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Venice, Italy

"When I went to Venice, my dream became my address," wrote Lord Byron, just one of many famous figures who found a haven in this fantasy city. This enchanted land was built on stilts, set into the water by ancient Venetians seeking refuge from the harsh realities of landlocked life. And Venice, Italy still offers a palpable feeling of escape from the real world today. When you cruise into the lagoon and step onto what passes for solid ground, you'll still be very much on the water. Venice is a floating labyrinth of reflections, with mirror and glass sights everywhere, from glorious Venetian architecture echoed in the canal waters to the marble palaces that shimmer in the sky. And although Carnivale is only held once a year, being in Venice on any day is like going to a festival with plenty of vibrant things to do and attractions to see. Locals seem to love the many sightseeing visitors who arrive each year, and Venice will openly reveal her charms even to those who are only here for a few hours, an afternoon or a magical evening.

By Durant Imboden

• Also see: Venice for Cruisers

V enice, Italy used to be the largest cruise port in the Eastern Mediterranean, thanks in part to its long history as a maritime republic and shipbuilding colossus. That changed in 2021, when the Italian government responded to political pressures by banning all but the smallest passenger ships from central Venice .

Today, a "Venice" cruise embarkation, disembarkation, or port call could take place at any number of small cities and industrial areas along the northern Adriatic coast between Trieste and Ravenna.

In this article, we'll show maps and give brief descriptions of these port locations. Read your cruise documentation carefully and confirm your ship's exact location with the cruise line if you're uncertain about where your ship will be berthed.

ABOVE: A river vessel, CroisiEurope's Michelangelo , cruises from the San Basilio pier in Venice's historic center.

Note: Even though medium-size and large ships are often moored far from central Venice, the cruise lines may use central Venice's cruise terminals as check-in and arrival points. If that's the case with your cruise, you'll be taken to or from your ship by shuttle bus. (However, if the pier is a couple of hours away--in Ravenna or Trieste, for example--you may need to book a paid transfer with your cruise line or get to the port on your own.)

Below are maps and brief descriptions of the ports that are now being used for cruises that begin, end, or include a port call in "Venice."

Venice, Marghera, & Fusina

In the map above, you can see three locations inside the Venetian Lagoon:

Venice's Marittima cruise basin and San Basilio/Santa Marta cruise terminal (at the edge of Venice's historic center, near the right side of the map).

The industrial port of Marghera , on the Venetian mainland (about a 15-minute ride by taxi or shuttle bus from Venice's Piazzale Roma ).

Fusina , to the south of Marghera, which serves the Anek car ferries to Greece but is also has facilities for cruise ships.

In most cases,  check-in and other formalities for larger ships are handled at terminals in the Marittima basin, with shuttle buses whisking passengers to and from the piers.

Small ships (typically below 25,000 GRT), including river vessels from Uniworld and CroisiEurope, continue to moor at either the Marittima basin or the adjacent San Basilio/Santa Marta piers in central Venice.

The town of Chioggia (pop. 50,000) lies at the southern end of the Venetian Lagoon, alongside one of the lagoon's three inlets from the Adriatic Sea. Chioggia has been nicknamed "Little Venice" because its old town has canals like its larger neighbor to the north.

Chioggia welcomes river vessels (Uniworld and CroisiEurope) and a hotel barge, La Bella Vita . In the wake of Italy's 2021 embargo on most cruise ships in Venice, Chioggia has also served a handful of oceangoing vessels. Ships normally tie up at a pier in the northwest corner of Chioggia's Centro Storico or old town (see map).

Chioggia is slightly more than an hour from Venice by car, taxi, coach, or  bus. If you don't mind schlepping your luggage or hiring a cab from the end of the line to the pier, you might try ArrivaVeneto's frequent and reasonably priced bus service to Chioggia Sottamarina from Venice's Piazzale Roma , the Venezia Mestre train station, and Venice Marco Polo Airport .

Ravenna (pop. 160,000) is best known for its Byzantine mosaics , which date back to the 5th and 6th Centuries. However, the city does have a port on its northern outskirts, and a new cruise terminal is becoming the Eastern Mediterranean hub for Royal Caribbean and its subsidiary, Celebrity Cruises.

From Venice, a cruise transfer by bus or private car takes about 2-1/2 hours. (There's no direct train, although you can get from Venezia Santa Lucia railroad station to central Ravenna with a change of trains in Ferrara.)

In the map above, you can see the port to the northeast of the city. Cruise ships moor at the Porto Corsini, just inside the port entrance from the Adriatic Sea.

  Click here for advice on transportation between downtown Ravenna and the pier. If you're cruising with Royal Caribbean, see the Royal Caribbean Blog's article on shuttles from Venice and Bologna.

Monfalcone is northeast of Venice on the way to Trieste (see below), about an hour and a half from Venice by bus, car, or train. The town is mostly known for shipbuilding and other heavy industries, but MSC Cruises occasionally uses Monfalcone as a turnaround port.

On the map, you'll see the cruise quay just inside the port entrance.

Trieste is a major international port at the far northeastern corner of the Adriatic, close to Italy's border with Slovenia. It was an important city in the Austro-Hungarian Empire and still has a Central European vibe.

Cruise ships aren't newcomers to Trieste, but the number of ships has increased after the banning of large cruise vessels from Venice.

Trieste is roughly 165 km or 100 miles from Venice, but getting there is easy:

Fast trains from Venezia Santa Lucia take just over two hours to reach Trieste's central station.

Flixbus offers several connections per day from Venice, Mestre, and Venice Marco Polo Airport. Travel time is about 2-1/2 hours.

From the train or bus station, you can walk or hire a taxi to the cruise pier, which is located on the downtown waterfront near the Piazza Unità d'Italia.

About the author:

Why a Venice cruise is the best way to explore the city in style

With behind-the-scenes experiences, exciting itineraries and all the benefits of a luxury boutique hotel, a cruise is the perfect way to see Venice

River cruises are a joy , whether you’re new to the world of cruise holidays or a seasoned voyager. They are a brilliant way to get a real snapshot of a destination in a short space of time, and with everything arranged and included – from once-in-a-lifetime excursions to gourmet meals and unlimited drinks – they can be excellent value for money.

Experiencing a Venice cruise allows you to get under the skin of this iconic city of canals, as well as explore islands, seaside towns and UNESCO-listed cities that people have never heard of ─ with the boon of having to only unpack once. And on a vessel like Uniworld’s S.S. La Venezia , which has special access to the lagoon due to its boutique size, you can sail right through the heart of Venice.

Here’s our list of reasons why you should make a Venice cruise next on your travel agenda.

You can skip the queues with a cruise

Keen to explore the main attractions of Venice but put off by the crowds? Arranging shore excursions is a normal part of cruise culture, but some luxury brands like Uniworld like to do things a little differently and will organise exclusive after-hours access to some of Venice’s major attractions. Think VIP visits to Doge’s Palace where you’re ushered in via a secret entrance reserved for dignitaries and people of importance, and private tours of St Mark’s Basilica by candlelight, long after the tourist hordes have gone.

Enjoy authentic experiences designed for you

On a cruise , everything is taken care of for you. Excursions and experiences are optional, and guests are free to arrange their own trips and experiences if they’re happy they’ll make it back onto the ship in time. But for those who might be new to Venice, having a well-crafted itinerary is a real plus ─ and a great way to get under the skin of the city. There’s time to wander through typical Venetian neighbourhoods, stroll around the busy stalls of Rialto Market, or join a walking tour.

With many of Uniworld’s tours you’ll also have the chance to see how masks worn at the Carnival of Venice are made with a visit to an atelier, and venture further afield to see glass-blowing demonstrations and quaff coffee in a traditional osteria.

Meet your favourite stars on the water

Speaking of authentic experiences, what’s a trip to Venice without a dash of opera? And we’re not just talking gondoliers piping out an aria as they wiggle through the waterways. European cities are great places to catch a concert or a show, especially if you’re staying for a few nights and want to make the most of your evenings. Some cruise lines will offer evening entertainment back on board but others, as well as this, might organise smaller, private concerts featuring world-famous artists.

In October, you can cruise the islands of Venice with Russell Watson aboard S.S. La Venezia. You’ll get to see the world-famous tenor sing for a crowd of just 125, get to know him in a talk and Q&A session aboard the ship, and ask him to sign your complimentary souvenir CD. Experiences like these aren’t unusual for Uniworld’s Venice cruises, either.

Epicureans can also push the boat out in April by discovering the captivating beauty and history of Venice with James Martin . The celebrity TV chef will join you on board for a day to give a talk and a Q&A, as well as craft and cook a gala dinner one evening. Prego!

Get a broader view of Veneto

It’s generally accepted that when most people come to Venice they’ll explore the city itself and maybe a couple of better-known islands like Murano, famous for its glass-blowing studios. But beyond that, places like Vicenza or Padua, two lesser-known cities with UNESCO Heritage status, don’t really get a look in.

