Embark SS La Venezia for a seven-night luxury cruise through Venice and its enchanting islands.
As the only luxury ship permitted to dock and sail through the historic heart of the city, you'll experience a unique and exclusive perspective of life on the water. Enhancing this level of exclusivity are a number of specially curated excursions. Witness a breathtaking private lighting ceremony at St Mark's Basilica, explore the ancient church on Torcello with an expert art historian, and enjoy early access to the magnificent Doge's Palace - well before the crowds arrive.
Beyond Venice, you'll discover charming Burano, known for its brightly coloured buildings; the pristine beaches of Chioggia; and the artisanal traditions of Murano, well known for its glassblowing heritage.
Joining you for the duration of the cruise is author Harriet Constable, whose debut novel The Instrumentalist is set in 18th century Venice. The book is inspired by the true story of Anna Maria della Pietà, an orphan and musician who was Antonio Vivaldi's star student. Set in 18th century Venice - known then as the Republic of Music - The Instrumentalist journeys from the jewelled palaces of the city to its mud-licked canals, exploring the story of one girl's irrepressible ambition and rise to the top. Harriet will host a talk with Q&A session and book signing on board, as well as accompany you on some excursions.
SS La Venezia is a boutique ship with ornate décor, epitomising the sophisticated style of Venice. On board, you can look forward to savouring the spectacular cuisine and wine of the region, with all meals and drinks included on board. Look forward to daily excursions which range from walking and cycling tours, to wine tastings and visiting expert local artisans at work.
Harriet Constable is a journalist, filmmaker and author based in London. Her work is featured in the New York Times, BBC and Guardian. Her debut novel, The Instrumentalist, became an international bestseller and was named 'Best Historical Fiction' by The Sunday Times. Harriet was one of the Observer's top ten new novelists for 2024.
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a classic stateroom, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement applies. Deposit 20%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. Book is one copy per booking, subject to availability. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd and Uniworld River Cruises Limited.
Fly from London to Venice. Upon arrival, transfer to the ship. Unpack, relax and enjoy your first evening on the Venetian Lagoon.
Today starts with an early morning visit to Doge's Palace to explore this usually busy site in peace. You'll enter through a side door, which is usually reserved for dignitaries and VIPs. You'll then embark on a walking tour of Venice, strolling through the historic Castello district - the largest of Venice's six districts. Later this evening, enjoy a private once-in-a-lifetime experience at an after-hours lighting ceremony inside St. Mark's Basilica without the crowds.
This morning, choose between two excursions. You could set out for Vicenza, a town famous for its shopping, architecture and the Teatro Olimpico. At the Italian Renaissance theatre, you'll enjoy a captivating light and music show. Alternatively, join your local guide on a walking tour of medieval Padua as you discover the city's squares, churches and palaces. You'll have some free time too explore Padua on your own.
This afternoon, 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. Burano's brightly painted fishermen's cottages are an artist's dream - hot pink, chartreuse, orange, lemon yellow, and more.
A special Captain's Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.
Spend the day exploring the northern lagoon of Venice and its captivating islands. Start with a visit to Torcello's famous basilica with an art historian. The doors open early, so you can see the stunning 11th-century mosaic of the Last Judgment without the crowds. Before you head back to the ship, relax with a cup of coffee at a serene little Osteria on the island.
This afternoon, see the renowned glassblowing artisans of Murano at work. Watch a glass-master shape beautiful works of art in their Murano workshop. Before you leave, take some time to roam around the factory's gallery to view works in a wide variety of styles.
Today, you'll admire the greatest sites of charming and coastal Chioggia - with plenty of excursions to choose from.
You could board a genuine Adriatic wooden sailing boat, a bragozzo, to take in the island from the clear blue waters of the lagoon, before visiting Tenuta Ca' Zen, a beautiful Venetian villa, to explore the extensive grounds and taste local produce like organic olive oil, wines, honey and cheeses. Or, cycle along the beaches of Chioggia to Lusenzo Lagoon and Isola dell'Unione. You could visit Chioggia market, where locals often do their shopping. Alternatively, visit Dominio di Bagnoli, one of the oldest wine producing properties in Europe, for a private tasting. Or visit the historic Palazzo Goldoni and enjoy a relaxing cup of tea on the terrace while a local string musician enchants you with their music.
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, sail back to Venice.
As your water taxi glides past narrow side canals and the Grand Canal, you'll arrive in style at the Rialto Bridge. The iconic stone arch bridge sits at the narrowest point of the Canal. You could choose to join an early morning excursion to The Dorsoduro, one of Venice's main districts. Enjoy a walking tour around this picturesque side of town before moving on to visit a gondola artisan. See the craftwork that goes into Venice's iconic sailing vessels and meet some local masters at work.
Later this afternoon, choose between a number of excursions. Join a walking tour of Venice's colourful arcades. Here you'll find violet artichokes from the nearby island of Sant'Erasmo, honey from the salt marshes and white asparagus from Giare. After some free time to explore, or perhaps enjoy a gondola ride, join your guide at a bacaro (casual wine bar) for the Venetian version of happy hour, 'ombra e cicchetti'. Or, see for yourself how the Venetian Carnival masks are created at one of the top handmade mask ateliers in town.
This evening, a special Captain's Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.
After breakfast this morning, disembark the ship. Transfer to Venice Marco Polo International Airport for your flight home.
For general information, click here.
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a classic stateroom, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement applies. Deposit 20%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. Book is one copy per booking, subject to availability. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd and Uniworld River Cruises Limited.