river cruises around italy

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• Rome (Civitavecchia) to Venice (Chioggia)
• Venice (Chioggia) to Rome (Civitavecchia)

Italian Sojourn

• From $2,999
• 6 Guided Tours
• 2 Countries
• Dates & Pricing
• 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.

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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 $999 | 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 $2,199 | 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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Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities.

River Cruise Vacations with Italy

After your European river cruise, continue your vacation in Italy. Immerse your days with Italian art, food, wine, and wonderful natural landscapes that truly inspire la bella vita! Cruise on Lake Como to Bellagio with its centuries-old buildings, cobblestone lanes, and charming shops. 

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Italy Ports

Sorrento may have become a jumping-off point for visitors to...

Tour description Capri, Italy Popular since Roman times when...

Vulcano Porto

Savona is a seaport in the north of Italy and hosts a number...

Stintino, Sardinia

Genoa is a port city in the Northwest of Italy. Home to the...

The largest and most developed of the Aeolians, Lipari welco...

Naples, in the Campania region, is Italy's third largest cit...

Porto Cervo

The medieval cliff-hanging town of Taormina is overrun with...

Located right in the heel of the Italian boot, Otranto’s sce...

Porto Santo Stefano

Venice is a city unlike any other. No matter how often you'v...

Santa Margherita Ligure

Up until the end of World War I, Trieste was the only port o...

Golfo Aranci

Once the intellectual capital of southern Europe, Palermo ha...

Portovenere

The colorful facades and pedestrians-only calata (promenade)...

Myrina, Lemnos

Home to the Museo Regionale of Messina, known for featuring...

Civitavecchia

Italy's vibrant capital lives in the present, but no other c...

A tourist-friendly town of about 45,000 inhabitants with a d...

Milazzo, Sicily

Siracuse, sicily.

Siracusa, known to English speakers as Syracuse, is a wonder...

Salerno is an Italian city located on the Gulf of Salerno. F...

Life continues in Brindisi as if the 21st century hadn’t arr...

Porto Empedocle

Catania is an ancient port city on Sicily's east coast. It s...

Reggio di Calabria

Known in Sardinia as Casteddu, the island's capital has stee...

Ponza Island

Amid the resorts of Sardinia's northeastern coast, Olbia, a...

Kalè polis, meaning beautiful city, is the name ancient Gree...

At first glance, it's hard to imagine that this resort desti...

A small, quiet, well-heeled city, Ravenna has brick palaces,...

Palmarola Island

Bari, capital of the province of Apulia, lies on southern It...

Livorno is a gritty city with a long and interesting history...

Burano Island, Venetian Lagoon

One of the most photographed villages along the coast, with...

La Spezia is sometimes thought of as nothing but a large, in...

Ancona is the capital of Italy's Marche region. Ancona's mai...

Porto Torres

Porto levante, portoferraio.

Elba is the Tuscan archipelago's largest island, but it rese...

Giardini Naxos

Porto ercole, trapani, sicily.

Trapani, the most important town on Sicily’s west coast, lie...

Mazzorbo, Lagoon of Venice

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Sorrento may have become a jumping-off point for visitors to Pompeii, Capri, and Amalfi, but you can find countless reasons to love it for itself. The Sorrentine people are fair-minded and hardworking, bubbling with life and warmth. The tuff cliff on which the town rests is spread over the bay, absorbing sunlight, while orange and lemon trees waft their perfume in spring. Winding along a cliff above a small beach and two harbors, the town is split in two by a narrow ravine formed by a former mountain stream. To the east, dozens of hotels line busy Via Correale along the cliff—many have "grand" included in their names, and some indeed still are. To the west, however, is the historic sector, which still enchants. It's a relatively flat area, with winding, stone-paved lanes bordered by balconied buildings, some joined by medieval stone arches. The central piazza is named after the poet Torquato Tasso, born here in 1544. This part of town is a delightful place to walk through. Craftspeople are often at work in their stalls and shops and are happy to let you watch; in fact, that's the point. Music spots and bars cluster in the side streets near Piazza Tasso.

Tour description Capri, Italy Popular since Roman times when the emperors built their villas on Capri, this island is surely one of the world's most famous and beautiful spots. Visiting Capri, it is easy to see why the ancient Romans fell in love with this place 2,000 years ago - the craggy mountains, the sea caves and grottos and the brilliantly colored flowers cast a magic spell then and still capture the admiration of today's travelers. There are sleek yachts moored in the deep blue waters of the bays, and beautiful villas and tiny villages cling to steep slopes. An excellent year-round climate and a breathtaking landscape complete the picture of a storybook island. There are two main villages - Capri Town, site of the popular meeting point "Piazzetta," and Anacapri, the upper town, dominated by 1,750-foot-high Monte Solaro, the highest point on the island. Both remain the "in" scene for international travelers. By spending millions on comfort and style, the island has ensured its continuing success. After a trip to upper-level Anacapri, visitors enjoy strolling the narrow, cobbled streets of Capri Town, browsing in chic boutiques and spending time in the Piazzetta with a drink in one of the outdoor cafés. There is a funicular from the main port of Marina Grande to Capri Town; from Anacapri, a chair lift whisks visitors to the top of Monte Solaro for a spellbinding view. The magical Blue Grotto can be reached by boat from Marina Grande, but entrance into the grotto depends for the most part on sea conditions. Please Note: For your convenience, the shore excursions offered for this port of call are available to reserve in advance at www.silversea.com until August 8 , as well as offered for purchase on board, unless otherwise noted in the description. Going Ashore in Capri Pier Information The ship is scheduled to anchor off Capri's main port, Marina Grande. Guests will be taken ashore via local tenders, arriving at the pier just a short distance from the funicular to Capri Town. Taxis and minibuses are also available near the pier area. Be sure to agree on the fare before starting out. Shopping Capri is a shopping mecca, though by no means inexpensive. Upscale shops and boutiques offer an array of jewelry, designer fashions, resort wear, straw articles and souvenir items. Start from the Piazzetta and the streets fanning out from the square. Some shops may be closed between 12:30/1:00 p.m. and 4:00/4:30 p.m. The local currency is the euro. Cuisine Capri features plenty of open-air eateries in addition to top rated restaurants. Fresh seafood and delicious pasta dishes make for a nice lunch; for a quick meal there are tempting sandwiches and pizza. You might enjoy a hearty Italian table wine with lunch. Other Sights Capri Town La Piazzetta is the main square of Capri Town located just opposite the upper funicular station. The square is an ideal place from where to start exploring or shopping. Sidewalk cafés around the square provide residents and visitors with a popular pastime - people-watching while sipping a drink or enjoying a coffee.   Anacapri Reaching Capri's second town is via local minibus. In addition to numerous souvenir shops and designer boutiques, attractions include Axel Munthe's Villa San Michele and the chair lift to Monte Solaro. Blue Grotto Boat excursions to the Blue Grotto can be booked locally at Marina Grande. Be aware that it is necessary to transfer into smaller boats in front of the grotto. Also, entrance to the grotto is subject to weather and sea conditions. For this reason, tours to the Blue Grotto are frequently cancelled. Private arrangements are not available in this port.

Savona is a seaport in the north of Italy and hosts a number of museums and historical sites. Such sites include the Garibaldi monument, a bronze Equestrian Monument to Giuseppe Garibaldi, and the Priamar fortress and municipal museums, built on the location were the first settlers established.

Genoa is a port city in the Northwest of Italy. Home to the Genoa Aquarium, famous for having the largest exposition of biodiversity in Europe, the city is also a great place to visit for anyone interested in architecture.

The largest and most developed of the Aeolians, Lipari welcomes you with distinctive pastel-color houses. Fields of spiky agaves dot the northernmost tip of the island, Acquacalda, indented with pumice and obsidian quarries. In the west is San Calogero, where you can explore hot springs and mud baths. From the red-lava base of the island rises a plateau crowned with a 16th-century castle and a 17th-century cathedral.

Naples, in the Campania region, is Italy's third largest city. Its claim to fame is the spectacular location along one of the world's most splendid bays, backed by the perfect cone of Mount Vesuvius. In addition to its beautiful setting, Naples' surprises with other outstanding attractions such as the Royal Palace, San Carlos Opera House, the impressive National Archaeological Museum and the Castel Nuovo, dating from the 13th-century. The city's central area is best explored on foot. Chaotic traffic conditions make driving around the city a very frustrating experience. Naples provides a convenient starting point for trips to such favored destinations as Pompeii, Herculaneum and Mount Vesuvius. The Isle of Capri can be reached via a 45-minute hydrofoil service. The region of Campania was home to Greeks settlers some 300 years before Rome was founded. Pompeii, too, was a Greek town before being conquered by the Romans during the 5th century BC. It was under the Romans that Pompeii flourished and grew prosperous. When Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, the population of 20,000 was wiped out, but dozens of buildings were preserved under layers of cinder more than 20 feet deep. The most important finds from Pompeii are displayed in Naples' National Archaeological Museum. A visit here will no doubt enhance a visit to ancient Pompeii.