Vicenza is Veneto's fourth-largest city and a glorious temple to Palladian architecture; Padua is famous for the beautiful 14th-century frescoes painted by Giotto in the Scrovegni Chapel. Cruises offer guests the chance to discover places they never knew existed, and some, like this sightseeing tour , do offer the chance to visit these two unsung cities.

Pack more in with slick itineraries

Venice cruises also give holidaymakers the chance to visit quieter islands like Burano and Mazzorbo with their amazing colourful houses and pretty waterways. And Torcello, where passengers get the chance to enjoy an early-doors wander around the Venetian lagoon’s oldest church, led by an art historian.

Chioggia is another must-do day trip; nicknamed ‘Little Venice’, this is a seaside town to the south of Venice with fewer crowds and a longer history. Here you’ll find a warren of canals, colourful facades and a stylish promenade, as well as cute markets and shops ─ the perfect place to pick up a few souvenirs. All this is possible because cruises are the journey as well as the destination, saving travellers time otherwise spent on navigating public transport or car hire, check-ins, tickets, and packing and unpacking.

You can still enjoy the benefits of a boutique hotel

Ocean liners are banned from Venice, but river ships are able to operate. Uniworld’s S.S La Venezia is the only one allowed to enter and sail through Venice, giving guests unprecedented access to the city on their tours. Often referred to as a floating boutique hotel, the ship’s classic Italian design features lots of marble, deeply luxurious Fortuny fabrics, brass-inlaid parquet flooring, and Savoir beds dressed in high thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets. It was completely renovated in 2020 and pays homage to its location with the likes of intricately pieced-together Murano glass and hand-painted Venetian masks.

And the joy of being on board doesn’t stop there; drinks receptions and dinners hosted by the captain, plus several bars and restaurants keep things glamorous. With luxury holidays on water, you’re taken care of with delicious, authentic meals created by top-notch chefs ─ no waiting for tables or scrabbling around for a mediocre bite before bed ─ and everything is included, from the dining and social events, to the unlimited drinks (best quaffed on the beautiful sundeck).

Want to experience a Venice cruise? Good Housekeeping has an exclusive cruise with James Martin, who will cook a gala dinner and host a Q&A session.

Or join Michelin-starred chef Angela Hartnett who will accompany you on a visit to the Rialto market and give a cooking demonstration.

FIND OUT MORE

If after-hours sightseeing in one of the world's most beautiful cities is on your bucket list, you'll want to know more about an eight-day cruise that gives you exclusive access to attractions.

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Explore magnificent Adriatic shores

Trace spectacular Adriatic shores and uncover the glories of the Venetian and Hellenic Empires on this cruise between romantic Venice and classic Athens. Discover Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, explore the palace at Split and stroll Dubrovnik’s medieval streets. Sail through scenic fjords to remarkably preserved Kotor, Montenegro’s gem. On Greek shores, call on scenic Corfu, with its inviting Old Town, and Katakolon, gateway to the Peloponnese and Olympia.

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Pricing that covers everything guests need—and nothing they do not.

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Complimentary access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center.

Self-service launderettes

Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge

24-hour room service

Your Stateroom Includes:

King-size Viking Explorer Bed with luxury linen

42" flat-screen LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand

Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Direct-dial satellite phone & cell service

Security safe

110/220 volt outlets

Ample USB ports

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More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Pre: Best of Venice

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On this itinerary, your Viking Resident Historian is delivering the following iconic lectures:

• - The Venetian Republic
• - Greek Civilization
• - The Bayeux Tapestry

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As part of our onboard cultural enrichment program and commitment to destination-focused learning, our Viking Resident Historian faculty provides guests with lectures and roundtable discussions on the arts, architecture, music and culture of upcoming ports and various aspects of world history.

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Venice Italy Cruise Port Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Flannels or FlipFlops Travel Blog contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my disclaimer for more information.

Wondering about the Venice Italy Cruise Port?

You’ve come to the right place! As a travel advisor, who specializes in cruise travel, I have taken many hours of courses on cruise ports, and have booked numerous clients on cruises with stops at the Venice Italy Cruise Port.

Nestled within the Venetian Lagoon is Venice, an Italian city famed for its numerous scenic canals and beautiful historical architecture. It’s one of the most romantic cities in the world and a popular destination for cruisers.

In this article, I will delve into everything you need to know about Venice Cruise Port including tips and recommendations for shore excursions.

Where is Venice Cruise Port Located?

The official Cruise Port of Venice, also known as Terminal Venezia Passeggeri, is located to the west of the historic city, 4 km south of the causeway that links historical Venice to the mainland.

The cruise terminal consists of two parts: the Stazione Marittima cruise terminal which houses the largest cruise ships and the San Basilio cruise terminal.

However, as of 2021, the Italian government has placed a ban on large cruise ships which weigh over 25,000 tonnes, docking inside the Venetian Lagoon. Only smaller ships below this weight can dock in the official Venice Cruise Port.

Large cruise ships are being rerouted and instructed to dock in the industrial port of Marghera which is on the mainland, just below the causeway to Venice.

However, some large cruise ships are now stopping in Ravenna Cruise Port (a 2- hour drive south of Venice) and cruisers are journeying by bus to Venice.

Despite cruise ships docking in Marghera industrial port, cruise passengers will still be shuttled to and from the main Venice Cruise Port for both logistical health and safety reasons, as Marghera does not have the infrastructure to act as an official cruise port.

As the majority of cruise ships will be docking in Marghera industrial port, this will be the focus of our article rather than Ravenna Cruise Port.

⭐️ Purchase Venice Shore Excursions at a Discount Here

Venice Italy Cruise Port

Getting around venice from the cruise port.

Although your cruise ship will dock at Marghera industrial port, shuttle services will likely be provided by your cruise liner from the passenger terminals to the official Venice Cruise Port.

This could be via bus or private water taxi.

If shuttle services are not available, Marghera Port is conveniently located beside a train station. It’s a quick 7-minute train journey from this station to Santa Lucia station, nestled in the heart of Venice. Trains are frequent, several journeying each hour, and cost €2,90 per person each way.

Another way to reach Venice from the cruise port is via bus. The bus stop in Marghera is right beside the train station. The journey takes 8 minutes and will drop you at Venice Piazzale Roma . You can book a day pass online in advance of your visit.

There are also water buses available that travel between Venice and the cruise port. This service is offered by ACTV. If you wish to travel by water bus, then I’d recommend booking your day pass online in advance.

Private water taxis are also available. They’re significantly more expensive than the waterbuses (around €90) but you will have the boat all to yourself.

Alternatively, it’s an 8-minute taxi ride to journey from Marghera Cruise Port to the center of Venice.

Are There Free Shuttles From Venice Cruise Port?

Your cruise liner should offer you a free shuttle service to and from the cruise ship in Marghera to Venice Cruise Port which is on the edge of Venice.

I’d recommend checking with your cruise ship in advance to clarify if they offer this service.

If your cruise ship doesn’t offer this service, trains, buses, and water buses are all available between Marghera and Venice.

✅ You can book a private water taxi from Venice to the cruise port here

Can You Walk into Venice from Your Cruise Ship?

It’s very easy to walk into Venice from Venice Cruise Port (which is where your cruise liner should drop you) as it is perched on the edge of the city. It will take just a few minutes for you to be engulfed by the beautiful city.

If your cruise liner doesn’t offer a shuttle service to Venice Cruise Port, Marghera Port (where your cruise ship will be based) is too far away from Venice for you to easily walk into the city.

It’s located on the other side of a lengthy causeway which, although does have a pavement, isn’t convenient.

It would take over an hour to walk from the cruise terminal into Venice, and that doesn’t include all the further walking you will then complete around the city.

I’d recommend taking public transport or a taxi instead.

Are there Taxis Available from Venice Cruise Port?

Yes, you can grab a taxi from Venice Cruise Port which you can take to Venice Marco Polo Airport.

A taxi isn’t necessary to journey between Venice Cruise Port and Venice City as the cruise port is so close to the city and the city doesn’t have any roads for motor vehicles beyond Piazzale Roma.

✅ Book a shuttle from Venice to the airport

Best Shore Excursions from the Venice Cruise Port

There are a number of fantastic things to see and do during your time in Venice. Below are some of my favorite Venice shore excursions.

1. Gondola Ride

By far one of the most popular and unique ways to view Venice is by gondola . These charming small boats without a motor are able to navigate down quiet canals, allowing you the opportunity to soak up the fantastic architecture from the comfort of your traditional boat.

Being one of the more popular activities in Venice, there are a host of gondola tours available, from private to small group tours. Your excursion can be booked in advance online or you can just turn up on the day.

