Cruising to Greece, Croatia and Italy
Why the best way to visit these three Meditteranean countries in one trip is by cruise
If you’re looking for a cruise with a mix of European culture, historic city centers, and breathtaking natural scenery, then a cruise to Greece, Croatia and Italy should be on your bucket list.
EXPLORING THREE COUNTRIES IN ONE VACATION
Venice, Italy; photo by Dan Novac/unsplash.com
ITALY
When planning a trip to Europe, many travelers visit several European countries with one long-haul flight. “I have a lot of clients coming to me with the desire to combine Italy and Greece into one long vacation of 10 to 15 days,” says Kelly Connor, a AAA Travel advisor in Marlton, New Jersey. “Lately, they’ve added Croatia to that list, especially the clients who prefer to spend more time near the coast on their journeys.”
While Italy has long been a top destination for American travelers, planning all of the travel details can be tricky and time-consuming for those visiting independent of a guided tour, says Connor. That’s just one reason why a cruise is the way to go.
Surrounded on three sides (more than 75 percent of its borders) by water, Italy has numerous cruise port destinations, namely Rome (Civitavecchia), Sardinia (Cagliari), Sicily (Palermo and Catania), Florence/Pisa (La Spezia and Livorno), Capri/Naples, Portofino, Santa Margherita, Trieste, Venice (Ravenna) and Brindisi.
“And the coast of Italy is sprinkled with beautiful towns and beaches,” adds Connor. “Booking a cruise that takes you to several ports in Italy on one trip allows you to travel seamlessly from one coastal port to another without traffic delays and airport time. Plus, there are numerous excursion options to cater to different tastes and interests.”
Santorini, Greece; photo by Tania Mousinho/unsplash.com
GREECE
Millions of Americans visit Greece each year—and for good reason, including its rich history, beautiful beaches and delectable cuisine.
“People want to spend their time in Greece with a day or so in Athens, then the rest on one or two Greek islands—most often Santorini and Mykonos,” says Connor. “Both of these islands are located hours away from Athens by ferry and almost an hour away by plane. Flights require travelers to return to the airport and wait for two hours before boarding their flight to another island.”
A lot of time and legwork are involved, especially if you are coming in and connecting to your flight or ferry. So, if you want to minimize travel time and maximize destination time, then a cruise is an excellent way to travel between Greek islands and multiple ports, says Connor.
Dubrovnik, Croatia; photo by Tania Mousinho/unsplash.com
CROATIA
Croatia is increasingly becoming a tourist hot-spot thanks to its long and picturesque coastline, bounty of historic sites and seafood-centric cuisine. And with a plethora of islands featuring dramatic landscapes, Croatia is in high demand for cruising.
“Croatia’s coastline is huge, offering many wonderful destination ports. Therefore, it is becoming more popular as a cruise destination,” says Connor.
MEDITTERANEAN CRUISE OPTIONS
Viking Ocean, Celebrity, and Royal Carribean, among others, offer cruises with port stops in Croatia, Italy and Greece in one sailing. Viking Ocean in particular is distinctive in offering a complimentary shore excursion in every port of call; free WiFi, enrichment lectures and destination-related performances; and 24-hour room service. “And its excursions are fabulous, including exclusive access options, making you wish you could do them all,” says Connor.
MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS FOR CRUISERS
Bridge of Sighs in Venice, Italy; photo by Nick Karvounis/unsplash.com
ITALY CRUISING
If your cruise has a port day in Rome, visit the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, The Vatican and St. Peter’s Square, the Sistine Chapel and the Fountain of Trevi. Also, visit the Spanish Steps and the streets near the Via Condotti for shopping. There are also churches everywhere filled with art to explore.
Another top-notch port is Venice. “While I recommend going to St. Mark’s Square, also take a tour that includes the Bridge of Sighs,” says Connor. Other must-dos are a side tour to Murano, where you will see glassblowers creating works of art, and a gondola ride on a charming canal at sunset.
Some cruises also call on Florence, where you can explore the Uffizi Gallery and then perhaps savor lunch in an alfresco ristorante. And if time permits, stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, the iconic arched bridge, stopping to buy souvenirs in one of the many famous jewelry shops that line the riverbanks.
The Parthenon in Athens, Greece; photo by Theo Topolevsky/unsplash.com
GREECE CRUISING
While in port in Athens, be sure to visit the ruins of the Acropolis and the Parthenon. And, the Greek Islands boasts architecture, monasteries and amazing food. Also, take time to stroll the beaches and marvel at the sunsets.
Sponza Palace in Dubrovnik, Croatia; photo by dudlajzov/stock.adobe.com
CROATIA CRUISING
Located on the Adriatic, Dubrovnik offers extraordinary cultural sites such as the Sponza Palace, the Church of St. Blaise, and the 15th-century Onofrio’s Fountain. Also, partake in one of the many food and wine tours, and relax on the gorgeous beaches. In Split, don’t miss Diocletian’s Palace. And, for a sweeping view of the city, head up to Klis Fortress where scenes from the HBO series Game of Thrones were filmed.
One cruise plus three countries equals virtually endless opportunities for a bucket-list vacation.