Port Profiles | Portipedia

If there is one city that should be on every avid cruiser’s list of must-see destinations, Venice is it. For starters, Venice is one world’s most unique cities — architecturally, historically and environmentally. Situated on a patchwork of more than 100 low-lying islands, Venice is sliced by canals. Thus, visitors see Venice in one of two ways: from the perspective of the water or on foot. 

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On your own in Venice, you will get lost — no matter how good your map or how finely attuned your sense of direction. But go ahead and lose yourself. That is part of the joy of being in Venice. Just make sure to carry a few Euros (the currency used in Venice). No doubt, you will want to refresh yourself with a snack or a glass of wine as you walk through Venice’s six districts, called sestieri. 

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Pre- and post-cruise stays should include not only Venice but also the surrounding region in northeastern Italy known as Veneto.

Exceptionally varied, Veneto offers cruise passengers more than 200 excursions — ranging from visits to vineyards, Veneto villas and historic cities to mountain bike adventures and alpine hikes.

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Q: How do I get from the ship to St. Mark’s Square?

A:  For 5 Euros you can hop on Alilaguna, a public water shuttle (www.alilaguna.it) that connects Marittima Cruise Terminals to St. Mark’s Square in about 15 minutes (operates every 20 minutes).

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European cruises are like exquisite appetizers. Your ship gives you a taste of the delicious culture capitals, allowing you to decide which cities and countries are most intriguing and appealing. Each stop on the cruise ship’s itinerary is designed to provide convenient access to the primary attractions, but the cruise ship must maintain a schedule, limiting port calls to 10 hours, occasionally overnight.

For a fuller flavor of any European destination, a few extra days in one of the Continent’s great cities allows you to explore more and get a sense of the rhythms and personalities of the place. To take full advantage of the trip across the ocean, more and more experienced travelers are taking the extra time before or after their cruise, extending their stay in Europe to learn and enjoy a particular place.

Following are some quick descriptions of some of the favorite European cities where cruise travelers are choosing to spend a few extra days, find some favorite restaurants and soak in the local flavors.

Venice is one of those very special destinations where you can’t go wrong. No matter how much or how little time you have and wherever you choose to go, you’ll find it fascinating.

A vaporetto ride up the Grand Canal is absolutely required. The Venetian canals must not be missed, even if they are somewhat pungent. But that’s to be expected in a city that was built on mudflats and sandbanks. Ignore the myths that the canals are open sewers; the scent is from algae and silt, not sewage.

You could spend a week in the magnificent St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, which also provides access to the noteworthy Accademia art museum. A public space for people, the Piazza San Marco is a special work of architectural art that retains its magnificence even as large crowds move through.

If all roads lead to Rome, then prepare for a wealth of options. Consider the Rome of Augustus and Caesar, filled with ancient structures that are still spectacular. Or Michelangelo and Da Vinci, whose work makes this city an artistic pilgrimage. Explore the seven hills, stop for an espresso by the Spanish Steps, sip a Chianti in a hidden piazza.

Of course, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and it’s just as impossible to see it all in a day, or even two. You will have to pick and choose your temples, residences, basilicas, churches, palazzi, piazzi, parks, museums and fountains.

Naturally, the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel top the list. For the most culturally significant sights, consider signing on for a tour, which provides all sorts of useful information and is often entertaining, too.

The way to Taormina, originally uploaded by Ralph Grizzle.

Situated in the shadow of Europe’s highest active volcano, Taormina’s charms erupt on its oft-shuffled streets and serpentine alleys.

Cruise passengers need do nothing more than stroll to absorb the ambience of this delightful town, venturing now and then on its serendipitous side streets, stopping for a scoop of stracciatella or a cup of cappuccino - or when the mood strikes, a shot of Grappino.

“Without Sicily,” the German poet Goethe once observed, “Italy cannot be fully understood. It is here one find the key to all things.”