Cruises to Italy visiting Bari

Italy, with its rich history, art, culture, and stunning coastlines, offers a truly captivating cruising experience.

A cruise offers a convenient way to explore Italy's diverse attractions, from ancient Roman ruins and Renaissance treasures to charming coastal towns. It is also an ideal way to experience the stunning Italian coastline and easily access cities that may be difficult to reach by other forms of transport, particularly when visiting multiple destinations.

Popular Cruise Ports in Italy

Civitavecchia (for Rome)

As the port for Rome, Civitavecchia offers access to iconic historical sites like the Colosseum, the Vatican City, and the Trevi Fountain, allowing visitors to explore the heart of the Roman Empire and the Catholic Church.

Civitavecchia (for Rome) Cruises

Porto Marghera (for Venice)

Venice, with its unique canals, gondolas, and stunning architecture, offers an unforgettable experience, although large ships now dock outside the main lagoon, with smaller boats bringing passengers into the city.

Porto Marghera (for Venice) Cruises

Naples

Located near Pompeii and Herculaneum, Naples offers a rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine, as well as access to the beautiful Amalfi Coast.

Naples Cruises

Cruises visiting Bari, Italy

Discover the vibrant spirit of Puglia in Bari, a charming port city and the home of Saint Nicholas, the figure who inspired the legend of Santa Claus.

The atmosphere of Bari is a brilliant combination of a bustling, modern port and a labyrinthine, historic Old Town. The city's main streets are wide and elegant, while the ancient centre, known as Bari Vecchia, is a maze of narrow, winding alleyways. The atmosphere is authentic, lively, and welcoming, with a strong sense of local culture. It is a place where you can find grand Romanesque basilicas and watch local women making fresh pasta on their doorsteps.

The cultural significance of Bari is profound, primarily due to its role as the final resting place of Saint Nicholas. His relics are housed in the magnificent Basilica di San Nicola, making Bari a major pilgrimage site for both Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians. The city has also historically been a key port for trade between Italy and the Middle East, and its history is a mix of Norman, Swabian, and Aragonese influences, which is reflected in its architecture and traditions.

The local cuisine of Bari is a testament to the simple, fresh flavours of the Puglia region. The most famous local dish is 'orecchiette', an ear-shaped pasta that is often served with a simple tomato sauce or turnip tops. Bari is also famous for its delicious street food, particularly 'focaccia barese', a thick and fluffy bread topped with olives and cherry tomatoes. The seafood is incredibly fresh, and the many local restaurants offer a brilliant taste of authentic Italian fare.

Bari is a fantastic cruise destination because the port is located within easy walking distance of the historic Old Town. This allows passengers to step off the ship and immediately immerse themselves in the narrow streets, visit the main basilicas, and experience the authentic local life without the need for additional transport, making it an incredibly convenient day port.