Italy Cruise
Italy is known around the world for its friendly people, delectable foods, fine wines, and romantic scenery. This country, home to one of the oldest and most advanced ancient civilizations known to man, is full of majestic ruins, beautiful artwork, and historical marvels. There is no more luxurious way to experience this beautiful land and its culture than on a historical Italy cruise.
Whether you are at sail in the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean or at dock in ports of call like Rome or Venice, your Italy cruise will be full of things to do and sights to see. If you need some time to rest and relax, what better way to do it than in the ship’s spa, or on a deck chair by the pool? An Italy cruise vacation combines the best of all worlds - fun, excitement, culture, and relaxation, all in one convenient package.
Taking an Italy Cruise Ship to Romantic Venice
Venice, home of the romantic gondola ride and the impressive Saint Mark’s Basilica, is a popular stop for an Italy cruise. Venice is particularly easy to navigate, since the only transportation options are feet and boats. Public boat transportation is easy to use and inexpensive. Some highlights for your trip:
The Doges Palace, which was a combination seat of justice, home of the ruler of Venice, and prison. Don’t miss the Bridge of Sighs, a beautiful marble bridge where condemned prisoners caught their last glimpse of the outside world, the torture chambers, and the displays of authentic armors and weaponry.
The Basilica San Marco, or Saint Mark’s Basilica, which is decorated in Byzantine style. It is known for its architecture, gorgeous mosaics, and Pala d’Oro altarpiece.
Gondola rides through the city’s network of canals. You’ll get a unique view of the city, and your guide may even sing for you! Although it is a little different from the luxury liner that brought you to this leg of your Italy cruise, a gondola ride is not to be missed.
Shopping! Venice is known for its handmade glass, supple leather products, and gorgeous porcelain masks. Does Your Road - and Your Italy Cruise Vacation - Lead to Rome?
Rome is one fantastic destination for an Italy cruise that should not be missed. It contains the heartland of the Roman Empire, the amazing artwork of the Vatican, the Coliseum, the Circus Maximus, and so much more. Most cruise liners stop in the town of Civitavecchia, about an hour away from Rome itself, and passengers take a bus to the city itself. Some important sites to visit in Rome include:
The Coliseum, a 2,000 year old structure where up to 50,000 people viewed gladiator battles and other spectacles. The Coliseum is remarkably well-preserved for its age.
The Vatican, the smallest country in the world and the seat of the Roman Catholic religion, the Vatican is also home to a staggeringly beautiful collection of the world’s finest artwork. St. Peter’s Basilica, with its famous paintings from Michelangelo, is not to be missed. Tours of the museum and the ancient necropolis under the basilica are also a highpoint of any Italy cruise.
The Forum Romanum, the ruins of the place that was once the judicial, political, and commercial center of the civilized world. Today, you can still see the remains of the temple where Vestal Virgins kept the city’s eternal flame alive, the arch of Titus built by an emperor to commemorate his sacking of Jerusalem, and many other places of historical impact.
The Pantheon, known for the simple beauty of its architecture, was originally a place of worship for all of the Roman gods. It was converted to a Christian church as religions changed in the city, and therefore is one of the best preserved pieces of architecture that you are likely to see on your Italy cruise.
Ancient ruins steeped in history are likely to be a high point of your Italy cruise, but don’t forget a more prosaic pleasure - ice cream! The Italian ice cream, or gelato, is incomparably good. It can be bought from street vendors in any stop along your Italy cruise, and should definitely not be missed. Drift past cliffs, castles or hillside grape vineyards on a European Cruise.