The medieval cliff-hanging town of Taormina is overrun with tourists, yet its natural beauty is still hard to dispute. The view of the sea and Mt. Etna from its jagged cactus-covered cliffs is as close to perfection as a panorama can get—especially on clear days, when the snowcapped volcano's white puffs of smoke rise against the blue sky. Writers have extolled Taormina's beauty almost since it was founded in the 6th century BC by Greeks from nearby Naxos; Goethe and D. H. Lawrence were among its well-known enthusiasts. The town's boutique-lined main streets get old pretty quickly, but the many hiking paths that wind through the beautiful hills surrounding Taormina promise a timeless alternative. A trip up to stunning Castelmola (whether on foot or by car) should also be on your itinerary.

Located right in the heel of the Italian boot, Otranto’s scenic landscape often plays the protagonist in displaying the beauty of Puglia, Italy’s easternmost region. Facing the Adriatic sea, the seducing weather and pristine waters have made it a popular destination where on a clear day, wanderers can see the coast of Albania. Like much of Italy, the city boasts a rich and mixed history. Once a Greek and Roman port, it was later occupied by the Byzantines, the Normans and the Spanish before the Ottoman invaded in during their Jihad to conquer Europe. Remains of forts are still visible and are a living testimonial of the town’s rich history along with Otranto’s cathedral, which still encloses today the relics of martyrs who refused to convert to Islam.

Venice is a city unlike any other. No matter how often you've seen it in photos and films, the real thing is more dreamlike than you could imagine. With canals where streets should be, water shimmers everywhere. The fabulous palaces and churches reflect centuries of history in what was a wealthy trading center between Europe and the Orient. Getting lost in the narrow alleyways is a quintessential part of exploring Venice, but at some point you'll almost surely end up in Piazza San Marco, where tourists and locals congregate for a coffee or an aperitif.

Up until the end of World War I, Trieste was the only port of the vast Austro-Hungarian Empire and therefore a major industrial and financial center. In the early years of the 20th century, Trieste and its surroundings also became famous by their association with some of the most important names of Italian literature, such as Italo Svevo, and English and German letters. James Joyce drew inspiration from the city's multiethnic population, and Rainer Maria Rilke was inspired by the seacoast west of the city. Although it has lost its importance as a port and a center of finance, it has never fully lost its roll as an intellectual center. The streets hold a mix of monumental, neoclassical, and art-nouveau architecture built by the Austrians during Trieste's days of glory, granting an air of melancholy stateliness to a city that lives as much in the past as the present.

Once the intellectual capital of southern Europe, Palermo has always been at the crossroads of civilization. Favorably situated on a crescent-shaped bay at the foot of Monte Pellegrino, it has attracted almost every culture touching the Mediterranean world. To Palermo's credit, it has absorbed these diverse cultures into a unique personality that is at once Arab and Christian, Byzantine and Roman, Norman and Italian. The city's heritage encompasses all of Sicily's varied ages, but its distinctive aspect is its Arab-Norman identity, an improbable marriage that, mixed in with Byzantine and Jewish elements, created some resplendent works of art. No less noteworthy than the architecture is Palermo's chaotic vitality, on display at some of Italy's most vibrant outdoor markets, public squares, street bazaars, and food vendors, and above all in its grand climax of Italy's most spectacular passeggiata (the leisurely social stroll along the principal thoroughfare).

The colorful facades and pedestrians-only calata (promenade) make Portovenere the quintessential Ligurian seaside village. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its harbor is lined with tall, thin "terratetto" houses that date from as far back as the 11th century and are connected in a wall-like formation to protect against attacks by the Pisans and local pirates. Its tiny, carruggi (alley-like passageways) lead to an array of charming shops, homes, and gardens and eventually to the village's impressive Castle Doria high on the olive tree covered hill. To the west standing guard over the Mediterranean is the picturesque medieval Chiesa di San Pietro, once the site of a temple to Venus (Venere in Italian), from which Portovenere gets its name. Nearby, in a rocky area leading to the sea, is Byron's Cave, a favorite spot that the poet loved to swim out into the sea from.

Home to the Museo Regionale of Messina, known for featuring two of Caravaggio's paintings, the city is also famous for having been the capital of the ancient kingdom of Sicily.

Italy's vibrant capital lives in the present, but no other city on earth evokes its past so powerfully. For over 2,500 years, emperors, popes, artists, and common citizens have left their mark here. Archaeological remains from ancient Rome, art-stuffed churches, and the treasures of Vatican City vie for your attention, but Rome is also a wonderful place to practice the Italian-perfected il dolce far niente, the sweet art of idleness. Your most memorable experiences may include sitting at a caffè in the Campo de' Fiori or strolling in a beguiling piazza.

A tourist-friendly town of about 45,000 inhabitants with a distinctly Spanish flavor, Alghero is also known as "Barcelonetta" (little Barcelona). Rich wrought-iron scrollwork decorates balconies and screened windows; a Spanish motif appears in stone portals and bell towers. The town was built and inhabited in the 14th century by the Aragonese and Catalans, who constructed seaside ramparts and sturdy towers encompassing an inviting nucleus of narrow, winding streets with whitewashed palazzi. The native language spoken here is a version of Catalan, not Italian, although you probably have to attend one of the Masses conducted in Algherese (or listen in on stories swapped by older fishermen) to hear it. Besides its historic architectural gems such as the Alghero Cathedral and Palazzo d'Albis, the fortified city is well worth a visit to simply stroll and discover local culture on narrow cobblestone streets. The city also has a reputation to serve great food at reasonable prices.

Siracusa, known to English speakers as Syracuse, is a wonder to behold. One of the great ancient capitals of Western civilization, the city was founded in 734 BC by Greek colonists from Corinth and soon grew to rival, and even surpass, Athens in splendor and power. It became the largest, wealthiest city-state in the West and a bulwark of Greek civilization. Although Siracusa lived under tyranny, rulers such as Dionysius filled their courts with Greeks of the highest cultural stature—among them the playwrights Aeschylus and Euripides, and the philosopher Plato. The Athenians, who didn't welcome Siracusa's rise, set out to conquer Sicily, but the natives outsmarted them in what was one of the greatest military campaigns in ancient history (413 BC). The city continued to prosper until it was conquered two centuries later by the Romans.Present-day Siracusa still has some of the finest examples of Baroque art and architecture; dramatic Greek and Roman ruins; and a Duomo that's the stuff of legend—a microcosm of the city's entire history in one building. The modern city also has a wonderful, lively, Baroque old town worthy of extensive exploration, as well as pleasant piazzas, outdoor cafés and bars, and a wide assortment of excellent seafood. There are essentially two areas to explore in Siracusa: the Parco Archeologico (Archaeological Zone), on the mainland; and the island of Ortygia, the ancient city first inhabited by the Greeks, which juts out into the Ionian Sea and is connected to the mainland by two small bridges. Ortygia is becoming increasingly popular with tourists, and is starting to lose its old-fashioned charm in favor of modern boutiques.Siracusa's old nucleus of Ortygia, a compact area, is a pleasure to amble around without getting unduly tired. In contrast, mainland Siracusa is a grid of wider avenues. At the northern end of Corso Gelone, above Viale Paolo Orsi, the orderly grid gives way to the ancient quarter of Neapolis, where the sprawling Parco Archeologico is accessible from Viale Teracati (an extension of Corso Gelone). East of Viale Teracati, about a 10-minute walk from the Parco Archeologico, the district of Tyche holds the archaeological museum and the church and catacombs of San Giovanni, both off Viale Teocrito (drive or take a taxi or city bus from Ortygia). Coming from the train station, it's a 15-minute trudge to Ortygia along Via Francesco Crispi and Corso Umberto. If you're not up for that, take one of the free electric buses leaving every 10 minutes from the bus station around the corner.

Salerno is an Italian city located on the Gulf of Salerno. Famous for being home to the first medical university, Salerno is a great destination for anyone looking for gorgeous sea views filled with sunshine and Italian food.

Life continues in Brindisi as if the 21st century hadn’t arrived. Visually, the landscape is as stunning as one would expect in southern Europe. Villages set on sunlit hilltops rise like islands above a rolling landscape of olive groves and vineyards. The coastline is a striking mixture of ruggedly beautiful cliffs and grottoes interspersed with a scattering of long, sandy beaches. Together with the wealth of historical artefacts and spectacular landscapes, Brindisi is one of Italy’s best kept secrets. Naturally, the cuisine is rich with its pickings from both land and sea and visitors can expect the best pasta, Caprese salad, local lemon loaf and spaghetti al vogole they have ever had!

Catania is an ancient port city on Sicily's east coast. It sits at the foot of Mt. Etna, an active volcano with trails leading up to the summit. The city's wide central square, Piazza del Duomo, features the whimsical Fontana dell'Elefante statue and richly decorated Catania Cathedral. In the southwest corner of the square, La Pescheria weekday fish market is a rowdy spectacle surrounded by seafood restaurants.

