Italy River Cruises
Live the charmed life on an Italy river cruise, experiencing true R&R in the most beautiful of settings. Float effortlessly through Venice, soaking up the traditional charm, head to Milan and breathe in the glitz and glamor. If nature is your thing, your jaw will drop along the Amalfi Coast, while Naples and Sicily are a true summer dream. You’re about to live the Mediterranean way.
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Susan • traveled in June
Great time, good food. The cabins are quite small but very adequate. The location was perfect just a short walk to all the must see sights.
Venetian Treasures (port-to-port cruise)
10 best river cruises through Italy
Compiled by
MelissaItaly travel expert at TourRadar
- Venice, the epicenter of art, and its famous lagoon (port-to-port package)
- A Mediterranean Christmas - Naples, the Amalfi Coast & Sicily (port-to-port package)
- Rome, Venice & the Jewels of Veneto (2027) (Venice to Rome, 2027)
- Venice & the Jewels of Veneto (2026) (Venice to Venice, 2026)
- Malta, Sicily & Amalfi Coast
- Advent Lights, a cruise through the heart of Venice's Christmas markets and its lagoon (port-to-port cruise)
- New Year in Venice (port-to-port cruise)
- Christmas in Venice (port-to-port cruise)
- The Best Spots in Sicily and Southern Italy (port-to-port cruise) (from Naples to Valletta)
- Mediterranean delights
The MS Michelangelo hosts 158 passengers through Italy's Venetian Lagoon. From Venice's Rialto Bridge to Burano's Lace Museum, highlights include exclusive access to Teatro La Fenice and UNESCO-listed Vicenza, accompanied by all-inclusive French dining and local wines.
Duration 6 days Destinations Venice, Island of Mazzorbo, Burano, Chioggia Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
- US$1,995
The MS La Belle de L'Adriatique offers 15 cabin categories across four decks while sailing Italy's stunning coastline. The route from Naples to UNESCO-listed Aeolian Islands includes stops in Milazzo, Messina, and Salerno, with all meals, drinks, and guided excursions included.
Duration 8 days Destinations Naples, Milazzo, Messina, Salerno Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
- US$3,696
Sail aboard the S.S. La Venezia through the Venetian Lagoon, stopping at the brightly painted fishermen's cottages of Burano and Torcello's historic basilica. You'll get private after-hours access to a lighting ceremony at St. Mark's Basilica in Venice. Head to Murano to watch glassblowing artisans at work and then south to the fishing port of Chioggia. The trip wraps up with 3 nights at the Anantara Palazzo Naiadi in Rome, where you'll tour Vatican City's Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica.
Duration 11 days Destinations Venice, Burano, Chioggia, Rome Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $5,999
20% Off- US$4,799You save $1,200
The S.S. La Venezia sails from Venice's Grand Canal to where Po Delta meets the Adriatic. Stops include Chioggia's vibrant fish market, Burano's colorful homes, and Murano's glass artisans, with luxury riverview accommodations throughout the journey.
Duration 8 days Destinations Venice, Burano, Veneto, Vicenza, Padua, Chioggia, Torcello, Murano Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $2,999
25% Off- US$2,249You save $750
The Emerald Sakara sails Italy's most picturesque coastlines through eight ports from Sicily to Civitavecchia. Passengers marvel at Lipari's turquoise bays and Amalfi's dramatic cliffs from luxury suites while savoring gourmet meals between visits to medieval towns and ancient ruins.
Duration 10 days Destinations Valletta, Giardini Naxos, Messina, Lipari, Amalfi, Capri, Sorrento, Gaeta, Civitavecchia Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $20,390
58% Off- US$8,480You save $11,910
Sail the 48-kilometer Venetian Lagoon aboard the MS Michelangelo, a 158-passenger vessel, visiting Venice's Dorsoduro district and the island of Mazzorbo before heading to Chioggia. Tour Padua's Basilica of Saint Anthony with its Byzantine domes and see Prato della Valle's grand Christmas tree, while tasting Panettone, Amaretti macarons, and Panforte onboard. St. Mark's Square lights up at night and you'll walk through the glass-decorated canals of Murano, with all meals, drinks, and port fees included in this 5-day trip.
Duration 5 days Destinations Venice, Island of Mazzorbo, Chioggia Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
58% Off- US$1,389
The MS Michelangelo's 78 comfortable cabins provide luxury while sailing Italy's historic waterways. The route leads from Venice's grand canals to Chioggia's charming harbor, stopping at Murano and Burano islands. New Year's Eve celebrations feature gourmet dining in Venice's spectacular lagoon.
