river cruise venice to rome

• Expeditions
• Complimentary Brochures
• Rome (Civitavecchia) to Venice (Chioggia)
• Venice (Chioggia) to Rome (Civitavecchia)

Italian Sojourn

• From $2,999
• 6 Guided Tours
• 2 Countries
• Dates & Pricing
• 2024 2025 2026
• Rome (Civitavecchia) to Venice (Chioggia) Venice (Chioggia) to Rome (Civitavecchia)

Italian Sojourn Map

Sail around Italy’s boot

Experience the legacies of civilizations during this fascinating 8-day itinerary cruising Italy between Civitavecchia and Venice. Discover the magnificent Amalfi Coast from Naples and visit Messina, Sicily’s cultural crossroads. Hear the echoes of ancient Greece in Crotone and witness the beauty of Puglia in Bari. Explore historic Šibenik, Croatia’s oldest coastal town. An overnight in Venice lets you immerse yourself in Italy’s most romantic city.

SPRING SALE

Viking Inclusive Value

Pricing that covers everything guests need—and nothing they do not.

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Complimentary access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center.

Self-service launderettes

Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge

24-hour room service

Your Stateroom Includes:

King-size Viking Explorer Bed with luxury linen

42" flat-screen LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand

Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Direct-dial satellite phone & cell service

Security safe

110/220 volt outlets

Ample USB ports

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

From $1,099 | 2 Nights

Pre: Ultimate Italy—Sicily

From $1,999 | 3 Nights

Pre: Ultimate Italy—Tuscany

From $1,699 | 3 Nights

Pre: Ultimate Italy—Umbria

Pre: Parma & Bologna

From $2,299 | 3 Nights

Pre: Best of Rome

From $2,499 | 3 Nights

Post: Ultimate Italy—Lake Como & Verona

Post: Venice

Post: Como & the Italian Lakes

Post: ultimate italy—tuscany.

Post: Best of Venice

On this itinerary, your Viking Resident Historian is delivering the following iconic lectures:

• - The Roman Empire
• - The Venetian Republic
• - The Bayeux Tapestry

Viking Resident Historian

As part of our onboard cultural enrichment program and commitment to destination-focused learning, our Viking Resident Historian faculty provides guests with lectures and roundtable discussions on the arts, architecture, music and culture of upcoming ports and various aspects of world history.

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River Cruises from Venice

A cruise starting in Venice is a great way to experience river cruising. We have 15 cruises that range from 5 days up to 11 days in length. The most popular time for river cruises leaving Venice is May.

15 Venice river cruises with 6 reviews

• River Cruise

Venetian Treasures (port-to-port cruise) (8 destinations)

I am new to cruise and this one exceeded my expectations on every possible level but one stands out - food and wine! As a foodie, I was amazed what chefs have been able to create for us and catering to vegetarian meal requirement was not a problem at all. The wines were also exquisite and I loved every single one. The choice of optional excursions is great and the staff is lovely. The ship was docked about 10 minutes away from the Venice city centre so it was very convenient. I loved the whole experience and I can recommend it to everyone, even if you are a cruise first-timer or not a fan at all.

From Renaissance-infused Mantua to the Canals of Venice

• Wine tasting

Rome, Venice & the Jewels of Veneto (2025) (Venice to Rome, 2025)

From Venice to Mantua

From the Canals of Venice to Renaissance-infused Mantua

• Ocean Cruise
• Christmas & New Year

Christmas in Venice

Venetian Artwork (port-to-port package)

Timeless Venice (port-to-port package)

Venice Carnival (port-to-port cruise)

New Year in Venice

From the Canals of Venice to Renaissance-infused Mantua & Milan and Lake Como Extended Stay (port-to-port cruise)

• Sightseeing

New Year in Venice (port-to-port cruise)

Christmas in Venice (port-to-port cruise)

From Venice to Mantua by Bike and Boat aboard the Ave Maria (8 days)

From Venice to Mantua by Bike and Boat aboard the Vita Pugna (8 days)

Travel styles, river cruise from venice.

• to Venice (11)
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• Best 7 Day Italy Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
• Discover the Best Italy Vacation Packages 2024/2025
• What is the best time to visit Italy in 2024/2025?
• 10 Best River Cruise Companies (with Reviews)

Mediterranean Cruises

Fusina (Venice) to Civitavecchia (Rome)

• Best price guarantee
• Assistance from booking to departure
• Secure payment
• Flexible cancellation

The luxury of choice

Catering to individual travel preferences, we are pleased to offer our guests the luxury of choice when selecting the perfect fare.

Prices valid until May 31, 2024 but may increase on June 1, 2024 and are subject to availability.

• 4 Countries

A Venice-Rome trip that bursts with Croatian colour and charisma! This cruise may only be 11 days, but don’t let that fool you – it really packs in all the beauty of the Adriatic coast. Begin in Venice, before hopping over to Croatia for a taste of Slavic churches, crystal waters and tasty cooking. Italy’s Bari and Montenegro’s Kotor are next, followed by a sea day for plenty of vitamin sea! Stops in Malta and Sicily follow before you enjoy a taste of la dolce vita during an overnight stay in Sorrento.

The excursions are provided as a sample of what may be offered on this voyage and are subject to change. We are constantly updating our shore excursion programme with immersive and authentic experiences, so please do not hesitate to review your tour programme choice closer to your sail date. We invite guests to visit my.silversea.com for the most updated information.

Silversea's oceanview suites are some of the most spacious in luxury cruising. All include the services of a butler thanks to the highest service ratio at sea and almost all have a private teak veranda so that you can breathe in the fresh sea air by merely stepping outside your door. Select your suite and Request a Quote - guests who book early are rewarded with the best fares and ability to select their desired suite.

All inclusive onboard benefits

Building on the phenomenal success of Silver Muse, Silver Moon mirrors her sister ship and establishes a new era of Silversea. At 40,700 gross tons and with a capacity to accommodate 596 passengers on board, Silver Moon maintains the small-ship intimacy and spacious all-suite accommodation, which are the hallmarks of the Silversea experience. Silver Moon also features the all-new Sea And Land Taste (S.A.L.T.) programme – an immersive culinary concept that enables guests to travel deeper through a range of destination-based gastronomic experiences. Get ready for a new world of travel.

Silver Moon Dining Options : 8 Restaurants

S.A.L.T. Kitchen

La Terrazza

Silver Note

Spaccanapoli

Public Areas

S.A.L.T. Bar

S.A.L.T. Lab

Panorama Lounge

Fitness Centre

Zagara Beauty Spa

Observation Library

Connoisseur’s Corner

Pool Deck & Jacuzzi Area

Zagara Beauty Salon

Venetian Lounge

Pre & post cruise extensions and hotels.

JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa

San Clemente Palace Kempinski

Hyatt Centric Murano Venice

VENICE: QUEEN OF THE ADRIATIC

BERNINI BRISTOL HOTEL

THE WESTIN EXCELSIOR, ROME

THE NH COLLECTION ROMA PALAZZO CINQUECENTO

INTIMATE FLORENCE

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• European Vacations

Venice and the Po River Cruises

Venice river Cruises and the Po River

Italy : the po and venice cruise.

Discover Venice and its lagoon in Italy! With CroisiEurope , pioneer of river cruises on the Po and in the lagoon of Venice, you will be moored a few hundred meters from the iconic St Mark's Square , to enjoy an unparalleled panorama of the city founded in the fifth century, and which extends over no less than 118 islets. Listed as UNESCO heritage since 1987, a trip to the heart of Venice, its lagoon is a feast for the eyes and taste buds.

