12 Day Rome to Venice Cruise Around Italy – August 22, 2026 – Azamara Onward

On Sicily’s east coast, Catania sits at the foot of Mount Etna, blending Baroque architecture with volcanic landscapes. With a full day plan a few activites and even a late afternoon snack before returning to the ship.

Popular Shore Excursions:

• Sicilian Food & Wine: Sample local arancini, cannoli, and Etna wines at markets or farms.
• Mount Etna Adventure: Explore the active volcano, often with a 4×4 or cable car ride to craters and lava fields.
• Taormina Visit: AVisit the hilltop town, featuring the Greek Theater, medieval streets, and sea views.

Siracusa (Syracuse), a historic city on Sicily’s southeastern coast, is a highlight for cruise passengers, offering a blend of ancient Greek and Roman ruins, charming baroque architecture, and coastal beauty.

These options highlight Siracusa’s rich history, scenic beauty, and culinary delights, perfect for an Azamara-style experience. If Siracusa isn’t listed as an excursion from Catania, ask Azamara about custom or private tours. Let me know if you’d like a focus on one activity, family-friendly options, or more details!

Popular Shore Excursions:

• Archaeological Park of Neapolis (Parco Archeologico della Neapolis) – Explore Siracusa’s Greek and Roman legacy. This ancient site, featuring the Greek Theatre (5th century BC, still used for performances), the Roman Amphitheatre, and the Ear of Dionysius, a cave with remarkable acoustics and a haunting history tied to the tyrant Dionysius.
• Ortigia Island Exploration – Siracusa’s historic island heart. Walk through narrow baroque streets, visit the Temple of Apollo (one of the oldest Greek temples in Sicily), and see the Fountain of Arethusa, a freshwater spring with mythological roots.
• Siracusa and Culinary Tastings – Sample arancini (stuffed rice balls), cannoli, local cheeses, and Nero d’Avola wine at markets or trattorias.
• Cathedral and Baroque Siracusa – Duomo di Siracusa, a 7th-century cathedral built over a Greek temple, with visible Doric columns. Explore nearby baroque palaces and churches on Ortigia, like Palazzo Beneventano. Highlights Siracusa’s layered history—Greek, Roman, and Baroque—in a stunning setting.
• Boat Tour of the Coast – Sail along Siracusa’s coast, offering views of Ortigia, sea caves, and the Plemmirio Marine Protected Area. Some tours include swimming or snorkeling stops. A refreshing way to enjoy Sicily’s turquoise waters and coastal scenery.
• Visit the Archaeological Museum Paolo Orsi – One of Italy’s finest archaeological museums, housing artifacts from prehistory to the Greek and Roman eras—pottery, statues, and coins.A deep dive into Siracusa’s ancient past, perfect for history buffs.
• Stroll Ortigia’s Streets – Wander Ortigia’s maze of alleys, browse artisan shops for ceramics or jewelry, and relax at cafes along the seafront (e.g., Lungomare di Levante). A laid-back way to soak in the island’s charm and local life.
• Explore Maniace Castle – A 13th-century fortress on Ortigia’s tip, built by Emperor Frederick II, offering panoramic sea views and a glimpse of medieval defenses.Combines history with stunning coastal vistas.
• Relax at Aretusa Beach – A small, pebbly beach near Ortigia, ideal for a quick dip or a scenic walk along the coast.
• Shop at the Ortigia Market – A vibrant morning market on Via De Benedictis, offering fresh produce, seafood, spices, and Sicilian treats like pistachios and almonds. A lively, sensory experience of local culture and flavors.

A lesser-visited gem in Calabria, Crotone offers ancient Greek roots, a historic castle, and coastal charm. Smaller port, ideal for Azamara’s focus on off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Popular Shore Excursions:

• Boat to Isola di Capo Rizzuto: Enjoy a trip to this marine reserve for swimming, snorkeling, or scenic views.
• Old Town & Castle of Charles V: Visit the medieval center and 16th-century fortress, with history of Pythagoras’ legacy.
• National Archaeological Museum: Visit to see the Greek artifacts, followed by a stroll along Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo.

Taranto, located in the Puglia region of southern Italy, is a fascinating cruise port with a rich history, stunning coastal views, and access to the unique culture and landscapes of the surrounding area.

