USD $

Call on

+1 844 879 7838
Feefo Platinum Award
USD $

New Destinations

Most Popular Journeys

Travel Guides

Explore

  • Italy Small Ship Cruises 2022/23

Discover Italy on board a Luxury Ship

For those who want to explore more of Italy without having to constantly unpack and repack while enjoying a more authentic experience, a small-ship cruise is ideal. Our modern yachts with sleek, high-tech profiles and seductive lines offer an intimate atmosphere with fewer passengers and a crew that provides exceptional, customized service. These vessels may be smaller than those mega cruise ships, but they’re large enjoy to provide plenty of space and luxurious comforts while being able to reach more out-of-the-way ports to discover hidden treasures. Stops are often made in hidden coves and secluded bays for memorable swims in crystal-clear waters far from the crowds.

In between visiting enticing destinations like Lipari, off Sicily’s northern coast, and the hilltop town of Taormina, you can take advantage of the ship’s Jacuzzi while surrounded by the endless sparkling blue of the sea. Soak up the sun from a comfy lounger on deck or chat with your fellow, often like-minded passengers. Instead of dining on the same type of food you could eat at home, the onboard chef prepares meals using fresh, local ingredients for better immersion into each new place visited. All cabins are spacious and en-suite, with most featuring windows, so you’ll rarely have to take your eyes off the passing views.

Talk to the Expert

Perian

Originally from Toronto but now living in Italy, I’ve always been a traveler at heart. When I’m not planning your luxury European trip, you’ll find me hiking the Italian Alps or enjoying a lemon Spritz in Amalfi.

Perian

Italy Specialist

+1 844 879 7838
Request a Quote

Our Cruises in Italy

Explore the beautiful coastline and magical islands of Italy on one of our small ship cruises

Get in touch with our travel experts today.

+1 844 879 7838OR

Ports of Call

  • Naples

    Naples

    A glorious city with tattered beauty has been called what may be the last great metropolis of western Europe, with its monuments, though often in decay, can still be seen in their popular context, with tourism distractions. Tucked between two areas of volcanic activity, most famously Mount Vesuvius to the east, which watches over the city, its port is one of Europe’s most important. It was long considered not much more than a steppingstone to Amalfi or Capri, but the Museo Archeologico contains an extraordinary collection of antiquities. The social scene, art, baroque architecture, and rich culture offer plenty of charms for visitors.

  • Capri

    Capri

    A popular retreat since Roman times, glamourous Capri attracts many celebrities and wealthy jetsetters with its irresistible Mediterranean charms. The harbour is often filled with superyachts, bobbing up and down on the turquoise water, while the ruins of Emperor Tiberius’s palace can be found in Villa Jovis. The maze of narrow streets is delightful to stroll, lined with fashion boutiques that sell all the big designer names and many local restaurants serving regional delicacies. One of the most popular attractions here is the boat tour to the Blue Grotto, with the cave’s interior illuminated in a silvery blue glow.

  • Amalfi

    Amalfi

    Amalfi is a beautiful small town on the famous Amalfi Coast, a mountainous stretch where sheer cliff faces drop straight into the brilliant aquamarine sea just south of Naples. But it’s more than a starting point to one of the world’s most spectacular drives. It’s a place filled with history, medieval in origin, once dominating the trade routes of the Mediterranean. Its past can still be seen in landmarks and magnificent architecture. Nestled between the sea and the mountains, it’s mostly vertical, negotiating space that’s defined by the geography of the land. Its colourful homes and church tower bell stand out, visible from the water.

  • Lipari

    Lipari

    Part of the Aeolian Islands just off the north coast of Sicily, Lipari is the largest and boasts a stunning cliff-top castle. It’s famous for its gorgeous natural scenery, with a setting of red volcanic rock that led Homer to call it “a wall of Bronze.” It has a long history, with archaeological finds revealing settlements here since 1700 BC. Today, the port is bustling while a 17th-century cathedral is perched just above. Nearby are fascinating ruins, including Neolithic stones, ancient tombstones, ruins of Greek walls, and Roman villas. It also boasts a number of idyllic beaches for unwinding with the picturesque scenery.

