Venice and the Jewels of Veneto

Arrive at Venice Marco Polo International Airport. If you have arranged a Uniworld arrival transfer, a Uniworld representative will be on hand to greet you and transfer you to the ship. Unpack, relax and enjoy your first evening on the Venetian Lagoon.

An extraordinary day in Venice that begins before the crowds arrive and ends after most have departed. An early-morning visit to the Doge’s Palace allows you to marvel at one of Italy’s most spectacular buildings in total peace, followed by a stroll through the authentic Castello district. This evening brings a once-in-a-lifetime experience at St. Mark’s Basilica.
A Walk in Venice with Doge’s Palace Visit (included): Venice has no need to designate a pedestrians-only historic district — no cars are permitted on the island at all. Begin at the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Square, where Venetians elected their first doge in AD 697 and began building the palace around AD 800. The complex brims with extraordinary artistic treasures including Tintoretto’s wall-sized Paradise and works by Veronese, Tiepolo and Titian. Follow in the footsteps of those convicted of crimes across the Bridge of Sighs to the prison cells — one of which Casanova famously escaped. Continue through the historic Castello district, the largest of Venice’s six districts and home to the Arsenal and the Biennale, where 800-year-old homes line tiny canals and children kick footballs along cobbled alleys.
Nights Out: Private After-Hours Visit to Saint Mark’s Basilica (included): The doors of this icon are specially opened for Uniworld guests this evening. See the glorious church in evening light without the crowds, gazing up at the magnificent domes sheathed in mosaics telling the story of the New Testament, the intricate pattern of marble and mosaic tile underfoot, and the famous 10th-century Byzantine altarpiece decorated with precious gems. Golden glass-tiled mosaics line the interior walls and cupolas, giving the church its nickname, Church of Gold. Note: on occasions when religious functions or festivities are taking place in the evening, an alternative option will be arranged.

Begin the morning in one of the Veneto region’s great UNESCO World Heritage cities before sailing across the lagoon toward Mazzorbo and Burano. This evening, stroll into Burano when most tourists have left, to appreciate the island’s iconic rainbow-hued fishermen’s cottages at their most serene. Choose between two excursions.
Padua Walking Tour: Join a local guide through medieval Padua, a city that flourished as a hub of learning and discovery from the 13th century. The second-oldest university in Italy was founded here in 1222, hosting Copernicus as a student and Galileo as faculty. Walk past Prato della Valle, the largest public square in Italy, and gaze upon the Byzantine-influenced domes of the Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua.
Vicenza with Teatro Olimpico: Set out for beautiful Vicenza, famous for its architecture and home to the Teatro Olimpico, widely considered one of the greatest masterpieces of 16th-century architect Andrea Palladio. The oldest Italian Renaissance theatre still in existence, it was crafted in wood, stucco and plaster with seating for 400, and remains a breathtaking achievement.
Evening Stroll in Burano (included): Stroll into Burano with your Cruise Manager just before dinner to appreciate the island’s brightly painted fishermen’s cottages — hot pink, chartreuse, orange, lemon yellow — when most tourists have departed. Visit a historic lace-making atelier to see examples of Burano’s renowned lacework tradition, handed down from mother to daughter since the first workshop was established at the end of the 16th century.

A day exploring the captivating northern lagoon islands, beginning with an exclusive early-access visit to one of the oldest churches in Venice. Choose between two afternoon excursions.
Torcello: Hidden Treasure of the Lagoon (included): Settled before Venice was founded, Torcello was once the greatest and most populous city in the lagoon. Now only a handful of people live there. The doors of its centrepiece, the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta — the oldest church in the lagoon — open early especially for Uniworld guests, so you can see the stunning 11th-century mosaic of the Last Judgment without crowds, accompanied by expert commentary from an art historian guide. Conclude with coffee at a serene little Osteria on the island.
Murano Glassblowing Demonstration: Murano’s glassblowers carry a tradition of craftsmanship dating back eight centuries. Watch a glass-master shape beautiful works of art in a Murano workshop, then browse the gallery of works in styles ranging from tableware to sculptural, traditional to contemporary.

