A Memorable Cruise to Italy: The Ultimate Bucket List Item
DISCLOSURE: Stylish Cruising contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, as well as affiliate programs with other companies. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. To learn more, please see our Privacy Policy.
Italy has captivated the world for centuries. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, delicious food, and vibrant culture, it has something for everyone, and a cruise to Italy is even better!
Cruising to Italy was on our bucket list, so we took two Mediterranean cruises, spending time in Messina, Naples, Santa Margherita, and Florence, as well as in the Greek Isles. For shore excursions, we took a cooking class, learned about wine-making, toured Pompeii, explored Florence, learned how limoncello is made, and more. It was a lot of fun!
Here are just a few reasons why a cruise to Italy should be on your bucket list too.



Reminder When Booking Third-Party Tours
When booking tours outside the cruise line, be sure that the time you book for your excursion is well within the time frame you’ll be in port. Booking earlier in the day is preferred, and ensure the tour ends at least two hours before your sailaway so you won’t miss the ship after your excursion.
The History
Italy has millennia of history and has preserved it incredibly well. From the ancient ruins of Rome to the medieval architecture of Florence, there is no shortage of historical landmarks to explore. You can walk in the footsteps of the ancient Romans at the Colosseum, explore the canals of Venice, marvel at the art and architecture of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, or wander the cobblestone streets of Florence.
We explored the streets of Pompeii, an ancient city frozen in time. Thrilled to cross this item off my bucket list, I marveled at the structures still standing, the vividness of the art painted on the walls, and the intricate mosaics on the floors. The city is too large to explore in one day, so I’m looking forward to taking another excursion to Pompeii during our cruise this fall to see more.

The Food
Italy is known for its delicious cuisine, and for good reason. Italian food is all about simple ingredients cooked to perfection. The pizza in Italy is more rustic than we’re used to in the United States and is incredibly delicious. While we were there, we tried pizza, espresso, gelato, and wine, marking them off our Must-Do in Italy list.

The Landscapes
Some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world can be found in Italy. Its natural beauty extends from the rolling hills of Tuscany to the stunning coastline of the Amalfi Coast, giving you an abundance of natural beauty to explore. Cruise excursions give you opportunities such as hiking up Mount Etna, seeing the Blue Grotto in Positano, or touring an organic farm in Tuscany.

The Culture
Italy truly values its culture and traditions. From the art and architecture of the Renaissance to the fashion and design of modern Italy, there is always something new to discover. Watch glassblowers in Murano, or simply stroll through the streets of Florence, famous for its architecture and monuments.

The People
Last but not least, Italy is home to some of the friendliest and most welcoming people in the world. Everywhere we went, we found that Italians take pride in their hospitality and love to share their culture with visitors.

Video of Italy
To see more videos of Italy from these cruises, check out our Italy playlist here on our YouTube channel.
Final Thoughts on A Cruise to Italy
For all these reasons and more, a cruise to Italy should be on everyone’s bucket list. With its rich history, delicious food, stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and welcoming people, it has something for everyone.
So, why not start planning your cruise to Italy today? We absolutely loved ours, and you will too!
If you’re thinking of adding to your bucket list, why not consider a Panama Canal cruise, a cruise to Alaska, or perhaps a cruise to Japan?
Happy cruising!

LET’S BE SOCIAL: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
Planning to book a cruise? We have some tips for you.




