Eat, Love, Italy: Viking Cruise Group | May 2026
- Mary Palmer
- Jul 29
- 3 min read
Rome to Venice | 8 Days | Small Group Departure with Soul & Suitcase Travel
Starting at $4784PP Veranda
Your dream Italy cruise starts here.
May 2026 Group Sailing | Hosted by Soul & Suitcase Travel Rome → Venice | Viking Cruise | All-Veranda Staterooms
Join our hosted Eat, Love, Italy group in May 2026 for an immersive 8-day Viking cruise from Rome to Venice—an elegant journey circling the soul of Italy and touching the timeless charm of Croatia. This small-group departure blends history, coastal beauty, culinary delights, and curated moments that awaken all the senses.
Explore legendary cities like Naples, gateway to the Amalfi Coast, and Messina, rich with layers of Sicilian history. Discover Crotone, the birthplace of Pythagoras, where echoes of ancient Greece meet the sparkling Calabrian coastline. In Bari, uncover the flavors of Puglia and wander the alleys of this coastal gem.
Then step into Šibenik, Croatia, where medieval streets and Adriatic beauty meet. Finally, indulge in an overnight stay in Venice, Italy’s most romantic city—perfect for sunset gondola rides, artful cuisine, and slow strolls through winding canals.
Soul & Suitcase Travel clients receive exclusive group perks, personalized pre-travel support, and the option to extend with land-based escapes before or after your cruise.
Let Italy move you. Let us take care of the details.
Join the Interest List or message us to save your spot with a $100 deposit.
Cruise Itinerary: Rome to Venice
Day 1: Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Embark in the Eternal City, where the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Vatican whispers of ancient glory. Add a 2-night Rome extension to explore this magnificent city before sailing. Dine al fresco in Trastevere, toss a coin in the Trevi, and enjoy Roman espresso with a side of history.
Day 2: Naples, Italy Dive into southern flavor and culture. Visit Pompeii or Capri, then recharge at a natural thermal spa. Optional pre-arrival stay in Umbria or Tuscany offers peaceful hill towns and wine-soaked countryside before reaching the coast.
Day 3: Messina, Sicily Sicilian charm awaits in Messina. Explore the Duomo, day-trip to Taormina, or hike Mt. Etna. Extend with a Sicily land package for more ancient temples, coastal villages, and culinary immersion.
Day 4: Crotone, Italy A hidden gem of Calabria. Explore Greek ruins, seaside promenades, and traditional cuisine. Perfect for travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path beauty and slow travel moments.
Day 5: Bari, Italy In the heart of Puglia, Bari enchants with Romanesque churches and winding alleys. Add a 3-night Umbria extension to explore Assisi, Orvieto, and Spoleto for medieval charm and rustic fare.
Day 6: Šibenik, Croatia Cross into Croatia and stroll the sunlit streets of Šibenik, home to the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of St. James. This stop offers rich history and coastal views beyond the typical Italian itinerary.
Day 7–8: Venice, Italy (Overnight) Disembark in Venice with its canals, piazzas, and romance. Stay longer with a 2-night Venice extension, including waterbus tours, hidden alleys, and rooftop prosecco at sunset. Or pair with Verona & Lake Como (3 nights) or Como & the Italian Lakes for alpine elegance and historic charm.
Optional Pre/Post Cruise Extensions
Maximize your overseas flight and immerse even deeper into Italian culture. These flexible extensions can be added before or after your cruise:
Rome (2 Nights): Explore the Colosseum, dine like a Roman, and soak in ancient vibes before boarding.
Tuscany (3 Nights): Wine tastings, Florence’s Renaissance treasures, and rolling hills await.
Umbria (3 Nights): Discover Assisi, Todi, and clifftop Orvieto with traditional Umbrian cuisine.
Parma & Bologna (3 Nights): Dive into Italy’s food capital—cured meats, Parmigiano, and Ferrari history.
Verona & Lake Como (3 Nights): Romance, lakeside villas, and exclusive cooking classes.
Venice (2 Nights): Get lost in canals, art, and atmospheric backstreets.
Como & The Italian Lakes (3 Nights): Visit Lake Maggiore and Lake Como with visits to the Borromean Islands.
What’s Included
8-day cruise with private veranda stateroom
6 guided shore excursions
Overnight in Venice or Rome
All meals with regional wine & beer
Free Wi-Fi onboard
Port taxes and fees
Concierge support from Soul & Suitcase before, during & after your trip
Why Book with Soul & Suitcase Travel
Expertly curated extensions by region
Cruise-certified travel concierge (Viking River, Ocean & Expedition)
Exclusive perks, spa credits & resort upgrades
Pre-cruise planning call & personalized trip matching
Support from a real human every step of the way
Interested in joining our group cruise, complete this questionnaire so we can get to know your preferences. Click here
Ready to Set Sail?
This cruise is a group cruise, Departure May 2, 2026. You can start your journey on any available date, with flexible options to fit your schedule. Extensions are fully customizable and curated to your pace and preferences.
Let us design your Eat, Love, Italy dream trip—cruise, countryside, and culture all in one seamless journey. Start Planning with Us
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