Popular Shore Excursions:

• Old Town Taranto & Aragonese Castle – Dive into Taranto’s past as a key Spartan colony and maritime hub, with stunning views of the Ionian Sea and Mar Piccolo.
• Explore Taranto’s historic Old Town, an island connected by bridges, with narrow alleys, ancient churches, and baroque architecture. Visit the Aragonese Castle (Castello Aragonese), a 15th-century fortress built on earlier Byzantine foundations, offering guided tours of its towers, courtyards, and naval history exhibits.
• National Archaeological Museum (MArTA) – Take a deep dive into ancient history, with well-preserved relics from a city founded by Spartans in 706 BC.Visit Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Taranto (MArTA), one of Italy’s top archaeological museums. See Greek and Roman artifacts, including gold jewelry, vases, and statuettes of Apollo, reflecting Taranto’s Magna Graecia roots.
• Ostuni: The White City – Combines scenic beauty, history, and a taste of Puglia’s laid-back lifestyle. A full-day excursion (about 1 hour from Taranto) to Ostuni, a hilltop town known as the “White City” for its whitewashed buildings. Explore the medieval streets, visit the Gothic-Romanesque Cathedral, and enjoy panoramic views of olive groves and the Adriatic.
• Puglian Culinary Experience – A half-day tour focusing on Taranto and Puglia’s food culture. Visit a local market, taste regional specialties like seafood (mussels, oysters from Mar Piccolo), burrata cheese, and orecchiette pasta, or join a cooking class to make traditional dishes.
  Why Do It: Puglia’s cuisine is fresh, simple, and delicious, reflecting the region’s bounty.
• Ionian Sea Boat Tour – A half-day boat excursion along Taranto’s coast, exploring the Ionian Sea. Visit spots like San Pietro in Bevagna or the Cheradi Islands, with options for swimming, dolphin spotting (via groups like Jonian Dolphin Conservation), and enjoying clear waters.
  Why Do It: Highlights Taranto’s maritime beauty and refreshing coastal vibe.
• Grottaglie: Ceramics Workshop – A half-day trip (about 30 minutes from Taranto) to Grottaglie, Puglia’s ceramics capital. Tour the historic ceramics district, visit workshops, and try a pottery class to craft a vase or plate using ancient techniques.

The one post on this Italy-focused cruise that is not in Italy.

Kotor is a UNESCO-listed medieval town in a stunning fjord-like bay, known for its walled Old Town and dramatic mountains.

Popular Shore Excursions:

• Budva Excursion: A half-day (4-5 hours) trip to this coastal town, with its own historic core and beaches. Cost: ~$70-$120 per person
• Old Town & Fortress Hike: A 4-5 hour tour exploring cobblestone streets, churches, and a challenging climb to St. John’s Fortress for panoramic views. Cost: ~$60-$110 per person.
• Bay of Kotor Boat Trip: A 4-6 hour cruise around the bay, often stopping at Our Lady of the Rocks island. Cost: ~$80-$130 per person.

Enjoy the relaxing day at sea sailing across the Adriatic Sea.

Ravenna, a charming city in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, is a popular cruise port known for its stunning Byzantine mosaics, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and rich history as a former capital of the Western Roman Empire and Byzantine hub. Shore excursions highlight art, culture, and nearby destinations.

Popular Shore Excursions

• Byzantine Mosaics & UNESCO Sites – Ravenna’s mosaics are world-renowned, offering a dazzling glimpse into ancient craftsmanship and history. Explore Ravenna’s UNESCO-listed monuments, including the Basilica of San Vitale (6th century) with its vibrant mosaics of Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia with its starry ceiling, and the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, showcasing Roman and Byzantine art.
• Dante’s Tomb & Historic Ravenna – Visit the Tomb of Dante Alighieri, the 14th-century resting place of the poet who wrote The Divine Comedy while exiled here. Includes stops at the “Zone of Silence” (Dante area), the Church of San Francesco, and Piazza del Popolo for a taste of local life. Combines literary history with Ravenna’s charming medieval center.
• Bologna – The Culinary Capital Bologna, about 1 hour from Ravenna. Explore the portico-lined streets, visit the Basilica of San Luca via the San Luca Express, see the Two Towers (Le Due Torri), and enjoy tastings of local specialties like tortellini, mortadella, and Bolognese sauce at markets or trattorias. Bologna’s rich food culture and medieval charm make it a top draw, perfect for Azamara’s immersive focus.
• San Marino Adventure – The Republic of San Marino, a tiny, independent state is 1.5 hours from Ravenna. Stroll historic streets, see the Changing of the Guard at Palazzo del Governo, and enjoy views from Mount Titano’s castles (e.g., Guaita Tower). Offers a unique visit to one of the world’s smallest countries, blending history and stunning scenery.
• Mosaic-Making Workshop – Where you learn to craft your own mosaic, guided by artisans. Take home a unique souvenir reflecting Ravenna’s artistic legacy. Hands-on, creative, and tied to the city’s mosaic fame—ideal for a personal, memorable activity.
• Faenza & Ceramics Exploration – 45 minutes from Ravenna, known for faience (tin-glazed pottery). Visit the International Museum of Ceramics, explore workshops, and see the 15th-century Faenza Cathedral.
• Brisighella: Medieval Village & Cuisine – A medieval village about 1 hour from Ravenna. Walk through charming streets, taste DOP Brisighello olive oil and local wines, and enjoy a regional lunch amid Subalpine hills. A quaint, off-the-beaten-path gem with authentic Emilia-Romagna flavors.