Italy Shore Excursions – What To See and Do
The best part of any European cruise is visiting the ports of call along the way. Europe is a continent rife with history, culture, art and architecture dating back thousands of years, and exploring the great ancient cities of Rome, Athens, Istanbul, Paris, and London is an experience to be treasured for a lifetime. However, while many passengers are content simply to take leisure and wander around these magnificent cities during their shore leave there are others who prefer to see and do specific things and learn about the local history and culture under the wing of an experienced guide. One of the most popular European cruise destinations is the country of Italy, and there are many Italy shore excursions available to passengers visiting this magnificent country. Here are just a few of the wonderful things to see and do during your Italy shore excursion.
Italy boasts several world class cities, but first and foremost among them is, of course, the ancient city of Rome. Highlights of a Rome excursion include the Colosseum, and no matter how many pictures or videos you have seen of this architectural wonder you will not truly appreciate its magnificence until you stand before it in person. During a tour of the Colosseum you can learn all about its construction and what a huge impact it had on Roman society, and relive in your mind’s eye the brutal gladiatorial combat that took place within its walls, Your next stop should be the Vatican and St. Peter’s Church and Basilica. See the famous ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in the Apostolic Palace. This most famous of Michaelangelo’s works is but one of the incredible works of art and sculpture you will see here. Want something a little different than the average Rome shore excursion offers? Get away from the hustle and bustle and take a drive up to the Seven Hills of Rome and get a breathtaking view of the entire city.
In Venice you can visit San Marco’s Square, and take a tour of San Marco’s Basilica, explore Doge’s Palace, and take a boat ride on the Grand Canal that Venice is famous for.
And in Florence every visitor must take the trip to the Tuscan village of Pisa to visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa. While in Florence proper make sure to visit the Accademia Galleria to see Michaelangelo’s Statue of David, and take a tour that includes the beautiful exteriors of Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise, Palazzo Strozzi, Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio, Brunelleschi’s Dome and Piazza Signoria.
These three magnificent cities are the highlights of an Italy shore excursion, but are by no means the limit of what you can see and do in this wonderful country. See Milan, Naples, or if you really want some adventure visit the majestic Dolomites mountain range and spend a day at the Cortina Resort. With so much to see and do it is hard to imagine cramming it all in one vacation. Prepare to fall in love with this country and its wonderful people and know that whatever city or cities you choose to visit your decision will be a good one.
Related posts:
- Cruise Shore Excursions – Are They Worth The Money?
- Top 10 Cities to See in Italy
- France Shore Excursions
- Norwegian Shore Excursions
- France Shore Excursions – See Saint Tropez by Minivan
Filed under: Mediterranean Cruises, Planning a Cruise, Shore Excursions