Chioggia is a seaside town south of Venice, Italy. Traversed by the Corso del Popolo thoroughfare, its historic area has canals and narrow alleys. The Torre dell’Orologio S. Andrea is a Romanesque watchtower with a medieval clock. The Museum of Adriatic Zoology Giuseppe Olivi includes a display on local fishing traditions. On an island to the east are wide Sottomarina beach and FoExplore charming coastal Chioggia, a fishing port often described as Venice in miniature, with a well-preserved local character and relative freedom from crowds. Choose between four carefully curated excursions running at the same time.
Bragozzo Ride with Tastings at Ca’ Zen: Board a genuine Adriatic wooden sailing boat, a bragozzo, to take in Chioggia from the clear blue waters of the lagoon, then visit Tenuta Ca’ Zen, a beautiful Venetian villa with expansive grounds, antique stable and family chapel, followed by a tasting of local organic olive oil, wines, honey and cheeses.
Chioggia Market Visit: Explore Chioggia, once known as the pantry of Venice for its produce farms, still a thriving fishing port with one of the largest wholesale fish markets in Italy. On Thursdays, the Corso del Popolo outdoor market fills the main thoroughfare with everything from clothing and shoes to local delicacies.
Let’s Go: Biking Chioggia: A light bicycle ride along the beaches of Chioggia to Lusenzo Lagoon, past the fishing boats and on to Isola dell’Unione, exploring the island at a relaxed pace.
A Noble Country Villa and Its Wines: With a sommelier as your guide, visit Dominio di Bagnoli, one of the oldest wine-producing properties in Europe, for a private tasting of wines made from an indigenous grape variety, on a beautiful property that also produces rice, grain and other farm products.
Villa Palazzo Goldoni Visit: Visit the 17th-century estate on Chioggia’s main street that inspired famous Italian playwright Carlo Goldoni’s comedy Le Baruffe Chiozzotte, and enjoy tea on the terrace while a local string musician performs.rte San Felice, a 14th-century fort.

A morning sailing excursion on Italy’s largest nature reserve before returning to Venice for the afternoon. Choose between two excursions.
Po Delta Sailing: Set sail through the UNESCO-protected Po Delta, where the Po River meets the Adriatic Sea. Meander for two hours through scenic wetlands, spotting red deer, Camargue horses, storks, purple heron and a colony of over 10,000 pink flamingos.
Castello del Catajo Visit: Set out for the Euganean hills to discover one of Europe’s most majestic castles, a palace so beautiful it became a resort for the Habsburg Dynasty before being returned to Italy after the First World War. Tour its frescoed walls and beautiful gardens.

Your water taxi glides past narrow side canals and the Canal Grande to arrive at the Rialto Bridge for a final day in Venice. Choose between four carefully curated excursions running at the same time.
Venice Walk with Gondola Artisans Visit: An early morning walk through the Dorsoduro, one of Venice’s quieter districts with an authentic, easygoing character, followed by a visit to a gondola artisan to see the craftsmanship behind Venice’s iconic sailing vessels.
Do as the Locals Do: Venice Walking Tour: Explore the colourful Rialto markets for fish and produce with a guide who knows Venice’s culinary arts intimately, before a bacaro stop for ombra e cicchetti — a glass of prosecco with a bite of traditional Venetian food.
Ca’ Macana Mask Atelier: Visit one of the finest handmade mask ateliers in Venice to see how the intricate, beautiful masks of the Carnival of Venice are created.
Rowing Venice (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER): Try the unique Venetian style of standing rowing in a lesson led by Row Venice, a non-profit organisation of female rowers dedicated to preserving this centuries-old sport and supporting female athletes.
This evening, the Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner.

Disembark the ship and transfer to Venice Marco Polo International Airport for your flight home — or extend the journey with an optional post-cruise extension to Athens (3 nights at Athens Capital Hotel, including a home-hosted dinner, Acropolis city tour and Taste of Greece walking tour), or Athens and Santorini (5 nights). Speak with a Cruiseabout consultant for availability and details.
Budapest Panoramic Highlights with Franz Liszt Academy Visit: Hungary has been home to a great number of accomplished musicians, and none more celebrated than Franz Liszt, who established his university for music in Budapest in 1875. Take a guided tour of the academy, culminating in an orchestra performance by current students, followed by a panoramic drive with scenic stops overlooking the city.
Budapest Walk with Local Treats: A tram ride to the House of Parliament, coffee at the First Strudel House of Pest, a walk to St. Stephen’s Basilica and a visit to the Great Market Hall to sample traditional Hungarian salami, sausages and cheese with a local expert.
Budapest Rock Hospital: Tour the subterranean Hospital in the Rock, a secret nuclear bomb shelter and Cold War hospital carved beneath Buda Castle Hill, haunted by original equipment and more than 200 wax figures representing its wartime staff. Recommended for ages 12 and up.
Margaret Island Discovery: Explore the tranquil green island in the heart of the Danube, a peaceful oasis between Buda and Pest.
This evening, the Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner.

Disembark the ship and transfer to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport for your flight home — or extend the journey with an optional post-cruise extension. Options include Budapest: Pearl of the Danube (2 nights at Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest with foodie tour, Rock Hospital visit and wine tasting at Etyek), Athens (3 nights), or Athens and Santorini (5 nights). Speak with a Cruiseabout consultant for availability and details.
A pre-cruise extension is also available: Prague: History and Culture (2 nights at Fairmont Golden Prague with Old Town and Castle District tour). Ask a Cruiseabout consultant for details.