Known in Sardinia as Casteddu, the island's capital has steep streets and impressive Italianate architecture, from modern to medieval. This city of nearly 160,000 people is characterized by a busy commercial center and waterfront with broad avenues and arched arcades, as well as by the typically narrow streets of the old hilltop citadel (called, simply, “Castello”). The Museo Archeologico makes a good starting point to a visit. The imposing Bastione di Saint Remy and Mercato di San Benedetto (one of the best fish markets in Italy) are both musts.

Amid the resorts of Sardinia's northeastern coast, Olbia, a town of about 60,000, is a lively little seaport and port of call for mainland ferries at the head of a long, wide bay.San SimplicioOlbia's little Catholic basilica, a short walk behind the main Corso Umberto and past the train station, is worth searching out if you have any spare time in Olbia. The simple granite structure dates from the 11th century, part of the great Pisan church-building program, using pillars and columns recycled from Roman buildings. The basilica has a bare, somewhat somber interior, its three naves separated by a series of arches.

Kalè polis, meaning beautiful city, is the name ancient Greek mariners bestowed on Gallipoli, with good reason. Situated on a mound, the Old Town with its labyrinth of winding lanes, emerges from the Ionian Sea. It is connected to the mainland and modern Gallipoli via a 17th-century bridge. The area lies on the Salentina Peninsula in the extreme southeast end of Italy, commonly referred to as the heel of the boot. The Salento region was inhabited already in prehistoric times; later centuries were marked by Greek, Norman, Byzantine and Baroque cultures. It is a land of farms, castles, works of art, myths and legends. Many heroic battles were fought; fierce resistance was shown by Gallipoli’s citizens against numerous invaders that included Romans, Vandals, Swabians, Venetians, French and lastly the English in 1809. In addition to its tumultuous history and natural beauty, the city’s claim to fame rests in its art treasures, most notably, the Basilica of Sant’Agata with its majestic 17th-century façade. Inside, the church contains a rich and important art collection with numerous works by its great native son, Giovanni Andrea Coppola.

At first glance, it's hard to imagine that this resort destination was one of the world's great naval powers, and a sturdy rival of Genoa and Pisa for control of the Mediterranean in the 11th and 12th centuries. Once the seat of the Amalfi Maritime Republic, the town is set in a verdant valley of the Lattari Mountains, with cream-colored and pastel-hued buildings tightly packing a gorge on the Bay of Salerno. The harbor, which once launched the greatest fleet in Italy, now bobs with ferries and blue-and-white fishing boats. The main street, lined with shops and pasticcerie, has replaced a raging mountain torrent, and terraced hills flaunt the green and gold of lemon groves. Bearing testimony to its great trade with Tunis, Tripoli, and Algiers, Amalfi remains honeycombed with Arab-Sicilian cloisters and covered passages. In a way Amalfi has become great again, showing off its medieval glory days with sea pageants, convents-turned-hotels, ancient paper mills, covered streets, and its glimmering cathedral.

A small, quiet, well-heeled city, Ravenna has brick palaces, cobblestone streets, magnificent monuments, and spectacular Byzantine mosaics. The high point in its civic history occurred in the 5th century, when Pope Honorious moved his court here from Rome. Gothic kings Odoacer and Theodoric ruled the city until it was conquered by the Byzantines in AD 540. Ravenna later fell under the sway of Venice, and then, inevitably, the Papal States.Because Ravenna spent much of its past looking east, its greatest art treasures show that Byzantine influence. Churches and tombs with the most unassuming exteriors contain within them walls covered with sumptuous mosaics. These beautifully preserved Byzantine mosaics put great emphasis on nature, which you can see in the delicate rendering of sky, earth, and animals. Outside Ravenna, the town of Classe hides even more mosaic gems.

Bari, capital of the province of Apulia, lies on southern Italy's Adriatic coast. Its busy port is a leading commercial and industrial centre as well as a transit point for travellers catching ferries across the Adriatic to Greece. Bari comprises a new and an old town. To the north, on a promontory between the old and new harbours, lies the picturesque old town, or Citta Vecchia, with a maze of narrow, crooked streets. To the south is the spacious and regularly planned new town, which has developed considerably since 1930, when the Levant Fair was first held here. The heart of the modern town is Piazza della Liberta. The busy thoroughfare, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, separates the new town from the old. At the eastern end of the Corso begins the Lungomare Nazario Sauro, a magnificent seafront promenade that runs along the old harbour. Bari and the Apulian region were long recognized for their strategic location, attracting a succession of colonizers such as the Normans, Moors and Spaniards, each leaving their mark. 

Livorno is a gritty city with a long and interesting history. In the early Middle Ages it alternately belonged to Pisa and Genoa. In 1421 Florence, seeking access to the sea, bought it. Cosimo I (1519–74) started construction of the harbor in 1571, putting Livorno on the map. After Ferdinando I de' Medici (1549–1609) proclaimed Livorno a free city, it became a haven for people suffering from religious persecution; Roman Catholics from England and Jews and Moors from Spain and Portugal, among others, settled here. The Quattro Mori (Four Moors), also known as the Monument to Ferdinando I, commemorates this. (The statue of Ferdinando I dates from 1595, the bronze Moors by Pietro Tacca from the 1620s.)In the following centuries, and particularly in the 18th, Livorno boomed as a port. In the 19th century the town drew a host of famous Britons passing through on their grand tours. Its prominence continued up to World War II, when it was heavily bombed. Much of the town's architecture, therefore, postdates the war, and it's somewhat difficult to imagine what it might have looked like before. Livorno has recovered from the war, however, as it's become a huge point of departure for container ships, as well as the only spot in Tuscany for cruise ships to dock for the day.Most of Livorno's artistic treasures date from the 17th century and aren't all that interesting unless you dote on obscure baroque artists. Livorno's most famous native artist, Amedeo Modigliani (1884–1920), was of much more recent vintage. Sadly, there's no notable work by him in his hometown.There may not be much in the way of art, but it's still worth strolling around the city. The Mercato Nuovo, which has been around since 1894, sells all sorts of fruits, vegetables, grains, meat, and fish. Outdoor markets nearby are also chock-full of local color. The presence of Camp Darby, an American military base just outside town, accounts for the availability of many American products.If you have time, Livorno is worth a stop for lunch or dinner at the very least.

One of the most photographed villages along the coast, with a decidedly romantic and affluent aura, Portofino has long been a popular destination for the rich and famous. Once an ancient Roman colony and taken by the Republic of Genoa in 1229, it’s also been ruled by the French, English, Spanish, and Austrians, as well as by marauding bands of 16th-century pirates. Elite British tourists first flocked to the lush harbor in the mid-1800s. Some of Europe's wealthiest drop anchor in Portofino in summer, but they stay out of sight by day, appearing in the evening after buses and boats have carried off the day-trippers.There's not actually much to do in Portofino other than stroll around the wee harbor, see the castle, walk to Punta del Capo, browse at the pricey boutiques, and sip a coffee while people-watching. However, weaving through picture-perfect cliffside gardens and gazing at yachts framed by the sapphire Ligurian Sea and the cliffs of Santa Margherita can make for quite a relaxing afternoon. There are also several tame, photo-friendly hikes into the hills to nearby villages.Unless you're traveling on a deluxe budget, you may want to stay in Camogli or Santa Margherita Ligure rather than at one of Portofino's few very expensive hotels. Restaurants and cafés are good but also pricey (don't expect to have a beer here for much under €10).

La Spezia is sometimes thought of as nothing but a large, industrialized naval port en route to the Cinque Terre and Portovenere, but it does possess some charm, and it gives you a look at a less tourist-focused part of the Riviera. Its palm-lined promenade, fertile citrus parks, renovated Liberty-style palazzos, and colorful balcony-lined streets make parts of La Spezia surprisingly beautiful. Monday through Saturday mornings, you can stroll through the fresh fish, produce, and local-cheese stalls at the outdoor market on Piazza Cavour, and on Friday take part in the busy flea market on Via Garibaldi. There's also Porto Mirabello, a newly built tourist port with a pool club, shops, and several restaurants that overlook the fleet of super-yachts.

Ancona is the capital of Italy's Marche region. Ancona's main attraction is her tactile museum for the blinds. It's also a great place to take a dip and enjoy great sea views under the sunshine.

Elba is the Tuscan archipelago's largest island, but it resembles nearby verdant Corsica more than it does its rocky Italian sisters, thanks to a network of underground springs that keep it lush and green. It's this combination of semitropical vegetation and dramatic mountain scenery—unusual in the Mediterranean—that has made Elba so prized for so long, and the island's uniqueness continues to draw boatloads of visitors throughout the warm months. A car is very useful for getting around the island, but public buses stop at most towns several times a day; the tourist office has timetables.

