The Veneto region of Italy has quaint and colourful islands, extraordinary architecture, magnificent displays of art and a deeply rooted history. With canals and waterways separating the region's highlights, a cruise is a wonderful way to explore Venice and beyond.
The S.S. La Venezia is the perfect vessel for exploring the waterways of Venice. It's a small ship that was completely renovated in 2020 with lavish furnishings that mirror the inimitable style of Venice. During this week-long trip, you'll visit unmissable sights of Venice, including Burano, Mazzorbo, Torcello, Chioggia, and Murano.
You'll access famous locations when they're closed to the public, including St Mark's Basilica after nightfall and inside the church on Torcello before it opens. You'll also have VIP access to Doge's Palace during a special early morning visit. There's a superb choice of other excursions, all included, allowing you to join fascinating walking tours or bike along the beaches of Chioggia.
Special guest Rick Stein joins the trip for the final few days, accompanying a tour of the Rialto food market before hosting a cooking demonstration and answering questions from guests.
Rick Stein CBE is an English chef, restaurateur, television presenter, and author of more than 20 books, including his autobiography. He has made more than 30 TV programmes, including 12 cookery series, his latest being Secret France. Rick has also cooked for the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Tony Blair, Margaret Thatcher, and former French president Jacques Chirac.
On arrival at Venice Marco Polo airport, a transfer takes you to the S.S. La Venezia. There's time to unpack and get to know the splendid surroundings of the ship before dinner.
Rick Stein joins the cruise today.
You'll arrive early at Venice's Doge's Palace today to explore this usually busy site in peace, with an extra special entrance. You will enter through the side door, which is usually reserved for dignitaries and VIPs. You will then take a stroll through a traditional Venetian neighbourhood to see how local life unfolds. Tonight, you'll witness a private after-hours lighting ceremony inside St Mark's Basilica without the crowds.
This evening, Rick Stein will do a cooking demonstration, give a talk and take part in a Q&A.
After breakfast on board, decide whether you'd prefer to visit Vicenza or Padua - both are UNESCO World Heritage cities in the Veneto region. In the afternoon, there's the opportunity to meet a local gondola artisan and take a guided walk through Venice before boarding S.S La Venezia for a scenic sailing across the lagoon towards Mazzorbo and Burano. As you sail, your captain will host a special welcome reception and dinner.
Your day starts with a visit to Torcello's basilica, the oldest church in the Venetian lagoon. You will be accompanied by an art historian who will share their expertise and insights. There's time for coffee in an osteria before returning to the ship. The afternoon is yours to decide whether to explore Burano or Mazzorbo or watch a glass-blowing demonstration on Murano.
There's a choice of ways to get to know Chioggia today, whether you opt to visit a local food market, bike along the beaches, head to a beautiful castle, or learn about the region's winemaking and stay for a tasting (not included).
This morning, explore the Po Delta at the point where the Adriatic Sea meets the Po River on a sailing excursion. Over lunch back on board the S.S La Venezia, you'll sail back to Venice.
You'll take a water taxi through the Venice canals today, arriving in style at the Rialto Bridge. From here, you can visit Rialto market with special guest Rick Stein, take a walking tour or visit a mask atelier to see how the intricate masks worn at the Carnival of Venice are made.
After a final breakfast on board, you'll disembark S.S. La Venezia, and a transfer will take you to the airport for your flight home to London.
Glamorous Uniworld ship sailing the Po and Venice Lagoon
Paying homage to classic Venetian style, the S.S La Venezia is no ordinary cruise ship. This elegant vessel was renovated in 2020, bringing a new level of luxury and decadence to river sailing. With nods to its locale, the ship features Murano glass and splendid gilding that add to a sparkling onboard atmosphere. All the staterooms are river-facing with marble bathrooms and luxury amenities.
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