➡️ Book ahead for this top rated Gondola Ride

2. Basilica San Marco (St. Mark’s Basilica)

Nestled in the heart of St. Mark’s Square is a magnificent cathedral called St. Mark’s Basilica. It’s one of the most famous and iconic landmarks in the city, as well as a prime example of Byzantine architecture.

The cathedral is incredible to marvel at from afar. It’s also worth paying a visit inside. In order to beat the queues, I’d recommend booking a tour which includes skip-the-line tickets, such as this one .

If you’d like to visit several of Venice’s key attractions then it may be worth booking a walking tour that visits St Mark’s Basilica as well as other magnificent sights.

➡️ This is a great skip the line tour !

3. Piazza San Marco (St Mark’s Square)

No visit to Venice would be complete without soaking up the vast historical monuments which call St Mark’s Square home. As well as housing the majestic St. Mark’s Basilica, this vast square is also the refuge of St Mark’s Campanile, a 16th-century cathedral tower.

The corner of Doge’s Palace is also visible from this beautiful square.

Within the square, you can find a number of cafes and restaurants, the perfect place to enjoy a coffee or some lunch whilst enjoying fantastic views of the square.

4. Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace)

Doge’s Palace is a magnificent palace located in St. Mark’s Square. It served as the residence of the Doge, the chief magistrate and ruler of the Venetian Republic, as well as the seat of the government for close to 1000 years.

Today this historically significant landmark is a museum. You can visit Doge’s Palace along with the neighboring St Mark’s Basilica as part of a skip-the-line walking tour.

➡️ See Doges Palace, St Marks and a Gondola Ride with this incredible tour!

5. Food & Wine Walking Tour

Italy is a country renowned for its delicious cuisine and locally-produced wines. One of the best ways to try the local dishes is to take a food and wine tour.

This food and wine tour has exceptional online reviews and specializes in allowing you to sample Venetian appetizers known as Cicchetti.

Alternatively, this tour allows you to sample some lovely sweet treats such as traditional Venetian cookies and homemade gelato.

6. Rialto Bridge

Spanning the Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge is the oldest and most renowned bridge in the city. Designed by Antonio da Ponte, it features a single stone arch that spans the Grand Canal, supported by two inclined ramps on either side.

Rialto Bridge can be viewed either from the water on a boat tour or you can walk over the top of it. The bridge is so large that it even houses shops! Alternatively, you can admire the bridge from the streets on either side of the canal.

7. Teatro la Fenice (Opera House)

Teatro La Fenice is an internationally renowned opera house that’s nestled in the heart of Venice. It’s in fact considered one of the most prestigious and historic theaters in the world. The original opera house sadly burnt down in 1996 and has since been rebuilt.

Teatro la Fenice is an active opera theater. You can book tickets to view operas that are performed there. If you would like to view a performance, I’d recommend booking in advance as tickets can quickly sell out.

Even if you don’t plan on viewing an opera, Teatro La Fenice is still worth viewing from the exterior.

8. Grand Canal

The largest canal in Venice, the 4-kilometer (1.5 mile) Grand Canal cuts through the city of Venice and houses some of the city’s most beautiful buildings.

With barely any walkways beside the canal, the best way to view it and absorb the colorful atmosphere is to take to the water.

This wide waterway is a little too big for gondola rides to take you the whole way but there are plenty of other boat tours available, which journey down this long and majestic canal, passing under the canal’s 4 bridges, including the famous Rialto Bridge.

Getting From Venice Airport to the Cruise Port

There are a number of ways to journey from Venice Marco Polo Airport to Venice Cruise Port.

The quickest and easiest way to journey to the Venice cruise terminal is via water taxi . Being located right on the water, taxi boats are conveniently available just outside the airport. Although this is the quickest way to reach the cruise terminal, it’s also the most expensive way.

You can alternatively take a land taxi between Venice Marco Polo Airport and Venice Cruise Port. The journey is typically between 15 and 20 minutes in length.

Finally, you can journey by bus to Piazzale Roma which is just a short walk away from the cruise terminal.

Places to Stay Near Venice Cruise Port

There are a number of fabulous hotels that are located in Venice’s city center, just a stone’s throw away from the cruise terminal.

Cinqueteste Luxury Home is one of the best-reviewed hotels in the area. It’s a 25-minute walk from St. Mark’s Square and a 20-minute walk from Venice Cruise Port. The hotel is perched right on the canal so if you choose a canal-facing room you will have exceptional views.

Another fantastic option is Hotel Cipriani , a luxurious hotel on an island to the south of the main city which looks across the waterway to Doge’s Palace.

Hotel Moresco is one of the closer hotels to the cruise port, only a 20-minute walk from it. It’s a charming boutique hotel and rooms are dressed in a combination of 19th-century and modern design.

Venice Quick Facts

Best time to visit venice.

The best time to visit Venice in terms of weather is between May and October .

Venice is an extremely popular city and so during the holiday season, you will no doubt be contending with crowds.

In order to get the best balance between beating the crowds and having lovely weather, May, September, and October are the best times to visit.

What kind of currency is used in Venice?

The currency accepted in Venice is the Euro. It was previously the Italian Lira, but is no longer in circulation.

Cruise Liners that Visit Venice Cruise Port

As of the 2021 changes to Venice Cruise Port, which doesn’t allow large cruise ships to dock in the port, a reduced number of cruise liners now dock in Venice at Marghera industrial port.

Some of the cruise ships that still stop in Venice are:

• ● MSC Cruises
• ● Norwegian Cruise Line
• ● Silversea Cruises
• ● Seabourne
• ● Azamara Cruises
• ● Fred Olsen
• ● Viking Ocean

Other cruise ships such as Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises now dock in nearby cities such as Ravenna.

Venice Cruise Port FAQS

Where do the cruise ships dock in venice.

Cruise ships to Venice now must dock in Marghera industrial port, on the mainland, across the lagoon from Venice. This is a result of a 2021 ban on large cruise ships from docking in Venice.

Cruise passengers however will be shuttled by their cruise liner to and from the official Venice Cruise Port which is right next to the city of Venice.

Why is Venice closed to cruise ships?

The reason for closing Venice to cruise ships is to preserve the Venetian lagoon. Venice had been put on the UNESCO World Heritage’s blacklist as a Heritage Site in danger and the large numbers of cruise ships that visit the fragile city were listed as part of the reason for this.

How long does it take to get from the Venice cruise terminal to the airport?

It takes between 15 and 20 minutes to journey between Venice Cruise Port and Marco Polo Airport via taxi. Journeying by water taxi boat takes a similar amount of time.

Final Thoughts on the Venice Cruise Port

Venice is a very beautiful city that’s unlike anywhere else in the world. Famed for its picturesque canals lined by historic buildings, a day spent in this Italian city is never anything short of magical.

The new regulations for cruise liners do make a cruise visit to Venice a little more complicated than it used to be. Different cruise liners now dock at different cruise ports so it’s important you check with your cruise line exactly where you will be docking and if a free shuttle service to Venice city center is included.

If you need any help at all planning your European Cruise, please reach out ! I help at no additional cost to you!

Chantelle Kincy

Chantelle is a nationally syndicated travel writer, and travel advisor. An avid cruiser, Chantelle has explored many parts of the world through her travels. She is also a dedicated National Parks enthusiast and loves to hike in these beautiful locations. To further her expertise in the industry, Chantelle has taken numerous courses to become a specialist in various destinations, including the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico, and Alaska. Through her blog and advising business, Chantelle shares her love for travel and helps others plan their dream vacations.

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Italy cruise package – combine Venice, Florence, and Rome with a Mediterranean cruise

Combining a trip to Venice, Florence, and Rome as part of your Italy cruise vacation is easier to plan and book than you may think.

Start your journey in Venice, where you can explore the city’s famous canals and stunning architecture. Then travel by train to Florence, where you can admire Renaissance masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s David or experience the Tuscan countryside. Finally, use the fast train to visit ancient Rome, taking in all the iconic sights like the Colosseum and the Vatican.

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Plan and book your own vacation

Our Italy cruise package suggestion to visit Venice, Florence, and Rome is entirely customizable. You can even reverse the package to visit Rome before traveling to Florence and Venice to begin your cruise from the port of Venice, Ravenna, or Trieste.

2 days in Venice, 2 days in Florence, and 4 days in Rome before your start your cruise

If you are visiting Italy for the first time, or even a returning customer, we recommend at least two days in each destination and ideally three or four days in Rome if time and budget allow.

With at least two days in each, you will have time to explore and experience the best of these exciting cities. Enjoy taking things at your own pace by opting for walking tours or using local buses or trams. If you prefer a knowledgeable guide, join small group tours to world-famous sights or even day excursions to see the surrounding countryside.

Arrive in Venice

Book a flight from your nearest international airport to Venice, Italy, for your outbound flight. For your inbound flight (your journey home again), book a flight from the final destination city of your cruise back to your nearest international airport.