Trapani, the most important town on Sicily’s west coast, lies below the headland of Mount Erice and offers stunning views of the Egadi Islands on a clear day. Trapani’s Old District occupies a scimitarshaped promontory between the open sea on the north and the salt marshes to the south. The ancient industry of extracting salt from the marshes has recently been revived, and it is documented in the Museo delle Saline. In addition to the salt marshes,Trapani’s other interesting environs include the beautiful little hill town of Erice, the promontory of Capo San Vito stretching north beyond the splendid headland of Monte Cofano, the lovely island of Motya and the town of Marsala. Trips farther afield will take you to the magnificent site of Segesta or the Egadi Islands, reached by boat or hydrofoil from Trapani Port.

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Italy and the awe-inspiring Veneto region

In many ways, Italy is synonymous with quality, with luxury, with the enjoyment of life’s most beautiful qualities. It’s why we look to its artists for inspiration, its countryside farms for great food, or its ateliers for fine clothing.

Our Italian itineraries focus on Veneto, a wonderfully multifaceted region with Venice at its heart. There is so much to love here. Winding alleyways, grand architecture, rich history, and a sparkling lagoon dotted with charming islands. Uniworld’s S.S. La Venezia is one of the very few cruise ships small enough to dock in town, and the only boutique hotel in Venice that floats, making it the perfect home for your Venetian vacation. And our all-inclusive ethos means you can enjoy an exceptional degree of luxury for a much better value than a comparable do-it-yourself vacation.

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For such a small island, Venice certainly has more than its fair share of major world landmarks, and it can often be difficult for tourists to get a good look at them without dealing with long lines or crowds. With Uniworld, you’ll enjoy prime docking locations that bring you close to St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.

The sparkling turquoise waters of the Venetian lagoon are a plentiful source of some truly outstanding seafood. As a result, the cuisine of Venice and its surrounding islands are rich in shrimp, fish, squid, and other such delights (our chefs onboard whip up particularly good calamari).

Italy is dedicated to the craft of great food, and the many farms of the Veneto countryside are a testament to this. You’ll taste some of their excellent homemade products—think cured meats and cheeses—on included excursions. Additionally, don’t miss the chance to join your onboard chef on a farmer’s market trip!

Walking around Venice, you’ll see cicchetti everywhere. Essentially the local version of tapas, cicchetti are most commonly small pieces of toast with various toppings, ordered alongside a drink at a bar.

We all know and love prosecco—and trust us when we say you can enjoy plenty on our Venetian cruise—but the Veneto also offers a wide variety of unique regional wines. Take amarone, for example, a deliciously robust red made using a rare air-drying process in Valpolicella. The estate we visit here for our private wine-paired lunch is run by the descendants of one of Italy’s most famous poets, Dante Alighieri of the Divine Comedy. Another experience for both the wine and the history lovers is our visit to Dominio di Bagnoli, one of the oldest wine-producing properties in Europe. During our private tasting, we’ll enjoy a variety of wines produced here, with the most popular being made from an indigenous grape variety.

As the epicenter of the Renaissance, Italy, and Venice in particular, has a great history of creativity and fine craftsmanship. On tour here, you’’ll have the opportunity to meet a number of local artisans at work creating products with deep cultural significance. Listen to a gondola maker talk about the symbolism behind different elements of Venice’s characteristic boats, enter a lacemaking workshop in Burano, watch Murano glassblowers create their extraordinary pieces, and learn what it takes to make the famous Venetian masks.

TRAVEL TIPS

When to go: April to September for sunny skies and less rain, March or October for more temperate weather and quieter streets.

How to pack: We suggest comfortable, sporty, smart-casual daywear both onshore and onboard. Depending on your travel season, the weather can range from cool to quite hot. Check the weather before you go and pack accordingly. Layering clothing items is always your best bet, allowing you to adjust to most temperatures. Pack a lightweight waterproof jacket (preferably hooded) in case of rain, though we will also have umbrellas onboard. You will participate in a significant amount of walking over uneven terrain during your time ashore, so please bring comfortable walking shoes with good ankle support. Sturdy sandals are another good option.

MAR–MAY

Avg. Temp. 66º F / 19º C

JUN–AUG

Avg. Temp. 81º F / 27º C

SEP–NOV

Avg. Temp. 70º F / 21º C

DEC–FEB

Avg. Temp. 54º F / 12º C

Euro (EUR, €)

Central European Time (CET)

Central European Summer Time (CEST)

Official Language

Electricity.

European 230V

Plug types C, F, and L

Onboard Team

Gyongyi Campailla Fuzer

Cruise manager.

“Our ship is the only one that gets to dock in Burano overnight. I love getting to witness the sunset, when the sky is ablaze with hues of gold, painting a breathtaking backdrop to this exclusive experience.”

Tomas Breziansky

Executive chef.

“Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini once said that life is a combination of magic and pasta. No truer words have been spoken here in Italy, or onboard the beautiful S.S. La Venezia .”

Martina Seinen Peric

Hotel manager.

“Italy is the perfect place to experience the true meaning of hospitality. It’s a country that opens its arms and embraces you with its rich culture, delicious cuisine, and warm-hearted people.”

What Our Guests Have to Say

"Perfect! An ideal holiday for a solo traveler. Many of the passengers had traveled with Uniworld before and it is obvious why. I shall certainly book again."

– Christine M.

"Being a small ship, we could go places the large ships couldn't. The tours were well-curated and the guides were very knowledgeable."

– Edward. W.

"Every effort was made to ensure we got the full Veneto experience, not just Venice. Tour guides were awesome and full of deeper insights and history."

– Kathleen M.

"Excellent. The exclusive early entry to the Doge’s Palace and the late entry to St. Mark’s Basilica meant no queuing and we were able to see everything without the crowds. All excursions we went on were very enjoyable but if you wanted to do your own thing you were free to do so."

– Hazel K.

FEATURED CRUISES

Milan, Venice & the Jewels of Veneto

Milan to Venice | 10 days

Begin your journey in stunning Milan and disembark in romantic Venice. These two legendary cities will bookend unforgettable experiences throughout the Veneto region.

This ultimate Venetian vacation...

Ship: S.S. La Venezia

Country: Italy

4.5 /5 (90 reviews)

From $2,899 per person

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Venice & the Jewels of Veneto

Venice to Venice | 8 days

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...

4.6 /5 (106 reviews)

From $1,999 per person

Cruise & Rail: Grand Alpine & the Jewels of Veneto

Budapest to Venice | 16 days

Begin your journey in the stunning cities of Budapest and Vienna, from which you’ll ascend into the idyllic wonderland of the Alps via a luxury overnight train. Your days will be filled with...

Countries: Hungary, Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, Italy

River: Venice Lagoon

From $17,994 per person

Cruise & Rail: Milan, Venice, Istanbul & the Balkans

Milan to Istanbul | 19 days

Begin your journey in stunning Milan and embark on your cruise in romantic Venice. These two legendary cities will bookend unforgettable experiences throughout the Veneto region. Treat yourself to a...

Countries: Italy, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Turkey

From $19,694 per person

Cruise & Rail: Venice, Istanbul & the Balkans

Venice to Istanbul | 17 days

Embark on a private train journey to Istanbul, during which you’ll sleep on the luxury Golden Eagle Danube Express with ever-changing views at your window—the perfect addition to a river...

From $18,794 per person

Grande Italia

Milan to Rome | 13 days

Begin your journey in stunning Milan, where you’ll view da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” Stop for a tasting of rare Amarone wines on your way to romantic Venice. Embark on your...

From $5,129 per person

Rome, Venice & the Jewels of Veneto

Venice to Rome | 11 days

Begin your journey in romantic Venice. Treat yourself to a private evening lighting ceremony at St. Mark’s Basilica, explore the colorful facades of Burano, and sail south to discover...

From $4,319 per person

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Luxury Italy River Cruise – All you Need to Know

Looking for some travel inspiration? This post is about a fabulous, luxury river cruise in Italy, from Venice to Mantua, on board a small boat called La Bella Vita. It might just get you packing!

November 11, 2022 //  by  Jo Castro 4 Comments

If you’re looking for a small group tour, on a small boat, that takes in some of the gems of Northern Italy on a scenic cruise, then a 6 night luxury river cruise vacation aboard La Bella Vita with European Waterways is something very special.

7 days in Italy experiencing travel at its slowest, meandering along the Po River (Taglio di Po) and the Bianco Canal on a luxury hotel barge savouring superb Italian cuisine and fine wines – what could be more relaxing I wondered?

Table of Contents

Why Go on a Barge Cruise in Italy?

But why go on a barge cruise in Italy my friends asked me? It might be relaxing, but don’t you want to see much more?

I had every confidence that the northern Italy river cruise with European Waterways would be a unique cruise, going to places not on the Instagram selfie trail. And specifically that this would be a sophisticated vacation, on an elegant boat – definitely not an all-fall-down party boat, or swarming with kids.

A maximum of 20 guests (often less) are accommodated onboard and looked after by an English speaking crew of around 6 – 10 people, on an old working barge that has been luxuriously refurbished as a floating hotel. You also enjoy the knowledge of a friendly tour director, who is an expert guide.

