Discover the enchanting beauty 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 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 from Venice to some of the gems of northern Italy including the picturesque fishing town Chioggia, Vicenza or Padua, the colourful facades, waterfront shops and canals of Mazzorbo, Torcello and Murano, and the rainbow-hued island of Burano. Finish your river cruise journey back in Venice with a special Captain’s farewell reception and dinner.
Venice – Vicenza – Padua – Mazzorbo – Burano – Chioggia – Po Delta – Venice
Trip Highlights
- Step aboard the luxurious S.S. La Venezia for your river cruise through northern Italy
- The beautiful ship pays homage to Italy’s fine craftmanship and offers gourmet cuisine
- The ship docks in the heart of the Venetian Lagoon giving you incredible city access
- Enjoy an exclusive private after-hours visit to St. Mark’s Basilica for a light ceremony
- Opt to witness the incredible glassblowing artisans of Murano
Itinerary
Day 1
UK to Venice
On arrival to Venice airport you will be met and transferred to the ship where you can unpack and relax onboard 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.
- Dinner
S.S. La Venezia
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.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
S.S. La Venezia
Day 3
Venice, Vicenza, Padua to Mazzorbo and Burano
Start your morning in one of two of the Veneto region’s UNESCO World Heritage cities, Vicenza or Padua. In the afternoon, you'll reboard the ship for scenic sailing across the lagoon as we head towards Mazzorbo and Burano. In the evening, you may wish to take your free time to stroll into town to appreciate this charming island when most of the tourists have left for the evening. Burano’s brightly painted fishermen’s cottages are an artist’s dream – hot pink, chartreuse, orange, lemon yellow, and more. In the evening enjoy a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
S.S. La Venezia
Day 4
Mazzorbo and Burano to Chioggia
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.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
S.S. La Venezia
Day 5
Chioggia
Today, you’ll admire the greatest sites of charming and coastal Chioggia, including a stop at the local and lively market.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
S.S. La Venezia
Day 6
Chioggia to Venice via the Po Delta
This morning, join a sailing excursion where you’ll explore the Po Delta where the Po River and the Adriatic Sea meet. Later, during lunch, we sail back to Venice.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
S.S. La Venezia
Day 7
Return Venice
As your water taxi glides past narrow side canals and the Canal Grande, you will arrive in style at the Rialto Bridge. The iconic stone arch bridge sits at the narrowest point of the Canal Grande and holds numerous shops and restaurants. A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
S.S. La Venezia
Day 8
Venice to the UK
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.
- Breakfast
Extending your stay...
Include a memorable opera performance at the spectacular Arena di Verona, a Roman amphitheater located in the heart of historic Verona. Enjoy an unforgettable night at the opera where we will be delighted to advise you on performances and secure tickets, at this incredible venue.
Florence is renowned for its history, art and gastronomy. Explore the UNESCO protected historic centre, cross the Ponte Vecchio, visit the Duomo and marvel at the Uffizi Gallery’s art collection which includes works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, Raphael, Titian and Caravaggio.
Include a visit to Siena which can be incorporated as a day trip if you are staying in Florence. Situated amidst archetypal Tuscan scenery, Siena is a medieval gem of narrow, winding streets, palazzos and pretty squares including Piazza del Campo where the famed Palio horse race is held.
Explore Rome, the distinguished capital of the Italian Republic. Known as the ‘Eternal City’, Rome is the setting for a series of celebrated ancient sites including the instantly recognizable Colosseum, domed Pantheon and Roman Forum which was the political and social hub of ancient Rome.
Guide to Price
8 days from £2499 per person
What's Included
- International flights and transfers
- Cruise accommodation and sightseeing
- Six days of 'Choice is Yours' excursions with English-speaking local guides
- All meals including Captain's Welcome and Farewell Dinners
What's Not Included
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
from £2499
Travel Information
Getting There
British Airways fly direct from London to many Italian cities including Rome, Florence, Milan, Venice, Pisa and Verona. They also offer flights to the Italian islands Sardinia and Sicily. Regional flights with British Airways are available with a connection at Heathrow. Budget airlines such as Ryanair and EasyJet also have a wide range of flights available between the UK and Italy. Alternatively take the luxurious Venice Simplon-Orient Express between London and Venice, or self-drive is also an option.
Flying Times From UK
Flight times take between 2-4 hours depending on where you are flying into in Italy. It takes two and a half hours to fly between the UK and Rome.
Time Zone
Italy is +1 hour ahead of GMT.
Visa Requirements
British Citizens do not require a visa for travel to Italy. You should ensure that your passport has at least 6 months validity, that you have appropriate travel insurance and correct documentation if planning to drive. Travellers will not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. For more information please visit the UK Government website.
Do’s & Don’ts
When taking photographs, permission should always be asked before taking someone’s picture.
Make sure you pack suitable clothing so that you can dress respectfully for visits to religious venues.
