Cruise & Tour: Experience the Best of Italy (2027) - 19 days Venice to Venice

Please note that the amount of walking during this excursion is extensive.

Venice has no need to designate a pedestrians-only historic district because no cars are permitted within the island city - all transportation is by foot or water.

You first arrive at the Doge’s Palace and most famous plaza in Italy - St. Mark’s Square. Venetians elected their first doge, or duke, in AD 697 and began building the palace around AD 800.

The palace complex, as it exists now, mostly dates to the 14th and 15th centuries, and it brims with jaw-dropping artistic gems, including Tintoretto’s wall-sized Paradise and works by Veronese, Tiepolo and Titian. Throughout its history, Venice has been a supremely political city. Those convicted of crimes were led across the Bridge of Sighs to prison. Follow their footsteps to the prison and gaze into the cells. Casanova escaped from one of these cells. Other less-fortunate prisoners whiled away their time by inscribing graffiti on the walls, which you can still read.

You will continue this exploration by strolling through the historic Castello district. It’s the largest of Venice’s six districts. Back in the 13th century the Castello district was home to the Arsenal, where Venice’s ships were built. (Venetians boasted that they could build a complete ship in a single day.) This is also where the famous Biennale art exhibition now takes place. As you pass 800-year-old homes, you’ll hear the murmur of the soft local dialect through the open windows. Clothes flap from lines strung over tiny canals and kids kick soccer balls along cobbled alleys. It’s a real, living, breathing neighborhood, not just a historic site.

In addition to its well-known museums, Venice is also home to some highly specialized ones: Displays at the Correr are devoted to the history of Venice; the Museo della Musica contains 17th and 18th-century musical instruments and exhibits about composer Antonio Vivaldi. Known as the Red Priest for his hair color, Vivaldi taught music to the daughters of Venetian noblemen. The Museo Ebraico examines the history of the Jewish community that was confined to an island known as Ghetto Nuovo. The latter was one of Europe’s wealthiest and most cultured Jewish communities, made up in part with refugees from the Spanish Inquisition.

Welcome to Saint Mark’s Basilica. The doors of this icon are specially opened for you tonight. You will see the glorious church in the evening light and without the crowds. You’ll find it almost impossible not to gaze heavenward as you enter St. Mark’s. High overhead, magnificent domes are sheathed in mosaics telling the story of the New Testament, but don’t miss the intricate pattern of marble and mosaic tile under your feet. Ahead of you is the famous altarpiece made by 10th-century Byzantine artisans who gilded it and decorated it with precious gems, some of which were subsequently stolen by Napoleon. The building, which exemplifies the city’s historic connection to Byzantium and the Eastern Mediterranean, was finished in the 11th century and incorporates the remnants of earlier churches. Golden glass-tiled mosaics line the interior walls and cupolas, giving the church its nickname, Church of Gold. It houses treasures collected by Venetians over the centuries. The relics of St. Mark, patron saint of the city, were stolen from Alexandria, and the Tetrarch, a group of four crowned figures, was looted from Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade. Every successful Venetian voyager returned with something to decorate the basilica—a frieze, a statue—and the result is one of the most stunning works of art and architecture in this amazing city.

Please note: It is not always possible to arrange an after-hours visit to St. Mark’s Basilica if religious functions or festivities are taking place in the evening, such as during the week of Easter. On such occasions, an alternative option will be arranged.

Hot pink, chartreuse, orange, lemon yellow—Burano’s brightly painted fishermen’s cottages are an artist’s dream. Burano is known for its lace-making tradition, handed down from mother to daughter since the first workshop was set up at the end of the 16th century. Stroll into town with your Cruise Manager just before dinner to appreciate this charming island when most of the tourists have left for the evening. While you’re here, you’ll visit a historic lace-making atelier to see some of their delicate work.

Join your local guide on a walking tour of medieval Padua. Discover the city’s great squares, churches and palaces.

Padua flourished as a hub of learning and discovery in the 13th and 14th centuries. The second-oldest university in Italy was founded here in 1222, hosting such students as Copernicus and faculty as Galileo. Immediately outside the Palazzo del Bo, the university’s first home, you’ll see a cafe where revolutionaries met to plot an uprising against Austrian invaders in 1848.