Fabulous traditional cuisine of the area is prepared by an onboard chef.

We were taken on various shore excursions guided by a local expert, introduced to fine wines and cheeses from around Italy, exposed to the local culture, and we explored famous landmarks in the region of Veneto. How about learning more about the Doge’s Palace, San Marco Square (famous Saint Mark’s Square) or wandering the cobbled streets of romantic Mantua?

Visiting locations less travelled in the region of Veneto, the region of Emilia-Romagna, and the region of Lombardy was inspiring and educational. And there were some special (almost secret) places to discover such as the Island of Pellestrina and the stately home, Villa Ca’Zen, which are located off quiet moorings – that larger, major cruise lines just can’t get to.

(And major cruise lines are currently unable to cruise to Venice. Italy barred huge ships from using the Giudecca canal to enter Venice’s historic centre in July 2021.)

However, La Bella Vita can moor waterside right in Venice, and at other quiet moorings along route.

Canal Boats in Italy and Venice

While there are a selection of boats, small crafts and gondolas that cruise the smaller canals in Italy, La Bella Vita is larger and takes advantage of the fact that as a hotel barge it can cruise along the Po River and the Canal Bianco for days at a time. In this respect it is both a canal barge and a river boat, and perfect for Venice!

Cruise Itinerary

The European Waterways’ Po river cruises begin in the beautiful Venetian Lagoon (Laguna Veneta) and then head east towards Mantua (or vice versa).

Sometimes the route will be along the Canal Bianco, dependent upon water levels in the Po. Whichever route you travel you’re assured of an intriguing optional excursion at each mooring (included in the overall price).

Cruise Excursions

There’s a shore excursion each day (more about this in my travel diary further on in this post).

Excursions might be a guided walking tour of a city like Ferrara, or a guided tour of the Doge’s Palace in Venice followed by free time and perhaps a leisurely walk to St Mark’s Square or the Rialto Bridge along the fabulous Grand Canal.

Highlights – European Barge Cruise Italy

The Italian Renaissance Cruise is a cruise tour to delight your senses and your taste buds. I’ve come to realise that barge cruises in Europe with European Waterways are designed to incorporate the cultural, the sensory and the unexpected.

Not only is there plenty of time to sit on the upper deck, read a good book or just watch the breathtaking landscape unfold around you, but there is also ample time to take in some of the highlights (and small towns) of the Veneto Region with a local guide.

This luxurious Italian river cruise offers a deep dive into Italian culture. I felt while slow-travelling in this way, that there could be no better way to savour the delights of the region.

Obvious highlights for me are being able to experience delicious cuisine, explore historic cities, and also witness spectacular views and unique architecture but specifically they include …

• Mooring waterside in Venice near the Naval Museum and close to all the historic sights.
• Tours of beautiful Venice including the Castello area, Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Square.
• A scenic cruise on the Canal of the Orphans passing picturesque lagoon islands.
• Sunset and an aperitivo on Isla Pellestrina.
• A boat trip and then free time in Chioggia to explore its pretty canals and its Roman, Etruscan and Byzantine history. Oh, and let’s not forget the intriguing fish market!
• A short tour of the 17th Century stately home grounds of Villa Ca’Zen – and a rather grand dinner.
• A private visit to the gracious, historic wine estate of Villa Widmann-Borletti.
• A guided tour of fascinating Ferrara.
• A magnificent cruise in the lake leading into Mantua.
• A guided tour of the awe-inspiring Ducal Palace and gardens in Mantua.
• A night at the opera onboard La Bella Vita.
• The Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board La Bella Vita.

We were plunged into the culture of Italy; among other cultural excursions we visited Murano, a Venetian Island known for glass making, and toured the Renaissance gardens of the Bagnoli Estate before sampling fine wines during an in depth wine tasting.

Transfers and Inclusions

At the time of writing, the following applied:-

Local transfers are included to and from the hotel barge, and range from around 15 minutes to around 90 minutes depending on the cruise direction.

On board there is an open bar 24/7 and all wines, alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages served during the cruise are included. Excursions and admittance fees (as per the itinerary) and the services of around 7 – 9 crew, and use of barge facilities (which include bicycles) are also included in the price.

The overall price includes 6 nights and all meals on board created by the on-board chef.

Jo’s Travel Diary – European River Cruise Italy

I hope you enjoy my personal travel journal from 7 days in Italy on a hotel barge.

Day 1 – Venice River Cruise

We arrived in Venice late at night and found a taxi driver who spoke just enough English to get us to our hotel in Mestre – even though we had forgotten the address (stashed in a suitcase somewhere!)

We stayed at the Best Western Bologna in Mestre, and at lunchtime the next day we were met by the fabulous and super friendly crew from European Waterways and treated to sparkling wine and a meet and greet with our new hotel barge cruising friends.

La Bella Vita was docked nearby, and soon we were introduced to the whole crew, and then we were off cruising along the Giudecca Canal past some of Venice’s most famous monuments. It was all incredibly exciting and so atmospheric – the canal was bustling with boats and water ferries.

Wow! This was a pinch me moment! We were in Venice! One of the most romantic cities in the world! We stood on deck hugging each other – totally absorbed by the scenes in front of us and around us.

The Captain moored La Bella Vita on the waterfront near the Naval Museum in Castello, a vibrant area which is less touristy, and an area of Venice where many Venetians still live.

One section of Castello borders the more touristy St. Mark’s Square, which gets much more crowded.

It’s such a picturesque and laid-back area with lots of casual bars where locals seemed to stop in for a quick glass of wine or an Aperol Spritz.

After a gorgeous sunset, we hopped back on board La Bella Vita to sip an aperitivo – a gorgeous Aperol Spritz with chef prepared canapes before a cordon bleu dinner! Yum!

Can’t wait for tomorrow!!

Day 2 – Isla Pellestrina

I slept like a log in our delightful cabin and woke up to a sunny day and a slap-up brekkie in the barge saloon.

Then we were whisked off on a guided walking tour of the Castello area and on through a labrynth of alleyways to the more crowded area near Piazza San Marco.

We were fast tracked into the magnificent Doge’s Palace like VIP’s (thank you European Waterways ) so avoiding the long queus. The Doge’s Palace is quite magnificeent, and was the seat of the government of Venice for centuries as well as the home of the Doges.

Then began a fascinating tour delving into the sights and stories of Venice’s history – tortuous tales, derring do, grand opulence and awe inspiring stories.

Lunch on board La Bella Vita was just sumptuous, enjoyed with a lovely glass of Rose, before an exciting whizz to Murano on a water taxi.

Watching a master glass maker at work was amazing, so too were the incredible artefacts for sale in the showroom. Venetian glass is just so pretty. Be warned, you will be guided out through the impressive sales area where incredible pieces of art, and collections are for sale amongst more everyday items such as glassware. Don’t forget your credit card!

Then we enjoyed a late afternoon cruise along the Canal of the Orphans, passing rustic fishing huts on stilts and small lagoon islands that once housed leper colonies, monastries and orphans.

Soon we came to our next overnight stop – a quiet spot on the outer edge of the Venetian lagoon – San Pietro in Volta on Isla Pellestrina. The long strip that is Pellestrina island separates the Venetian Lagoon from the Adriatic Sea.

Here nature treated us to a most sensational sunset while European Waterways hosted us to a Venetian aperitivo and tasty canapes at a typical local ‘bacaro’ close to the water’s edge.

The lagoon shimmered, other worldly, mill pond calm while the sun bade us a flambouyant retreat. This simple happy hour in a place rarely visited by tourists, will remain in my memory forever.

Then it was a short amble through the village until we were back on board for a cordon bleu dinner and some fabulous Italian wines.

“Pellestrina is an island in northern Italy, forming a barrier between the southern Venetian Lagoon and the Adriatic Sea, lying south west of the Lido. The island is 11 kilometres long and has since the eighteenth century been bounded to its seaward side by large embankments.” Wikipedia

Day 3 – Chioggia and Tenuta Ca’Zen

First up after brekkie, we were told there was a ‘surprise.’ This turned out to be a short hop on a traditional fishing boat, a bright red ‘bragozzo’, with a jolly Captain and even jollier music! (You can find a short video on my Instagram reel) or watch here:

Why not Pin this image to a travel board?

There was much laughter and joy as we sailed towards Chioggia, city of Goldoni’s plays and now an Italian seaside resort.

What can I say, except, wish you could all have been with us!

The town’s centre is dissected by a canal and we strolled over ancient bridges exploring Chioggia’s prettty streets, which unlike Venice had a much more lived-in feel. It also felt steeped in the ancient, and there was history at every turn.

We visited the amazing fish market which houses a squillion different fish caught from the bottom of the lagoon or the Adriatic sea, and then we strolled this way and that just soaking up the friendly ambiance of this beautiful town.

After a long slow lunch back on board La Bella Vita we relaxed in the saloon as we cruised to our next destination.

