Cruising the Mediterranean often includes several cruise ports in Italy. For us, we visited the four primary Italy cruise ports – Rome, Florence, Naples, Venice.
Each brought us to cities rich in history and culture. Similarly, each offered a massive challenge: how to see it all in one day.
We believe the secret to our success is planning.
Not only do we know what we want to see before we pull into a port, we know how we are going to do it. And in the case of the Italy cruise ports, this requires some precision. And, in our case, several customised private tours.
Whether you are heading to the Italian cruise ports, or just wondering what all the fuss is about, read on.
Italy cruise ports
The four main cruise ports in Italy are:
- Livorno – Florence/Pisa
- Civitavecchia – Rome/Vatican City
- Napoli – Naples, Pompeii, Amalfi Coast and the Island of Capri
- Venice (back cruise ships were allowed)
Florence/Pisa (Livorno)
The port of Livorno is the primary port for both Pisa and Florence. These two Tuscany cities that are about an hour from each other.
Pisa highlights
Heading straight from the port to Miracle Square, we were able to hit all the best things to do in Pisa.
We had about 30 minutes before our ticket time to climb the 251 stairs of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The unevenly worn and a bit slippery steps, coupled with the lean, is a bit disorienting. However, the view from the top is worth the effort.
We had purchased our tickets well in advance, the only way to guarantee entry, especially with the limited time at port. This is due to the current restrictions and guidelines allowing only 30 people up every 20 minutes. Reserve your timed tickets here.
Our tickets also provided entry to the Pisa Cathedral, another of the four sacred structures (according to the Catholic Church) located in Miracle Square. The other two are the baptistry and the cemetery.
Florence highlights in a half-day
A city often referred to as the art capital of the world, Florence is famed for architecture, culture, Renaissance art, and monuments. It is impossible to see it all in just one day and even more challenging if you are splitting that day with Pisa.
We headed first to see some of the classic sites like Piazza del Duomo, where the Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore and the baptistry stand. While magnificent on the exterior, we found an understated cathedral interior. We also headed up to Piazzale Michelangelo for a panoramic view of the city.
However, our focus was art, and we had to make the difficult choice between visiting the Accademia or the Uffizi. The first is home to Michelangelo’s David, while both Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” and Leonardo da Vinci’s “Annunciation” are among the masterpieces at the Uffizi Gallery.
We chose the Uffizi, as there are replicas of David throughout the city.
If either art museum is your choice, skip the line with these tickets: Reserve your timed entrance to the Accademia here or reserve your ticket to the Uffizi here.
Tips for the Italian cruise port of Livorno
Plan ahead, especially if you want to see both Pisa and Florence.
We opted for a knowledgeable private guide as we enjoy learning about history and having the opportunity to ask questions. We also had the advantage of customizing our schedule to meet our needs, allowing us to make changes on the spot.
If you prefer a group tour, or it just fits better in the budget, we love the sound of this top-rated tour that visits both cities with a live guide and offers samples of local foods at the end of the day. You will have about 4 hours of free time to explore Florence and an hour in Pisa. Reserve your Florence & Pisa shore excursion here.
Rome – the most exhausting of our Italy cruise ports
We attempted the impossible, to see the highlights of Rome in a day, including a visit to the Vatican.
While this is not the recommended way to see this historic city, it was our only option. The secret to our success was hiring Max Leotta, a fabulous private guide that had VIP and skip-the-line passes to just about everywhere. Key to our successful day was his driver, who dropped us off at one destination and picked us up at the next, thus eliminating time searching for parking. Reserve a private tour with Max or another private guide here.
I will admit that the day was exhausting, expensive, and worth every penny.
Vatican City
Even without a personal religious connection, Vatican City was one of the key highlights of these Italy cruise ports. Vatican Square (St Peter’s square) felt both familiar and comforting once we looked beyond the crowds.
Thanks to our guide’s VIP pass, we skipped the massive queue and easily entered St Peter’s Basilica, the largest Roman Catholic church in the world. There are a few key things to note:
- Women should cover their shoulders and knees before entering the basilica or other catholic churches in Rome.
- Photos are not allowed in the Sistine Chapel, and the guards are very rigid about it, walking violators out of the space. Fortunately, I was allowed to take photos during my first visit in the 80s.
- If you are going on your own, get a skip-the-line ticket here or plan to spend up to three hours waiting to enter the Vatican Museum and Basilica.
- There is a small post shop in Vatican Square where you can send yourself a postcard with a Vatican City stamp.
If time permits, stroll through the Vatican Gardens. They can offer a short rest to a busy day.
The rest of Rome in a day
History and amazing sights fill Rome. Our guide helped us to decide which places we wanted to see, which ones to enter, and which ones to explore in more detail. And his driver waited for us when we were done, allowing us to keep up our fast pace.
