One of the Best Ways to Experience Italy? Through These Charming Small-Ship Cruises

For Italy cruises, opting for a small-ship journey is your best choice. Larger vessels often stick to the popular spots—Rome, Venice, Florence, and Naples. While there’s nothing wrong with visiting iconic sites like the Colosseum, St. Mark’s Square, Michelangelo’s David, and the ruins of Pompeii, the best cruises offer a chance to explore more intimately and at a leisurely pace.

Small ships not only take you to lesser-known destinations but also spend more time in each port. The best itineraries feature late evening departures and overnight stays, providing a deeper experience with multiple stops that let travelers discover everything from cultural hubs to charming fishing villages.

The prime season for Italy cruises spans from April to October, aligning with pleasant weather that enhances the appeal of beaches and outdoor sights, although visiting ancient ruins in the summer heat may require some stamina.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to Italy, these remarkable small-ship journeys will provide a new perspective—and a unique view from the water—of a country loved by so many.

1. Embark on a Windstar sailing yacht to Sicily’s legendary volcanic islands

To make a reservation: Windstar’s seven-night itinerary through the Aeolian Islands starts at $3,199 per person.

This Windstar voyage offers seven unforgettable nights exploring the Aeolian Islands of Sicily. After departing from Civitavecchia (Rome’s port), travelers will first visit Ponza, a charming island popular with Romans in summer, followed by a scenic stop in Amalfi. Passengers aboard the 148-passenger Wind Spirit, a four-masted sailing yacht, will then immerse themselves in Sicilian culture with a visit to Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands. A picturesque sail around the island of Stromboli concludes the journey through this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guests can enjoy the ship’s watersports platform and savor exquisite, locally inspired dishes served onboard.

2. Discover Sorrento to Sardinia—and beyond—with boutique cruise line Explora Journeys

To make a reservation: Explora Journeys’ seven-night Sardinian Sunsets voyage begins at $4,850 per person.

Explora Journeys is a newly launched cruise line, established in 2021 as the luxury division of the Swiss-Italian company MSC Cruises. With a keen emphasis on the Mediterranean, Explora presents this exclusive weeklong journey from Rome to Barcelona aboard its brand-new, 922-passenger Explora II (set to launch in September 2024). The itinerary includes stops at the sunny port of Sorrento, Sicily’s Palermo, and Sardinia’s Cagliari and Alghero (known to be the rumored location of King Neptune’s hidden grotto). If the grotto remains elusive, don’t worry—Explora II features four pools, and many suites come equipped with tubs and private whirlpools.

3. Navigate the Adriatic coast with stops in Italy and Croatia aboard Atlas Ocean Voyages

To make a reservation: Atlas Ocean Voyages’ 10-night Italian Coast plus Croatia itinerary starts at $5,700 per person.

For enthusiasts of the Roman Empire, this cruise could be ideal. Atlas Ocean Voyages’ thoughtfully planned 10-night journey blends visits to Italy (Capri, Puglia, Taormina) with stops in Split and Zadar in Croatia. The proximity of these countries along the Adriatic coast means cities like Split were influenced by both Roman and Venetian rule, leaving a lasting impact on the architecture and Croatian history. (Game of Thrones fans will enjoy Split’s museum dedicated to the series.) Atlas launched its first ship in 2021 and is recognized as a luxury expedition line, featuring an open bar, 24-hour room service, cultural immersion activities, and butler service in its suites. Its 196-passenger World Navigator will transport guests from Venice to Livorno in northwestern Italy on this remarkable Adriatic journey, with a strong emphasis on cultural and culinary experiences in Italy.

4. Step aboard a lavish all-inclusive Silversea vessel heading for Tuscany and the Italian Riviera

To reserve: Silversea’s seven-night Italy from Monte Carlo cruise begins at $5,300 per person.

This ultra-luxurious cruise through Italy begins in style in Monte Carlo before setting sail on the brand-new 728-passenger Silver Ray. Guests aboard Silversea’s exquisite flagship will enjoy pampering as they travel from Portofino on the Riviera to Livorno and the lesser-known Porto Santo Stefano in Tuscany. A visit to the vibrant city of Naples is a sensory delight. Silversea’s exceptional culinary program features market tours, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and food-focused excursions. Renowned for its gastronomy, Italy is truly a destination worth splurging on—especially when it includes the chance to make focaccia with farmers who have cultivated their land for generations (Silversea’s acclaimed culinary program S.A.L.T., for Sea and Land Taste, offers this unique excursion to an eco-farm in Portofino).

5. Explore the coastline of Italy’s boot with Viking

To reserve: Viking’s seven-night Italian Sojourn cruise starts at $2,999 per person.

In just one week, this Viking ocean cruise offers an abundance of bellissima Italian experiences along with a couple of surprise stops. Depart from either Rome or Venice on your 930-passenger ship; specific vessels vary by date and itinerary, but all provide complimentary access to the Nordic spa and exceptional dining. You can opt for excursions to Pompeii from Naples or to Mount Etna from Messina, Sicily, for an additional fee. Another highlight is Crotone, an ancient coastal capital featuring archaeological ruins amidst stunning scenery. Bari, the heel of Italy’s boot, boasts numerous churches and castles perfect for an enchanting afternoon. For those seeking a child-free environment, Viking cruises are exclusively for adults.

6. Enjoy nearly two weeks of Italian immersion with Azamara

To reserve: Azamara’s 12-night Italy Intensive Voyage starts at $3,579 per person.

For those eager to experience as much of Italy as possible in one trip, this extensive cruise by Azamara Cruises comes highly recommended. Specializing in country-focused journeys, this 12-night adventure covers all things Italian, with a noteworthy stop in Kotor, Montenegro, considered one of the world's most beautiful ports. Alongside popular destinations like Sorrento, you'll explore unique spots like Elba, the site of Napoleon's first exile and a fantastic location for kayaking (Azamara offers excursions along the sheltered Cape Enfola featuring secluded beaches and hidden coves). Adding to the experience, Azamara hosts local performers onboard for special evening events—often under the stars—as part of their cultural offerings. This Italian cruise will be aboard a ship like the 710-passenger Azamara Quest or a comparable vessel.

7. Set sail on a Star Clippers vessel to discover the charming villages of Italy and Corsica

To reserve: Star Clippers’ seven-night Ligurian Sea voyage starts at $2,030 per person.

Having joined France in the late 18th century, Corsica maintains its rich Italian heritage, making it a perfect stop on a fabulous Star Clippers itinerary. The 170-passenger Star Flyer, a magnificent tall-masted ship, will glide through four stunning ports in Corsica. The Ligurian Sea, an arm of the Mediterranean, encircles Corsica to the north and is home to hidden gems along the Italian Riviera, including Lerici, a delightful alternative to the bustling Cinque Terre. The allure of sailing on a tall ship is heightened by this round-trip journey from the glamorous coastal city of Cannes, located on the French Riviera.

This article was first published in October 2023 and was revised on August 12, 2024, to reflect updated information. Reporting contributions were made by Fran Golden.