  • Taormina

    Taormina

    Taormina is a hilltop town situated about three hours east of Palermo, Sicily’s capital city. Its beauty has allured many, including Goethe, who praised it with a mention in his book Italian Journey. Ever since tourists have come to see what he wrote about, and while the view alone is worth visiting, there are plenty of other things to do. One can take in a view of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna while catching a play or concert, or attending a film festival at the ancient theatre, Teatro Antico di Taormina, built in the 3rd-century BC.

  • Etna

    Mount Etna

    Europe’s highest active volcano, Mount Etna is located in Siciliy and soars 10,900 feet into the sky, with a longer written record of eruptions than any other volcano. It features 400 craters and is in a constant state of activity, which means you’re likely to see it spew ash and lava. More adventurous visitors can take the short but steep trek to the edge of the main crater where the steam can be seen rising, while views of the landscape below are breath-taking. It’s also possible to take a cable car to the midway point, followed by a 4-wheel drive bus to the top.

 
Variety Voyager

Our Cruise Ships in Italy

MY Variety Voyager

A graceful, modern mega-yacht, the Variety Voyager offers an unforgettable, luxury sailing experience for up to 72 guests.

VIEW HARMONY G

Life On Board an Italy Cruise

While she provides an intimate atmosphere for a more personalized, authentic experience, her facilities are wide-ranging. You’ll find everything from a mini-spa with a massage room and workout equipment to spacious cabins. Some feature picture windows, so you’ll never have to leave those spectacular views behind. All have the latest and greatest features, like individually controlled air-conditioning, marble bathrooms, TVs, and DVD players. The wood-paneled lounge and the chic dining room boast wraparound views through picture windows that line three exterior sides.

At the drop of an anchor, you’ll set out to explore Sicily & Malta’s most picturesque towns, set your sights on stunning baroque architecture, famed temples, and charming fishing villages while ticking the boxes of world class UNESCO heritage sights throughout your journey. Whether you’re setting out on foot, appreciating the endless blues from your expansive cabin window, or relaxing on the sundeck with sweeping views at every turn, your dedicated crew will be there to guarantee you an Unforgettable experience like none other.

 

Excursions

  • Taormina

    Stroll through Taormina

    A walking tour through Taormina will bring you to see its many historic landmarks and experience its countless charms. That includes the narrow alleyways where you’ll get glimpses of Mount Etna and Giardini Naxos, the 14th-century Palazzo Corvaja, and the ancient Greek theatre. You’ll stroll Corso Umberto with its many upscale boutiques as well.

  • Gozo

    Swimming off Gozo Island

    Gozo Island is believed to be the isle of Calypso in Homer’s Odyssey. It offers postcard-perfect beaches and is surrounded by surreal cobalt blue waters that are ideal for a swim. You can marvel at marine life by snorkelling in one of the many special “secret” spots for an unforgettable excursion.

  • Syracuse

    Marvel at Syracuse

    Syracuse is home to many impressive sites that can be explored on a memorable tour. You’ll be able to visit its elliptical Roman amphitheatre, the incredible Greek theatre, Fountain of Aretusa, Temple of Apollo, the cathedral with its ruins of the 5th-century BC Temple of Athena, and the Archaeological Museum.

  • Stromboli

    Witness Volcanic Stromboli

    Volcanic Stromboli Island towers behind its uninhabited sister island, Strombolicchio, in the Tyrrhenian Sea. One of the world’s most active volcanoes with many black-sand beaches with lava fountains spewing for some 2,500 years. Many come to its summit at sunset to marvel at the fiery lava against the night’s sky.

