Why Visit Italy?
It is a country that continues to fascinate historians, fashionistas and epicureans equally. It is the quintessential destination for romance and renewal, as well as the setting for so much of our past and what continues to influence our future. On your all-inclusive voyage across the Mediterranean, you may find yourself calling on many of these Italian ports. These 10 excursions are only a sampling of the shoreside experiences that await you in Italy.
1. Cruise the Island of Capri
The island of Capri is the gem of the Bay of Naples, and easily reached from Sorrento or Positano. Be sure to visit the Grotta Azzurra to marvel at the water's sapphire color caused by the light refraction from the hidden opening in the rock.
INCLUDED Shore Excursion: CAPRI ON YOUR OWN
2. Indulge in Authentic Pesto Genoese
While in Genoa, watch a chef prepare authentic Pesto Genoese for you to taste over trofie pasta. Then, dine on a multi-course lunch of other classic Ligurian dishes.
INCLUDED Shore Excursion: GENOESE PESTO & TROFIE PASTA
3. Witness Pompeii
From Salerno or Naples, journey to remarkable Pompeii at the foot of Mt. Vesuvius. Time seems frozen as you observe the eerie plaster casts of numerous victims, who are caught in their final moment of life. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is filled with aristocratic villas, temples and a forum, which was the heart of the city, making it the most accurate representation of an Italian city at the height of the Roman Empire.
INCLUDED Shore Excursion: ANCIENT POMPEII
4. Taste the Wines of Tuscany
While in Tuscany, enjoy a visit to the town of Lucca to taste the delicious wines produced in this region for centuries. Sample a variety of red and white wines complemented with local olives, bread and salami.
INCLUDED Shore Excursion: HILLS OF LUCCA & WINE TASTING
5. Tour the Vatican
From Rome, witness the opulent Vatican Museums, passing through one dazzling gallery after another. See one of humanity's most beautiful and recognizable artistic achievements, Michelangelo's frescoes for the Sistine Chapel.
Regent Choice Shore Excursion: AN INSIDER VIEW OF THE VATICAN
6. Sample Olive Oil of Sicily
From Trapani, tour an 18th-century olive oil farm and learn how extra virgin olive oil is produced. Then, indulge in a tasty Sicilian buffet lunch enriched by traditional Sicilian music and olive oil ice cream.
Regent Choice Shore Excursion: VISIT TO A SICILIAN OLIVE OIL FARM
7. Portofino's Gorgeous Coastline
The sea along this eastern portion of the Italian Riviera is particularly beautiful, as it gently laps the shore. Cruise up the gorgeous coastline as this Italian Riviera gem blankets the hills of a picturesque cove in the Tigullio Bay. You can even stop at San Fruttuoso, a tiny, forest-lined inlet.
INCLUDED Shore Excursion: CRUISING THE ITALIAN RIVIERA
8. Local Haunts of Venice
Journey into the heart of Venice, a district full of traditional Venetian wine bars. It's here where the locals gather to discuss the day's events while snacking, often on small-plate dishes.
INCLUDED Shore Excursion: VENICE GIRO DI BACARI
9. The Roar of the Colosseum
The top two levels of the 171-foot high Colosseum offer priceless views of the stadium, as well as the nearby Roman Forum, Palatine Hill and the rest of Rome. You can also visit the restored fourth and fifth levels.
Regent Choice Shore Excursion: ROME ATTRACTION PASS WITH COLOSSEUM
10. Toast to Taormina
Discover the sheer magnitude and natural beauty of one of the world's most renowned active volcanoes on a tour of Mount Etna. Near Mt. Etna, explore Sicily's historic winemaking tradition and enjoy tastings at a renowned vineyard. As you'll discover, the distinct flavor of Sicily's wine is due to the volcanic soil.
INCLUDED Shore Excursion: WINE TASTING AT VILLA SAN MICHELE
Create Your Own Top 10 List in Italy
Learn more about our voyages to Italy and immerse yourself in its rich history, cuisine and natural beauty, all while enjoying an all-inclusive cruise aboard The World's Most Luxurious Fleet™.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises® has consistently delivered unmatched luxury cruises with the very best value for over thirty years. Aboard The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet®, enjoy unrivaled onboard space, unforgettable shoreside excursions, incomparable culinary experiences, and exceptional personalized service.