If you are doing a closed-loop cruise (departing from and returning to the same port), your departure airport for your inbound flight will be Rome for this package.

For example, if you are flying from New York, then you would book a flight as follows: Outbound: New York to Venice VCE Inbound: Rome ROM to New York (flight home)

If you are traveling from London, you will book: Outbound: London LON to Venice VCE Inbound: Rome ROM to London LON (flight home)

And so on. Check the date of your chosen cruise, then work out which date you want to fly out and which date you will fly home after your cruise. Leave plenty of time to get to the airport at the end of your cruise. We recommend a minimum of 5 hours from when your ship docks to when your flight home departs.

This type of ticket is called an open-jaw ticket. So your international flight will be into Venice and home from Rome. Venice Marco Polo Airport (Venezia Airport VCE) is the international airport in Venice. It is located on the mainland, about 16 km from Venice Island.

The international airport in Rome is Leonardo da Vinci International Airport in Fiumicino (L’aeroporto di Roma-Fiumicino FCO), located 35km southwest of Rome.

Transport from Marco Polo Airport in Venice

From Marco Polo Airport in Venice, many transport options are available to get to Venice Island. The central transport hub on Venice Island is called Piazzale Roma. You can walk or transfer onto a Vaporetto (waterbus) from Piazzale Roma to get to your hotel. 

We recommend taking cash in euros with you, as not all buses and taxis accept credit cards (even though they should!)

Buses are located outside the arrival terminals. You can buy bus tickets from machines in the luggage collection area or the ticket office in the arrivals lounge. The fare is around 2 euros per person and takes about 35-40 minutes. Note that any “express” bus will be more expensive but will get you there quicker with fewer stops.

There are plenty of taxis outside the arrival terminals at the airport. The official taxi company at the airport is Cooperativa Artigiana Radiotaxi . Confirm the price with your driver before you start. It is a fixed fare and costs around 40 euros for a one-way journey from the airport to Venice Island. The journey time is about 25-30 minutes. If you arrive late in the evening, the taxi fare may be higher.

Water taxis are available from the airport to Venice Island. After luggage collection, look for the signs for “Water Transport.” You will find a moving walkway on the terminal’s first floor. Take this straight to the dockside.

Purchase tickets at the ticket machines at airport baggage collection or onboard the water taxi. Have some cash in euros with you if you want to pay onboard.

The price for a one-way journey with a water taxi from the airport is around 100-120 euros, and the journey time is about 70 minutes. If you are traveling in a group, share the cost to make it cheaper per person. Tell the water taxi driver which hotel you are staying at so he can get you to the closest stop.

A City Pass for convenience

A convenient way to travel in Venice is by prepaying your public transport. Do this by purchasing a  Venezia Unica City Pass . You can use this pass for your transfers, bus, and water bus transport and even save on entrance fees for museums, guided tours, palaces, and churches. The transportation costs much less per person using the city pass. Purchase your pass before you leave home.

Alternatively, you can book private airport transfers and have a driver waiting for you in arrivals if you do not want to be bothered or are unsure about finding your way to the airport.

Where to stay in Venice

We recommend staying on Venice Island. It’s the best option if you want to discover the beauty of Venice when you only have a few days there.

The alternative is to stay in Venice Mestre on the mainland, but you must take a local bus each time you want to get to Venice Island as it’s too far to walk. It’s just more convenient and charming to stay on Venice Island.

Here are some of our favorite hotels in Venice . We have included top-rated hotels and more affordable ones, so there is something for everyone.

We recommend staying in a hotel that is at least 4-star. This way, you will get a good standard of room, convenient amenities, and good service. The concierge can advise on local transport and provide city maps.

Hotels in the Santa Croce district

The district of Santa Croce is close to the transport hub Piazzale Roma on Venice Island. This is located at the entrance to the island and is very popular with travelers booking cruises from Venice as the hotels are easy to get to, and the logistics to get to your ship are simpler.

From Santa Croce, St. Mark’s Square is a 25-minute walk through the winding streets, or you can hop on a Vaporetto water bus outside the hotel. 

• Carlton on the Grand Canal
• Santa Chiara Hotel
• Hotel Canal Grande

Hotels in Cannaregio (close to Santa Lucia train station)

• BW Premier Collection CHC Continental
• Radisson Collection Hotel, Palazzo Nani Venice
• Ai Mori d’Oriente Hotel

Hotels in the San Marco district, close to St Mark’s Square

If you want to be close to the historic heart of Venice Island, then stay close to St Mark’s Square at one of these recommended hotels:

• Hotel Cavalletto & Doge Orseolo
• Hotel Casanova
• Baglioni Hotel Luna
• Hotel le Isole
• Star Hotels Splendid
• Hotel Bonvecchiati

To get to these hotels from Piazzale Roma, take a Vaporetto to Saint Mark’s Square (the stop is San Marco/Vallaresso).

Alternatively, a water taxi from the airport can take you to the hotel’s private landing. And from this private landing, your hotel can book your Gondola ride.

The best way to spend two days in Venice, Italy

Use the links below for two days of sightseeing in Venice to pack as much as possible during your time there.

Day 1: The best of Venice island

Day 2: visit the outlying islands in the venetian lagoon: murano, burano, and torcello, getting from venice to florence.

The next stop is Florence (Firenze), the beautiful Renaissance capital of Tuscany. From Venice, the easiest and quickest way to travel to Florence is by train.

Travel from the train station on Venice island called Venezia Santa Lucia (Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia), located in the Santa Croce district close to Piazzale Roma.

The journey time is around 2.5 hours. There are several different routes, so look for the shortest journey time. Choose the option “Le Frecce” (and not “regional train”). Le Frecce is the high-speed train giving you a direct, non-stop route. Economy tickets start at around 40 euros per person, with discounts for seniors. There are food and drinks available for purchase on the train. Be sure to choose the English language on their booking site so you can read and understand all the conditions of purchase before you pay.

Upon arrival at Santa Maria Novella train station in Florence, your city-center hotel is within walking distance. If you prefer not to carry your luggage, taxis are available outside the train station.

2 fantastic days in Florence, the heart of Tuscany, Italy

Florence is one of the most beautiful and well-known cities in the world and a popular tourist destination for a good reason. The city is packed with historical sites and cultural attractions, including some of the most famous art museums in the world. There’s also plenty to do in the picturesque surrounding area of Tuscany.

One of the best ways to get around Florence is by foot to see many of the sites during your visit. You can also use the city buses or take a taxi.

Where to stay in Florence

A huge accommodation choice is available in the city’s heart—everything from apartments and villas to hotels of all standards and all price ranges. We recommend the following hotels, all of which offer good front desk service, a great breakfast, and an excellent location.

• Hotel Brunelleschelli
• NH Collection Palazzo Gaddi
• Mercure Firenze Centro
• Morandi alla Crocetta

Day 1: The Best of Florence

Start at the heart of Florence, at Piazza del Duomo.

Piazza del Duomo

Piazza del Duomo is Florence’s main square in the center of town, next to the famous Duomo (cathedral). This is one of Europe’s most iconic buildings with its crowning glory, Brunelleschi’s noble dome, visible from afar. The Basilica – or Dumo – is called the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower (Basilica Di Santa Maria Del Fiore). It is a major tourist attraction due to its size, architecture, and exciting history.

It’s also the location for many important events in Florence. On one side, you will find the Baptistery, with its glittering Gates of Paradise, and Florence’s City Hall on the other.

While at Piazza del Duomo, there are two ways to get your first spectacular bird’s eye view over Florence.

First, you can climb between the dome’s layers 186 steps to reach the top; your kids will love this too. Queues can be long to get inside – especially during the peak summer season – so we recommend buying tickets ahead.

Or enjoy the view from Giotto’s Bell Tower . At 90 meters tall, it stands just across from the Duomo. From here, you will get an amazing 360-degree view.

From the Duomo, walk along Via de Martelli, turning onto Via de Gori to reach the excellent food market of Florence, Mercato Centrale.

Mercato Centrale

At Mercato Centrale, you will find Florence’s most famous food market, where all the locals go to buy their groceries. It opens daily from 10 am until midnight. Stop here to visit the many food booths to sample Florence’s finest treats. On the next level, find the food court and sample fresh Italian food and its best.

Next, we recommend that all art and history enthusiasts visit the Uffizi Gallery. Take your time walking there via Piazza Della Signoria. Built in 1565 to celebrate the Medici family wedding, this square is surrounded by great shopping and often hosts musical entertainment.

Try pastries or stuffed focaccia bread at Cantinetta del Verrazzano . If you prefer street-side eating or a sandwich on the go, there is a tiny traditional fiaschetteria called I Fratellini, just a 2-minute walk from Cantinetta del Verrazzano.

