The historic canals and palaces of Venice have captivated visitors for centuries. On this exclusive cruise you'll be introduced to the many highlights of the Venetian lagoon as you sail on a luxury ship.
You'll be joined on board for the full duration of the cruise by cricketer and winemaker Lord "Beefy" Botham, who'll give a special talk about his illustrious career and his passion for wines, and host an intimate wine tasting of the finest Italian wines. Beefy will also host a private Q&A session giving you the chance to delve into the depths of this cricketing legend and find out how he became the renowned winemaker that he is now. Also joining you for the trip is renowned chef and TV presenter Rosemary Shrager, who'll visit the Rialto market with you before making some delicious Italian tasting plates during a live cooking demo.
Your home from home will be the glamorous SS La Venezia, a luxurious ship specially designed for river sailing, where your opulently decorated state room will afford you wonderful views across the lagoon and of the monuments and landmarks you pass.
During your eight-day exploration you'll enjoy out-of-hours access to some of Venice's most important attractions. Marvel at the masterful Gothic architecture of the Doge's Palace during a special early morning visit, and take in the glorious St Mark's Basilica at night during an atmospheric lighting ceremony when the crowds have long departed. You'll also get a chance to explore the oldest surviving building on the Venetian Lagoon, the historic Torcello Basilica, before it is open to the public.
Each day there will be a range of additional excursions available, all hosted by English-speaking local experts. You might choose to see the renowned glassblowing artisans of Murano at work, take a relaxed bicycle ride along the beaches of Chioggia, or or visit the Ca' Macana Mask Atelier to see how intricate Venetian carnival masks are made by hand.
Ian Botham is one of cricket's best-loved figures as a player and commentator, as well as a prolific charity fundraiser. He was knighted in 2007. Ian has developed his own range of wines, Botham Wines.
Rosemary is a British chef and TV presenter, has experience as an haute cuisine teacher and has published eight cookbooks, including Absolutely Foolproof Cookery. Rosemary has also written two fictional novels including The Last Supper.
Today you'll arrive at Venice Marco Polo airport, where a transfer will take you to the SS La Venezia. There's time to unpack and get to know the splendid surroundings of the ship before dinner.
You'll arrive early at Venice's Doge's Palace today to explore this usually busy site in peace, with an extra special entrance. You will enter through the side door, which is usually reserved for dignitaries and VIPs. You will then take a stroll through a traditional Venetian neighbourhood to see how local life unfolds. Tonight, you'll witness a private after-hours lighting ceremony inside St Mark's Basilica without the crowds.
After breakfast on board, decide whether you'd prefer to visit Vicenza or Padua - both are UNESCO World Heritage cities in the Veneto region.
In the afternoon, there's the opportunity to meet a local gondola artisan and take a guided walk through Venice before boarding SS La Venezia for a scenic sailing across the lagoon towards Mazzorbo and Burano. As you sail, your captain will host a special welcome reception and dinner.
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.
There's a choice of ways to get to know Chioggia today, whether you opt to visit a local food market, bike along the beaches, head to a beautiful castle, or learn about the region's winemaking and stay for a tasting (not included).
This morning, explore the Po Delta at the point where the Adriatic Sea meets the Po River on a sailing excursion. Over lunch back on board the SS La Venezia, you'll sail back to Venice.
Today you'll explore more of Venice. As you enter the city via water taxi you'll glide past narrow side canals and the Canal Grande to 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.
From here, you can visit Rialto market, take a walking tour or visit a mask atelier to see how the intricate masks worn at the Carnival of Venice are made.
A special Captain's Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.
After a final breakfast on board, you'll disembark SS La Venezia, and a transfer will take you to the airport for your flight home to London.
Glamorous Uniworld ship sailing the Po and Venice Lagoon
Paying homage to classic Venetian style, the S.S La Venezia is no ordinary cruise ship. This elegant vessel was renovated in 2020, bringing a new level of luxury and decadence to river sailing. With nods to its locale, the ship features Murano glass and splendid gilding that add to a sparkling onboard atmosphere. All the staterooms are river-facing with marble bathrooms and luxury amenities.
To view Uniworld’s supplier’s terms and conditions click here.