Knees and shoulders should be covered when entering Catholic Churches such as St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City or St Mark’s Basilica in Venice.
If you manage to learn a few words in Italian it will be greatly appreciated.
Money
The local currency is the Euro which is easily exchanged before you leave the UK or once in Italy. ATMs are reliable and commonplace throughout the country and nearly all major credit cards are accepted. Some restaurants may include an extra service fee for payments made with a credit or debit card so this is always worth checking first. Changing foreign currency is an easy process in Italy which is possible at banks, hotels and post offices.
Tipping
There is no set rule for tipping in Italy, but 10% for good service is appreciated. In some restaurants service charge is added to your bill automatically so ensure you check this. Tips in cash are preferred.
Food & Drink
Italian food is one of the world’s most loved and accessible cuisines and is very much focused on simplicity, flavours and local produce. Like many destinations, food is very regional in Italy, and each area has its own speciality, many boasting recipes that have been passed from generation to generation. Renowned for its incredible pizza and pasta, Italy also offers dishes which use some of the continent’s best ingredients including Tuscan truffles, fresh seafood from Liguria, cured meat from Parma, Sicilian lemons, buffalo mozzarella from Campania and Modena’s famous balsamic vinegar. Italy is also known for its excellent coffee, and the culture surrounding this, which is ingrained into daily life. Other popular drinks include limoncello, a lemon-based liqueur, the strong spirit of grappa and, of course, wine.
Accommodation
There is an excellent variety of accommodation in Italy ranging from luxurious heritage properties and modern international resorts to boutique city hotels and secluded villas. Throughout all Italian cities there is a huge range of international chain or boutique hotels as well as apartments available, all of which follow European standards. Tuscany and Umbria offer villas with pools in the stunning countryside perfect for family or group holidays. There an abundance of lakeside hotels and apartments in the Italian Lakes whereas Sardinia and Sicily have a wonderful range of beach resorts. There is also specialist accommodation available throughout the country including mountain monasteries, rural farmhouses, ski lodges and local campsites.
Shopping
The Italians are renowned for their fashion and high-end clothes, shoes and bags. Florence, Milan and Rome are excellent places to shop for both Italian and international designers. Traditional craft items such as pottery, jewellery, ornaments and leatherwork can be found at local markets and craft shops throughout the country in both the big cities and more rural villages.Food markets are an excellent way to sample Italian street food and also buy produce including olive oil, truffles, fresh seafood and meat, cheese and vegetables, whereas local wine or spirts can be shipped back to the UK.
Suggested Reading
Rough Guides, Lonely Planet and DK Eyewitness have excellent guide books on Italy and also offer regional or city variations. For books on the history of Italy try ‘The Pursuit of Italy: A History of a Land, Its Regions, and Their Peoples’ by Sir David Gilmore, ‘House of Medici’ by Christopher Hibbert and ‘Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire’ by Edward Gibbon. ‘The Italians’ by Luigi Barzini deeply explores the Italian character and psyche and for a brilliantly comprehensive A-Z guide on Italian food, try ‘The Oxford Companion to Italian Food’ by Gillian Riley. There are also a number of excellent biographies and fictional reads set in Italy that include:
‘The Merchant of Prato’ by Iris Origo
'Christ Stopped At Eboli' by Carlo Levi
‘The Borgias: Power and Fortune’ by Paul Strathern
‘The Leopard’ by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa
‘Death in Venice’ by Thomas Mann
‘A Farewell to Arms’ by Ernest Hemmingway
‘The Land Where Lemons Grow’ by Helena Atlee
‘A Room With a View’ by E. M. Forster
‘Pompei’ by Rober Lustrum
Health
Your doctor is the best person to advise you on staying healthy whilst abroad but current recommended vaccinations are Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus and Diphtheria. Yellow Fever is compulsory, but only if you have visited an affected Yellow Fever area within 5 days prior to your arrival. In some instances anti-malarial tablets may also be needed. For current information on health advice you may wish to visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website Travel Health Pro on https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/. The Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) website (www.masta.org) is also a useful resource.
Travel Advice
For current information on Italy the best resource is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice)which is a comprehensive resource and updated regularly.We would also recommend visiting the Safer Tourism Foundation website (https://safertourism.org.uk/) before you travel and will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
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Our Reviews
What our clients say
I look forward to planning my next trip with you!
JT - Italy - June 2024
We are back from our lovely holiday in Lake Garda, we had a fantastic time and all the bookings ran perfectly. Thank you for your help in arranging everything and I look forward to planning my next trip with you!
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Helping you to design your trip
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We’re pleased to confirm that Pettitts Travel will not apply any surcharges to our package holidays when we are operating as a tour operator, regardless of changes in global costs. The price you agree at the time of booking is the price you will pay, a commitment we have proudly upheld for the past 38 years.