Uffizi Gallery

Galleria Degli Uffizi is a fantastic gallery and museum next to Florence’s Palazzo Vecchio. It is Italy’s most visited art gallery, and many cultural exhibitions are also held here. You will find an extensive collection of sculptures, paintings, and artifacts from Florence’s past. Botticelli’s work, including Primavera and The Birth of Venus, is best known.

From the Uffizi Gallery, it takes two minutes to walk to the start of Ponte Vecchio. Cross the bridge to get to Pitti Palace.

Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio is one of Florence’s most famous landmarks; built-in 1345, it has survived two major floods. Many tourists love to shop at the quaint little shops here, with jewelry being the most popular item on sale.

Pitti Palace

The former residence of the Medici family, Pitti Palace is now Florence’s largest museum and home to some of the world’s best art collections. The gardens are gorgeous and perfect for the kids to run around.

After your visit, head back across Ponte Vecchio. Walk towards the Basilica of Santa Croce to see the burial place of Galileo Galilei, Machiavelli, and Michelangelo. After having lunch at one of the many local eateries, walk via the Duomo to Galleria dell’Accademia, about 10 minutes away.

Galleria dell’Accademia

The Accademia Gallery of Florence ( La Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze ) features the original Michelangelo David statue, Florence’s most famous work of Art. For me, it is worth the visit to see this.

Piazza San Marco

Piazza San Marco is a lively square just a short walk from Galleria dell’Accademia that connects you to the rest of the city and beyond with local buses. It is one of the best places to meet if you are in a group and need a common meeting point during the day. From here, hop on a number 7 bus that takes you to the hills to visit Fiesole. Once there, you can see Florence in full glory in front of you. The best view is from the grounds of the monastery of San Francesco.

Fiesole is also the location of Florence’s Maggio Musicale. This is a collection of outdoor concerts, and if you are lucky enough to see one during your stay, we can assure you it’s an unforgettable experience. Check out their website for concert dates and times.

Piazzale Michelangelo

We recommend a local bus or taxi to Piazzale Michelangelo in the evening. Located high on a hill on the other side of the Arno River, this square is ideal for beautiful panoramic views of Florence. Benches allow you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the city below. Choose a clear day and try and get there at sunset for a spectacular view.

You can walk from the city center, but it’s a long climb. Take a taxi or bus there and walk back into town afterward. It’s much easier walking down the hill and a great way to spend the evening, finishing with shopping in the town center.

Day 2: Choose Your Day Trip from Florence

It’s almost impossible to recommend one place over another when visiting Tuscany. With so much to see, only you can decide how to spend your second day. If you have not seen enough of the center, stay and do everything you didn’t have time for on day one.

Otherwise, book a small group tour with a local guide. Choose from our personal favorites below. All the transfers will be included in the price of your tour.

The best day trips from Florence

• Siena, located nearly 80km south of Florence, is known for its 5-century-old horse race, Palio di Siena, and Gothic architecture. Palio di Siena is held in the historical center in July and August amid a festive atmosphere. Competing neighborhoods meet in the center, Il Campo, which is transformed into a race track.
• Cinque Terre – the five colorful seaside villages on the Italian Riviera are located on the coast 175km northwest of Florence. Hiking trails are fantastic, or for the less energetic, visit the villages for quaint shopping and stunning views.
• Chianti – famous for its vineyards, castles, market towns, and monasteries, the region of Chianti, located 50 km from Florence, offers iconic views of the Tuscan landscape straight out of a Renaissance painting. Chianti is one of the main reasons why visitors flock to Italy.
• The northwest Tuscany towns of Pisa and Lucca are doable in one day. Visit the famous leaning Tower of Pisa and the small elegant city of Lucca.
• The hill town of San Gimignano is a picture-perfect medieval Tuscan town. After walking the center of the city and stopping for Gelato, visit a vineyard that offers wine and olive oil tasting, a truffle hunt, or a Tuscan cooking class with a spectacular view of the unique skyline of the town’s 14 stone towers.

It is possible to book a day tour to Pisa, Siena, and San Gimignano, all in a day. We did this, and it was a fantastic, memorable day. Be prepared for a long day; bring plenty of bottled water and good walking shoes.

How to get from Florence to Rome

Depart Florence by high-speed train and head to Rome. Buy tickets online via the Trenitalia website or at the ticket office at the Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station.

Using the high-speed train Frecciarossa the journey time is 1 hour and 35 minutes, costing around 40 euros per person. The journey finishes at Rome’s central station, Rome Termini.

How to get from Rome Termini (train station) to central Rome

The main train station of Rome, Rome Termini, is centrally located. But we would not recommend walking around the area at night. The best, safest, and quickest way to get to your hotel is by using one of the official taxis outside the train station. It will be a fixed charge. If you are approached, do not accept a ride from anyone else offering a taxi.

Where to stay in Rome

Here are our best recommendations for hotels in Rome for cruise guests:

• Hotel Savoy Roma
• Hotel Mancino 12
• Augustana House
• Hotel Forum Roma
• Hotel Accademia
• Bettoja Hotel Mediterraneo
• Pantheon Hotel
• Hotel Barocco
• Napoleon Hotel Roma
• Relais Fontana Di Trevi

4 ways to see the best of Rome before your cruise from Civitavecchia cruise port

Our daily itineraries cover four primary areas of Rome, each of which you can explore as much or as little as you have time. And in any order you like. There is so much history and architecture to admire; it’s a good idea to pack a pocket guidebook so you don’t miss anything.

Use the links below to read where to go and what to see in the Eternal City.

Alternatively, book at least one guided tour before you leave home. A guided tour is a great way to explore imperial Rome to see the best and most famous sights.

• 1: The Jewish Quarter, Trastevere, Vatican City, Sistine Chapel & Vatican Museum
• 2: Piazza Navona, The Pantheon and Trevi Fountain
• 3: The Spanish Steps and Villa Borghese
• 4: Ancient Rome, Roman Forum, Vittoriano, and the Colosseum

Getting from Rome city center to Port of Civitavecchia

The Port of Civitavecchia, where most cruise ships depart, is approximately 78km northwest of Rome. Plan accordingly because it is quite a distance and takes time. To get there from your hotel in Rome, you have these alternatives:

Private Transfer

If you are more than four people, I recommend booking a private transfer for pick up at your hotel before you leave home. Tell them when you want to check in at the cruise port, and they will calculate your pickup time from your hotel to get you there in good time. You need to get dropped off at the port service center, Largo Della Pace. It is the main terminal for all shuttle buses that will take you to your cruise ship. The shuttle buses are all free of charge within the port.

Ask your hotel about pre-booking a cab. Allow plenty of time to get to the port. Traffic and queues are unpredictable, especially in the high season. Taxis charge a flat rate; establish this with your driver before you start. The cost is high – around 120 euros from the city to the port. You need to get dropped off at the port service center, Largo Della Pace. It is the main terminal for all shuttle buses that will take you to your cruise ship. The shuttle buses are all free of charge within the port.

Train from  Termini Station

Trains will save you money. You can buy tickets to board a local train from Rome’s Termini train station for around 5 euros to Civitavecchia train station. You can pay with a major credit card. There are ticket windows (be prepared to queue) and automated machines at the train station.

There are shops and cafes in Termini station, a tourist office, and a shopping center on the lower floor. The name of Italy’s train system is  Trenitalia,  and if you want to, you can book tickets online before you leave home. Choose “ Rome Termini to Civitavecchia Porto “

Remember to get your ticket stamped at a machine before boarding the train. If you forget to do this, you risk a heavy fine and show an invalid (unstamped) ticket on board.

From Civitavecchia train station, take the local bus for 2 euros to get to the port’s service center, Largo Della Pace. The journey takes about 10 minutes, and buses leave every 20 minutes. Tickets can be bought from inside the train station.

Alternatively, you could walk from Civitavecchia train station to Largo Della Pace to save money. It is about 1.5km and takes about 15 minutes, but remember you have your luggage too. Taxis can be hard to find from the train station, but this is an option if you succeed.

Largo Della Pace is the main terminal for all shuttle buses that will take you to your cruise ship. The shuttle buses are all free of charge within the port.

Cruises from Rome – which cruise line suits you best?

All major cruise lines offer fantastic itineraries and cruise ships for Spring and Summer cruises.

For example, Royal Caribbean has four cruise ships out of Civitavecchia Port – Wonder of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, and Brilliance of the Seas. Itineraries include the Greek Isles, Italy, and the Adriatic; Western Mediterranean and Holy Land Cruise.

Norwegian Cruise Line offers cruises from Rome to the Mediterranean (Italy, France & Spain), Greek Isles and Italy, and Greece & Croatia. Unfortunately, we won’t see their latest ship Prima in Mediterranean waters yet, but these cruises are available on board Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Epic, and Norwegian Gem.