Then we hopped up on deck as we passed through a tranquil nature reserve with flamingos and water birds.

After our time in Chioggia we had a long lazy cruise, encountering one lock, until we reached our peaceful mooring at Taglio di Po in the heart of the Po Delta.

Here we had some time to take in the scene and the quiet mooring by the riverbank – just us and a few old rowing boats. The setting couldn’t have been more idyllic.

In the evening we were driven a couple of kilometres along a rutted road to the beautiful Tenuta Ca’Zen, a private stately home.

We drove into a wooded entry where hidden amongst tall trees we came to the delightful rust coloured 17th Century villa. The property is composed of a main house, a hushed private chapel, stable, cottages and large barn house, which was built in the 1800’s by Maria Adelaide Avanzo’s great grandfather.

The villa is large, rather than rambling, homely rather than palatial.

We were treated to a walk around the grounds by Maria, such a gracious and welcoming hostess.

We ambled along a gravel driveway to the chapel, and when the sun was over the yard arm Maria organised an aperitif in the courtyard along with a delicious selection of antipasta.

We enjoyed a glass of prosecco and a chat with Maria’s mother, Elaine Westropp Bennet, originally from southern Ireland, who married an Italian. She related her story about how she came to live here in the 1960’s. Now she and her daughter Maria run the premises as a luxury, historical B & B and offer the chapel for weddings.

The villa was built by the Zen family, a patrician Venetian family who owned the Po Delta. Lord Byron once a guest of Teresa, the young wife of an elderly past owner Marchese Alessandro Guiccioli, had a passionate affair with Byron.

Byron wrote ‘Stanzas to the Po’ for, or about Teresa. The first stanza reads:

“River, that rollest by the ancient walls, Where dwells the lady of my love, when she Walks by thy brink, and there perchance recalls A faint and fleeting memory of me.” Lord Byron

Our dinner, in what seemed to be the great hall, was prepared by the 67 year old home chef, and it was a fabulous three course meal – the outstanding course for me being the roast guinea fowl caught fresh on the property.

We were plied with red wine from the estate, and afterwards glasses of grappa and limoncello, which made for a lively evening.

Earlier when we had returned to our rooms to shower, we found a lovely touch. On our bed a description and letter from Maria Avanzo welcoming us to her home, and later when we went to bed we found small rolled up scrolls of paper tied up with ribbon, which were copies of Lord Byron’s poem Stanzas to the Po.

And so another magical day came to an end.

Day 4 – Adria Archeology and Wine

The next day, moored at Adria we were transported by mini bus to visit to a large archaeological museum called Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Adria which brought into sharp focus the passage of time and how ancient civilisations lived and worked before us. It revealed the city’s enormous history as a settlement and trading post for Villanovans, Etruscans, Greeks and Romans.

Fascinating artefacts, amber jewellery, fine pottery and dehumanisations from various digs in the Po Delta and river area were displayed in a compact museum. Some dated back to the 6th Century BC. Wow just wow!

Lunch on board and then we were whisked off to Bagnoli Estate by mini bus for a tour of the wine estate. Wine, rice and grains have been produced on the estate for over 1,000 years.

We toured the Renaissance gardens and wine cellars of the 17th Century Villa Widmann Borletti and enjoyed a private tasting of their estate grown vintages. We learned that this winery has been supplying Venetian society for centuries.

We tasted 4 different wines all made from the same grape known as Friularo. A sparkling blanc de noir, a red reserve (a manly wine I thought – all cigar box and pepper), a late harvest (very nicely Berry flavoured) and a lovely (not so) sweet wine.

We were mini-bussed back to La Bella Vita which was now moored at Zelo. Then it was time for an aperitif at the bar and dinner in the saloon.

Another brilliant day comes to a classic close.

Day 5 – Ferrara

Up bright and early for the sunrise – always a treat.

Our fabulous 7 day itinerary taking us through centuries of Italian history continued at Ferrara, the city who’s soul was born in the Renaissance.

Not only does Ferrara have its roots in ancient times but the whole historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its 9kms of defensive walls and well preserved Renaissance buildings and palaces. It’s also well known thanks to the powerful Este family, The House of Este who ruled Ferrara for centuries – and then of course there was the notorious Lucrezia Borgia who married Alfonso I in 1505. 

If any of you have watched the series The Borgia’s (I’m going to watch it again!) then this city will definitely appeal to you too.

Ferrara is on the southern shores of the Po River about 87kms south of Venice. Situated below sea level it’s seen massive flooding and a major disaster in 1951 saw a large part of the population of this area flee to other countries as they were disheartened not only by the ravages of World War II and the economy at the time, but also the continuous, disastrous floods. We stood by flood level markers and were amazed to see that the flood of 1951 level appeared to be at least two stories high above us.

We wandered along cobbled streets, visited shady Piazza’s set between high antiquated walls, and were awed by the prominent buildings erected by the Renaissance rulers, the Este family.

We were guided around the exterior of the imposing medieval Este Castle (Castello Estense 1385) and across it’s wide moat.

Afterwards we walked to the National Art Gallery at Palazzo dei Diamanti which dates back to 1493 and features interesting, diamond shaped building blocks.

Our guide took us on to the Romanesque Ferrara cathedral and the Jewish ghetto, hardly a ghetto now, more a thriving hub of shops and cafes with a Jewish Synagogue. There were wonderful clothes shops, shoe shops and quirky lifestyle emporiums that I would have loved to look around, but our guide moved swiftly through!

We were regaled with stories about Lucrezia Borgia and saw where she once lived. We saw how the unique local bread is twisted in a form that is said to resemble the locks of her hair.

Another interesting story was about Lord Byron, a chap who we are coming to realise, definitely got around in these parts! He wrote the Lament of Tasso in 1817 based on the legend of Tasso’s tragic love for Leonora d’Este and in it describes his imprisonment in the madhouse.

Within Ferrara’s ancient city walls there are a plethora of other historical buildings including a university which was founded in 1391 and the cathedral which dates back to 1135.

In 1570 there was an earthquake and another in 2012 as well as blanket bombs in World War II which damaged many historical structures around the epicentre, including one of the towers of the castle – and these previous devastations are still a challenge for restoration initiatives.

Our evening aboard La Bella Vita included a big surprise!

An evening at the Opera! With a little audience participation and operatic karaoke thrown in! (Which I can’t post – you’ll have to do this trip yourself!)

A night of so much talent, joy and side-splitting laughter we’ll never forget!

Day 6 – Mantua

For our last full day with European Waterways we woke to scenes that seemed straight out of an Impressionist painting.

Thick fog was rising off the river, and the sun lay low like an orange globe over the Po, casting dappled light over the surrounding wetlands.

We had breakfast as we traversed one of the three 12th Century artifical lakes that were designed to protect the walled city. Cruising towards Mantua colonies of white swans glided past the barge, and the river scenes were idyllically pretty.

Our final cruise had a dramatic approach to Mantua which is well worth watching from the top deck.

Mantua was home to the poet Virgil, and artists Mantegna and Donatello, and is in a captivating lakeside setting.

Mantua’s origins go back to Etruscan times, but the city’s power wealth and accomplishments came to prominence when it was ruled by the Gonzaga dynasty coinciding with the golden years of the Italian renaissance.

There is so much to see, and learn, and the city is easy to walk around.

Mantua is actually surrounded by 3 artificial lakes, and is situated in the northern Italian region of Lombardy.

Dave and I walked into the town through a park, along the river, taking a deep breath as we stepped onto the zebra crossing to cross the main road to walk into the old city. Soon we were treading on the cobbled streets made up of river pebbles dating back to the 15th Century.

We visited the Ducal Palace, a sprawling castle with more than 500 rooms. It’s the 6th largest palace in Europe, a group of buildings dating back to between the 14th and 17th centuries, built mainly by the noble family of Gonzaga.

Mantua displays neo-classical and baroque architecture, portrayed in the 14thC Ducal Palace which has around 500 rooms and around 15 gardens and courtyards, a museum, basilica and theatre.

The intricate frescoes, Gallery of Mirrors and exquisite Rivers Room, and 12,000 paintings and sculptures all created a Grand Finale to our Italian Renaissance adventure.

The buildings and rooms are connected by corridors, galleries and gardens. There’s a church within it’s walls, and even a suspended Italian garden. The palace was one Wow after another. The rooms, the opulence, the ancient tapestries depicting scenes from the bible, the paintings, sculptures, and the frescoes, so much to take in.

We strolled through the vibrant and historic Piazza Sordello, and Piazza Erbe stopping for a cafe Americano.

It was fun just watching the world go by – and a chocolate festival set up! It was hard to resist the eats and treats on offer, and I realised how quickly I would put on weight if I lived in Italy.

After lunch on board, when we were treated to probably the best Prosecco I’ve ever tasted, as well as a tasty Italian risotto, followed by crumble cake, not to mention a selection of antipasto and cheese that made us want to pack it all up and ship it home to Australia, we were taken by the comfortable European Waterways minibus to meet our guide.