Stroll past the largest public square in Italy, Prato della Valle, originally laid out by the Romans and transformed in the 18th century into a graceful, elliptical open space with a serene canal and statues of local nobles. Gaze upon the Byzantine-influenced domes and towers of the vast Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua, where you’ll often find a crowd waiting to offer thanks or prayers.

You will have some free time too explore Padua on your own, perhaps stopping for lunch at one of the many delicious eateries in town.

Set out for Vicenza, a beautiful town famous for its shopping, its architecture, and for being the home of the Teatro Olimpico. Considered by many to be one of the greatest masterpieces of famous 16th-century architect, Andrea Palladio, the Teatro Olimpico is the oldest Italian Renaissance theater still in existence. A first of its kind, this indoor theater was crafted in wood, stucco, and plaster, with seating room for 400. Afterwards, enjoy lunch on your own in town.

Settled before Venice was founded, Torcello was once the greatest, most populous city in the lagoon. Now, however, only a handful of people live there. Its centerpiece is the basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, the oldest church in the lagoon and a monument to Torcello's lost might. The doors open early for you, so you can see the stunning 11th-century mosaic of the Last Judgment without the crowds—and with expert commentary from your art historian guide.

Before we head back to the ship, relax with a cup of coffee at a serene little Osteria on the island.

Murano’s glassblowers are renowned for being amongst the best in the world—and how could they not be, with a tradition of craftsmanship dating back eight centuries? Watch a glass-master shape beautiful works of art in their Murano workshop. Before you leave, take some time to roam around the factory’s gallery to view works in a wide variety of styles—from tableware to sculptural, traditional to modern. You can even purchase some for yourself to bring a piece of Murano to your home.

Head to one of the most enticing islands of the Venice lagoon, Chioggia. A small fishing port often referred to as a Venice in miniature, with a well-preserved tradition due to its relative lack of crowds, Chioggia is a wonderfully authentic and picturesque island. Board a genuine Adriatic wooden sailing boat, a bragozzo, to take in the island from the clear blue waters of the lagoon.

After your sailing, return to shore for a visit to Tenuta Ca’ Zen, a beautiful Venetian villa with a fascinating story. Here, you can explore the expansive grounds, antique stable, family chapel and more before rejoining the group for a tasting of local products, which include organic olive oil, wines, honey and cheeses.

Chioggia is the quintessential Venetian Lagoon fishing village. Founded in the fifth century, it was known as the pantry of Venice because of its many small truck farms, which supplied Venetian households with produce until just a few decades ago. It is still a thriving fishing port; its wholesale fish market is one of the largest in Italy. On Thursdays, Chioggia also hosts Corso del Popolo—a dynamic outdoor market along its main thoroughfare where stands sell everything from clothes, shoes, purses, gadgets and “every-day” domestic items. Locals usually do their shopping here as prices are more affordable than retail shopping.

Set off on a light bicycle ride along the beaches of Chioggia, an island often described as a second Venice in miniature. Head to Lusenzo Lagoon, break to see the fishing boats, and then continue on to Isola dell’Unione.

With a sommelier as your guide today, you will learn about the long history of winemaking in the Veneto region. Visit Dominio di Bagnoli, one of the oldest wine producing properties in Europe, for a private tasting. A variety of wines are produced here, with the most popular being made from an indigenous grape variety. The beautiful property of Dominio di Bagnoli is also a farm, where rice, grain and other products are grown. You’ll have the opportunity to see the granary on your visit today.

Situated on the main street in Chioggia is a 17th- century estate that once hosted famous Italian playwright Carlo Goldoni. It was his stay here in the early 18th century that inspired one of his comedies, Le Baruffe Chiozzotte, set on the island of Chioggia. Visit the historic palace today and enjoy a relaxing cup of tea on the terrace while a local string musician enchants you with their music.

Set sail today on the waters of Italy’s largest nature reserve park, the UNESCO-protected Po Delta. Enjoy refreshments onboard your boat as it meanders leisurely for 2 hours through the scenic wetlands.

Nature-lovers and bird watchers will especially enjoy this tour for the opportunity to spot a multitude of beautiful and rare species that call the Po Delta home. Red deer and Camargue horses can be found on the forested land portion of the park, and if you’re lucky you might catch them grazing near the water. Easier to spot are storks, purple heron, and a colony of over 10,000 pink flamingos.

