Cruise & Tour: Savor Northern Italy

Milan, a metropolis in Italy’s northern Lombardy region, is a global capital of fashion and design. Home to the national stock exchange, it’s a financial hub also known for its high-end restaurants and shops. The Gothic Duomo di Milano cathedral and the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent, housing Leonardo da Vinci’s mural “The Last Supper,” testify to centuries of art and culture.

Day programme:

Join a local expert for a guided exploration of Milan’s cultural icons, including the majestic Duomo and the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Visit the renowned Teatro alla Scala before continuing to the sparkling shores of Lake Como, where you’ll have time at leisure to explore. Later, journey to the lakeside town of Stresa, your home for the next two nights.

Day programme:

Cruise the waters of Lake Maggiore, admiring grand lakeside villas and alpine scenery. Enjoy exclusive early access to the resplendent Palazzo Borromeo on Isola Bella, a Baroque masterpiece set on a private island. Stop at Isola dei Pescatori for a stroll through its charming village before a leisurely lunch.

Verona is a city in northern Italy’s Veneto region, with a medieval old town built between the meandering Adige River. It’s famous for being the setting of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” A 14th-century residence with a tiny balcony overlooking a courtyard is said be “Juliet’s House.” The Verona Arena is a huge 1st-century Roman amphitheater, which currently hosts concerts and large-scale opera performances.

Day programme:

Travel to romantic Verona, a city of Renaissance beauty and Shakespearean legend. Begin your day with a Michelin-starred lunch at Il Desco, where innovation and tradition blend seamlessly on the plate. Next, explore the city’s highlights, including the grand Roman Arena and the lively Piazza delle Erbe.

Day programme:

Journey north to Bolzano, gateway to the Italian Alps. Join a local expert for a guided exploration of this charming alpine town. Enjoy time at leisure to visit the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, home to Ötzi the Iceman, a remarkably preserved 5,000-year-old mummy discovered in the nearby mountains. Later, continue into the heart of the Dolomites and settle into your alpine surroundings for the evening.

Day programme:

Discover the dramatic beauty of the Dolomites as you journey through alpine passes and striking limestone peaks. Learn about the region’s poignant wartime history, where battles once played out amidst this now-tranquil landscape. Enjoy a traditional slice of strudel, then ascend by cable car for sweeping views of this majestic mountain realm.

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.

Day programme:

Journey through the rolling hills of Valdobbiadene, the birthplace of Italy’s finest Prosecco. Enjoy a tasting and light lunch in this charming wine region before continuing to Venice. Upon arrival, board the S.S. La Venezia to begin your week-long cruise, embarking on a new chapter of discovery through the enchanting waterways of northern Italy.

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.

Day programme:

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.

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.

Day programme:

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. In the evening, you may wish to take your free time to stroll into town to appreciate this charming island when most of the tourists have left for the evening. Burano’s brightly painted fishermen’s cottages are an artist’s dream —hot pink, chartreuse, orange, lemon yellow, and more.

Chioggia, Italy, is a charming coastal town in the Veneto region, often called “Little Venice” for its picturesque canals and historic architecture. Located on a small island in the Venetian Lagoon, it boasts colorful buildings, bustling fish markets, and scenic bridges. Key attractions include the elegant Church of San Domenico and the vibrant Corso del Popolo. Known for its fishing heritage and serene beaches, Chioggia offers a unique blend of maritime tradition and Venetian charm, making it a delightful destination for visitors seeking a tranquil yet vibrant experience.

Day programme:

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.

Chioggia, Italy, is a charming coastal town in the Veneto region, often called “Little Venice” for its picturesque canals and historic architecture. Located on a small island in the Venetian Lagoon, it boasts colorful buildings, bustling fish markets, and scenic bridges. Key attractions include the elegant Church of San Domenico and the vibrant Corso del Popolo. Known for its fishing heritage and serene beaches, Chioggia offers a unique blend of maritime tradition and Venetian charm, making it a delightful destination for visitors seeking a tranquil yet vibrant experience.

Day programme:

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

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.

Day programme:

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.

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.

Day programme:

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.

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.

Day programme:

Disembark the ship. If you have arranged a Uniworld departure transfer, you will be transferred to Venice Marco Polo International Airport for your flight home.