Italy - an ideal destination for a short Mediterranean cruise

Friday, 25 May 2012 10:17 AM

A cruise is a luxury holiday that allows you to see a number of attractions on one getaway. If you're short of time, you can still enjoy such a trip, and by taking a Mediterranean cruise to Italy, you'll get to visit plenty of sights on one short adventure.

Here are just some places you may wish to visit.

Venice

Venice is a hugely popular destination among loved-up couples, with the city on water having romantic canals, little bridges and delicious restaurants for people to indulge in passionate holidays. However, it offers something for everyone and you'll find plenty to do in the floating city whether you're holidaying with a partner or not.

History enthusiasts should make their way to St Mark's Basilica in St Mark's Square. This cathedral was built between the 10th and 16th centuries, which is why it boasts various architectural influences in its design. Venice is also home to many galleries, including the Guggenheim Museum, but one of the best things to do here to soak up the atmosphere on a short trip is to take a gondola ride underneath some of its 500 bridges and go for a stroll past its crumbling buildings - this way, you'll really be able to feel the historic ambience of this pretty city.

Naples

Naples is another Italian city that oozes history. It boasts some of the oldest attractions in the world and, as a result of this, has UNESCO World Heritage Site status. In the centre itself, you'll come across Roman catacombs, cemeteries and theatres, as well as forts like Castel Nuovo, Castel dell'Ovo and Castel Capuano and its 14th-century cathedral.

A visit to Naples isn't just worth it to explore its historical attractions though. Indeed, if you venture a little out of the city, you will come across Pompeii - an ancient city that was destroyed by the eruption of nearby volcano Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Take a trip here and you will see how the city was preserved under the volcanic ash for hundreds of years.

For the active among you, there are opportunities to climb Mount Vesuvius and see the tip of the conical mountains and take in the view from the top of the volcano, overlooking the ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, as well as Naples below.

Rome

Rome is perhaps the most popular destination to visit on a cruise to Italy. You will stop at the port of Civitavecchia, and after a drive of just over an hour, you will arrive at the capital.

The historic and cultural centre of Italy, Rome is home to a variety of attractions that will fill up a short itinerary before you know it. If you only have a few hours to spare, one of the first places to visit is the Colosseum, the ancient amphitheatre located in the heart of the city. From here, you can explore the Roman Forum and learn more about the Roman Empire while walking around the ancient site.

Other attractions you should make an effort to see include St Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, both in the Vatican City. The best way to see Rome is to stroll around it and come across pretty courtyards and monuments on your way. These could include the likes of the Baroque Fontana di Trevi and the Spanish Steps.

You will find quaint churches, fountains, squares and ancient remnants all over Rome, so even if you're not a history buff, you'll soon be able to learn more about the city's past with a short trip here.