Charming and iconic, Italy invites you to witness the historic and modern elements that define this Mediterranean country, and there's no better way to experience these highlights than on one of our luxury Italy cruises aboard a hand-picked small ship. Float effortlessly between Rome, Venice, the Amalfi Coast, Sicily, and Sardinia. Many luxury class cruises also visit neighboring Corsica, France, Croatia and Greece. Italy is an unforgettable destination that takes you back thousands of years to see the heart of the ancient Roman Empire and also showcases modern metropolises and the current seat of the Catholic Church in the Vatican. Enjoy this cruise experience with unparalleled comfort and service. Contact us to start planning your luxury Italian cruise.

10 Best Luxury Small Ship Cruises of Italy for 2025-2026

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Mediterranean Island Voyage: Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, and Elba – with Smithsonian Journeys

Valletta - Nice
8 Days from $7,690

Explore the heart of the Mediterranean on this 8-day Mediterranean Island Cruise with Smithsonian Journeys from Valletta to Nice aboard Le Bougainville. Discover Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, and Elba's historical civilizations that left mark on these islands' language, cuisine, art, and architecture.

Culture and Islands of the Mediterranean

Barcelona - Valletta
12 Days from $9,540

Embark on a 12-day cruise from Barcelona to Malta aboard L’Austral. Enjoy culinary and cultural experiences with an included excursion per port. Highlights include Menorca, Alghero, Cagliari, Trapani, Palermo, Lipari, Catania, Syracuse, Gozo, and ending in Valletta.

From the City of Gods to the Eternal City

Athens - Civitavecchia
12 Days from $7,590

Join Le Bougainville on this 12-day journey from Athens to Civitavecchia, exploring the Mediterranean. Enjoy diverse experiences with included excursions at each port of call. Highlights include marveling at Taormina, exploring Chania, and visiting Phaestos Palace. Discover ancient cities, coastlines, and historical treasures.

Italy, Montenegro & Croatia

Civitavecchia to Venice
12 Days from $3,030

Embark on a 12-day cruise aboard Star Flyer, cruising through Italy, Montenegro, and Croatia. Experience historic ports, Mediterranean cuisine, and scenic beauty while enjoying the comfort of a traditional sailing ship.

From Iberian Shores to Greek Coastlines

Malaga - Athens
11 Days from $6,280

Set sail on an 11-day cruise from Malaga to Athens aboard Le Dumont-d'Urville, exploring historic sites and diverse cultures across Spain, Sardinia, Sicily, and Greece. Highlights include Palma de Mallorca, Delphi, and the Acropolis.

An abandoned theatre in Taormina, Sicily

From Malta to the Adriatic Coast

Valletta - Venice
9 Days from $5,520

Embark on a 9-day cruise on Le Bougainville, visiting Malta, Montenegro, Croatia, and Italy, with UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Venice, Dubrovnik, and Valletta—benefit from expert-curated excursions at each port, including Tivat's heritage and Lecce from Otranto.

Grand Voyage: Malaga to Cannes

Malaga to Cannes
16 Days from $3,640

Sail to an impressive collection of ports on this 16-day Grand Voyage, from the stunning Balearic Islands off Eastern Spain to quixotic tiny port towns along the Spanish and French Rivieras to the stylish and romantic city of Cannes. Relax aboard the Star Flyer and enjoy the life of a true sailor.

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Top Small Luxury Cruise Ships

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Emerald Azzurra

As Emerald's first-ever ocean superyacht, the luxurious Emerald Azzurra is designed to take up to 100 passengers sailing along the Adriatic Coast, Red Sea, and the Eastern and Western Mediterranean.

L'Austral

The L'Austral, sister ship to the Le Boreal, is the fruit of Italian expertise and French sophistication. A superb mega-yacht with 132 cabins, the L'Austral links tradition and innovation, cruising to worldwide destinations in luxury.

Le Bougainville

Experience a luxurious setting where the main focus is of authenticity and passion for travel. Le Bougainville is an environmentally-friendly 184-passenger ship that sails across the stunning blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, offering her guests a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy, and comfort.

Le Dumont-d'Urville

Discover a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel aboard this glamorous limited-capacity yacht with environmentally-friendly equipment. Le Dumont-d'Urville features elegantly designed cabins, spacious suites with windows, and lounge areas opening to the outside, offering a unique cruising experience.

Sea Cloud Spirit

Sea Cloud Spirit is a modern and elegant windjammer with occupancy for 136 guests and a crew of 85. It gives you an amazing opportunity of traveling with a high comfort level and enjoying the best panorama views.

Star Flyer

The Star Flyer is a stylish vessel designed to accommodate 170 passengers in an intimate and comfortable atmosphere. This true clipper ship reflects its proud heritage in every inch of its polished brass and gleaming brightwork. The décor of Star Flyer is reminiscent of the grand age of sail with spacious accommodations and expansive teak decks.

Emerald Sakara

Emerald Cruises brings our award-winning reputation and service to the world?s oceans and coastlines as we introduce Luxury yacht cruising on our brand new, innovative superyachts, custom-designed to allow unique access to the fascinating ports and harbors only small yachts can reach.

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Italy Travel Guide

Italy Overview

This boot-shaped peninsula is a country almost every traveler longs to visit! Ancient history, rich culture, world-renowned cuisine, & iconic landmarks are just a few of the reasons travel to Italy is so appealing. Our brief introduction to the geography, culture & attractions of this popular destination will help prepare you for your own Italy experience!

Immerse yourself in the romance of Italy

When to Visit Europe: Seasons & Temperatures

Europe is a wonderful year-round destination depending on where you want to explore. The summer is the most popular season across the continent, but the fall and spring shoulder months can offer some great deals and less tourist traffic. Read more about each region of Europe and when to go.

Introduction to the Mediterranean

Summer is the high travel season in the Mediterranean. The best time to take a Mediterranean cruise, however, is in the spring (May-June) or fall (September-October).

The Best Time to Visit Italy on a Small Ship Cruise
If you're planning a small ship cruise to the Mediterranean, then consider a few of these great times to visit Italy:

Our favorite times of the year to visit Italy are either in the spring (April-June) or the fall (September-October), when temperatures are warm but comfortable, there is less tourist traffic, and prices are a bit lower than during the busy season.

Here's a look at what travel is like in Italy each season:

May-October has the best weather in Italy.
March-April & November are the shoulder season months when you can get the best deals and discounts on Italian cruises.
April-June & September are ideal times to visit coastal Venice, Rome, and Naples.
April-October is a great season to plan your trip to Sicily.
March-May is the best time for a tour of Italy's vineyards.

Introduction to the Mediterranean

Summer is the high travel season in the Mediterranean. The best time to take a Mediterranean cruise, however, is in the spring (May-June) or fall (September-October).

Best Time to Visit Italy

The shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are the best times to travel to Italy for superb weather, lower rates, and fewer crowds. Summers in Italy are also gorgeous, but some may find the heat and crowds overwhelming.

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Italy Travel Stories

Mediterranean Babymoon!