Port guide · Italy
The port city of the central Adriatic and capital of the Marche. The terminal is next to the centre, and Trajan's Roman arch stands in the port itself; from San Ciriaco Cathedral, at the top of the hill, you can see the whole harbour. For Urbino, a Renaissance gem, an organised tour is best.
The cruise terminal is inside the port, right by the centre. The Arch of Trajan is a few minutes' walk away, and in 10–25 minutes you reach the old town and Piazza del Plebiscito. San Ciriaco Cathedral is up high, with lots of steps: go up by taxi and walk down.
Time: 10–25 min to the old townApprox. price: Free
First the Arch of Trajan, by the quay, then the old town
Time: 10 min to the cathedralApprox. price: Metered
Saves the climb; then walk back down to the port
Ferries and lorries move around the port: use the pedestrian crossings. Allow at least 45 minutes to get back to the ship.
Route 1
Arch of Trajan
A Roman arch almost two thousand years old, by the quay
Piazza del Plebiscito
Locals call it "Piazza del Papa"; a church stands at the top of the steps
San Ciriaco Cathedral
Romanesque, on top of the hill, with views over the whole port
Walk back down to the port
Route 2
South of the city, Monte Conero drops into the sea among coves of white stone and green water; Portonovo bay is about 30 minutes away by taxi. It's crowded in summer: a tour or a pre-booked taxi is best.
Want it easy? Join an official MSC shore excursion, timed around the port call. If you booked your cruise with VIAJES FH, ask your advisor to add it for you.
Route 3
Raphael's birthplace, on a hilltop and a World Heritage Site, with Renaissance masterpieces in the Ducal Palace. It's 1.5 hours away by car: an organised tour is the easiest way.
Want it easy? Join an official MSC shore excursion, timed around the port call. If you booked your cruise with VIAJES FH, ask your advisor to add it for you.
Embarking in Ancona? The airport (Falconara) is north-west of the city, about 15 km from the port.
Time: 20–25 minApprox. price: Metered
Easiest with luggage: it takes you to the terminal
Time: About 30 min + taxiApprox. price: See the operator's website
Buses run from the airport to the centre and to Ancona station; then a few minutes by taxi
Ancona port also has ferry terminals for Greece and Croatia: show the driver the terminal on your boarding documents.
Your advisor can add shore excursions, drinks packages and onboard internet.
Contact an advisor
Transport and ticket prices are approximate, checked in November 2026, and may change. The latest all-aboard time is the one announced on board.
Cover photo: Fiat 500e / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0