Therefore, the majority of our time was spent entering and exploring the Vatican Museum and Basilica, the Pantheon (a well-preserved former Roman temple built in 126 AD), and the Colosseum, which opened in 80 AD and hosted gladiator battles and wild animal fights.
If we hadn’t chosen our private guide, I would have loved to join this 3-hour Colosseum tour that includes both skip-the-line entry and access to several of the restricted areas. Reserve your top-rated expert-guided tour of the Colosseum underground, arena, and forum here.
We also threw three coins in Trevi Fountain, hung out at the Spanish Steps, and walked around “The Wedding Cake” (Altare della Patria), paying respect to Italy’s tomb of the unknown soldier at the eternal flame.
It was adding all of these photo stops that really kept us constantly on the move: Italy’s Parliament building, the Mussolini balcony, the Column of the Immaculate Conception, The Roman Theatre, the Roman Forum (photo at top of page), 21-meter tall Arch of Constantine, Piazza del Campidoglio on top of Capitoline Hill, and the fountain on Janiculum hill.
A bit of trivia:
The Colosseum holds the Guinness World Record as the largest amphitheatre ever built.
Options for the port of Napoli
Napoli, or Naples, is an interesting port with several amazing options. If you have a full day at the port, you can rush through several options with this excursion or choose only one.
We had less time and opted to visit the ruins of Pompeii. As a result, we forfeited our chance to see the stunning Amalfi Coast, the island of Capri, or the town of Sorrento. (Three places I had been previously.)
Pompeii
Quick history: in 79AD, the Mt Vesuvius volcano erupted, partially destroying and burying the city of Pompeii under 4 to 6 m (13 to 20 ft) of ash and pumice. Today, the ruins are cleaned of all ash remnants.
Despite being high on my wish list of places to see, it was somewhat of a disappointment. For starters, Pompeii gets very crowded, and most visitors seem to be in large guided groups.
Secondly, the guides speak a variety of languages. Each guide speaks loudly to be heard over the other nearby guides. Add to it the extreme heat, and the crowds feel overwhelming.
On the positive side, it was interesting to see an ancient merchant store, bread oven, food vendor area, brothel, political forum, spa, lots of amphoras, and a few casts of people who died quickly when covered in volcanic ash.
However, the biggest disappointment to me is that much of the best artwork and mosaics are now in the archaeological museum in Naples.
For those who want a deeper understanding and appreciation, small groups would be a better choice. And for true history buffs, check out this small group option that visits both Pompeii and the nearby Herculaneum, another area that suffered a similar fate. Reserve your Pompeii and Herculaneum tour here.
Other options at the Italian cruise port of Napoli
- Amalfi Coast
Positano (photoed) is the start of a 50km stretch of rugged coastline featuring vineyards, lemon groves, sheer cliffs, and beaches. But it’s the colourful villages lining the stunning coastline that makes the Amalfi Coast a photographer’s paradise. - Capri
Attracting the rich and famous, the Island of Capri is rugged natural beauty, shopping, luxury accommodations, and impressive cuisine. It’s a place to see and be seen. - Sorrento
Overlooking the Bay of Naples with stunning coastal views, Sorrento is also known for its narrow streets and alleyways and for limoncello liqueur. - Naples
Before reboarding the ship, we explored Naples on our own, starting with the archaeological museum to see what had been removed from Pompeii. Next, we shopped and walked around the cobblestone streets.
Cruising into the port of Venice
Cruising into the port of Venice through the Venetian Lagoon is magical. From the bow of the cruise ship, we towered over much of the city, thus allowing us to appreciate it from a different perspective.
The rules have changed since that day, and we consider ourselves really lucky. Today, cruise ships are banned, although some small ships can still enter the lagoon. Large ships dock at Marghera commercial port outside Venice.
Before the change, nearly 500 ships arrived/departed annually, carrying 700,000 cruise passengers from 32 different cruise lines.
Venice
Our only stop on the Adriatic Sea, Venice, is a city like few others. Unique and special, it has canals rather than streets.
Instantly captivated, we split our time between intriguing sites like the Venetian-Gothic Doges Palace (built in 1340) and romantic options (a.k.a totally touristy) like being serenaded by a gondolier as he gently guided us across the water. The reality is that gondolas are part of Venetian culture and were once a primary source of transportation.
We spent the majority of our time at St Mark’s square and in the Basilica and walked across the famous Rialto Bridge, the oldest of the four bridges that cross Venice’s Grand Canal.
We had fun at these Italy cruise ports
Our time wasn’t just running around seeing as many sites as possible. We took the time to have fun everywhere.
Tips for visiting Italy cruise ports
- We believe that hiring private guides at Livorno and at Rome were the best decisions we made.