Venice is an open air museum offering an extraordinary set of architectural masterpieces, and displaying creations from some of the greatest artists in the world. From the Doge's Palace , to  Burano and Murano islands in the Lagoon you are offered the best in the craftsman traditions, the gondola factory, mnaufacturing of the symbolic Venetain masks, to the delights of the Italian gastronomy. Strolling through the narrow streets and escaping on a gondola down the charming canals makes this Italian city so unique.

Venetian Treasures

VENICE - MAZZORBO - VENICE - CHIOGGIA - VENICE

If you have dreamed of admiring Venice from a gondola, standing in Saint Mark’s Square, or indulging in the fine food found on almost every corner, join CroisiEurope for a cruise through the calm waters and enchanting panoramas in the Venetian Lagoon. This history-filled cruise includes a side trip to Padua.

Venice Carnival

VENICE - MAZZORBO - VENICE

Vacation at the center of the action during the Venice Carnival, where history and romance mingle within the labyrinth of canals and mysterious side streets. Follow Casanova's footsteps and discover the passionate, intriguing secrets within La Serenissima. During exclusive tours, discover the renowned Murano glassworks—as crystal elegance takes shape in the hands of master craftspeople—and the workshop of talented artists who sustain the Venetian identity by keeping traditional Carnival mask-making alive. Explore the La Fenice Opera House and learn about its fascinating history and splendid architecture. Round out your vacation with a private dinner accompanied by baroque music in a Venetian palace on the banks of the Grand Canal. Plunge into the carnival atmosphere at an elegant and intriguing soirée overflowing with Venetian glamor.

Timeless Venice

Set off to explore Venice's hidden treasures and its beautiful lagoon. As you roam through the narrow streets of La Serenissima , you'll discover its artwork, experience the local delicacies, and revel in its age-old architecture—especially Andrea Palladio's superb suburban villas dotting the Venetian hills.

From the Canals of Venice to Renaissance-infused Mantua

VENICE - MAZZORBO - VENICE - CHIOGGIA - PORTO VIRO - Padua - CANDA - OSTIGLIA - Verona - MANTUA - Venice

From Venice to Mantua, enjoy a unique cruise. The region of Veneto opens its doors and invites you to discover Venice, famous Saint Mark's Square and Doge's Palace, the official residence of Venetian dukes. Lombardy welcomes you next with its breathtaking and varied panoramas. You'll visit unique cities such as romantic Mantua.

From Renaissance-infused Mantua to the Canals of Venice

Venice - MANTUA - VALDARO - Verona - OSTIGLIA - ROVIGO - PORTO VIRO - Padua - CHIOGGIA - VENICE - MAZZORBO - VENICE

From Mantua to Venice, enjoy a unique. Lombardy welcomes you next with its breathtaking and varied panoramas. You'll visit unique cities such as romantic Mantua. Finally, the region of Veneto opens its doors and invites you to discover Venice, famous Saint Mark's Square and Doge's Palace, the official residence of Venetian dukes.

From the Canals of Venice to Renaissance-infused Mantua & Milan and Lake Como Extended Stay

VENICE - MAZZORBO - VENICE - CHIOGGIA - PORTO VIRO - Padua - CANDA - OSTIGLIA - Verona - MANTUA - Milan - Lake Como - Milan

From Venice to Mantua, enjoy a unique cruise through the heart of three Italian regions. The region of Veneto opens its doors and invites you to discover Venice, famous Saint Mark's Square and Doge's Palace, the official residence of Venetian dukes. Lombardy welcomes you next with its breathtaking and varied panoramas. You'll visit unique cities such as romantic Mantua. Wrap up your Italian adventure with an enchanting stay in Milan and Lake Como.

Milan and Lake Como & cruise from Renaissance-infused Mantua to the Canals of Venice

Milan - Lake Como - Milan - MANTUA - VALDARO - Verona - OSTIGLIA - ROVIGO - PORTO VIRO - Padua - CHIOGGIA - VENICE - MAZZORBO - VENICE

Stop off in Milan, the fashion capital, to explore the city and nearby Lake Como before setting off on your cruise. From Mantua to Venice, enjoy a unique cruise through the heart of three Italian regions. Your trip starts with the region of Emilia-Romagna and its traditional cuisine. Lombardy welcomes you next with its breathtaking and varied panoramas. You'll visit unique cities such as romantic Mantua. Finally, the region of Veneto opens its doors and invites you to discover Venice, famous Saint Mark's Square and Doge's Palace, the official residence of Venetian dukes.

Italy cruise package – combine Venice, Florence, and Rome with a Mediterranean cruise

Combining a trip to Venice, Florence, and Rome as part of your Italy cruise vacation is easier to plan and book than you may think.

Start your journey in Venice, where you can explore the city’s famous canals and stunning architecture. Then travel by train to Florence, where you can admire Renaissance masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s David or experience the Tuscan countryside. Finally, use the fast train to visit ancient Rome, taking in all the iconic sights like the Colosseum and the Vatican.

Quick navigation

Plan and book your own vacation

Our Italy cruise package suggestion to visit Venice, Florence, and Rome is entirely customizable. You can even reverse the package to visit Rome before traveling to Florence and Venice to begin your cruise from the port of Venice, Ravenna, or Trieste.

2 days in Venice, 2 days in Florence, and 4 days in Rome before your start your cruise

If you are visiting Italy for the first time, or even a returning customer, we recommend at least two days in each destination and ideally three or four days in Rome if time and budget allow.

With at least two days in each, you will have time to explore and experience the best of these exciting cities. Enjoy taking things at your own pace by opting for walking tours or using local buses or trams. If you prefer a knowledgeable guide, join small group tours to world-famous sights or even day excursions to see the surrounding countryside.

Arrive in Venice

Book a flight from your nearest international airport to Venice, Italy, for your outbound flight. For your inbound flight (your journey home again), book a flight from the final destination city of your cruise back to your nearest international airport.

If you are doing a closed-loop cruise (departing from and returning to the same port), your departure airport for your inbound flight will be Rome for this package.

For example, if you are flying from New York, then you would book a flight as follows: Outbound: New York to Venice VCE Inbound: Rome ROM to New York (flight home)

If you are traveling from London, you will book: Outbound: London LON to Venice VCE Inbound: Rome ROM to London LON (flight home)

And so on. Check the date of your chosen cruise, then work out which date you want to fly out and which date you will fly home after your cruise. Leave plenty of time to get to the airport at the end of your cruise. We recommend a minimum of 5 hours from when your ship docks to when your flight home departs.

This type of ticket is called an open-jaw ticket. So your international flight will be into Venice and home from Rome. Venice Marco Polo Airport (Venezia Airport VCE) is the international airport in Venice. It is located on the mainland, about 16 km from Venice Island.

The international airport in Rome is Leonardo da Vinci International Airport in Fiumicino (L’aeroporto di Roma-Fiumicino FCO), located 35km southwest of Rome.

Transport from Marco Polo Airport in Venice

From Marco Polo Airport in Venice, many transport options are available to get to Venice Island. The central transport hub on Venice Island is called Piazzale Roma. You can walk or transfer onto a Vaporetto (waterbus) from Piazzale Roma to get to your hotel. 