Set off for the Euganean hills to discover one of Europe’s most majestic castles. Enjoy a guided tour of a palace so beautiful that it became a resort for the Habsburg Dynasty before being returned to Italy following the first world war. After marveling at its frescoed walls, continue on for a guided walk around its beautiful gardens or take some free time for yourself to explore as you please before returning to the ship.

Get an early morning start to see a side of Venice most of the tourists miss—The Dorsoduro. One of Venice’s six main sestieri, or districts, The Dorsoduro is quieter than some of the more popular districts and thus has an authentic, easygoing atmosphere. Enjoy a walking tour around this picturesque side of town before moving on to visit a gondola artisan. See the craftwork that goes into Venice’s iconic sailing vessels and meet some local masters at work.

Back when Venice was at the height of its power, only the Rialto Bridge spanned the Grand Canal—and the city’s famous Rialto markets for fish and produce have sprawled at its feet as long as the bridge has arched over the water. Here you’ll find violet artichokes from the nearby island of Sant’Erasmo, honey from the salt marshes, white asparagus from Giare—and Venetians shopping for their dinners in the historic heart of the city. Join them as you explore the colorful, noisy and fun arcades with your guide (the ship’s chef often accompanies this expedition), who knows Venice’s culinary arts intimately. Freshly caught local fish is sold to knowledgeable customers under the Gothic arches of the covered fish market, which was probably originally built in the 11th century. At the end of the tour (and after some free time where you should have plenty of time to enjoy a gondola ride), join your guide at a bacaro (a casual wine bar) for the Venetian version of happy hour, called ombra e cicchetti—a drink (often a glass of prosecco) with a bite of something delicious—perhaps crostini with salt cod spread or another Venetian fish specialty.

An integral feature of the Carnival of Venice, masks are known for their intricate beauty and wide variety of styles. See for yourself how these masks are created at one of the top handmade mask ateliers in town.

Venice is known for a unique style of rowing—standing up and facing forward—that is iconic to its gondoliers. This style is also used by athletes, who race batellina boats. The sport, known as Regate, has been held in Venice for over a thousand years. Try your hand at the technique in a lesson led by Row Venice, a non-profit organization of female rowers dedicated to preserving the sport and supporting female rowers, who are vastly underrepresented.

This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supports Global Goal 5: Gender Equality; and Global Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Enter the Vatican Museums and visit the Sistine Chapel on a tour with your Local Expert. Be awed by the frescoes that adorn the walls and roof, painted by masters such as Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Ghirlandaio. Hear the narrative of Michelangelo’s Pieta in the vast St. Peter's Basilica, one of the world’s biggest churches.

Cross the Tiber River and step into the heart of ancient Rome, where you'll see the vast expanse of the Circus Maximus, once the site of thrilling chariot races. Pause before the magnificently preserved Arch of Constantine, a tribute to imperial triumph. Stroll along the ancient stones once trodden by senators and citizens, arriving at the Colosseum—its commanding presence both regal and timeless. From its noble facade, immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of legend, power, and enduring magnificence.

Every side street has something to offer, as you’ll see on a guided exploration of the hidden sites of Rome with your knowledgeable Local Expert. Discover more culture and art in this living masterpiece.

Walk with a Local Expert through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the 1st century, when a volcanic eruption engulfed the streets. Hear more about the lavish lives the locals lived and visit well-preserved ruins of baths and local shops.

Arrive in style for your overnight stay as the jet-set do, traveling to your luxurious Capri hotel by open-top taxi. Don’t forget your headscarf or hat and sunglasses so passersby can speculate about the visiting VIP.

Please note, for guests staying at the hotel in Sorrento, this experience will occur on day 2 as part of the outing to Capri.

Embark on a private cruise that takes you around the dramatic coast of Capri to seek out hidden coves and grottos that few get to see. The White Grotto is a dazzling sight with the stalactites that dangle over its entrance.

After your morning cruise, cool off from the Mediterranean sun with a refreshing local beverage, the lemon granita. Freshly made with sweet local lemons, this tasty drink will add zing to your day before more exploring.

Savor Mediterranean flavors in perfect Caprese style, created with passion from fresh, local produce at Michelin-starred Le Monzù restaurant.

Step inside one of Italy’s most revered pilgrimage sites with a local historian. Stand beneath the vaulted ceilings of the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi and admire Giotto’s vivid frescoes depicting the saint’s life. Gaze upon centuries-old masterpieces that continue to inspire devotion, artistry, and awe.

