Adventure Cruises in Italy
Scenic views, stunning beaches, picturesque towns with rich history and culture, and some of the best food in the world is what you get on adventure cruises in Italy.
Small ship Italy cruises are one of the best-kept secrets of an Italian vacation. Journeying around Italy’s stunning coast by boat keeps you away from the hustle and bustle of the main tourist routes while letting you explore the country’s rich history. Also, you get to see a unique side of Italy that you would not see from land, whether it is exploring the beautiful beaches or the stunning cliffs of the Amalfi Coast from the sea.
Nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean, there is so much to experience and do in Italy, the country has a rich history, and no cruise around the coast would be complete without a day trip to Rome to see the Colosseum and St Peter's. In addition to all the History, Italy is also a stunningly beautiful country with incredible beaches, picturesque sheer cliffs, and more. You cannot take a trip to Italy without mentioning the food. The country is world-famous for its cuisine. Whether dining at a small family-run restaurant on a day trip or alfresco on the deck of your small cruise ship, you will definitely leave Italy with some unforgettable culinary memories.
Best Italy cruises and areas to visit
The Amalfi Coast
Cruising the Amalfi Coast combines stunning coast views with the best of Italian History. Day trips to Pompeii let you experience the ancient city destroyed and frozen in time by the most famous volcano in the world, Mount Vesuvius. Located centrally in Italy, cruising the Amalfi Coast also allows you to explore the wonders of Rome. Day trips are arranged to explore the Colosseum, the Circus Maximus, and more. You can also visit Vatican City to explore St. Peters and see the fantastic Sistine Chapel.
Sicily
Cruising Around the coast of Sicily is a fantastic experience with so much to offer. The island is home to some great historical sites, including the Greek theatre of Taormina; this site is the historical highlight of any visit to Sicily. Taormina is also home to one of the biggest archaeological sites in the world, the Valley of the Temples, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. Aside from history, the site also has some breathtaking sea views. Taking time out of your cruise to enjoy a day trip driving along the Ionian coast is a great way to learn about Homer’s myths and explore the beautiful, rugged coastline. No trip to Scilly would be complete without a visit to Mount Etna. The still-active volcano takes center stage on the island and is an exciting visit to an active Volcano.
Sardinia And Corsica
Cruises to Sardinia and Corsica are often rolled into one experience, despite Sardinia being Italian and Corsica being French. The islands are so close that their straits are less than 20 km long. There are many old towns and cities to explore In Sardinia, including the Capital, Cagliari, and Alghero. Heading over to Corsica, there are even more wonders to explore, including one of the most fascinating natural landscapes in the Mediterranean, Les Calanques de Piana. One of the highlights of visiting Corsica is its capital, Calvi. The stunning town perfectly blends history, beautiful beaches, fine dining, and spectacular topography.
Venice
Gliding through the waterways of Venice aboard a small ship cruise is like stepping into a living postcard of history, art, and romance. Onboard, the pace slows, allowing travelers to savor the intricate beauty of Venice’s gilded palaces, arched bridges, and iconic landmarks like St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. Beyond the city, small ship itineraries delve deeper into the lagoon’s secrets, visiting vibrant Burano, known for its lace-making and kaleidoscope of colorful homes, or Murano, where master glassblowers shape molten magic. With fewer passengers and an emphasis on sustainable exploration, these cruises offer an intimate, environmentally conscious journey through one of the world’s most captivating destinations—a perfect harmony of ancient tradition and modern discovery.
Ravenna
Ravenna is an Italian history and art treasure trove. Renowned for its stunning mosaics and UNESCO World Heritage sites, Ravenna's charm unfolds as travelers explore its Byzantine basilicas and quaint streets. Small ship cruises in this location often include visits to nearby Adriatic gems and the serene Po Delta. With fewer passengers, the journey feels exclusive, allowing for a deeper connection to Ravenna's rich cultural heritage and tranquil coastal landscapes.
Best time to cruise in Italy
The best time to visit and cruise Italian and Mediterranean waters, in general, is late spring through early fall. Typically, the weather and sea conditions are best from April through November. During the winter, the weather is not ideal for cruising, with sea conditions tending to be rough. Also, many tourist-orientated businesses tend to close their doors and take their annual leave.
Travelers who prefer hot weather should visit during summer when daily temperatures can regularly reach or exceed 30C/86F. If you want to explore the Italian coast at slightly cooler times, you are better off going during April and May or October and November, when the daily temperatures are, on average, a much more comfortable Low 20sC/68F.
Visiting during the summer is also when Italy's flora and fauna are in their prime and the country is blooming. While visiting during the fall also has its charms and beauty, the flora and fauna are not as magnificent as during the height of summer.
How to get to Italy
Getting to Italy is relatively straightforward from virtually every corner of the planet. The country is a major European destination with a wide range of international airports.
Italy's primary aviation hub and airport of choice if you are going to explore the Amalfi coast is Rome's Rome-Fiumicino "Leonardo da Vinci" Airport. If you want to explore the delights of Northern Italy before beginning your voyage or at the end, you can always choose to fly from Milan, which two international airports serve. If you want to embark on a cruise leaving from one of the more southern cities of Italy, then flying into Naples' International Airport is always a great option.
You can fly to the Islands' main airport in Palermo for cruises around Sicily. If you are taking an intra-European flight, you can fly to Sicily's smaller airport in Catania. Sardinia also has several international airports, although these tend to be more challenging to get to directly for flights from outside of Europe.
Italy Cruise Tips
What to pack
While you should bring all the usual toiletries and sunscreen, don't forget to pack a windbreaker and a sweater or two. Even in the summer, the breeze can be a little chilly if you are out at sea, and a light sweater or windbreaker is the perfect antidote. Also, if you plan to take many excursions, especially those to archaeological sites, bringing along a good pair of walking trainers is necessary.
Often, when the boat is at anchor, you have the opportunity to take a dip in the water. Along with your swimwear, bring your mask and snorkel to fully explore and experience the rich waters of the coast of Italy. Also, many religious sites will ask that ladies cover their shoulders and hair, so pack a large scarf or shawl in your bag.
Travel Insurance
While Italy is a modern European country with excellent healthcare facilities, medical bills can mount up quickly if you have an unfortunate accident. So make sure to take out appropriate travel insurance that covers you and any pre-existing medical conditions you may have.
Plan Your Travel
Italy's well-developed public transport system is ideal for exploring its cities. Some train tickets can be bought in advance, while others can be purchased on the day. But make sure you have a plan and know which buses or trains you plan on taking. If you take a train or bus, you must validate your ticket at one of the validation machines, or you will receive a fine.
Keep some cash on hand
While most big shops and restaurants in the major cities take every type of credit card, some still only accept cash. This is especially true in smaller shops and restaurants in small towns and cities. So, having a reasonable amount of Euros in your pocket is always worthwhile.