We recommend taking cash in euros with you, as not all buses and taxis accept credit cards (even though they should!)

Buses are located outside the arrival terminals. You can buy bus tickets from machines in the luggage collection area or the ticket office in the arrivals lounge. The fare is around 2 euros per person and takes about 35-40 minutes. Note that any “express” bus will be more expensive but will get you there quicker with fewer stops.

There are plenty of taxis outside the arrival terminals at the airport. The official taxi company at the airport is Cooperativa Artigiana Radiotaxi . Confirm the price with your driver before you start. It is a fixed fare and costs around 40 euros for a one-way journey from the airport to Venice Island. The journey time is about 25-30 minutes. If you arrive late in the evening, the taxi fare may be higher.

Water taxis are available from the airport to Venice Island. After luggage collection, look for the signs for “Water Transport.” You will find a moving walkway on the terminal’s first floor. Take this straight to the dockside.

Purchase tickets at the ticket machines at airport baggage collection or onboard the water taxi. Have some cash in euros with you if you want to pay onboard.

The price for a one-way journey with a water taxi from the airport is around 100-120 euros, and the journey time is about 70 minutes. If you are traveling in a group, share the cost to make it cheaper per person. Tell the water taxi driver which hotel you are staying at so he can get you to the closest stop.

A City Pass for convenience

A convenient way to travel in Venice is by prepaying your public transport. Do this by purchasing a  Venezia Unica City Pass . You can use this pass for your transfers, bus, and water bus transport and even save on entrance fees for museums, guided tours, palaces, and churches. The transportation costs much less per person using the city pass. Purchase your pass before you leave home.

Alternatively, you can book private airport transfers and have a driver waiting for you in arrivals if you do not want to be bothered or are unsure about finding your way to the airport.

Where to stay in Venice

We recommend staying on Venice Island. It’s the best option if you want to discover the beauty of Venice when you only have a few days there.

The alternative is to stay in Venice Mestre on the mainland, but you must take a local bus each time you want to get to Venice Island as it’s too far to walk. It’s just more convenient and charming to stay on Venice Island.

Here are some of our favorite hotels in Venice . We have included top-rated hotels and more affordable ones, so there is something for everyone.

We recommend staying in a hotel that is at least 4-star. This way, you will get a good standard of room, convenient amenities, and good service. The concierge can advise on local transport and provide city maps.

Hotels in the Santa Croce district

The district of Santa Croce is close to the transport hub Piazzale Roma on Venice Island. This is located at the entrance to the island and is very popular with travelers booking cruises from Venice as the hotels are easy to get to, and the logistics to get to your ship are simpler.

From Santa Croce, St. Mark’s Square is a 25-minute walk through the winding streets, or you can hop on a Vaporetto water bus outside the hotel. 

• Carlton on the Grand Canal
• Santa Chiara Hotel
• Hotel Canal Grande

Hotels in Cannaregio (close to Santa Lucia train station)

• BW Premier Collection CHC Continental
• Radisson Collection Hotel, Palazzo Nani Venice
• Ai Mori d’Oriente Hotel

Hotels in the San Marco district, close to St Mark’s Square

If you want to be close to the historic heart of Venice Island, then stay close to St Mark’s Square at one of these recommended hotels:

• Hotel Cavalletto & Doge Orseolo
• Hotel Casanova
• Baglioni Hotel Luna
• Hotel le Isole
• Star Hotels Splendid
• Hotel Bonvecchiati

To get to these hotels from Piazzale Roma, take a Vaporetto to Saint Mark’s Square (the stop is San Marco/Vallaresso).

Alternatively, a water taxi from the airport can take you to the hotel’s private landing. And from this private landing, your hotel can book your Gondola ride.

The best way to spend two days in Venice, Italy

Use the links below for two days of sightseeing in Venice to pack as much as possible during your time there.

Day 1: The best of Venice island

Day 2: visit the outlying islands in the venetian lagoon: murano, burano, and torcello, getting from venice to florence.

The next stop is Florence (Firenze), the beautiful Renaissance capital of Tuscany. From Venice, the easiest and quickest way to travel to Florence is by train.

Travel from the train station on Venice island called Venezia Santa Lucia (Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia), located in the Santa Croce district close to Piazzale Roma.

The journey time is around 2.5 hours. There are several different routes, so look for the shortest journey time. Choose the option “Le Frecce” (and not “regional train”). Le Frecce is the high-speed train giving you a direct, non-stop route. Economy tickets start at around 40 euros per person, with discounts for seniors. There are food and drinks available for purchase on the train. Be sure to choose the English language on their booking site so you can read and understand all the conditions of purchase before you pay.

Upon arrival at Santa Maria Novella train station in Florence, your city-center hotel is within walking distance. If you prefer not to carry your luggage, taxis are available outside the train station.

2 fantastic days in Florence, the heart of Tuscany, Italy

Florence is one of the most beautiful and well-known cities in the world and a popular tourist destination for a good reason. The city is packed with historical sites and cultural attractions, including some of the most famous art museums in the world. There’s also plenty to do in the picturesque surrounding area of Tuscany.

One of the best ways to get around Florence is by foot to see many of the sites during your visit. You can also use the city buses or take a taxi.

Where to stay in Florence

A huge accommodation choice is available in the city’s heart—everything from apartments and villas to hotels of all standards and all price ranges. We recommend the following hotels, all of which offer good front desk service, a great breakfast, and an excellent location.

• Hotel Brunelleschelli
• NH Collection Palazzo Gaddi
• Mercure Firenze Centro
• Morandi alla Crocetta

Day 1: The Best of Florence

Start at the heart of Florence, at Piazza del Duomo.

Piazza del Duomo

Piazza del Duomo is Florence’s main square in the center of town, next to the famous Duomo (cathedral). This is one of Europe’s most iconic buildings with its crowning glory, Brunelleschi’s noble dome, visible from afar. The Basilica – or Dumo – is called the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower (Basilica Di Santa Maria Del Fiore). It is a major tourist attraction due to its size, architecture, and exciting history.

It’s also the location for many important events in Florence. On one side, you will find the Baptistery, with its glittering Gates of Paradise, and Florence’s City Hall on the other.

While at Piazza del Duomo, there are two ways to get your first spectacular bird’s eye view over Florence.

First, you can climb between the dome’s layers 186 steps to reach the top; your kids will love this too. Queues can be long to get inside – especially during the peak summer season – so we recommend buying tickets ahead.

Or enjoy the view from Giotto’s Bell Tower . At 90 meters tall, it stands just across from the Duomo. From here, you will get an amazing 360-degree view.

From the Duomo, walk along Via de Martelli, turning onto Via de Gori to reach the excellent food market of Florence, Mercato Centrale.

Mercato Centrale

At Mercato Centrale, you will find Florence’s most famous food market, where all the locals go to buy their groceries. It opens daily from 10 am until midnight. Stop here to visit the many food booths to sample Florence’s finest treats. On the next level, find the food court and sample fresh Italian food and its best.

Next, we recommend that all art and history enthusiasts visit the Uffizi Gallery. Take your time walking there via Piazza Della Signoria. Built in 1565 to celebrate the Medici family wedding, this square is surrounded by great shopping and often hosts musical entertainment.

Try pastries or stuffed focaccia bread at Cantinetta del Verrazzano . If you prefer street-side eating or a sandwich on the go, there is a tiny traditional fiaschetteria called I Fratellini, just a 2-minute walk from Cantinetta del Verrazzano.