  • Capri

    Tour Fashionable Capri

    A tour of Capri is all about stunning natural beauty and high-end shopping. It’s a place to see and be seen, with many celebrities anchoring their yachts in Marian Grande. Discover the Gardens of Augustus and its breath-taking views and explore the buzzing centre of local life, Piazzetta on your own.

  • Agrigento

    Valley of the Temples

    An excursion to the Valley of the Temples brings you outside the city of Agrigento to a series of 5th-century Doric temples set on a ridge facing the sea. Discover the largest Doric temple ever uncovered, the unfinished Temple of Zeus, and remarkably well-preserved temples, attributed to the goddesses Juno Lacinia and Concordia. 

 

Q&A

From

Perian our Italy Specialist

What are your Italy cruise ships like? 

As with all our other destinations, we specialise in deluxe small ship cruises. Our vessels in Italy typically carry no more than 45 passengers across a maximum of 23 cabins. The ships themselves are luxurious motor yachts, adapted for sailing at sea while small enough to access small ports and channels. With size in your favor, you’ll find service levels are consistently high, and routings that take in off-the-beaten-track destinations that are simply inaccessible to larger ships. 

 

What are the food and drink inclusions?

Meals on these cruises are typically full board. A large spread for breakfast consists of fresh, a la carte options, along with all the usual continental favorites. Lunches and dinners are also served on-board, with four separate occasion meals during your week on-board: a welcome cocktail reception, Italian theme evening, BBQ night, and exuberant Captain’s Dinner. You’ll also find free-flow coffees, teas, and filtered water available all day.

Where do the cruises typically sail?

The most scenically appealing, and culturally varied, cruises in Italy hug the south and west coast of the peninsula. Traveling from Naples, around the Amalfi Coast and Capri, passing the rugged Aeolian Islands, and circling around Sicily. An alternative route begins in the Maltese capital Valletta, heading back up around Sicily and on to the Bay of Naples. These routes showcase southern Italy’s incredibly diverse natural geography, historic influences, gastronomy, and modern culture. 

 

What is the best time to travel?

As with travel through much of Europe, the optimum time for an Italy small ship cruise is from April through to late October. Winter months are cold and windy, bringing choppy seas and a near abandonment of Italy’s coastal resorts: islands such as Capri and the Aeolians are near deserted at this time. Conversely, the spring, summer, and early autumn seasons see coastal Italy in bustling in full bloom, with warm, clear weather and calm seas. For best rates and thinnest crowds, avoid the peak tourist season months of July and August, opting instead for late Spring or early Fall. 

 

What extensions would you recommend?

If you’re traveling all the way to Italy for a one-week cruise then it makes sense to stick around and see a bit more of this evocative destination! We feature an extensive program of tailor-made Italy tours, all of which curated by our experienced and highly passionate Italy experts. From Naples you could easily travel up the coast by high-speed train to the Eternal City of Rome, perhaps continuing further to Florence and Tuscany, or flying across to Venice. Return visitors to Italy might also consider an in-depth exploration of Sicily, Puglia, Emilia Romagna, or the low Alpine scenery of the Dolomites.

 

Why book with Unforgettable Travel Co.

  • 100% Financial Protection

    We are a licensed and fully bonded tour operator financially protected by both the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL) and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust (ABTOT). All clients that travel with us are fully financially protected.

  • Destination Experts

    Our travel experts live and breathe the destinations they specialise in. This shows in their passionate to create hand crafted trips for our clients. We don’t offer cookie cutter trips, just truly unforgettable journeys unlike any other.

  • The Best Guides

    What makes our trips extraordinary is the unique immersive experiences we include. We pride ourselves in our black book of sought after expert guides, game rangers and local contacts who believe in our philosophy, unforgettable.

  • We Care

    From the moment you book your trip, we are on hand 24/7 to assist you throughout your journey. With regional offices around the world, we have ground logistics teams on hand to help you every step of the way.

COPYRIGHT © 2023 UNFORGETTABLE TRAVEL. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED