Italy is a land of contrasts with beautiful hills and countryside filled with vineyards, the land of lakes, charming unspoiled villages and many unique cities steeped in culture and history. Whether you want to discover one of over a thousand stunning lakes or wander through iconic cultural sites in one of the numerous vibrant cities, Italy offers it all and more. With so much to take in and each region offering something different to explore, taking a cruise around Italy is a great way to sample the best of what this country can offer and visit as many diverse places as possible.
There are many ports dotted around the long shaped country, each with their own unique sites and attractions that make Italy such a popular tourist destination. Cruising gives you the option to be able to visit a varied selection of places across the country from the rolling countryside to the interesting cities.
One such place and a very popular stop for cruises is the port of Civitavecchia, the gateway to the historic city of Rome. This city has lots of ancient Roman treasures waiting to be discovered including the imposing Coliseum, the vast Vatican City with beautiful buildings, piazzas and fountains and the Mouth of Truth, a famous carving in marble where many people take the opportunity to stand for a photo.
For a different experience of Italy, many cruises make a port of call in Brindisi in the east of the country. Here you will find a much more relaxed pace of life set amongst a patchwork of fields, olive groves and quaint villages alongside ancient watchtowers and fortresses. Nature lovers will be at home in this region with one of the largest wildlife parks in the country located here as well as a large nature area. A well-known spa can also be found here with underwater springs offering healing properties.
Wherever your cruise stops in Italy, one thing that will remain of constant high quality will be the renowned Italian food. Dine in one of the many local restaurants whilst exploring and opt for traditional dishes including pasta and pizza with a glass of wine from the nearby vineyards.
When choosing a cruise to Italy there are many options depending on which parts of the country you particularly want to visit and whether you would like to include other countries as well. Whether you opt for cheap cruises that offer excellent value for money or extravagant cruises with every detail included, make sure it includes Italy on the itinerary list and you will not be disappointed.