Treat your palate as you sample Umbrian specialties at an exclusive tasting experience. Sample fine wines, olive oil, local cheese, and truffle infused delicacies.

Indulge in a lunch of Tuscan specialties while enjoying beautiful views of the rolling hills and vineyards of the Chianti region. Savor famous local wines such as Vernaccia di San Gimignano.

Visit this small hillside city and find out why it's called the 'medieval Manhattan of Italy'. Enter the exquisite Porta San Giovanni, the main city gate, that has stood the test of time since the 13th century. Explore well-preserved streets and beautiful ceramic stores. During your stroll, ascend serpentine alleyways to the artisan ice cream parlor of World Champion Gelato maestro, Sergio Dondoli, for a taste of his creamiest treats. It may be difficult to leave.

Meet Marta, fourth-generation weaver and TreadRight Foundation grant recipient, at Laboratorio Giuditta Brozzetti. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, discover how she and her students preserve the medieval Umbrian art of loom-weaving. The women-owned workshop safeguards traditional patterns while empowering women and girls through education and hands-on training in cultural craftsmanship.

This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supports Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Enjoy dinner in an elegant Tuscan villa, where you’ll savor regional dishes, including the famous local specialty ‘Fiorentina’—a Tuscan beef steak, seasoned and grilled to perfection.

Join an art historian to immerse yourself in Renaissance Florence. Visit the Accademia Museum and marvel at the statue of David, a Michelangelo masterpiece. See the impressive trio of the Duomo, Bell Tower, and Baptistery before arriving to Piazza della Signoria, traditionally the political heart of the city.

The richness of Tuscany continues to delight on a fascinating truffle foraging trip, guided by an expert truffle dog.

Join a local foodie and get to know Florence one bite at a time on your walking tour. Learn about Florentine specialties and sample a selection of gourmet highlights.

Accompanied by your Local Expert, marvel at the splendid Duomo, baptistery, and the famous, gravity-defying Leaning Tower of Pisa. The spectacular Field of Miracles cannot fail to impress.

Immerse yourself in the culture of Tuscan cuisine during a hands-on cooking class in a former Medici hunting lodge. Select fresh produce from the estate’s flourishing garden and learn the art of pasta-making with a professional chef. Support sustainable farming, organic practices, and a deep respect for the Tuscan landscape.

This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supports Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

Surround yourself in coastal beauty in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Cinque Terre. Join your Local Expert in the fishing village of Manarola, perhaps the most picturesque of the “five lands.” Take in the colorful houses perched upon rugged cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean. Next, cruise past dramatic cliffs and scenic towns to arrive in Monterosso. Stroll through the medieval quarter and view the beach in the company of Neptune, whose statue overlooks this stretch of warm sand. In the town center, a quaint piazza invites you to spend your free time enjoying a leisurely lunch at a seafood restaurant.

Let yourself be swept away by romance with a ride on a traditional gondola through the canals of Venice. See hidden corners of the city and soak up the atmosphere while being serenaded by your gondolier.

Take a private water taxi along the Grand Canal to make an elegant arrival at your luxurious hotel, which sits right by the water’s edge. Soak up the romance of this enchanting city as you experience a relaxing journey on the water.

Enjoy a private cruise of Venice's Grand Canal. Admire historical palaces, eastern architecture, and daily Venetian life from your private water taxi cruising through the most famous of Venice's canals.

Triumphantly enter the Doge's Palace as a guardian permits only you and your traveling companions to enter for an after-hours tour. Discover the art, culture, and history of the Venetian Republic in a small, intimate group.

Join a Local Expert to uncover the secrets of Hidden Venice. Wander through its peaceful streets and gain insight into what it is really like to live in this unique city.

Join a Local Expert to explore the Jewish Ghetto, one of the world’s oldest Jewish quarters, steeped in history. It stands as a testament to resilience, community, and heritage, offering a glimpse into the lives of its past inhabitants. Wander through its narrow streets and discover the enduring legacy of this unique Venetian neighborhood.

Witness the ancient skill of glassblowing at a long-standing arts center, where you can see the artisans create singular works of beautiful art. Glassblowing has been part of Venetian culture for several centuries, and every visit helps to support the workshop and the survival of this traditional craft.

This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supports Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.