VENICE CLASSIC
Venice-Mazzorbo - Venice - Chioggia -Venice
VSX
Embark on a cruise to the heart of the Venetian soul, its artisanal know-how with the workshops for making gondolas and masks of the Commedia dell'Arte, its gastronomy with the "cicchetti" to be enjoyed on the banks of the Grand Canal and of course its lagoon with the charms of the island of Burano whose serenity contrasts with the excitement of Venice. Finally, around the hills, you will discover the Renaissance villas, architectural masterpieces by the artist Andrea Palladio.
DAY 1: VENICE
Boarding at 6 p.m. Presentation of the crew and welcome cocktail. Dinner on board and free evening in Venice.
DAY 2: VENICE
In the morning, optional excursions:
AUTHENTIC: guided tour of the Doge's Palace . Also known as Palazzo Ducale, the Doge's Palace is one of Venice's iconic buildings. Built in the 11th century as a residence and seat of government of the Republic of Venice, it is known for its imposing architecture and ornate interior decoration. You will stroll through the rooms of the palace and admire the paintings of Tintoretto and Veronese then you will cross the famous Bridge of Sighs to reach the prison. Built in the 16th century, it was used to transport prisoners from the courtroom to the dungeon. From the balconies and windows, you will also enjoy splendid views of the Serenissima and its canals. After the visit, enjoy free time to explore St. Mark's Square.
EXPERIENCE: discovery of Venetian craftsmanship. As you get lost in the streets of Venice, you will discover magical places. For centuries, the city allowed the development of numerous artisanal activities, of which today only a few have survived. You will delve into the heart of Venetian craftsmanship by visiting a “squero” or shipyard where the gondolas of the Serenissima are still manufactured, repaired and maintained today. From the structure to the oars, including the ornaments and decorative sculptures, many artisans must work together and combine their very particular talents and know-how to create unique pieces so that each gondolier can stroll on the canals of Venice. Then, during a visit to a mask-making workshop, you will discover the secrets and meanings of these symbols of the city and its Carnival. Considered jewelry because of their beauty and refinement, they are typically made from materials such as papier-mâché, straw, fabric and leather, and are decorated with elements such as paint, beads , precious stones or metal ornaments. Among the most famous masks, you may recognize the Plague Doctor, the Bauta but also the characters from the Commedia Dell Arte, such as Harlequin, Trousers and Columbine.
Free afternoon in Venice. Take the time to discover or rediscover the most romantic city in the world and join the Rialto, the city's emblematic bridge, located on the Grand Canal. From the bridge you will have a breathtaking view of the canal and the historic buildings that surround it.
Free evening in Venice.
DAY 3: VENICE - FERRARA - BURANO - MAZZORBO
Optional excursion common for both packages : Guided visit of Ferrara, awarded World heritage status by Unesco, this town was home to the Morning cruise in the Venice lagoon. From the sun deck, you will contemplate the silhouettes of churches and palaces silhouetted against the horizon. At the heart of this labyrinth made of canals and islands, you will enjoy a unique experience admiring the landscapes and the ballet of the numerous boats using the channels. You will reach the island of Mazzorbo connected by a pedestrian bridge to the charming island of Burano.
Free discovery of the island of Burano . Located a few minutes walk from the boat, you will stroll through the heart of this island famous throughout the world for its lace but also for its magnificent little colorful houses which line the canals of this fishing village.
In the middle of the afternoon, optional AUTHENTIC/EXPERIENCE excursion: tasting of wines from the Venissa estate. The island of Mazzorbo conceals a well-kept secret, the vines of the Dorona variety, from which Gianluca Bisol and his son Matéo make their wine, Venissa. It was while walking on the island of Torcello almost 15 years ago that Gianluca Bisol saw in the distance a few vines in a garden near the cathedral which were about to be uprooted by the owner. He had a strong intuition and asked to be able to have a foot of this grape variety analyzed before it was uprooted. The result was a revelation for Gianluca, it was the final 150 plants of Dorona, this little golden grape (hence its name), whose white wine was served in the banquets of the Doges of Venice in the past, and which would fade away and disappear definitively in the following days. The Bisol family has been able to revive Dorona, a rare, unique and precious wine, which inherits its traditions from ancient Venice.
Free evening in Mazzorbo. You will discover the “timeless” atmosphere of this small island, far from the tumult of the Serenissima.
DAY 4: MAZZORBO - CHIOGGIA (or nearby) - VENICE
Morning cruise to Chioggia. You will cross the Venice Lagoon, a vast enclosed basin which extends over 48 km. Since the dawn of time, its panoramas have aroused the admiration of visitors, sometimes bewitching, sometimes enchanting. To the south, a strip of land called Lido protects the Adriatic Sea lagoon. Enjoy this spectacular view while enjoying a typical “aperitivo” on the sun deck.
In the afternoon, optional excursions:
AUTHENTIC: visit to Padua, city of Saint Anthony . City of art and science, Padua is an essential stopover in Veneto. The city spreads around the medieval heart dotted with palaces and charming squares such as Piazza delle Erbe and Prato della Valle, a vast square surrounded by canals and a double row of statues. You will visit the Basilica of Saint-Antoine, whose majestic building reveals a strong influence of the Basilica of Saint Mark in Venice, while its more slender apse and its nine radiating chapels are in the Gothic style.