- We can’t always get internet at sea, so our personal favourite regional guidebook is Rick Steves’ Mediterranean Cruise Ports.
- Sailing on the NCL Sun, our 12-day Mediterranean cruise embarked from Barcelona. Our key stops were one port in France (Toulon), 4 Italy cruise ports (Livorno, Rome, Naples, and Venice), and two ports each in Greece (Athens and the island of Mykonos) and Turkey (Istanbul and Ephesus). Many of these are among the world’s most picturesque cruise ports.
- If your ship is going to Sicily, don’t miss these tips.
Don’t miss our best cruise tips
Which is your favourite of the Italy cruise ports?
Photo Credits:
All photos on this page are either shot by our team and watermarked as such or stock images from Depositphotos.
Nancy
You must be dizzy from all your travels, but I thank you for giving me the opportunity to travel with you vicariously.
Rosey
We didn’t have time to visit the Sistine Chapel when we went (we were there 3 days) but we did see most of these. The Spanish Steps were desolate on the rainy days and really came to life the last day we were there, and the sun came out. Such a treat to see your pictures!
clairejustine
Beautiful pictures. I wish I could travel the world and see such beautiful things 🙂
kelleyn rothaermel
Rome is such an amazing city! Though Venice has my heart!
Trekking with Becky
This is great! I can’t imagine only having one day in Rome, but this is definitely how to do it if that’s all you have. I would hate to feel rushed, especially in the Colosseum, but did cutting the queues make up for it?
Rhonda Albom
Cutting the queues made it possible, as did the driver who was always there when we were ready to move on.
guru
Pictures are awesome in the blog and by looking at these pics anyone would love to visit Rome.
Molly
Never been to Rome but would love to go one day
Mollyx
Anda
The secret to your success were the VIP passes. Being able to shortcut all those lines allowed you to cover a lot of territory. Now you have an idea about what’s there and when you return you’ll feel right at home. Rome is one of those cities I could never get bored of. The first time we’ve been there (in 1989) se stayed for 3 weeks and left feeling that there was so much more to see. The second time (just a few years ago) we stayed for 10 days and left with the same feeling. Well, I guess moving there for a while would be in order. How can you not fall in love with Rome?
Photo(Geo)grapher
I have never been to Rome. I definitely have to travel there and see the places you show in the pictures
Debbie D.
I am amazed you were able to see so much all in one day! Love the photos. My husband has family in the area and we’ve been to Rome twice. This is a place one never gets tired of. 🙂 The Roman Forum and Colosseum were especially exciting for this ancient history buff.
Lyn @ A Hole in my Shoe
Great itinerary for the day. We were the same when we did a Mediterranean cruise. It’s not like I wanted to rush to see everything, but wasn’t going to go all the way to Rome and not at least try. Like you say, wasn’t optimum way to see Rome, but still very happy with what we saw.
Cathy Kennedy
Rhonda, the architecture is amazing in Rome! How amazing to walk the streets of such an old city to see where gladiators fought but it’s also a city that holds a lot of sadness. I think about the countless Christians facing off with furious lions in the colosseum arena. Great photo op and experience. So, glad you shared it with us on WW! Thanks for visiting yesterday!
Barb
Seeing Rome in a day is very ambitious. I cant think of another city that has as many places to visit as Rome does. Surely, you can visit the top five sites in the city.
Linja in Virginia
Good tips. I’ve only taken one cruise and the amount of time allowed in ports was way too brief.
Buckeroomama
Wow, you certainly covered a LOT in one day! We’d love to take the kids and visit Rome again one day. It’s such a beautiful city.
Kathe W.
amazing how much you managed to see! Bravo!
Shere
I think you did very well! Short time but you saw a lot. I was 4 days and more or less visited the same.
Lexa Cain
Wow! You deserve an award for seeing so much an sharing the pics with us! Funny that the Pantheon has such blackened stone. I wonder why they can’t clean it. The Trevi fountain is awesome and so is the Coliseum! The arch and the back wall of the Coliseum seem to be leaning… You were so lucky to have found a great guide. No way you could’ve done all that without him.!
Bill
Been there, done it and got the tee shirt 50 odd years ago, not been back since, least not to Rome. Had a great time there then
Jim, Sydney, Australia
Was there a few months ago. Great times.
Elizabeth
You covered a lot in a day! On a trip to London we took day trips to Edinburgh and to Paris. Edinburgh wasn’t to hard to see in a day, but we didn’t get to see much of Paris other than the Eiffel Tower, a boat tour up the Thames and a fabulous meal at a sidewalk cafe. Enough to know I want to go back!
Rhonda Albom
The queues in Paris are so long, you can’t see much in a day at all.
Joyce Lansky
I passed through Rome on a moving bus in the middle of the night. Never got to see all this cool stuff!