Celebrity Cruises have seven and 8-night cruises in the Mediterranean (Italy, France & Spain), Italy, and the Greek Isles. And longer voyages including Florence, Portofino & Venice; Greek Isles and Malta; Italien Riviera & France; Greek Isles & Malta; Italy, Croatia & Montenegro; and an 11-night cruise including Italy, Turkey, and the Greek Isles. Which one is on your bucket list? Celebrity has ships offering these cruises from Rome: Celebrity Reflection, Celebrity Constellation, and the fabulous newer ships Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Beyond.

MSC Cruises have put some of the best cruise ships on great itineraries from Rome: MSC Seaside and MSC Meraviglia, which we recommend you choose over the older MSC Splendida. Cruises starting in Rome are to the Western Mediterranean with slight variations in ports of call depending on when you cruise and which cruise ship you choose.

Extending your vacation after your cruise

If you plan on spending more time in Rome or the surrounding countryside or even heading further south onto Naples and the Amalfi Coast, using the regional trains is easy, cheap, and convenient.

To learn more about traveling from Civitavecchia cruise port to central Rome, we have great tips and information in our Civitavecchia Port to Rome article.

Meet the author: Sarah has created and booked hundreds of travel itineraries for thousands of customers during a career in the travel industry that spans 20 years. Having worked hand in hand with cruise lines, hotels, airlines and tour operators worldwide, she offers inspiring & detailed insights in the world of travel and tourism.

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7 Night Greek Isles Cruise

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Greek Islands, Italy & Montenegro Mediterranean Cruise with Venice Stay

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Amazing experiences, day 1 depart australia for italy, day 2 arrive in venice, speedboat transfer, day 3 venice walking tour & gondola, day 4 explore venice, day 5 board the msc sinfonia, day 6 explore kotor (montenegro), day 7 mediterranean sea, day 8 mykonos (greek islands), day 9 explore santorini (greek islands), day 10 mediterranean sea, day 11 explore bari (southern italy), day 12 arrive in venice, depart for australia, day 13 arrive home, msc cruises in detail.

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7 of the best places to cruise in Italy

F ew countries can compete with Italy’s tourist appeal . Anyone who visits can enjoy fantastic cities, quaint villages, a string of picture-perfect coastlines, amazing cuisine and a fascinating history.

Alhough skiing , city breaks or a trip to one of the Italian lakes all have their own merits, there is a way to get a taste of several different parts of the country in one whirlwind trip.

Cruises around the Bel Paese give passengers the opportunity to see Italy ’s full range of sights. You can start with the romance of Venice and wind around to the rugged island beauty of Sicily and Sardinia, or begin surrounded by the stark coastal beauty of the Cinque Terre and end in hectic, characterful Naples , via the enchanting capital of Rome .

Whether you just want to see one destination or a handful, there’s likely a cruise to suit you; we’ve rounded up some of the best below.

Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast contains a little bit of everything that has made Italy so famous: beautiful coastlines, golden sands, picturesque towns, ancient historic sites and a hearty slice of la dolce vita .

The main towns along this coast include Amalfi, Sorrento and Positano , each renowned for offering a taste of the highlife in often luxurious surroundings, whether that be laid-back beaches or grandiose hotels. Pompeii lies close to these towns, offering an incredible insight into a famous bit of world history, while driving part of the Amalfi Coast’s winding roads is the best way to get amazing views while taking in some delightful towns.

How to do it

See both Sicily and the Amalfi Coast with the ‘ Amalfi & Sicily ’ seven-night package offered by Star Clippers. It starts in Civitavecchia, taking you to Amalfi and Sorrento before moving on to Messina and circling back to Rome.

Prices from £3,629pp including seven nights’ accommodation, all meals and drinks and select entertainment. Departing 6 July 2024.

Read more on the best hotels on the Amalfi coast

The capital is a beautiful fusion of historic and contemporary Italian life, from the modern cuisine and nightlife of Monti to the old houses and trattorias of Trastevere or Parione.

The Eternal City is also Europe’s most landmark-filled destination , with everything from Roman ruins to 18th-century fountains. The Colosseum, Roman Forum and Pantheon are the undoubtably highlights, as are the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. The Vatican City is also contained within Rome, and you don’t want to miss the Sistine Chapel or St Peter’s Basilica.

Most cruises to this part of the country actually dock at nearby Civitavecchia, which is roughly one hour from the capital. Rome is often a starting point for cruises too, as passengers can head north to the Cinque Terre, east to Sardinia and south to Naples and Sicily.

The  Italian Treasures  cruise offered by Atlas Ocean Voyages begins in Valletta , the historic Maltese capital, but after departing very much focuses on the eastern Italian coast. It stops for a night in both Syracuse and Giardini Naxos (on Sicily), before departing to the Amalfi Coast and Capri and then finishing in the capital, where you can explore at your leisure before flying home.

Prices from £2,946pp including eight nights’ accommodation, all meals and drinks and onshore excursions. The company is currently running a promotion where the ‘second guest sails free’, so it is possible to get the entire package for just £2,946. Departing 1 September 2024.

Read more on the best hotels in Rome

Venice is perhaps the most beautiful of all Italian cities, situated on a vast lagoon and criss-crossed by dozens of bridges that hang over its canals. Its waterways are lined with the colourful facades of centuries-old buildings, many of which carry a Venetian style that is unique to the city, making for an eclectic cityscape.

A gondola trip, a stroll around St Mark’s Square, a walk over the Ponte Rialto and a visit to the Doge’s Palace are customary for those seeing the city for the first time, though for many the real attraction is getting lost in the sea of mazy alleys and historic bridges .

Many cruises start and end in Venice too, though due to its location at the top of the Adriatic, it can take a while to cruise down to other popular destinations like Bari, Sicily and the Amalfi Coast. If you’re visiting on a cruise, chances are it’ll be a longer one, or that it’ll stop in destinations in northern Croatia , Dubrovnik or northern Greece .

Azmara Cruises’ ‘ Italy Intensive Voyage ’ takes passengers all the way from Rome to Venice. It begins by going north to Florence , then turning back on itself and going south to the Amalfi Coast and Sicily. After a brief stop in Kotor, Montenegro , you’ll finish in Venice, with the opportunity to explore at your leisure before flying home.

Prices from £2,060pp including 10 nights’ accommodation, all meals and drinks, evening entertainment and select onshore excursions. Departing 10 April 2024.

Read more on the best hotels in Venice

Sicily is another of Italy’s famous islands, sharing a part of the Mediterranean with neighbouring Sardinia. It is equally as charming as Sardinia, and filled with similarly beguiling towns, a variety of natural landscapes and some of the finest culture and history that the country has to offer.

Tradition is paramount here, something that is reflected in a proud local populace. It is also visible in towns and cities like Palermo, and the timeless beauty of Syracuse, as well as on the olive groves and vineyards that dot the slopes of Mount Etna. It makes Sicily a great place to come if you want to see modern-day Italian living with a dose of outdoor adventure, in places like the Parco dell’Etna, along with historic charm (such as that at Syracuse).

Windstar Cruises’ ‘ Sicilian Spendours ’ cruise begins and ends in the Italian capital, but as the name suggests, this trip very much focuses on the largest island in the Mediterranean. It begins by heading to the Amalfi Coast, but then moves on to three Sicilian towns – Trapani, Porto Empedocle and Catania, via Gozo and Malta .

Prices from £3,105pp including 10 nights’ accommodation, meals and onboard entertainment. Departing 28 May 2024.

Read more on the best hotels in Sicily

Sardinia, which sits off the eastern coast around six hours from Civitavecchia by ferry, is one of Italy’s most popular summer destinations. A favourite among both tourists and Italians, it is home to a slew of great beaches – including Cala Goloritzé and the Costa Smerelda – and so is a good choice for days spent flitting between water sports and lying in the sun.

Though it’s understandable if you want to spend most of your time here on the sands, it would be remiss not to visit some of the pastel-hued towns and verdant national parks that lie inland and on the coast. Places like Alghero, Bosa and San Teodoro contain plenty of history throughout their cobbled streets, while Asinara and Gennargentu are two of the most picturesque natural areas.

Sardinia’s southerly location means that cruises that stop here often carry on to Sicily and Malta, and may go further on to the Balearics, Greek islands or even Tunisia .

The ‘ Enchanting Italian Coastlines ’ tour from Emerald Cruises covers both Sardinia and the eastern coast over a period of seven nights. It begins in the capital, moving first to Sorrento and Amalfi and then crossing the Mediterranean to Sardinia and Corsica before looping back.

Prices from £3,379pp including seven nights’ accommodation, all meals and drinks and airport transfers. Departing 27 April 2024.

Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre competes with the Amalfi Coast for the title of Italy’s most famous coastal area, but the Italian Riviera offers a different kind of beauty in its emerald waters and pastel-coloured towns. The region is part of Liguria, and consists of five villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. 

