Venice and the Gems of Northern Italy River Cruise

8 days from £2749 per person

Discover the enchanting beauty and fascinating culture of northern Italy on an exclusive eight-day river cruise. Step aboard the luxurious S.S. La Venezia ship as you begin your journey in romantic Venice where you can experience the remarkable Doge’s Palace early in the morning as well as a once-in-a-lifetime private after-hours visit to St. Mark’s Basilica. Travel downstream to the picturesque fishing town Chioggia and explore the surrounding countryside, enjoy a pasta-making class in Bologna or visit the medieval town of Ferrara. Return towards Venice and witness the colourful facades, waterfront shops and peaceful canals of Mazzorbo, Torcello and Murano and dock overnight at the rainbow-hued island of Burano. Finish your river cruise journey back in Venice where you can take part in a Venetian mask workshop or a walking tour of the Rialto. If you would like to extend your holiday Pettitts Travel can assist with your pre or post-cruise travel arrangements. Why not include a night at the opera in Venice or Verona, travel north to Italy’s breathtaking ‘Lake Region’, or take the opulent Venice Simplon-Orient Express back to the UK?

*Save up to £750 on selected departures in September and October 2022*

Venice – Chioggia – Polesella (Bologna or Ferrara) – Burano – Torcello and Mazzorbo and Murano – Venice

Itinerary Highlights

Step aboard the luxurious S.S. La Venezia for your river cruise. This stunning ship pays homage to northern Italy’s fine craftmanship and also docks in the heart of the Venetian Lagoon giving you incredible access to the city.

Experience a private after-hours visit to St. Mark’s Basilica and watch a special lighting ceremony bring the golden mosaic ceilings to life – an unforgettable experience at one of Venice’s most iconic landmarks.

Enjoy a stay in the rainbow-hued island of Burano with an exclusive overnight docking. Wander through the colourful streets in the early evening without the usual crowds and sip on an aperitivo.

Itinerary: Venice and the Gems of Northern Italy River Cruise

Day 1 Venice

On arrival to Venice airport you will be met and transferred to the ship where you can unpack and relax abord for your first evening on the Venetian Lagoon. Pettitts Travel can also assist with travel arrangements before the cruise starts if desired.

Venice itself is an archipelago of 117 small islands which is separated by a maze of around 200 canals and connected by nearly 400 idyllic bridges. This romantic city that sits proudly above the water is home to classical, beautiful architecture, intimate side streets, grand squares and authentic eateries. (D)

Day 2 Venice

After breakfast arrive at Doge’s Palace, a Venetian Gothic style estate which is one of the most recognisable and spectacular landmarks of Venice. As you arrive early in the morning you will be able to marvel at the palace in peace without the large crowds. Throughout the day, wander through a Venetian neighbourhood and experience daily life in an authentic Venetian residential quarter. Later in the evening, finish your day with a once-in-a-lifetime experience at an after-hours lighting ceremony inside St. Mark’s Basilica. See the glorious church and dome, marble altarpiece and mosaic tiles in the evening light without the crowds. (B/L/D)

Day 3 Venice to Chioggia

This morning meet a local gondola artisan and take a walk through Dorsoduro which is one of Venice’s six main districts and has an authentic and relaxed atmosphere. Continue back onboard the ship for a lunchtime sailing across the lagoon. Arrive in the picturesque fishing town of Chioggia where you will be able to choose between a ride in a traditional bragozzo with a visit to a countryside estate to sample local products such as cheese, honey and olive oil, wine tasting at an Italian villa or a walking tour to discover the great squares, churches and palaces of Padua. In the evening enjoy a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner. (B/L/D)

Day 4 Polesella – Bologna or Ferrara

As you continue on your river cruise journey, sail to Polesella located approximately 70km south of Venice. Today you have two different excursions options including an exclusive pasta-making workshop during a trip to Italy’s culinary capital Bologna, or a half day tour to the medieval town of Ferrara. (B/L/D)

Day 5 Chioggia & Burano

After breakfast travel back down the river as you admire the greatest sites of charming and coastal Chioggia and Porto Viro. Founded in the fifth century, Chioggia is the quintessential Venetian Lagoon fishing village which still today is a thriving fishing port. Enjoy a stop at the local and lively market before returning back to the ship. You may also choose to visit the beautiful Castello del Catajo or take a gentle bicycle tour of the local area. The ship will move to dock overnight in colourful Burano. Take an evening stroll through this interesting island. (B/L/D)

Day 6 Torcello and Mazzorbo and Murano

Today you will spend the day exploring the northern lagoon of Venice and its captivating islands. Start with a visit to Torcello where you can explore the famous basilica of Santa Maria Assunta with an art historian. The doors open early for you, so you can see the stunning 11th-century mosaic of the Last Judgment without the crowds. After lunch you may wish to stroll through the agricultural island of Mazzorbo and the rainbow-hued island of Burano. Alternatively, you can see the incredible glassblowing artisans of Murano at work who are renowned for being the best in the world. (B/L/D)

Day 7 Venice

As you return to Venice, take a water taxi and glide past narrow side canals and the Canal Grande as you arrive in style at the Rialto Bridge. The iconic stone arch bridge is located at the narrowest point of the Canal Grande and is home to artisanal boutiques and traditional restaurants. There are a number of optional excursions on offer today including a Venice walking tour with a local, a ‘Casanova’ Rialto tour or workshop demonstration with a top Venetian mask atelier. This evening, enjoy a special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner to celebrate the last night of your river cruise. (B/L/D)

Day 8 Venice

After a final breakfast served on the deck, prepare to disembark the ship and be transferred to the airport for your flight home. Alternatively, why not extend your time in Italy where Pettitts Travel can assist with your post-cruise travel arrangements. Our handpicked suggestions include an opera break extension in Venice or Verona, hiring a car and travelling north to Italy’s breathtaking ‘Lake Region’, or taking the opulent Venice Simplon-Orient Express back to the UK. (B)

**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

What's included

International flights from the UK
Cruise accommodation and sightseeing with other passengers
All meals including Captain's Welcome and Farewell Dinners All beverages Six days of 'Choice is Yours' excursions with English-speaking local guides Transfers as specified

What's not included

Any Domestic flights
Cost of visas
Travel Insurance
Expenses of a personal nature
Other travel arrangements in Italy

Guide to Price

The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.