Duration 5 days Destinations Venice, Chioggia, Burano, Murano Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
58% Off- US$1,883
The MS Michelangelo's panoramic windows and elegant dining room enhance Italy's historic waterways. The route from Venice to Chioggia includes Burano's lace traditions and Murano's glassworks, featuring all-inclusive dining with drinks and gala Christmas celebrations.
Duration 5 days Destinations Venice, Chioggia, Burano, Murano Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
58% Off- US$1,389
The MS La Belle de L'Adriatique's 15 cabin categories span four decks along Italy's coast. Highlights include Pompeii's ruins, Palermo's cathedrals, and Agrigento's Valley of Temples, complemented by panoramic views and French cuisine with included drinks.
Duration 8 days Destinations Naples, Herculaneum, Mount Vesuvius, Pompeii, Sorrento, Amalfi, Palermo, Monreale, Trapani, AgrigentoSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
58% Off- US$3,551
The Emerald Sakara takes guests from Syracuse's Baroque cathedral to Lipari's volcanic vistas. Luxurious suites with private terraces provide comfort while sailing to Porto Empedocle and Palermo's UNESCO center, with 29 included meals featuring fresh seafood at local ports.
Duration 11 days Destinations Valletta, Mgarr, Porto Empedocle, Mazara del Vallo, Trapani, Palermo, Lipari, Giardini Naxos, Syracuse Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $21,590
58% Off- US$9,145You save $12,445
What our customers ask about Italy River Cruises
What are the most popular river cruise routes in Italy?
River cruises in Italy primarily focus on Venice and the Po River Delta region. The routes take travelers through the Venetian Lagoon where ships stop at colorful islands like Burano and Murano then sail to historic ports such as Chioggia. Many itineraries extend into inland waterways reaching cities like Mantua and Ferrara. Some operators combine river journeys with Mediterranean coastal sailing including stops at Civitavecchia Amalfi and Sicily. One TourRadar traveler highlighted the diversity saying "The tour included amazing stops from Venice's grand canals to charming fishing villages and historic towns."
When is the best time to take a river cruise in Italy?
Italian river cruises operate best from April through October with the busiest period from June to September. Spring brings ideal conditions on the Po River and Venetian Lagoon with comfortable temperatures and fewer visitors. According to TourRadar travelers who cruised with CroisiEurope "May was perfect weather for exploring Venice and the surrounding islands not too hot or crowded." March-April and October-November offer better value and pleasant cruising weather while major attractions like St. Mark's Square and Murano Island see fewer tourists.
What types of cabins are available on Italy river cruise ships?
River cruise vessels in Italy provide diverse accommodation options. The S.S. La Venezia features five levels of cabins from Classic rooms to Grand Suites equipped with Savoir® beds and Egyptian cotton linens. On the MS Michelangelo cabins spread across three decks with double/twin layouts and suites featuring French balconies. A TourRadar traveler noted about MS Michelangelo: "The cabins are quite small but very adequate with comfortable beds and large windows providing great views of the passing scenery." Standard amenities include climate control private bathrooms and under-bed storage space.
What shore excursions are typically included in Italy river cruises?
River cruise packages in Italy blend cultural historical and food-focused outings. Standard inclusions feature guided visits to Venice's St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace tours of Murano's glass-blowing workshops and explorations of medieval towns like Ferrara and Padua. As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "The excursions were great with wonderful intelligent passionate tour guides." Extra activities often include Venetian mask-making classes wine tastings at local villas and exclusive after-hours access to monuments. Bicycle tours and active excursions are available at most ports.
What's included in the dining experience on Italian river cruises?
The dining program on Italian river cruises emphasizes regional dishes and local wines. Vessels like the MS Michelangelo serve full board meals including breakfast buffets multi-course dinners and selected wines. One TourRadar traveler noted: "As a foodie I was amazed what chefs have been able to create for us - the food and wine were exquisite." Typical offerings include Venetian cicchetti samplings visits to markets like Venice's Rialto and formal gala dinners. Ships accommodate special diets with advance notice and often feature Italian cooking demonstrations.
How much does an Italy river cruise typically cost?
Italian river cruise prices range from 1600 USD to 5300 USD per person for 7-10 day journeys. Luxury options such as Uniworld's Venice & the Gems of Northern Italy start at 4399 USD. A TourRadar traveler shared: "While not inexpensive our 8-day Venice and Po River cruise with CroisiEurope offered excellent value considering the inclusions and quality of experience."
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