Uffizi Gallery

Galleria Degli Uffizi is a fantastic gallery and museum next to Florence’s Palazzo Vecchio. It is Italy’s most visited art gallery, and many cultural exhibitions are also held here. You will find an extensive collection of sculptures, paintings, and artifacts from Florence’s past. Botticelli’s work, including Primavera and The Birth of Venus, is best known.

From the Uffizi Gallery, it takes two minutes to walk to the start of Ponte Vecchio. Cross the bridge to get to Pitti Palace.

Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio is one of Florence’s most famous landmarks; built-in 1345, it has survived two major floods. Many tourists love to shop at the quaint little shops here, with jewelry being the most popular item on sale.

Pitti Palace

The former residence of the Medici family, Pitti Palace is now Florence’s largest museum and home to some of the world’s best art collections. The gardens are gorgeous and perfect for the kids to run around.

After your visit, head back across Ponte Vecchio. Walk towards the Basilica of Santa Croce to see the burial place of Galileo Galilei, Machiavelli, and Michelangelo. After having lunch at one of the many local eateries, walk via the Duomo to Galleria dell’Accademia, about 10 minutes away.

Galleria dell’Accademia

The Accademia Gallery of Florence ( La Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze ) features the original Michelangelo David statue, Florence’s most famous work of Art. For me, it is worth the visit to see this.

Piazza San Marco

Piazza San Marco is a lively square just a short walk from Galleria dell’Accademia that connects you to the rest of the city and beyond with local buses. It is one of the best places to meet if you are in a group and need a common meeting point during the day. From here, hop on a number 7 bus that takes you to the hills to visit Fiesole. Once there, you can see Florence in full glory in front of you. The best view is from the grounds of the monastery of San Francesco.

Fiesole is also the location of Florence’s Maggio Musicale. This is a collection of outdoor concerts, and if you are lucky enough to see one during your stay, we can assure you it’s an unforgettable experience. Check out their website for concert dates and times.

Piazzale Michelangelo

We recommend a local bus or taxi to Piazzale Michelangelo in the evening. Located high on a hill on the other side of the Arno River, this square is ideal for beautiful panoramic views of Florence. Benches allow you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the city below. Choose a clear day and try and get there at sunset for a spectacular view.

You can walk from the city center, but it’s a long climb. Take a taxi or bus there and walk back into town afterward. It’s much easier walking down the hill and a great way to spend the evening, finishing with shopping in the town center.

Day 2: Choose Your Day Trip from Florence

It’s almost impossible to recommend one place over another when visiting Tuscany. With so much to see, only you can decide how to spend your second day. If you have not seen enough of the center, stay and do everything you didn’t have time for on day one.

Otherwise, book a small group tour with a local guide. Choose from our personal favorites below. All the transfers will be included in the price of your tour.

The best day trips from Florence

• Siena, located nearly 80km south of Florence, is known for its 5-century-old horse race, Palio di Siena, and Gothic architecture. Palio di Siena is held in the historical center in July and August amid a festive atmosphere. Competing neighborhoods meet in the center, Il Campo, which is transformed into a race track.
• Cinque Terre – the five colorful seaside villages on the Italian Riviera are located on the coast 175km northwest of Florence. Hiking trails are fantastic, or for the less energetic, visit the villages for quaint shopping and stunning views.
• Chianti – famous for its vineyards, castles, market towns, and monasteries, the region of Chianti, located 50 km from Florence, offers iconic views of the Tuscan landscape straight out of a Renaissance painting. Chianti is one of the main reasons why visitors flock to Italy.
• The northwest Tuscany towns of Pisa and Lucca are doable in one day. Visit the famous leaning Tower of Pisa and the small elegant city of Lucca.
• The hill town of San Gimignano is a picture-perfect medieval Tuscan town. After walking the center of the city and stopping for Gelato, visit a vineyard that offers wine and olive oil tasting, a truffle hunt, or a Tuscan cooking class with a spectacular view of the unique skyline of the town’s 14 stone towers.

It is possible to book a day tour to Pisa, Siena, and San Gimignano, all in a day. We did this, and it was a fantastic, memorable day. Be prepared for a long day; bring plenty of bottled water and good walking shoes.

How to get from Florence to Rome

Depart Florence by high-speed train and head to Rome. Buy tickets online via the Trenitalia website or at the ticket office at the Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station.

Using the high-speed train Frecciarossa the journey time is 1 hour and 35 minutes, costing around 40 euros per person. The journey finishes at Rome’s central station, Rome Termini.

How to get from Rome Termini (train station) to central Rome

The main train station of Rome, Rome Termini, is centrally located. But we would not recommend walking around the area at night. The best, safest, and quickest way to get to your hotel is by using one of the official taxis outside the train station. It will be a fixed charge. If you are approached, do not accept a ride from anyone else offering a taxi.

Where to stay in Rome

Here are our best recommendations for hotels in Rome for cruise guests:

• Hotel Savoy Roma
• Hotel Mancino 12
• Augustana House
• Hotel Forum Roma
• Hotel Accademia
• Bettoja Hotel Mediterraneo
• Pantheon Hotel
• Hotel Barocco
• Napoleon Hotel Roma
• Relais Fontana Di Trevi

4 ways to see the best of Rome before your cruise from Civitavecchia cruise port

Our daily itineraries cover four primary areas of Rome, each of which you can explore as much or as little as you have time. And in any order you like. There is so much history and architecture to admire; it’s a good idea to pack a pocket guidebook so you don’t miss anything.

Use the links below to read where to go and what to see in the Eternal City.

Alternatively, book at least one guided tour before you leave home. A guided tour is a great way to explore imperial Rome to see the best and most famous sights.

• 1: The Jewish Quarter, Trastevere, Vatican City, Sistine Chapel & Vatican Museum
• 2: Piazza Navona, The Pantheon and Trevi Fountain
• 3: The Spanish Steps and Villa Borghese
• 4: Ancient Rome, Roman Forum, Vittoriano, and the Colosseum

Getting from Rome city center to Port of Civitavecchia

The Port of Civitavecchia, where most cruise ships depart, is approximately 78km northwest of Rome. Plan accordingly because it is quite a distance and takes time. To get there from your hotel in Rome, you have these alternatives:

Private Transfer

If you are more than four people, I recommend booking a private transfer for pick up at your hotel before you leave home. Tell them when you want to check in at the cruise port, and they will calculate your pickup time from your hotel to get you there in good time. You need to get dropped off at the port service center, Largo Della Pace. It is the main terminal for all shuttle buses that will take you to your cruise ship. The shuttle buses are all free of charge within the port.

Ask your hotel about pre-booking a cab. Allow plenty of time to get to the port. Traffic and queues are unpredictable, especially in the high season. Taxis charge a flat rate; establish this with your driver before you start. The cost is high – around 120 euros from the city to the port. You need to get dropped off at the port service center, Largo Della Pace. It is the main terminal for all shuttle buses that will take you to your cruise ship. The shuttle buses are all free of charge within the port.

Train from  Termini Station

Trains will save you money. You can buy tickets to board a local train from Rome’s Termini train station for around 5 euros to Civitavecchia train station. You can pay with a major credit card. There are ticket windows (be prepared to queue) and automated machines at the train station.

