Begin this romantic cruise exploring the heart of Venice through hidden alleys to the Piazza San Marco and the Doge's Palace with an exclusive visit to the spectacular St Mark's Basilica.
Your ship crosses the Venice Lagoon to Chioggia, from where there is an included excursion to the medieval walled city of Padua. Rejoin the ship on the River Po and cruise to Polesella. Visit Bologna which is famed for its Italian cuisine and enjoy an exclusive pasta-making workshop or explore the artistic hub of Ferrara.
Explore Chioggia's lively fish market, visit Burano with its colourful houses and enjoy a special wine tasting in Mazzorbo. Conclude your Venetian holiday back in Venice with more time to discover its hidden treasures.
H119 Operated by Uniworld
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Venice and the Gems of Northern Italy Itinerary
Day 1 - UK - Venice (Italy)
Fly from the UK to Venice. Meet your representative on arrival and transfer to your ship, River Countess or La Venezia.
Day 2 - Venice
There is a morning walking tour followed by a scenic cruise around the lagoon. The afternoon is at leisure for you to explore independently. Later, enjoy a private after-hours visit to Saint Mark's Basilica. Note: It is not always possible to arrange an after-hours visit to St. Mark’s Basilica. If religious functions or festivities are taking place in the evening, we will visit during regular hours.
Day 3 - Chioggia - Padua
Head to the medieval walled city of Padua, one of Italy's oldest towns. Here many notable scholars sought academic freedom including Galileo and Copernicus. Join a local guide on a walking tour through ancient arcades and porticos to the magnificent Palazzo della Ragione, the historic centre. Or if you prefer to discover Chioggia, known as 'Little Venice', join the bicycle tour along Chioggia's beaches. In 2020, there is also a Bragozzo ride which includes a typical Italian mussel lunch.
Day 4 - Polesella - Bologna or Ferrara
Spend the whole day on an excursion to Bologna and join an exclusive pasta-making workshop where you can learn to make your own Italian pasta then enjoy lunch in one of Bologna's most famous restaurants. Alternatively spend a half-day in Ferrara, one of Italy's best-kept secrets, where you'll discover how the city became an artistic hub for the likes of Leonardo da Vinci.
Day 5 - Chioggia
Visit Chioggia's market, a colourful and boisterous scene. Please note: We are obliged to comply with Italian Maritime Authorities who require that the ship is only manned by crew during the Adriatic Sea passage. Therefore, all guests must disembark the ship and partake in the featured excursions.
Day 6 - Burano - Mazzorbo
Spend the day exploring the Venice Lagoon. Discover Burano, renowned for its colourful houses and lace making tradition, before heading to Mazzorbo, where you can enjoy a special wine tasting.
Day 7 - Venice
Enjoy a walking tour to the famous fish market next to the Rialto Bridge. Alternatively, join the AVG Arti Veneziane alla Giudecca glass factory visit with crafts demonstrations, or opt for the "Venetian Painters at the Accademia" tour with art historian guide. Captain's farewell Reception and Dinner this evening.
Day 8 - Venice - UK
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
For navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary. Due to Italian regulations the ship cannot sail with passengers on the short section of the Adriatic Sea between Chioggia and the mouth of the River Po.