Shore Excursions

Shore excursions offer an exciting way to experience each port on your itinerary. Here is an overview of the most popular excursions offered on Italy cruises.

Note: Not all cruise lines offer all excursions listed.

Tour ancient sites and Vatican City in Rome: Journey by motor coach from the Italian port city of Civitavecchia to Rome, where highlights include the Colosseum, the Forum, the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. For an informative introduction to Vatican City, opt for a guided excursion that visits St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel.

See Mt. Etna in Sicily: Travel to Europe's largest active volcano. While en route, enjoy the countryside of vineyards and orchards along the route before the winding road continues upward, passing through vast lava fields to reach the Silvestri Spent Craters. There, you will walk along the rim of these craters. See remnants of past eruptions as you drive along the road, cutting among streams of solidified lava.

Explore Renaissance history in Florence: When ships dock at Livorno, Italy, many passengers set out for Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance movement. You can purchase a transfer to the city and explore on your own, or you can join a fully guided tour that stops at Il Duomo, the Piazza Della Signoria, the Church of Santa Croce and the Galleria dell'Accademia, home to Michelangelo's "David" sculpture. Other excursions from Livorno visit Pisa and its iconic leaning tower and the wineries of Tuscany.

Take a romantic gondola ride in Venice: Venice is best admired from the water. A ride by gondola along the magical canals of Venice is an experience to treasure forever. You will transfer by launch from the ship to the gondola-landing pier near St. Mark’s Square. There, you will board your gondola and you will gently glide through the canals to the sound of serenading musicians.

Take a boat trip to the island of Capri: Spend a day on the popular island of Capri, which teems with tourists during the summer. Soak up the luxuriant gardens, the sun-drenched squares, restaurants, shops, and crowded streets. You will also enjoy the spectacular views of the sea and sky from Anacapri.

Visit Cinque Terre: Leaving Genoa, drive south passing La Spezia to arrive in Manarola, the first of five land villages from where you'll begin your tour. Cinque Terre is a National Park & territory protected by UNESCO. In Manarola, enjoy walking on the Street of Love, a seaside path going to Rio Maggiore. Board a motorboat for a short ride to Vernazza, where you'll enjoy free time. Visit Monterosso al mare, and have free time to explore.