Each one has an abundance of old Italian charm, from the faded colours that come alive at sunset to the mazes of alleys leading up from tiny harbours. Only Monterosso has a proper beach, but this village quintet isn’t the place for solely a beach holiday, despite the coastlines. Instead, wander aimlessly through the villages, enjoy a laid-back meal or take to any of the surrounding hiking paths.

These once isolated villages are now tourist hotspots in their own right, with the Cinque Terre Express one of the best ways to get between them. Most cruises dock at La Spezia, the province’s main city, which lies just 20 minutes from the nearest Cinque Terre village, Riomaggiore.

The Cinque Terre is a less frequented destination on longer cruises, so the best bet is to visit as part of a multi-country cruise. Celebrity Cruises offers one such option with their ‘ Italian Riviera & France ’ package, which departs from Rome and initially heads south to Naples before circling around to La Spezia and Santa Margherita. After some time spent enjoying the Italian Riviera, you move on to the French one, seeing Cannes and Marseille before finishing in Barcelona.

Prices from £1,209pp including nine nights’ accommodation, return flights, all meals, daily activities and entertainment. Departing 4 June 2024.

Naples is a fascinating city, buoyed by a vibrant and chaotic energy and blessed with beautiful surroundings – including Mount Vesuvius and an azure bay – and an eclectic blend of architecture.

The city itself has a wealth of culture and history, from the recent and immaterial – such as its devotion to pizza or its football club – to the ancient and pertinent, including the Duomo cathedral and a large collection of Greco-Roman artefacts at the National Archaeological Museum. Be sure to talk a walk around the Spanish Quarter, Centro Storico and Spaccanapoli (the city’s main thoroughfare) to get a real sense of how life is lived in this hectic city.

Naples is the closest major city to the Amalfi Coast, and as such many trips here are combined with a visit to towns like Sorrento or Positano.

You’re spoilt for choice when including Naples in a cruise itinerary, and many cruises that stop here also include visits to parts of Greece and Croatia. A seven-day Mediterranean cruise from Norwegian Cruise Line takes advantage of these stops, taking guests from Rome to Venice via Valletta, Split and Corfu. Nevertheless, the focus is still on Italy, taking in the historic capital, the romantic canals of Venice and all of Naples’ characterful chaos (with an added stop in Messina, Sicily).

Prices from £1,573pp including seven nights’ accommodation, all meals and drinks and onboard entertainment. Departing 14 August 2024.

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Cruises To & From Ravenna (Venice), Italy

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Ravenna (Venice), Italy Cruise Port Guide

Once you arrive in picturesque Ravenna on an Italy cruise, you have some options: Head north to Venice, west to Bologna, or explore the history and beauty of Ravenna itself. Ravenna is famous for its spectacular mosaics from the 5th and 6th century that are found in cathedrals, palaces, and public buildings everywhere. 

In Venice, you’ll find a canal-filled city that is equal parts gritty and romantic, known as a fishermen’s town turned cultural hub. Venice is popular for honeymooners and international tourists alike, filling the elaborate, sinuous system of canals with the buzz of activity. Like Rome and Florence, there’s a magic to the city’s energy that sweeps you up in it, whether you’re exploring St. Mark’s Square on foot or enjoying a gondola ride along the Grand Canal before sailing on one of our cruises from Ravenna.

Bologna, the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, is considered the gastronomic center of Italy. It’s here that you’ll find some of the world’s best wines, prosciutto, cheese, and balsamic vinegar. Stroll the medieval town’s many photogenic porticoes until you arrive at Piazza Maggiore, the huge and charming public square where you can stop for a gelato or an espresso and people watch. 

Itineraries

Ravenna (venice) shore excursions, amazing experiences coming soon.

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Introducing: venice city stays.

Embark on an in-depth experience in the city where your cruise starts or ends. Stay in accommodations we’ve carefully selected. Enjoy tours guided by experts to see the must-sees and do the must-dos. Take private transportation between your airport, hotel, and ship.

Guided Tour Highlights:  Feel the love in Venice, one of the most romantic cities in Italy. Visit must-see sites, including St. Mark’s Square and Doges Palace. There’s so much to experience, from the local culture and cuisine to the breathtaking art and architecture. All this makes Venice one of the most unforgettable cities in Europe.

Top Sights & Attractions for Cruises To & From Venice

St. mark’s square.

You’ll immediately recognize St. Mark’s Square when you arrive in Venice. After all, it’s one of the city’s most iconic vistas, whether you’re stopping along the Grand Canal, visiting its namesake basilica, or strolling the area’s variety of eateries and shops. St. Mark’s Square is the heart of the city, so you can’t miss it while you’re here on a Venice cruise.

Rialto Bridge

The Rialto Bridge crosses the Grand Canal, and it’s one of Venice’s most enduring landmark sights. Built in the 16th century, the bridge is a magical place where you’ll truly feel like you’re living in an Italian postcard.

Doge’s Palace

The Venetian Gothic legacy is intact because of the architecturally stunning Doge’s Palace, filled with Italian art, high ceilings, and religious iconography that art history buffs can’t miss. You can take an audio tour of the museum or simply stroll the courtyard. 

Learn More About Venice Shore Excursions

Top things to do in venice, take a gondola ride.

To skip a gondola ride in Venice is like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower. It’s an unmissable experience no matter if it’s your first time in Venice or you’ve seen the city many times. After being on cruises from Venice, there’s nothing more charming than seeing the city from a nimble, tiny gondola.

Head to Burano

On the island of Burano, just a short boat ride away, is a fishing village lined with colorful houses where the area’s lace-making has earned an international reputation. Come for the shopping, meet local artisans, and stay for a casual lunch at one of the island’s many quaint restaurants.

Explore Bologna

Located between Venice and Florence, Bologna is a must-visit on your Italian cruise. This city has it all—spectacular food tours, museums, art galleries, medieval towers, and the world’s oldest university, built in 1088. Stroll through its charming Piazza Maggiore, home to the impressive Fountain of Neptune. Visit nearby Motor Valley, where the finest Italian cars are made—Lamborghini, Ferrari, Ducati, Pagani, and Maserati. Or, simply enjoy a spectacular meal in the gastronomic center of Italy.

Top Food and Drink Spots in Venice

Venice is a foodie’s destination through and through. Restaurants and bars wind along the canal, and an unhurried approach is what makes a long lunch so satisfying here. Like the rest of Italy, you’re better off eating dinner a little later in the evening as the Italians do. Grab a spritz or a tall glass of wine and taste the region’s typical pasta entrees and plates of fresh Adriatic fish. Enjoy raw fish, crudo, as the Italians say, if you’re feeling daring. The coffee culture here is just as strong as in Rome or Florence, and you shouldn’t leave Italy without enjoying a coffee or espresso for just a euro or two. Remember—no coffee with milk after 11am. The Italians consider it bad for digestion.

Culture & History of Venice

Venice has historically been Italy’s most romantic destination, and its geographic quirks and peculiarity of how the city developed over the centuries only add to its photogenic charm. Its winding streets, built around the canals and lagoons, predate human impact on the area. Historic basilicas date back to the Middle Ages, when the city became a cultural touchstone and trade hub. 

Ravenna (Venice) Port Facilities & Location

The departure port of Ravenna is located approximately two hours and 30 minutes south of Venice and only one hour from the beautiful city of Bologna, known as the culinary capital of Italy.

Transportation in Venice

Getting around in Venice is romantic in any setting, but a gondola ride along its intricate system of canals is a must during your time here. Boats and water taxis are a popular mode of transportation and taking a traghetto, or gondola ride, only costs a couple of euros per person. Public transit in Venice is also an option, including boats and a monorail system. If you’re sticking around the central sights, walking will do, too.

Shopping in Venice

Shoppers will find that Venice is a pretty paradise for retail, artisanal goods, boutiques, and high-end glasswares. It’s not hard to get a feel for Venice’s shopping scene, which includes leather goods like purses, belts, and more. There are, of course, the standard tourist shacks and shiny items highlighting Venice’s attractions, like the Grand Canal and the Bridge of Sighs.

Local Currency & Tipping Customs

While traveling to Italy, you’ll use the euro as the official currency. You’ll notice Visa and Mastercard are the two most commonly accepted credit cards during your Venice cruise. A servizio, or tip, is typically included in your bill at restaurants. If you take a gondola ride, be sure to tip the gondolier or water taxi provider. When you’re enjoying a coffee in Italy, leave behind a few cents as a tip.