EXPERIENCE: Palladian villas . Palladian villas were built along the Brenta canal as second homes for the aristocrats who lived in the Republic of the Serenissima. These villas, sumptuous residences, the work of famous architects and decorated with frescoes by exceptional painters, developed the “holiday” phenomenon between the 15th and 16th centuries. Departure by coach for a panoramic tour of this region then visit Villa Pisani, a magnificent villa famous for its beauty and the majesty of its park with fountains and swimming pools or La Malcontenta, designed by Palladio.
Back on board. Sailing to Venice at sunset, a fascinating spectacle.
DAY 5: VENICE
In the morning, optional excursions:
AUTHENTIC: guided tour of the San Marco Basilica (3) (only upon pre-reservation before departure). With its oriental-style domes, its tympanums with flamboyant crowning, its polychrome marbles and mosaics, the San Marco basilica is a jewel of incredible delicacy and richness when the midday sun reveals the smallest detail. The basilica contains more than 8,000 square meters of mosaics, most of them in gold. The golden background not only creates a mystical atmosphere but is also embellished with rich iconography of Christian art.
EXPERIENCE: gourmet stroll in Venice and its hidden neighborhoods. You will taste Venetian flavors during this walking tour accompanied by a guide. Your first stop, in one of the most famous “pasticceria”, will allow you to taste a delicious cappuccino accompanied by an assortment of typical Venetian biscuits. You will stroll through the San Polo district, the oldest part of the city where the famous Rialto market has been held for almost a thousand years (2). You will immerse yourself in the characteristic atmosphere of this market, where fresh vegetables and fruits are in the spotlight. A meeting place for residents of the lagoon city who come to do their shopping, you will discover a relaxed atmosphere and an ideal place to discover the culture and culinary traditions of Venice. The liveliest place in the market is undoubtedly the fish market. The stalls are often colorful and attractive, with fish and seafood arranged in a way to pique the interest of shoppers. Then, you will join a typical “osteria” and discover Venetian gastronomy during a tasting of small tapas called “cicchetti”, a culinary specialty originating from Italy and very popular in Venice.
Free afternoon to continue your discovery of Venice. Take the opportunity to get off the beaten track, stroll through the winding “calli”, pass through the “sottoporteghi” (passages), discover hidden bridges and countless small churches. Don't forget to look up, because on every street corner there are real little treasures. Gala Dinner.
DAY 6: VENICE
Buffet breakfast on board. Disembarkation at 9 a.m. End of our services.
**Please note that this is a bi-lingual ship with information provided in both English and French, & an international cruise host on board.**
Prices Include: Full board cruise from dinner of the first day to breakfast of the last day in a double cabin with showers and toilets, welcome drink, entertainment, the Captain's evening, the assistance of our hostess on board, and port taxes. DRINKS INCLUDED with on board meals wine, water, beer, fruit juice, coffee as well as drinks from the bar (excluding champagne and drinks from wine list and speciality coffees)
Prices Do Not Include: Drinks, not listed above, insurance and optional excursions.
For reasons of navigation and passenger safety, the Captain of the ship reserve the right to modify the itinerary of the cruise.
2024 / 2025 RATES:
Departure From Venice |
Ship |
Main Deck From |
Upper Deck From |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Jul-24 | Michelangelo | $1,193 | $1,418 |
| 15-Jul-24 | Michelangelo | $1,193 | $1,418 |
| 20-Jul-24 | Michelangelo | $1,193 | $1,418 |
| 4-Aug-24 | Michelangelo | $1,186 | $1,411 |
| 9-Aug-24 | Michelangelo | $1,186 | $1,411 |
| 14-Aug-24 | Michelangelo | $1,186 | $1,411 |
| 19-Aug-24 | Michelangelo | $1,186 | $1,411 |
| 29-Aug-24 | Michelangelo | $1,186 | $1,411 |
| 19-Jun-25 | Michelangelo | $1,186 | $1,411 |
| 10-Jul-25 | Michelangelo | $1,186 | $1,411 |
| 15-Jul-25 | Michelangelo | $1,186 | $1,411 |
| 20-Jul-25 | Michelangelo | $1,186 | $1,411 |
| 25-Jul-25 | Michelangelo | $1,186 | $1,411 |
| 30-Jul-25 | Michelangelo | $1,186 | $1,411 |
| 4-Aug-25 | Michelangelo | $1,186 | $1,411 |
| 9-Aug-25 | Michelangelo | $1,186 | $1,411 |
| 14-Aug-25 | Michelangelo | $1,186 | $1,411 |
| 19-Aug-25 | Michelangelo | $1,186 | $1,411 |
| 24-Aug-25 | Michelangelo | $1,186 | $1,411 |
| 10-Sep-25 | Michelangelo | $1,199 | $1,418 |
| 9-Oct-25 | Michelangelo | $1,199 | $1,418 |
| 14-Oct-25 | Michelangelo | $1,199 | $1,418 |
Prices Include: Full board cruise from dinner of the first day to breakfast of the last day in a double cabin with showers and toilets, welcome drink, entertainment, the Captain's evening, the assistance of our hostess on board, FREE Wi-Fi and port taxes. DRINKS PACKAGE INCLUDED - Soft Drinks, as well as tea and coffee specialties, Beer, sparkling white wine, Cremant and Prosecco (in a glass), as well as open wines and daily recommendations from the wine menu (by the glass), Cocktails and long drinks throughout the day and evening.
Prices Do Not Include: Drinks, not listed above, insurance and optional excursions.
For reasons of navigation and passenger safety, the Captain of the ship reserve the right to modify the itinerary of the cruise.