There are shops and cafes in Termini station, a tourist office, and a shopping center on the lower floor. The name of Italy’s train system is  Trenitalia,  and if you want to, you can book tickets online before you leave home. Choose “ Rome Termini to Civitavecchia Porto “

Remember to get your ticket stamped at a machine before boarding the train. If you forget to do this, you risk a heavy fine and show an invalid (unstamped) ticket on board.

From Civitavecchia train station, take the local bus for 2 euros to get to the port’s service center, Largo Della Pace. The journey takes about 10 minutes, and buses leave every 20 minutes. Tickets can be bought from inside the train station.

Alternatively, you could walk from Civitavecchia train station to Largo Della Pace to save money. It is about 1.5km and takes about 15 minutes, but remember you have your luggage too. Taxis can be hard to find from the train station, but this is an option if you succeed.

Largo Della Pace is the main terminal for all shuttle buses that will take you to your cruise ship. The shuttle buses are all free of charge within the port.

Cruises from Rome – which cruise line suits you best?

All major cruise lines offer fantastic itineraries and cruise ships for Spring and Summer cruises.

For example, Royal Caribbean has four cruise ships out of Civitavecchia Port – Wonder of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, and Brilliance of the Seas. Itineraries include the Greek Isles, Italy, and the Adriatic; Western Mediterranean and Holy Land Cruise.

Norwegian Cruise Line offers cruises from Rome to the Mediterranean (Italy, France & Spain), Greek Isles and Italy, and Greece & Croatia. Unfortunately, we won’t see their latest ship Prima in Mediterranean waters yet, but these cruises are available on board Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Epic, and Norwegian Gem.

Celebrity Cruises have seven and 8-night cruises in the Mediterranean (Italy, France & Spain), Italy, and the Greek Isles. And longer voyages including Florence, Portofino & Venice; Greek Isles and Malta; Italien Riviera & France; Greek Isles & Malta; Italy, Croatia & Montenegro; and an 11-night cruise including Italy, Turkey, and the Greek Isles. Which one is on your bucket list? Celebrity has ships offering these cruises from Rome: Celebrity Reflection, Celebrity Constellation, and the fabulous newer ships Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Beyond.

MSC Cruises have put some of the best cruise ships on great itineraries from Rome: MSC Seaside and MSC Meraviglia, which we recommend you choose over the older MSC Splendida. Cruises starting in Rome are to the Western Mediterranean with slight variations in ports of call depending on when you cruise and which cruise ship you choose.

Extending your vacation after your cruise

If you plan on spending more time in Rome or the surrounding countryside or even heading further south onto Naples and the Amalfi Coast, using the regional trains is easy, cheap, and convenient.

To learn more about traveling from Civitavecchia cruise port to central Rome, we have great tips and information in our Civitavecchia Port to Rome article.

Meet the author: Sarah has created and booked hundreds of travel itineraries for thousands of customers during a career in the travel industry that spans 20 years. Having worked hand in hand with cruise lines, hotels, airlines and tour operators worldwide, she offers inspiring & detailed insights in the world of travel and tourism.

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Rome River Cruise

If Rome’s traffic puts you off taking sightseeing by bus, how about a peaceful cruise down the river? 

The Tiber River, or Tevere in Italian, is the third longest river in Italy and is famous for being one of the defining characteristics of Rome. Because of its historical importance and worldwide fame, a Rome river cruise could be a fantastic idea for those who want a break from touring this stunning ancient city on foot.

The Tiber River

The river Tiber divides the ancient city of Rome, with all its historic monuments , from the Vatican and Trastevere neighborhoods . 

The river has been part of some of Rome’s dramatic moments of history. Romulus and Remus were found by the She-Wolf by the Tiber, and at least one emperor and pope were disposed of in her waters.

Until the 19 th century, the river was a major feature of the city, flooding annually and filling the city with water. You can still see signs around the city showing the level the water reached in different years – there’s a beautiful Medieval one from 1277 on Via Arco dei Banchi, close to Castel Sant’Angelo . 

Then high embankments were built, and the river today is mostly seen from the bridges above. 

But at each bridge , there are stairs down to the river. The Vatican side is popular with joggers and cyclists, and in the summer, bars and food stalls line the riverbanks as part of the Estate Romana. The other side is less well-kept, and few people use it.

Rome by Boat

Taking a cruise down the river is a great way to escape the crowds for a while. In summer, the cooler air can be a welcome relief from the heat and traffic of the city streets. The boat is also a quick way to get from Piazza del Popolo to Trastevere .

Types Of Cruises

Hop-on, hop-off.

If you don’t want to be on your feet all day, the boat is a great transport option. While there are lots of buses in the center, there’s also a lot of traffic, and moving can be a slow, sweaty process. With the boat, you can get from Piazza del Popolo to Trastevere in about 20 minutes. 

There are audio guides available in different languages, but my booking confirmation didn’t explain that you have to bring your own headphones (none of the other passengers had been told this either).

There’s also a single trip option which will save you a few euros and take you once in each direction.

Daily from 10.00 to 17.00

Boats pass every 30 minutes.

Aperitivo Cruise

When in Rome, you will quickly learn to love the Italian habit of an aperitivo before dinner. Instead of having dinner at the usual time, book a cruise down the river with a glass of wine and traditional snacks. You’ll appreciate the cool air and quieter atmosphere away from the city traffic while you float down the Tiber. 

The ticket for this cruise includes a 24hr ticket for the boat, so you can spend the next day hopping on and off to visit riverside monuments like the Ara Pacis , Campo dè Fiori or do some shopping on the exclusive Via Giulia.

18.00 Thursday – Sunday

From Castel Sant’Angelo pier

Sushi Cruise

For a more international drinks experience, the Sushi Cruise comes with fresh sushi and the cocktail of your choice. The leisurely trip down the river takes 75 minutes and also includes a 24hr ticket so you can come back the next day.

18.00 Monday – Wednesday 

From Castel Sant’Angelo Pier

Practical Information

Reaching the river.

The Tiber has a very high embankment. There are steps down to the river close to each of the bridges. Most of them are very steep, though the ones in Trastevere are easier to walk down.

The steps to the Trastevere boat stop

If you aren’t able to walk down the steps, there is a ramp on Lungotevere Ripa, near Porta Sublicio, about a 10-minute walk from Tiber Island.

Most of the steps to the river are steep and not always well kept

Where To Get The Boat

The main stop is at Trastevere. Here you’ll find a ticket office in case you haven’t bought your ticket online. This is the only stop on the Trastevere/Vatican side of the river.

To reach the stop, you can cross the river at Ponte Garibaldi or Ponte Cestio (the island bridge). There are steps to the river next to both bridges. Take either of them, and you’ll find the departure point is almost in front of you when you get to the bottom.

If you are coming by public transport , take the no.8 tram or H bus and get off at Piazza Belli, then cross the road to the river.

The Trastevere stop

There are 3 other stops, though 2 of them are request stops. If anyone is waiting or asks to get off at Ponte Sisto or Castel Sant’Angelo, the boat will dock. Otherwise, it continues until it reaches Ponte Cavour.

After picking up any passengers, the boat turns around and heads back to Trastevere, this time without stopping. The direct journey takes about 20 minutes.

If you want to get on at any of the other stops, be warned that the signposting to find them is almost non-existent. There are no signs at street level, and the signs are so small you can’t see them from the other side of the river.

Signs at the stops are minimal

What To See

You don’t actually see much from the river because of the high embankment and the many trees that line the roads on either side. There are no real sights until the river bends close to the Vatican, then you’ll see St. Peter’s at a distance (it’s not next to the river), Castel Sant’Angelo , and the angels on the bridge outside. 

