VENETIAN TREASURES

Day 1: WELCOME TO VENICE

Embarkation: Arrive at the ship and settle into your cabins before joining us for a welcome cocktail, where you'll meet fellow travellers and our friendly crew.

Dinner Onboard: Indulge in a delicious dinner prepared by our talented chefs, featuring flavours inspired by the culinary traditions of the region.

Free Evening: Explore Venice at your own pace or relax onboard and take in the stunning views of the city. Optional excursions may be available for those who wish to further explore Venice during the evening.

Day2: EXPLORE VENICE

This morning, the optional excursions are:

CLASSIC: Guided tour of Doge’s Palace. Also known as Palazzo Ducale, Doge’s Palace is one of the city's emblematic sites. The foundations of the current palace date back to the 12th century. The impressive building with a richly decorated interior is considered a Gothic masterpiece. Admire works by Tintoretto and Veronese as we stroll through the immense halls. We'll cross the famous Bridge of Sighs to the palace's prisons. Built in the 17th century, the bridge was once used to bring prisoners from their cells to the courtroom. The palace balconies and windows offer splendid views of the city and its canals. Enjoy some free time in Saint Mark's Square after the tour.

DISCOVERY: Venetian arts and crafts. Fall under the city's spell as you wander the charming streets. Only a few of the once-renowned Venetian skills remain in practice. We'll visit a square, where expert craftspeople build and repair La Serenissima's famous gondolas. They work side by side, combining their talents, to produce the keels, oars, sculptures, and decorations of the romantic boats crisscrossing the canals. The next stop will be a mask-making shop to learn about the secrets and significance of the Carnival of Venice's distinguished art. The bases of the beautifully refined masks are made of paper-mâché, straw, fabric, or leather. They are then decorated with paint, beads, gemstones, and metal embellishments. Traditional styles include the Medico della peste, Bauta, Pantalone, Arlecchino, and Colombina.

Enjoy some free time in Venice this afternoon. Don't forget to cross the Rialto Bridge as you stroll the streets of the most romantic city in the world. The bridge offers some of the best views of the canals and historic buildings.

Enjoy a free evening to explore Venice on your own.

DISCOVERY: Venetian arts and crafts - £125 

CLASSIC: Guided tour of Doge’s Palace - £88 

Day 3: VENICE - MAZZORBO – Burano

Morning:

• Cruise through the Venetian Lagoon, soaking in the breathtaking views from the Sun Deck.
• Glide past the maze of canals and islands, observing the bustling boats and unique scenery.
• Arrive at the island of Mazzorbo and cross the wooden bridge to picturesque Burano.

Afternoon Excursion:

• Optional CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion: Wine tasting at the Venissa Vineyard.
  • Discover the hidden gem of the Dorona grapes cultivated by Gianluca Bisol and his son, Matéo.
  • Learn about the ancient Venetian variety of grape and the story behind its preservation.
  • Taste the rare and valued Venissa wine, crafted with ancient traditions, and served at Doge's Palace banquets.

Evening:

• Enjoy a free evening in Mazzorbo, soaking up the timeless atmosphere of this tranquil island.
• Explore the charming streets and discover the unique character of Mazzorbo, away from the bustling crowds of Venice.

Take this opportunity to relax and immerse yourself in the serene ambience of Mazzorbo before continuing your Venetian adventure.

CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion: Wine tasting at the Venissa Vineyard - £83 

Day 4: MAZZORBO - CHIOGGIA - VENICE

Morning:

• Spend the morning cruising to Chioggia, crossing the enchanting Venetian Lagoon.
• Marvel at the panoramic views of the lagoon, which has captivated visitors for centuries.
• Enjoy a cocktail on the Sun Deck while taking in the spectacular scenery, with The Lido sandbar protecting the lagoon from the Adriatic Sea to the south.

Afternoon Excursions:

1. CLASSIC: Visit Padua, the home of Saint Anthony.
   • Explore the must-see sights of Padua, including the medieval Palazzo della Ragione and the Piazza delle Erbe.
   • Visit the impressive Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua, showcasing a unique blend of architectural styles.

OR

1. DISCOVERY: The Palladian Villas.
   • Embark on a panoramic tour of the Veneto region, exploring the elegant Palladian Villas along the Brenta Canal.
   • Visit Villa Pisani at Stra, a magnificent palace with a rich history, once owned by Napoleon and the House of Hapsburg.

Evening:

• Return on board the ship and cruise to Venice as the sun sets, offering a breathtaking view.
• Relax and enjoy the marvelous show of colors painting the sky as you journey back to Venice.

Take this time to reflect on the day's discoveries and anticipate the adventures that await you in Venice.

CLASSIC: Visit Padua, the home of Saint Anthony – £62 

DISCOVERY: The Palladian Villas - £147 

DAY 5: VENICE

Morning Excursions:

1. CLASSIC: Guided tour of Saint Mark’s Basilica (pre-booking required).
   • Explore the Byzantine masterpiece of Saint Mark's Basilica, one of the city's most important churches.
   • Marvel at over 8,000 square meters of intricate mosaic artwork depicting figures and stories from the Old and New Testaments.

OR

1. DISCOVERY: Food tour of little-known neighbourhoods in Venice.
   • Indulge in Venetian delicacies during a guided walk through hidden neighbourhoods.
   • Start with a visit to the city's most famous pasticceria for a delicious cappuccino and traditional Venetian cookies.
   • Wander through the historic San Polo area, home to the iconic Rialto Market, offering a glimpse into Venetian daily life.
   • Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the fish market and enjoy a tasting of authentic Venetian finger foods known as cicchetti at a typical osteria.

Afternoon:

• Enjoy some free time to explore the city at your own pace.
• Wander through the sinuous callis, discover hidden bridges, sottoporteghi passageways, and countless chapels.
• Take the opportunity to look up and admire the treasures above you as you explore the charming streets of Venice.

Evening:

• Tonight marks our festive gala evening.

Dress up and join us for an elegant and celebratory event onboard the ship, where you can mingle with fellow travellers and enjoy a special evening filled with delightful moments and memorable experiences.

Make the most of this evening as we celebrate the enchanting journey we've shared together in Venice.

CLASSIC: Guided tour of Saint Mark’s Basilica - £61

DISCOVERY: Food tour of little-known neighbourhoods in Venice - £65 

DAY 6: DISEMBARKATION

Morning:

• Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board the ship, savouring the final moments of your Venetian adventure.
• Disembark from the ship at 9:00 a.m.

As your journey comes to an end, take this time to reflect on the unforgettable experiences and cherished memories you've made during your time in Venice. Whether it's exploring historic landmarks, indulging in delicious cuisine, or simply soaking in the beauty of the city's canals, Venice has surely left a lasting impression on you.

As you disembark, carry with you the essence of Venice and the joy of discovery, knowing that the magic of this enchanting city will stay with you long after your journey has ended. Until we meet again, arrivederci Venezia!