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4 replies to this topic

https://www.ravennamosaici.it/en/?_gl=1*1njvfby*_up*MQ..*_ga*Mjk3OTY4MTY5LjE3MTIzODMzNjI.*_ga_NXY7LP33MX*MTcxMjM4MzM2MS4xLjAuMTcxMjM4MzM2MS4wLjAuMA..&gclid=CjwKCAjwwr6wBhBcEiwAfMEQs48jAZlfgYn8nMfXa9JdLoCsutfoLsHBqBNI3C4zoDF6AObe2P_qJRoCIxAQAvD_BwE

Do not add Padua to avoid complicating your trip. Padua also needs time, you would end up not seeing either city well. Or add a full day for Padua to your trip.

The link to site of mosaics:

https://shorturl.at/anAGM

Thank you. That makes total sense. We will do that. I read it isn't easy to get to the boat from Ravenna. There aren't any cabs. Can you give me a recommendation on how to get to the ship?

That makes sense. We will do that. I read there really no cabs in Ravenna. Can you recommend a way to get to the ship from the hotel? Thank you so much!

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Welcome to Venice. That’ll Be 5 Euros.

Starting this month, tourists intending to visit the city on busy dates will be required to register on a website, and those coming for a single day will have to pay an entry fee.

By Elisabetta Povoledo

Reporting from Italy

On its busiest days, Venice swells with tourists who clog the city’s narrow streets, leave behind piles of garbage and often frustrate locals. So the canal-crossed city is fighting back.

Starting on April 25, and for another 29 days scattered mostly around national holidays and weekends through mid-July, day trippers to the historic part of Venice will have to pay 5 euros, about $5.40, a measure that city officials hope will encourage people to come during less busy times.

All visitors to Venice will also have to register their presence in the city on the specified days, filling out an online form that will help officials gauge how many visitors to expect and strategize about how to handle them.

“It’s not about making money — the costs of the operation are higher than what we’re going to make,” Mayor Luigi Brugnaro told reporters on Thursday as Venetian officials kicked off a global advertising campaign.

Instead, said Michele Zuin, the city official in charge of budgeting and economics, the aim is “to better manage the numbers of tourists and disincentivize mass tourism, which is what creates, let’s say, the difficulty of living in this city.”

Visitors staying overnight in Venice will not have to pay, nor will those traveling there to work, to visit relatives or to study. Anyone born in the city is also exempt , as are minors under 14. And Mr. Brugnaro said there would be no cap on the number of visitors allowed in.

Rising improbably from the waters of the Venetian lagoon, the city is as delicate as it is beautiful, and in recent decades it has struggled to protect a uniqueness that is threatened by climate change and rising seas, as well as by mass tourism .

To counter that figurative and literal erosion, the city has installed giant gates at four mouths of the lagoon to keep seawater out and pavements dry, and banned cruise ships from the inner canals. Those efforts helped keep Venice off UNESCO’s list of “World Heritage in Danger” even after experts at the agency raised concerns last year that Italy had not done enough to protect the city.

From 1976 until this year, Italy had allocated funds to help safeguard Venice, and on Thursday, Mr. Brugnaro chided the country’s central government for not renewing that funding. He said he had asked the government for €1.5 billion for the next 10 years to help preserve a city with a unique heritage that requires continuous maintenance.

“We need that financing,” he said.

Occasionally, days have been so busy with tourists that the city has had to limit some streets to one-way pedestrian traffic.

Simone Venturini, the city official in charge of tourism, said of the new measures, “We will be the first city in the world to know exactly how many tourists will come to Venice that day — whether exempt or paying, they have to register.”

After registering on the website, visitors will receive a QR code — valid from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. — that they will be required to show when entering the city at points like the train station, Piazzale Roma, the municipal parking lot, some beachfront locations and St. Mark’s Square. There will also be spot checks throughout the city.

For now, anyone arriving in Venice without a QR code will be allowed to buy it at the last minute, either on a smartphone or at kiosks set up leading up to the access points, officials said.

Transgressors will face fines of €50 to €300 plus a €10 fee, Mr. Zuin said.

The initiative is being introduced on a trial basis so that city officials can see whether the system works and how it can be improved, he said. In the future, the entry fee could be calibrated — “a sliding scale of prices,” Mayor Brugnaro said — depending on the day.

“We’re asking for collaboration,” Mr. Brugnaro said, adding that the data accumulated during the 29 days would be made public. He said that officials from other cities around the world had contacted his administration to find out more about the access system.

So far, more than 50,000 people have registered through the website — about a third of them paying for one-day visits, officials said.

“The entire world wants to come to Venice,” Mr. Venturini said at the introduction of the advertising campaign, which included a video message of the mayor speaking in various languages using A.I.-generated speech translation.

In the video, Mayor Brugnaro apologizes for any inconvenience that the new system might create. But, he said, “the city has to be protected.”

Elisabetta Povoledo is a reporter based in Rome, covering Italy, the Vatican and the culture of the region. She has been a journalist for 35 years. More about Elisabetta Povoledo

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Venice day-trippers will face steep fines if they fail to pay an access fee under a pilot program

FILE -Tourists visit Rialto bridge, in Venice, Italy, Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023. Day-trippers to the lagoon city who fail to pay 5 euros ($5.43) to enter the lagoon city’s historic center during a limited-date pilot program launching later this month will face fines starting at 10 times the entrance fee, officials said Thursday, April 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno, File)

Luigi Brugnaro, mayor of Venice, talks during a press conference in Rome, Thursday, April 4, 2024. Day-trippers to the lagoon city who fail to pay 5 euros ($5.43) to enter the lagoon city’s historic center during a limited-date pilot program launching later this month will face fines starting at five times the entrance fee, the city’s mayor said Thursday. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

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MILAN (AP) — Day-trippers to the fabled canal city of Venice who fail to pay 5 euros ($5.43) to enter the lagoon city’s historic center during a time-limited pilot program launching later this month will face fines starting at 10 times the entrance fee, officials said Thursday.

Venice announced last year it would launch the long-discussed day-tripper fee after the city escaped being placed on the U.N. agency’s list of endangered heritage sites, due largely to the impact of overtourism. Officials have avoided calling it a tax, opting for softer words like contribution, and have downplayed the possibility of waits to enter the city, emphasizing there will be no turnstiles or physical barriers.

But during a press briefing, Mayor Luigi Brugnaro suggested lines could form at the official entry points, and used the word tax to describe the fee.

Brugnaro said personnel have been trained to verify that tourists who are not staying in Venice have either a QR code confirming payment of the fee or an exemption voucher. Exemptions will be issued for a variety of reasons, including to access the city for work, school or medical care, as well as to people born in Venice, and residents of the Veneto region.

Venice has long suffered under the pressure of overtourism, but officials say pre-pandemic estimates ranging from 25 million to 30 million visitors a year —including day-trippers — are not reliable and that the pilot project also aims to come up with more exact figures to help better manage the phenomenon. By contrast, registered visitors spending the night last year numbered 4.6 million, according to city figures, down 16% from pre-pandemic highs.

Visitors arriving at the main train and bus stations will first be met by stewards who will remind tourists of the new requirement and help anyone who hasn’t yet downloaded the QR code. Payment points will be set up for anyone without a smartphone.

Brugnaro said that anyone found beyond designated control points without the required documentation will be subject to fines. These will range from 50 to 300 euros (from around $55 to $326, depending on exchange rates), plus the maximum entrance fee allowed by law, set at 10 euros (nearly $11).

“There is no tax without controls,’’ Brugnaro told foreign reporters in Rome.

Visitors will be subject to random, not systematic, checks, he said.

“If someone turns himself into Batman and tries to enter, and enters all the same, he will not win a medal from me, but we will simply thank him for his rudeness,’’ the mayor said.

Officials have emphasized that the program aims to reduce crowds on peak days, encourage longer visits and improve the quality of life for residents. The fee is not required for anyone staying in Venice, including the mainland districts of Marghera and Mestre.

Venice’s islands, including glass-making Murano, are also outside the pilot program, which is being tested on 29 days, starting with an Italian national holiday on April 25 through mid-July, including most weekends, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. No maximum number of visitors has been set in this phase.

Venice is launching an advertising campaign to inform visitors of the new obligation, featuring Brugnaro speaking a variety of languages aided by artificial intelligence. Visitors can register at the website, www.cda.ve.it , which is operating in five languages.

The pandemic delayed Venice’s plans to launch the day-tripper tax, which has become a keystone of the city’s attempts to deal with overtourism . UNESCO cited the plan when it decided not to include the city on the list of endangered world heritage sites last September, a tarnish that it similarly avoided two years earlier with the cruise ship ban through St. Mark’s Basin and the Giudecca Canal. Cruise ships brought 1.6 million people to Venice in 2019.

Brugnaro said many cities around the globe have contacted him for details of the plan, but that they asked not to be identified.

Activists sounded a warning last summer when the number of tourist beds officially overtook the number of residents, which has dwindled to under 50,000 in a trend dating back decades. They said the imbalance drains the city of services, clogging its tight alleyways and water buses with suitcase-toting tourists and pushing residents to the mainland with its conveniences.