Italy Cruise from Civitavecchia — 11 Days

Civitavecchia-Rome, Italy

Your ship docks at Civitavecchia, Rome’s seaport, about 50 miles northwest of the capital. Rome’s great monuments are within reach, but the port town rewards a closer look. Walk the waterfront to Forte Michelangelo, a 16th-century fortress begun under Pope Julius II; explore the old streets and market. Prefer a quieter day? The town’s seafront and nearby beaches offer an easy change of pace. Choose Rome for art and antiquity, or Civitavecchia for coastal life beyond the terminal.

Trapani, Italy

Trapani sits on Sicily’s western tip, where salt pans, fishing boats and old stone streets define the waterfront. Erice rises above the coast, reached from Trapani by cable car in about ten minutes. Stay in town for the Basilica-Santuario di Maria Santissima Annunziata and the lively lanes around the fish market. Local menus bring couscous, tuna and seafood to the table, reflecting Trapani’s long links with North Africa.

Palermo, Italy

Palermo rewards curious travellers with a vivid mix of Arab-Norman architecture, lively markets and Sicilian cooking. Start at the cathedral, where Norman, Gothic and Baroque details reflect the city’s layered past. Then walk through the Capo market or visit the Palatine Chapel, famed for its Byzantine mosaics. Leave time for pasta con le sarde or arancini; Palermo’s strongest impressions often arrive at the table.

Termini Imerese (Ask Travel Agent)

Lipari Island, Italy

Lipari is the largest of the Aeolian Islands, a volcanic chain off Sicily’s northern coast. The town rises around a citadel, home to the Aeolian Archaeological Museum and its collection of island finds. Walk the old lanes to Marina Corta, then choose a waterfront table for fresh seafood. Beyond town, pumice quarries and coastal viewpoints reveal a landscape shaped by fire and sea.

Stromboli Island, Italy

Stromboli rises from the Tyrrhenian Sea, its active volcano visible long before you reach the island. Whitewashed houses and bougainvillea line narrow lanes in the villages of San Vincenzo and Ginostra. From the water, look toward the Sciara del Fuoco, where glowing fragments sometimes descend toward the sea. For a closer encounter, follow local guidance: access to upper trails depends on volcanic conditions and regulations.

Vibo Valentia, Italy

Vibo Valentia brings Calabria’s quieter charms within reach, from its Tyrrhenian marina to a hilltop town steeped in history. Ancient Greeks founded Hipponion here, and traces of the settlement remain. The Norman-Swabian castle commands views across the Gulf of Sant’Eufemia. Nearby Pizzo rewards a wander through narrow lanes and a taste of its famous tartufo, a chocolate-coated gelato dessert. This is Calabria at an unhurried pace.

Agropoli, Italy

Agropoli is the Cilento’s lively seaside town, set south of Salerno on Campania’s Tyrrhenian coast. Climb through its medieval gateway and steep lanes to the hilltop castle, where views reach across the Gulf of Salerno. Then make time for Paestum, about 10 kilometres away, to see some of Italy’s best-preserved Greek temples. Back in town, the harbour and nearby beaches offer an easy pause for lunch or a swim.

Sorrento, Italy

Sorrento rises above the Bay of Naples, facing Mount Vesuvius across water busy with ferries. From here, ferries connect with Capri, while the town rewards a slower day among old lanes, churches, and sea-view terraces. Follow the scent of citrus to shops selling Sorrento lemons, locally made limoncello, and finely crafted marquetry. Then pause over lunch: the region’s seafood and Campanian produce are best enjoyed without hurry.

Ponza Island, Italy

Ponza is the largest island in the Pontine archipelago, set off Lazio’s coast between Rome and Naples. Arrive by ferry, and pastel houses climb above a harbour where fishing boats share the water with sleek yachts. Beyond town, Roman-era grottoes, clear coves and volcanic cliffs reward a day spent exploring by boat. On land, follow winding roads to beaches and viewpoints. Return for seafood as the sun sets over the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Civitavecchia-Rome, Italy

Your ship docks at Civitavecchia, Rome’s seaport, about 50 miles northwest of the capital. Rome’s great monuments are within reach, but the port town rewards a closer look. Walk the waterfront to Forte Michelangelo, a 16th-century fortress begun under Pope Julius II; explore the old streets and market. Prefer a quieter day? The town’s seafront and nearby beaches offer an easy change of pace. Choose Rome for art and antiquity, or Civitavecchia for coastal life beyond the terminal.