Don’t expect to see a lot of sights from the river

Experience On Board

The experience is very relaxing. The crew collects your ticket or takes a photo of your online booking form and provides you with a receipt, then you are free to sit inside or upstairs.

Inside seating

The boats are not modern. There are benches at the side upstairs and downstairs and additional plastic seating (and tables downstairs).

The seating options upstairs

The multilingual audio guide is built into the benches, but headphones are not provided. If you want to bring your own, you will need headphones with a jack connection.

Bring your own headphones to listen to the multilingual guide

There is a small restroom on board.

The restroom could be a bit of a squeeze

• Don’t expect a sightseeing tour. Most monuments aren’t by the river as it used to flood a lot. However, it is a nice way to move across the center quickly and calmly.
• Bring headphones with a jack connection if you want to use the audio guide.
• The steps to the river at Trastevere aren’t too difficult, but be warned they are steep and quite narrow at other points. Particularly if you have a pushchair or heavy bags, you might struggle.
• Stop at the kiosk between the steps and the bridge to Tiber Island to try the best grattachecca in the city. These summer drinks are the Roman version of a Slushy. A massive block of ice is shaved by hand as you wait with a special tool, then the ice is covered in syrup and topped with fruit.

Grand Voyage: Rome to Venice

• Get inspired by the possibilities.
• Build your ideal trip.
• Explore Rovinj, a quintessential Mediterranean town
• Enjoy a spectacular swimming stop in Dubrovnik, Croatia
• Glide in a gondola down the spectacular Grand Canal in Venice
• Join an optional tour to the historic city of Pompeii
• Small Ship Sailing
• Urban Exploration
• Small Ship Cruises
• Village Visits
• Mediterranean
• Adriatic Sea
• Civitavecchia
• European Union

Full Itinerary

Day 1: civitavecchia (port for rome), italy | embark, day 2: ponza | palmarola, italy.

• 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 3: Sorrento, Italy

Day 4: taormina, sicily, day 5: at sea, day 6: corfu, greece, day 7: kotor, montenegro, day 8: dubrovnik, croatia, day 9: vis, croatia, day 10: krk, croatia, day 11: cres, croatia, day 12: venice, italy, day 13: rovinj, croatia, day 14: piran, slovenia, day 15: venice, italy | disembark.

• 1 Breakfast

Royal Clipper

Dates & prices, my preferred start date.

Initial deposit is $400 pp for Cat 2-6 and $800pp for Cat 1, Deluxe and Owner's, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.

Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Bank transfer, check, or credit card

See our general terms and conditions:

• Adventure Life Terms & Conditions

We are an agent for one or more providers on this trip with specific cancellation policies and terms:

• Star Clippers Americas - General Terms & Conditions - Star Clippers Americas

For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.

• 13 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 13 Dinners
• 13 Nights Accommodations
• Accommodations as listed
• Ground transportation as listed
• Activities as listed
• Meals as listed
• Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
• All meals and snacks (open seating) including: Coffee and tea are available 24 hours a day. Different juices are included only for breakfast.
• Ocean transportation to remote ports.
• Complimentary snorkeling, kayaks, paddle boarding, water-skiing, windsurfing, and sunfish sailing (subject to weather conditions and local authorities).
• Travel Insurance
• Personal Expenses
• Flight costs (please request a quote)
• Additional excursions during free time
• Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
• All transfers to/from the boat from airports.
• Laundry services 
• Medical services
• Shore Excursions
• Alcoholic drinks and sodas.

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Venice & the Jewels of Veneto

8 days | venice to venice.

4.6/5   106 reviews

• Dates and Pricing
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Choose when you want to travel

Uncover the enchanted beauty and breathtaking history of Venice and Northern Italy.

This ultimate Venetian vacation is perfected by one unique quality: your stay onboard our floating boutique hotel. Not only will you benefit from an enviable location in Venice, you’ll also find that your hotel transports you to hidden gem towns nearby. Explore the waterfront shops, colorful facades and peaceful canals unique to Burano, Mazzorbo and Torcello. Farther south, discover Chioggia—a charming southern port loved by fishermen. And savor the spectacular wine and cuisines of this region every step of the way.

• Embark/Disembark
• Venice to Venice

Venice (Embark)

Arrive at Venice Marco Polo International Airport, where you will be transferred to the ship. Unpack, relax and enjoy your first evening on the Venetian Lagoon.

With your early morning arrival at Doge’s Palace, you’ll be able to marvel at the estate in total peace. Wander through a Venetian neighborhood and experience daily life in an authentic Venetian residential quarter. Later in the evening, cap the day off with a private once-in-a-lifetime experience at an after-hours lighting ceremony inside St. Mark’s Basilica without the crowds.

Featured Excursions

A walk in venice with doge’s palace visit.

Please note that the amount of walking during this excursion is extensive.

Venice has no need to designate a pedestrians-only historic district because no cars are permitted within the island city - all transportation is by foot or water.

You first arrive at the Doge’s Palace and most famous...

You first arrive at the Doge’s Palace and most famous plaza in Italy - St. Mark’s Square. Venetians elected their first doge, or duke, in AD 697 and began building the palace around AD 800.

The palace complex, as it exists now, mostly dates to the 14th and 15th centuries, and it brims with jaw-dropping artistic gems, including Tintoretto’s wall-sized Paradise and works by Veronese, Tiepolo and Titian. Throughout its history, Venice has been a supremely political city. Those convicted of crimes were led across the Bridge of Sighs to prison. Follow their footsteps to the prison and gaze into the cells. Casanova escaped from one of these cells. Other less-fortunate prisoners whiled away their time by inscribing graffiti on the walls, which you can still read.

You will continue this exploration by strolling through the historic Castello district. It’s the largest of Venice’s six districts. Back in the 13th century the Castello district was home to the Arsenal, where Venice’s ships were built. (Venetians boasted that they could build a complete ship in a single day.) This is also where the famous Biennale art exhibition now takes place. As you pass 800-year-old homes, you’ll hear the murmur of the soft local dialect through the open windows. Clothes flap from lines strung over tiny canals and kids kick soccer balls along cobbled alleys. It’s a real, living, breathing neighborhood, not just a historic site.

In addition to its well-known museums, Venice is also home to some highly specialized ones: Displays at the Correr are devoted to the history of Venice; the Museo della Musica contains 17th and 18th-century musical instruments and exhibits about composer Antonio Vivaldi. Known as the Red Priest for his hair color, Vivaldi taught music to the daughters of Venetian noblemen. The Museo Ebraico examines the history of the Jewish community that was confined to an island known as Ghetto Nuovo. The latter was one of Europe’s wealthiest and most cultured Jewish communities, made up in part with refugees from the Spanish Inquisition.

Nights Out: Private After-Hours Visit to Saint Mark's Basilica

Welcome to Saint Mark’s Basilica. The doors of this icon are specially opened for you tonight. You will see the glorious church in the evening light and without the crowds. You’ll find it almost impossible not to gaze heavenward as you enter St. Mark’s. High overhead, magnificent...

