest, with many Italians spending the hottest month closer to the coast. You can visit any time from early Spring until October and be confident that there will be blue skies overhead.
The long coastline of Italy provides many fantastic ports to visit. One of the most famous is the romantic city of Venice with its shimmering Grand Canal and tangle of waterways. With magnificent palaces rearing up from the water and elegant piazzas, this is one of the must-visit ports, but note that after late 2014 larger cruise ships will be banned from entering the harbour to ensure the preservation of Venice.
Other Italian ports of call that are always featured on Western Mediterranean cruises include grand and handsome Naples, and bustling Livorno which is often used as a gateway to the artistic treasures of Florence and Pisa’s beautiful leaning tower. Palermo gives an insight and inroad into Sicily’s heartland and Genoa in the north is a charming blend of modern and ancient.
Italy is a country of great charm and a treasure trove of historical sites. By cruising to Italy you can see a vast amount in just one holiday and you'll find it hard not to slip straight into the laid back Mediterranean lifestyle.