Rhonda Albom
Where were you headed?
Alissa Apel
So much to enjoy! I’d love to be there right about now. The ruins was my favorite, but they are all so wonderful.
Rhonda Albom
I wouldn’t mind being there right now either, for weeks, not just a day.
Carol
I’ve always wanted to see Rome – now I know how to do it if I have a day there!
Rhonda Albom
It’s a long and tiring day.
L. Diane Wolfe
You packed in a lot in one day. That’s amazing it’s the biggest Colosseum ever built.
VIP – fast passes are the only way to see anything these days.
Rhonda Albom
It’s the biggest amphitheatre ever built. I am guessing that is a narrow definition, and how they were able to keep the title so long.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
Oh my goodness! What a place to visit. I’m so proud just being an Italian. Even though I’ve never been there, my father was born in the mountains around 50 miles. You must be exhausted seeing as much as you did. The Colosseum in Rome (The Flavian Amphitheatre) was where many Christians died for their religion. Just thinking about that I wonder how I would feel in those days. Thanks Rhonda. By the way, have you ever created a book a book about your travels? I thought you did but I can’t remember.
Enjoy your day my friend. See ya.
Cruisin Paul
Rhonda Albom
I am sure you will visit one day. I know you like to cruise. Many ships start or end in Rome, so you could tack on some serious time. Don’t try and do it the way we did. As for a book, mine is about Auckland, but he publisher pulled the series a few months ago. I need to change the cover and republish it.
Teresa Kindred
Who is injured? Are you okay? Lovely pics as always! Take care!
Rhonda Albom
Sarah ruptured her ACL ( the ligament that holds your knee together) in Argentina and has had it surgically repaired here in Auckland. She is doing great, but the recovery is a long slow 9-month process, with no long-haul flights for at least 12 weeks.
indah nuria
I love Rome! Wherever you look, it’s all world class art! I made a few visit here, but I have tried to see all the highlights, well most of the highlights, in a day. It was super tiring but I was thrilled and happy!
Rhonda Albom
We were completely shattered by the end of the day, and slept well that night.
Sandee
Great shots of a place I’ll never visit. We’re okay with that. Some people love to travel, and others don’t. We’re in the don’t category.
Have a fabulous day. ☺
Rhonda Albom
That’s okay, I will visit them and share my photos so you can experience them too.
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Hi Rhonda – I’ve only visited Rome with a friend whose parents lived there … so we had a Roman time … rather than a visitor’s time – I did get down to the Vatican though and I’m sure I saw other places .. though don’t really remember – it was long ago, it was very hot … and … but this seems a great way to see the sights – clever – cheers Hilary
Rhonda Albom
Honestly, I would have had a tough choice deciding between the sights in this historic city and a locals day. In most places, I would pick the local cultures, but Rome I am not so sure.
ladyfi
You certainly crammed in a lot! Fabulous shots of the eternal city!
Rhonda Albom
All this plus the Vatican.
Little Wandering Wren
Lovely photos! So you can do Rome in a day! Isn’t it amazing that the Colosseum remains the largest amphitheatre in the world? May your Trevi fountain wish come true 🙂
Wren x
Rhonda Albom
I had to look it up again before I republished as it is hard to believe it is still the largest. I am guessing there are bigger ones, but they are classified as something other than amphitheatre.
Gemma Wiseman
Even as ruins, the forum, Colosseum and arch still retain impressive beauty. What a grand set of photos.
Tanja (the Red phone box travels)
great photos!
stevebethere
I really enjoyed these photos Rhonda love cities especially the old buildings nice photos of you all too.
Have a pizzatastic day Rhonda 🙂
J. Shcmuhl
Wow, you sure did a lot in a day.
Tony Payne
That is pretty amazing for a day! I could spend a week in Rome, if I ever got to Italy…
Liz
Beautiful photos. I hope I can visit rome someday.
stevebethere
Fab photos Rhonda you must all be knackered by now 🙂
Aussiepomm
Oh I loved Rome… I so want to go back there as well… Maybe next year…
Mines up as well at AussiePomm – Cymbidium Orchids
Have a great WW!!
MaryDPierce
Oh, the places you’ve been. . . .
I love reading your posts, even if I don’t always comment. You should do a book when it’s done and the dust has settled. I homeschooled my son, and it never occurred to me that a trip such as this was even possible. Your daughters are getting an education like no other. Bravo!
Sarah
¡Y soy mas estudio!
Paula J
AMAZING photos!
Happy WW 🙂
Paula
lifeasweknowitbypaula.blogspot.com
Mitch
Love the pics! Love Rome!
Comedy Plus
I would have love to go along on this day. Would have loved to see all these things. Awesome.
Have a terrific day. 🙂