Welcome to Saint Mark’s Basilica. The doors of this icon are specially opened for you tonight. You will see the glorious church in the evening light and without the crowds. You’ll find it almost impossible not to gaze heavenward as you enter St. Mark’s. High overhead, magnificent domes are sheathed in mosaics telling the story of the New Testament, but don’t miss the intricate pattern of marble and mosaic tile under your feet. Ahead of you is the famous altarpiece made by 10th-century Byzantine artisans who gilded it and decorated it with precious gems, some of which were subsequently stolen by Napoleon. The building, which exemplifies the city’s historic connection to Byzantium and the Eastern Mediterranean, was finished in the 11th century and incorporates the remnants of earlier churches. Golden glass-tiled mosaics line the interior walls and cupolas, giving the church its nickname, Church of Gold. It houses treasures collected by Venetians over the centuries. The relics of St. Mark, patron saint of the city, were stolen from Alexandria, and the Tetrarch, a group of four crowned figures, was looted from Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade. Every successful Venetian voyager returned with something to decorate the basilica—a frieze, a statue—and the result is one of the most stunning works of art and architecture in this amazing city.

Please 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, such as during the week of Easter. On such occasions, an alternative option will be arranged.

Venice, Mazzorbo (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.

A special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.

Featured Excursion

Evening stroll in burano.

Hot pink, chartreuse, orange, lemon yellow—Burano’s brightly painted fishermen’s cottages are an artist’s dream. Burano is known for its lace-making tradition, handed down from mother to daughter since the first workshop was set up at the end of the 16th century. Stroll into ...

Hot pink, chartreuse, orange, lemon yellow—Burano’s brightly painted fishermen’s cottages are an artist’s dream. Burano is known for its lace-making tradition, handed down from mother to daughter since the first workshop was set up at the end of the 16th century. Stroll into town with your Cruise Manager just before dinner to appreciate this charming island when most of the tourists have left for the evening. While you’re here, you’ll visit a historic lace-making atelier to see some of their delicate work.

Choose between...

Vicenza with teatro olimpico.

Set out for Vicenza, a beautiful town famous for its shopping, its architecture, and for being the home of the Teatro Olimpico. Considered by many to be one of the greatest masterpieces of famous 16th-century architect, Andrea Palladio, the Teatro Olimpico is the oldest Italian Renaissance theater...

Set out for Vicenza, a beautiful town famous for its shopping, its architecture, and for being the home of the Teatro Olimpico. Considered by many to be one of the greatest masterpieces of famous 16th-century architect, Andrea Palladio, the Teatro Olimpico is the oldest Italian Renaissance theater still in existence. A first of its kind, this indoor theater was crafted in wood, stucco, and plaster, with seating room for 400. Enjoy a captivating light and music show while you’re here—an absolute must-see. Afterwards, enjoy lunch on your own in town.

Padua Walking Tour

Join your local guide on a walking tour of medieval Padua. Discover the city’s great squares, churches and palaces.

Padua flourished as a hub of learning and discovery in the 13th and 14th centuries. The second-oldest university in Italy was founded here in 1222, hosting such...

Padua flourished as a hub of learning and discovery in the 13th and 14th centuries. The second-oldest university in Italy was founded here in 1222, hosting such students as Copernicus and faculty as Galileo. Immediately outside the Palazzo del Bo, the university’s first home, you’ll see a cafe where revolutionaries met to plot an uprising against Austrian invaders in 1848.

Stroll past the largest public square in Italy, Prato della Valle, originally laid out by the Romans and transformed in the 18th century into a graceful, elliptical open space with a serene canal and statues of local nobles. Gaze upon the Byzantine-influenced domes and towers of the vast Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua, where you’ll often find a crowd waiting to offer thanks or prayers.

You will have some free time too explore Padua on your own, perhaps stopping for lunch at one of the many delicious eateries in town.

Mazzorbo, Burano, Chioggia

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, then stroll through the agricultural island of Mazzorbo and the rainbow-hued island of Burano during your free time after lunch. Alternatively, you can take the afternoon to see the renowned glassblowing artisans of Murano at work.

Torcello: Hidden Treasure of the Lagoon

Settled before Venice was founded, Torcello was once the greatest, most populous city in the lagoon. Now, however, only a handful of people live there. Its centerpiece is the basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, the oldest church in the lagoon and a monument to Torcello's lost might. The doors...

Settled before Venice was founded, Torcello was once the greatest, most populous city in the lagoon. Now, however, only a handful of people live there. Its centerpiece is the basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, the oldest church in the lagoon and a monument to Torcello's lost might. The doors open early for you, so you can see the stunning 11th-century mosaic of the Last Judgment without the crowds—and with expert commentary from your art historian guide.

Before we head back to the ship, relax with a cup of coffee at a serene little Osteria on the island.

Murano Glass Blowing Demonstration

Murano’s glassblowers are renowned for being amongst the best in the world—and how could they not be, with a tradition of craftsmanship dating back eight centuries? Watch a glass-master shape beautiful works of art in their Murano workshop. Before you leave, take some time to roam...

Murano’s glassblowers are renowned for being amongst the best in the world—and how could they not be, with a tradition of craftsmanship dating back eight centuries? 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—from tableware to sculptural, traditional to modern. You can even purchase some for yourself to bring a piece of Murano to your home.

Today, you’ll admire the greatest sites of charming and coastal Chioggia, including a stop at the local and lively market.

IMPORTANT: We are obliged to comply with Italian Maritime Authorities who require that only crew may be on the ship during the Adriatic Sea passage. Therefore, our guests must disembark the ship and partake in the featured excursions. We thank you for your cooperation.

Chioggia Market Visit

Chioggia is the quintessential Venetian Lagoon fishing village. Founded in the fifth century, it was known as the pantry of Venice because of its many small truck farms, which supplied Venetian households with produce until just a few decades ago. It is still a thriving fishing port; its wholesale...

Chioggia is the quintessential Venetian Lagoon fishing village. Founded in the fifth century, it was known as the pantry of Venice because of its many small truck farms, which supplied Venetian households with produce until just a few decades ago. It is still a thriving fishing port; its wholesale fish market is one of the largest in Italy. On Thursdays, Chioggia also hosts Corso del Popolo—a dynamic outdoor market along its main thoroughfare where stands sell everything from clothes, shoes, purses, gadgets and “every-day” domestic items. Locals usually do their shopping here as prices are more affordable than retail shopping.

Let's Go: Biking Chioggia

Set off on a light bicycle ride along the beaches of Chioggia, an island often described as a second Venice in miniature. Head to Lusenzo Lagoon, break to see the fishing boats, and then continue on to Isola dell’Unione.

Bragozzo Ride with Tastings at Ca’ Zen

Head to one of the most enticing islands of the Venice lagoon, Chioggia. A small fishing port often referred to as a Venice in miniature, with a well-preserved tradition due to its relative lack of crowds, Chioggia is a wonderfully authentic and picturesque island. Board a genuine Adriatic wooden...

Head to one of the most enticing islands of the Venice lagoon, Chioggia. A small fishing port often referred to as a Venice in miniature, with a well-preserved tradition due to its relative lack of crowds, Chioggia is a wonderfully authentic and picturesque island. Board a genuine Adriatic wooden sailing boat, a bragozzo, to take in the island from the clear blue waters of the lagoon.

After your sailing, return to shore for a visit to Tenuta Ca’ Zen, a beautiful Venetian villa with a fascinating story. Here, you can explore the expansive grounds, antique stable, family chapel and more before rejoining the group for a tasting of local products, which include organic olive oil, wines, honey and cheeses.