Historical fact after fact kept on coming! We were impressed by the history of the most ancient church in the city, Rotonda di San Lorenzo, which dates back to the 11th Century and we were told it probably stands on the site of a Roman temple.

Intriguing Facts about Mantua

• Our guide Stefano took us to the magnificent San Pietro Cathedral and we visited the Basilica Sant’ Andrea where he explained it’s claimed that some of the blood of Christ is kept in a chalice in the crypt.
• The story goes that a Roman soldier, who speared Jesus’s side at the crucifixion, had collected some dirt from around the cross containing the blood of Christ, and brought it to Mantua.
• Mantua is also known for its significant role in the history of Opera.
• Giuseppe Verdi’s famous opera Rigoletto is set in Mantua and the central character of the opera, the court jester, Rigoletto is said to have been inspired by a small villa standing close to the cathedral.
• But Mantua also has an artistic side. It’s also home to artists Donatello and Mantegna as well as the poet Virgil.

Tonight would be our last night on board La Bella Vita. Boo!

But we still had the Captain’s Farewell Dinner to look forward to.

Everyone dressed up to the nines, and a fabulous evening was had by all.

Day 7 – Back to Venice

On the final morning there was time for one short last walk before breakfast and then a minibus transfer back to Venice where those of us who had booked one last night in the city could relax for the afternoon.

The Barge – La Bella Vita

At the time of writing …

European Waterways barge cruises La Bella Vita is a stylish passenger vessel that can accommodate 20 passengers. There’s a bar area with a piano, a spacious dining room with louvre doors that open to afford great views as you cruise the waterways, and a sundeck with ample shaded seating, where bicycles are also stored.

Standard cabins are cosy and compact, but with ample hanging and drawer room for a week’s worth of clothes. Each has an ensuite shower-room – it’s small but adequate and comes with amenities replenished daily.

The hotel barge is staffed by a small crew, who we found were always friendly, charming and committed to service.

Gourmet lunches and dinners focussed on regional dishes and seasonal produce, with well curated wine pairings.

All meals, drinks and excursions are covered in the fare. The only thing you need cash for is a tip for the crew at the end, and personal spending money when you are ashore. 

If you’re looking for an exclusive and really gentle cruise, visiting historic places less travelled, quaffing fine wines and enjoying gourmet food, then this small hotel barge trip in Italy with English speaking crew could fit the bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I have to sit at a table with others?

Yes, you will. But the nature of the cruise is immersive and you will easily make new friends. Most people who book a luxury barge cruise like this are interested in the food, wine and culture of the places you are visiting and you’ll have lots to talk about. I’ve done two cruises and have made wonderful friends we still keep in touch with.

Are tips included?

No they are not. Tipping around 5% of your fare in cash at the end of the cruise to the Captain or Cruise Director will be shared amongst the crew.

Can I travel solo?

Yes. And do check with European Waterways – sometimes they offer great discounts on solo fares.

Can I charter the whole barge?

Yes, if you don’t want to sit with strangers at mealtimes then why not charter the whole barge for a group of friends or special family occasion!

You can find out more on the European Waterways website .

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Disclaimer : This post “Luxury Italy River Cruise,” may contain affiliate links from which I stand to earn a small commission but at no expense to you. I was a guest of European Waterways but all opinions are my own. Any gifted items are marked with an *.  Lifestyle Fifty Website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Please read my full  disclosure here .

About Jo Castro

My name is Jo Castro and I've been a freelance writer for over 35 years. Ten years ago I committed to blogging, documenting my finds about fashion and travel for women, like me, over 50. On Lifestyle Fifty I share style and fashion tips, along with travel inspiration and packing guides. It's all about The Art of Ageing, Living the Good Life and Looking Fashionable everyday. Everything I write about comes from the desire to help as many women as possible live their best lives and look great after the age of 50. Check out more on my About Page.

Reader Interactions

November 19, 2022 at 11:43 am

It sounds as though a barge cruise on European Waterways in Italy is as wonderful as their barge cruise in Scotland! We also thought the food was incredible – very locally-inspired as with your market tours. We even went foraging with our chef for salad greens. I love the sound of your excursions too – the exclusive access and small group size really allows one to experience a destination fully away from the crowds. Thanks for the comprehensive post and the tip on solo travel. Our daughter might want to do this.

November 26, 2022 at 8:59 am

The barge cruise in Scotland sounds absolutely amazing too Michele! I also looked at that one – the idea of ancient castles really appealed to me. Love that you went foraging with the chef for salad greens – what fun!

November 19, 2022 at 7:49 am

I’ve not yet done a barge cruise but would like to try one, either in Italy or France. I loved reading about your experience and will put this on my list to consider.

November 19, 2022 at 7:54 am

Hi Debra, I really hope you get to go on a barge cruise! Italy or France are both wonderful places to cruise on canals and rivers and enjoy slow, immersive travel with wonderful food, wine and history. Thanks for popping by today 🙂

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Save up to 50% on Italy Cruises River Cruises!

River cruises in Italy travel on the Po River through the northern part of the country. This ancient river -- known to the Romans as Padus -- winds through charming towns and breathtaking landscapes.

The Po River flows eastward and empties into the Adriatic Sea near Venice, a city known for its romantic ambiance. Here, explore Piazza San Marco and its famous Basilica or ride a gondola through the city's canals. In nearby Padua, visit the university where Galileo taught or view Giotto's frescoes.

While cruising the Po, you'll also stop in Verona and see the renowned balcony where Shakespeare's Juliet listened to the pledges of smitten Romeo. Sail into Serravalle and take a walking tour of Byzantine mosaics in nearby Ravenna, or disembark in Polesella to sample pasta in Bologna, northern Italy's culinary capital.

Day-to-day details are handled by an experienced cruise director, making our Italy river cruises hassle-free and relaxing. At each stop, guides reveal local history and culture. These cruises are easy to budget, too, as accommodations, onboard meals and sightseeing are included in the upfront price.

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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)
• 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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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.

Timeless Venice

VENICE - MAZZORBO - VENICE - CHIOGGIA - 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.

Venetian Treasures

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.

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.

7 of the best places to cruise in Italy

F ew countries can compete with Italy’s tourist appeal . Anyone who visits can enjoy fantastic cities, quaint villages, a string of picture-perfect coastlines, amazing cuisine and a fascinating history.

Alhough skiing , city breaks or a trip to one of the Italian lakes all have their own merits, there is a way to get a taste of several different parts of the country in one whirlwind trip.

Cruises around the Bel Paese give passengers the opportunity to see Italy ’s full range of sights. You can start with the romance of Venice and wind around to the rugged island beauty of Sicily and Sardinia, or begin surrounded by the stark coastal beauty of the Cinque Terre and end in hectic, characterful Naples , via the enchanting capital of Rome .

Whether you just want to see one destination or a handful, there’s likely a cruise to suit you; we’ve rounded up some of the best below.

Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast contains a little bit of everything that has made Italy so famous: beautiful coastlines, golden sands, picturesque towns, ancient historic sites and a hearty slice of la dolce vita .

The main towns along this coast include Amalfi, Sorrento and Positano , each renowned for offering a taste of the highlife in often luxurious surroundings, whether that be laid-back beaches or grandiose hotels. Pompeii lies close to these towns, offering an incredible insight into a famous bit of world history, while driving part of the Amalfi Coast’s winding roads is the best way to get amazing views while taking in some delightful towns.

How to do it

See both Sicily and the Amalfi Coast with the ‘ Amalfi & Sicily ’ seven-night package offered by Star Clippers. It starts in Civitavecchia, taking you to Amalfi and Sorrento before moving on to Messina and circling back to Rome.

Prices from £3,629pp including seven nights’ accommodation, all meals and drinks and select entertainment. Departing 6 July 2024.

Read more on the best hotels on the Amalfi coast

The capital is a beautiful fusion of historic and contemporary Italian life, from the modern cuisine and nightlife of Monti to the old houses and trattorias of Trastevere or Parione.

The Eternal City is also Europe’s most landmark-filled destination , with everything from Roman ruins to 18th-century fountains. The Colosseum, Roman Forum and Pantheon are the undoubtably highlights, as are the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. The Vatican City is also contained within Rome, and you don’t want to miss the Sistine Chapel or St Peter’s Basilica.

Most cruises to this part of the country actually dock at nearby Civitavecchia, which is roughly one hour from the capital. Rome is often a starting point for cruises too, as passengers can head north to the Cinque Terre, east to Sardinia and south to Naples and Sicily.

The  Italian Treasures  cruise offered by Atlas Ocean Voyages begins in Valletta , the historic Maltese capital, but after departing very much focuses on the eastern Italian coast. It stops for a night in both Syracuse and Giardini Naxos (on Sicily), before departing to the Amalfi Coast and Capri and then finishing in the capital, where you can explore at your leisure before flying home.

Prices from £2,946pp including eight nights’ accommodation, all meals and drinks and onshore excursions. The company is currently running a promotion where the ‘second guest sails free’, so it is possible to get the entire package for just £2,946. Departing 1 September 2024.