A Noble Country Villa and Its Wines

With a sommelier as your guide today, you will learn about the long history of winemaking in the Veneto region. Visit Dominio di Bagnoli, one of the oldest wine producing properties in Europe, for a private tasting. A variety of wines are produced here, with the most popular being made from an...

With a sommelier as your guide today, you will learn about the long history of winemaking in the Veneto region. Visit Dominio di Bagnoli, one of the oldest wine producing properties in Europe, for a private tasting. A variety of wines are produced here, with the most popular being made from an indigenous grape variety. The beautiful property of Dominio di Bagnoli is also a farm, where rice, grain and other products are grown. You’ll have the opportunity to see the granary on your visit today.

Chioggia, Venice

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.

Po Delta Sailing

Castello del Catajo Visit

Set off for the Euganean hills to discover one of Europe’s most majestic castles. Enjoy a guided tour of a palace so beautiful that it became a resort for the Habsburg Dynasty before being returned to Italy following the first world war. After marveling at its frescoed walls, continue on ...

Set off for the Euganean hills to discover one of Europe’s most majestic castles. Enjoy a guided tour of a palace so beautiful that it became a resort for the Habsburg Dynasty before being returned to Italy following the first world war. After marveling at its frescoed walls, continue on for a guided walk around its beautiful gardens or take some free time for yourself to explore as you please before returning to the ship.

Masterpiece Collection Providing the most all-inclusive luxury to our guests is the heart and soul of our brand and that will never change. Yet sometimes our guests want something that goes even "above and beyond" our included experiences. In light of this, we now offer guests a curated selection of optional excursions, available for an additional charge.

Jewish ghetto.

Take a stroll through Venice’s former Jewish Ghetto with a local guide, starting at the Synagogue museum. This district became the world’s first official Jewish ghetto in the 16th century, and the conditions for the people forced to live in this district were appalling. In spite of such discrimination, the Jewish people of Venice built a series a small synagogues, each a hidden gem of modern Venice that many visitors overlook.

*Masterpiece Collection are optional experiences that go above and beyond our daily selection of included excursions and can be booked for an additional fee. Select Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences can be pre-booked. Please note that requests to pre-book must be made by calling our Reservations Team no later than 6 days prior to departure and are subject to availability. Some venues are limited in the number of guests they can accommodate. Guests can book onboard (space permitting) and pay in Euros. Pre-booked Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences are refundable up to 5 days prior to the cruise/tour start date; if inside of 5 days they are non-refundable. Select Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences require a minimum number of participants and are subject to cancellation (with full refund) if minimum is not met. Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences are non-commissionable. Prices are subject to change. Masterpiece Collection excursions may not operate if they occur on a holiday or if they require a minimum number of participants and that minimum is not met.

As your water taxi glides past narrow side canals and the Canal Grande, you’ll 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.

Do as the Locals Do: Venice Walking Tour

Back when Venice was at the height of its power, only the Rialto Bridge spanned the Grand Canal—and the city’s famous Rialto markets for fish and produce have sprawled at its feet as long as the bridge has arched over the water. Here you’ll find violet artichokes from the nearby...

Back when Venice was at the height of its power, only the Rialto Bridge spanned the Grand Canal—and the city’s famous Rialto markets for fish and produce have sprawled at its feet as long as the bridge has arched over the water. Here you’ll find violet artichokes from the nearby island of Sant’Erasmo, honey from the salt marshes, white asparagus from Giare—and Venetians shopping for their dinners in the historic heart of the city. Join them as you explore the colorful, noisy and fun arcades with your guide (the ship’s chef often accompanies this expedition), who knows Venice’s culinary arts intimately. Freshly caught local fish is sold to knowledgeable customers under the Gothic arches of the covered fish market, which was probably originally built in the 11th century. At the end of the tour (and after some free time where you should have plenty of time to enjoy a gondola ride), join your guide at a bacaro (a casual wine bar) for the Venetian version of happy hour, called ombra e cicchetti —a drink (often a glass of prosecco) with a bite of something delicious—perhaps crostini with salt cod spread or another Venetian fish specialty.

Venice Walk with Gondola Artisans Visit

Get an early morning start to see a side of Venice most of the tourists miss—The Dorsoduro. One of Venice’s six main sestieri, or districts, The Dorsoduro is quieter than some of the more popular districts and thus has an authentic, easygoing atmosphere. Enjoy a walking tour around ...

Get an early morning start to see a side of Venice most of the tourists miss—The Dorsoduro. One of Venice’s six main sestieri, or districts, The Dorsoduro is quieter than some of the more popular districts and thus has an authentic, easygoing atmosphere. 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.

Ca' Macana Mask Atelier

An integral feature of the Carnival of Venice, masks are known for their intricate beauty and wide variety of styles. See for yourself how these masks are created at one of the top handmade mask ateliers in town.

Rowing Venice

Venice is known for a unique style of rowing—standing up and facing forward—that is iconic to its gondoliers. This style is also used by athletes, who race batellina boats. The sport, known as Regate, has been held in Venice for over a thousand years. Try your hand at the technique in...

Venice is known for a unique style of rowing—standing up and facing forward—that is iconic to its gondoliers. This style is also used by athletes, who race batellina boats. The sport, known as Regate, has been held in Venice for over a thousand years. Try your hand at the technique in a lesson led by Row Venice, a non-profit organization of female rowers dedicated to preserving the sport and supporting female rowers, who are vastly underrepresented.

This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supports Global Goal 5: Gender Equality; and Global Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences support sustainable tourism, offering our guests opportunities to directly impact the communities we explore in a positive way.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences Our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences support sustainable tourism, offering our guests opportunities to directly impact the communities we explore in a positive way.

Venice (Disembark)

Disembark the ship. If your cruise/tour package includes a group departure transfer or if you purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Venice Marco Polo International Airport for your flight home.

Optional Extension

Athens Post-Cruise Extension

• 3 nights at the Divani Caravel (or similar)
• Breakfast daily, 1 dinner
• All service charges, taxes, and porterage
• Home-Hosted Dinner
• Highlights of Athens City Tour
• Taste of Greece Walking Tour
• All transfers and transportation
• Flights to Athens
• Services of a local guide

Click here for full details.

Athens & Santorini Post-Cruise Extension

• 2 nights at the Divani Caravel in Athens (or similar)
• 3 nights at the Orama Hotel or Majestic Hotel in Santorini (or similar; hotel will be confirmed approximately 45 days prior to arrival)
• Breakfast daily, 1 dinner, and 1 meal during the Santorini cruise
• Santorini Walking Tour with Local Dinner
• Caldera Cruise
• Santorini Villages with Wine Tasting
• Flights to Athens and to Santorini

What's Included

• All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
• 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
• Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions
• Welcome and Farewell Gala Dinners
• Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks and mineral water

• 6 days of excursions, including “Choice Is Yours” options, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts
• Guided "Do as the Locals Do" and "Let's Go" programs
• State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions
• Use of Nordic walking sticks

Accommodations

• 7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the impressive S.S. La Venezia
• Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites have handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, high thread count 100% Egyptian cotton sheets and European duvets, and a menu of pillow options
• Free Internet and Wi-Fi access

Experiences

• 1 country: Italy
• 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites
• Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
• Group Transfers are included on arrival and departure days (please see terms and conditions for transfer guidelines)
• Gratuities for onboard personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise/Tour Manager) are included during the cruise/tour
• Captivating onboard local entertainment
• Cultural enrichment, including a Signature Lecture

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