Read more on the best hotels in Rome

Venice is perhaps the most beautiful of all Italian cities, situated on a vast lagoon and criss-crossed by dozens of bridges that hang over its canals. Its waterways are lined with the colourful facades of centuries-old buildings, many of which carry a Venetian style that is unique to the city, making for an eclectic cityscape.

A gondola trip, a stroll around St Mark’s Square, a walk over the Ponte Rialto and a visit to the Doge’s Palace are customary for those seeing the city for the first time, though for many the real attraction is getting lost in the sea of mazy alleys and historic bridges .

Many cruises start and end in Venice too, though due to its location at the top of the Adriatic, it can take a while to cruise down to other popular destinations like Bari, Sicily and the Amalfi Coast. If you’re visiting on a cruise, chances are it’ll be a longer one, or that it’ll stop in destinations in northern Croatia , Dubrovnik or northern Greece .

Azmara Cruises’ ‘ Italy Intensive Voyage ’ takes passengers all the way from Rome to Venice. It begins by going north to Florence , then turning back on itself and going south to the Amalfi Coast and Sicily. After a brief stop in Kotor, Montenegro , you’ll finish in Venice, with the opportunity to explore at your leisure before flying home.

Prices from £2,060pp including 10 nights’ accommodation, all meals and drinks, evening entertainment and select onshore excursions. Departing 10 April 2024.

Read more on the best hotels in Venice

Sicily is another of Italy’s famous islands, sharing a part of the Mediterranean with neighbouring Sardinia. It is equally as charming as Sardinia, and filled with similarly beguiling towns, a variety of natural landscapes and some of the finest culture and history that the country has to offer.

Tradition is paramount here, something that is reflected in a proud local populace. It is also visible in towns and cities like Palermo, and the timeless beauty of Syracuse, as well as on the olive groves and vineyards that dot the slopes of Mount Etna. It makes Sicily a great place to come if you want to see modern-day Italian living with a dose of outdoor adventure, in places like the Parco dell’Etna, along with historic charm (such as that at Syracuse).

Windstar Cruises’ ‘ Sicilian Spendours ’ cruise begins and ends in the Italian capital, but as the name suggests, this trip very much focuses on the largest island in the Mediterranean. It begins by heading to the Amalfi Coast, but then moves on to three Sicilian towns – Trapani, Porto Empedocle and Catania, via Gozo and Malta .

Prices from £3,105pp including 10 nights’ accommodation, meals and onboard entertainment. Departing 28 May 2024.

Read more on the best hotels in Sicily

Sardinia, which sits off the eastern coast around six hours from Civitavecchia by ferry, is one of Italy’s most popular summer destinations. A favourite among both tourists and Italians, it is home to a slew of great beaches – including Cala Goloritzé and the Costa Smerelda – and so is a good choice for days spent flitting between water sports and lying in the sun.

Though it’s understandable if you want to spend most of your time here on the sands, it would be remiss not to visit some of the pastel-hued towns and verdant national parks that lie inland and on the coast. Places like Alghero, Bosa and San Teodoro contain plenty of history throughout their cobbled streets, while Asinara and Gennargentu are two of the most picturesque natural areas.

Sardinia’s southerly location means that cruises that stop here often carry on to Sicily and Malta, and may go further on to the Balearics, Greek islands or even Tunisia .

The ‘ Enchanting Italian Coastlines ’ tour from Emerald Cruises covers both Sardinia and the eastern coast over a period of seven nights. It begins in the capital, moving first to Sorrento and Amalfi and then crossing the Mediterranean to Sardinia and Corsica before looping back.

Prices from £3,379pp including seven nights’ accommodation, all meals and drinks and airport transfers. Departing 27 April 2024.

Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre competes with the Amalfi Coast for the title of Italy’s most famous coastal area, but the Italian Riviera offers a different kind of beauty in its emerald waters and pastel-coloured towns. The region is part of Liguria, and consists of five villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. 

Each one has an abundance of old Italian charm, from the faded colours that come alive at sunset to the mazes of alleys leading up from tiny harbours. Only Monterosso has a proper beach, but this village quintet isn’t the place for solely a beach holiday, despite the coastlines. Instead, wander aimlessly through the villages, enjoy a laid-back meal or take to any of the surrounding hiking paths.

These once isolated villages are now tourist hotspots in their own right, with the Cinque Terre Express one of the best ways to get between them. Most cruises dock at La Spezia, the province’s main city, which lies just 20 minutes from the nearest Cinque Terre village, Riomaggiore.

The Cinque Terre is a less frequented destination on longer cruises, so the best bet is to visit as part of a multi-country cruise. Celebrity Cruises offers one such option with their ‘ Italian Riviera & France ’ package, which departs from Rome and initially heads south to Naples before circling around to La Spezia and Santa Margherita. After some time spent enjoying the Italian Riviera, you move on to the French one, seeing Cannes and Marseille before finishing in Barcelona.

Prices from £1,209pp including nine nights’ accommodation, return flights, all meals, daily activities and entertainment. Departing 4 June 2024.

Naples is a fascinating city, buoyed by a vibrant and chaotic energy and blessed with beautiful surroundings – including Mount Vesuvius and an azure bay – and an eclectic blend of architecture.

The city itself has a wealth of culture and history, from the recent and immaterial – such as its devotion to pizza or its football club – to the ancient and pertinent, including the Duomo cathedral and a large collection of Greco-Roman artefacts at the National Archaeological Museum. Be sure to talk a walk around the Spanish Quarter, Centro Storico and Spaccanapoli (the city’s main thoroughfare) to get a real sense of how life is lived in this hectic city.

Naples is the closest major city to the Amalfi Coast, and as such many trips here are combined with a visit to towns like Sorrento or Positano.

You’re spoilt for choice when including Naples in a cruise itinerary, and many cruises that stop here also include visits to parts of Greece and Croatia. A seven-day Mediterranean cruise from Norwegian Cruise Line takes advantage of these stops, taking guests from Rome to Venice via Valletta, Split and Corfu. Nevertheless, the focus is still on Italy, taking in the historic capital, the romantic canals of Venice and all of Naples’ characterful chaos (with an added stop in Messina, Sicily).

Prices from £1,573pp including seven nights’ accommodation, all meals and drinks and onboard entertainment. Departing 14 August 2024.

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Does Viking Have a River Cruise in Italy?

By Alice Nichols

Are you planning to go on a river cruise in Italy with Viking? Well, the answer is both yes and no.

Viking, known for its luxury cruises, does offer river cruises in Europe. However, as of now, Viking does not have a specific river cruise itinerary that exclusively covers Italy.

But don’t be disheartened! There are several river cruises offered by Viking that pass through Italy along with other European countries. These itineraries allow you to explore the beauty of Italy along with other breathtaking destinations.

Let’s take a look at some of the popular Viking river cruises that include Italy in their itinerary:

1. Grand European Tour

This 15-day long journey takes you through some of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It starts from Amsterdam and ends in Budapest, passing through Germany, Austria, and Slovakia.

Along the way, you’ll get to visit iconic destinations such as Cologne Cathedral, Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace, and windmills of Kinderdijk. And of course, you’ll also get to explore Venice – one of Italy’s most romantic cities.

2. Mediterranean Odyssey

This 13-day long journey starts from Barcelona and ends in Venice – two cities famous for their art and architecture. The cruise stops at some of Europe’s most stunning locations such as Marseille (France), Monte Carlo (Monaco), Florence (Italy), Rome (Italy), Naples (Italy), and Dubrovnik (Croatia).

3. Venice, the Adriatic & Greece

This 8-day long journey takes you through the Adriatic Sea from Venice to Athens – two ancient cities steeped in history and culture. Along the way, you’ll get to explore charming coastal towns such as Split (Croatia) and Kotor (Montenegro). This itinerary also includes a stop at the Greek island of Corfu, known for its stunning beaches and Venetian-style architecture.

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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)

Was lovely however the tours were not in English so we did our own thing. The staff were very accommodating and did their best to make us feel welcome

From Venice to Mantua

• Wine tasting

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

From Renaissance-infused Mantua to the Canals of Venice

From the Canals of Venice to Renaissance-infused Mantua

• Ocean Cruise
• Christmas & New Year

Christmas in Venice

• Sightseeing

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

Timeless Venice (port-to-port package)

Venice Carnival (port-to-port cruise)

Venetian Artwork (port-to-port package)

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

Christmas in Venice (port-to-port cruise)

New Year in Venice

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

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

Travel styles, river cruise from venice.

• to Venice (11)
• Italy Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Itinerary Ideas for 10 Days in Italy, 2022-2023
• 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)

International Versions

• Deutsch: Flusskreuzfahrt ab Venedig
• Français: Voyages Croisière fluviale au départ de Venise
• Español: Crucero fluvial Viajes desde Venecia
• Nederlands: Riviercruise die beginnen in Venetië