From Venice to Mantua (port-to-port cruise)

VENICE - MAZZORBO - VENICE - CHIOGGIA - PORTO VIRO - CANDA - OSTIGLIA - MANTUA - Venice

Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 5 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we’ll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. Enjoy a free evening to explore Venice on your own.

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.

Enjoy exploring Burano—known for its traditional lacemaking and picture-perfect homes—on your own

Included excursions:

- HIKERS: Set out on a trek across the islands of Lazzaretto Nuovo and Torcello. You’ll leave by private boat for a tour of the two islands. The first stop will be long-abandoned Lazzaretto Nuovo. Today, it harbors an archeological site and outdoor museum. A visit to the island provides an opportunity to discover the extraordinary environment in the lagoon. You can walk along the old sentinel path and climb the bastions that give a 360° view of the area. Our next stop will be Torcello, which holds the vestiges of the first populations on the islands. Settled in 452 AD, it was the main island before Venice became inhabited and includes a basilica with priceless mosaics. This is an approximate 5-hour tour with 2.5 hours hiking for 2.7 miles (4.5 km) and no elevation gain.

- NON-HIKERS: discovery of Murano island. Departure by private boat to the island of Murano, famous for its glass production. Visit a workshop to watch a glassblowing demonstration.

Sailing to Venice.

This morning, included excursion:

FOR ALL: Guided tour of Doge’s Palace and Saint Mark’s Square. You’ll discover Saint Mark’s Square and its famous basilica (exteriors) and take atour inside Doge’s Palace, the official residence of Venetian dukes and the seat of the government until 1797. The current palace dates back to the 14th century and is considered by many to be the most beautiful in the world. A trek to the top of the Golden Staircase brings you to massive works by Tintoretto and Veronese and gives you access to the antechambers and a magnificent view from the balcony.

We'll cruise to Chioggia, the departure point for the following included excursions:

- HIKERS: Hike the Euganean Hills. The Euganean Hills are located in a regional park known for its beauty and hot springs. Hot water springs helped create the multitude of spa towns that have existed here since Roman times, as the ancient ruins attest. The region is also known for its vineyards. With your guide, you’ll first hike to Mount Calbarina (446 feet/136 m in altitude) to take in the magnificent view of the Lago della Costa. Your hike will continue through the forest to Mount Piccolo (1,037 feet/316 m in altitude). The trail leads to the medieval village of Arqua Petrarca, one of the most picturesque hamlets in Italy, located at the foot of both Monte Piccolo and Monte Ventolone. The poet Petrarch lived the final four years of his life here. We’ll see his home and his tomb in front of the church. This is an approximate 6-hour tour with 2.5 hours hiking for 4.3 miles (7 km) and an elevation gain of 919 feet (280 m).

- NON-HIKERS: Guided tour of Padua, the home of Saint Anthony. The city surrounds its medieval center with charming squares and palaces. Il Santo, the Pontifical Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua, sits among these and contains the remains of the city's patron saint.

As you enjoy your tour and hike, the ship will cruise to Porto Viro.(1) For those who decided not to join us on the excursion, you will be transferred from Chioggia to Porto Viro. Enjoy some free time in Chioggia. We'll return on board in Porto Viro and spend the afternoon cruising towards Canda.

We’ll spend the morning cruising to Ostiglia. In the afternoon, included excursion:

- FOR ALL: Visit Verona and its amphitheater or the Giusti Gardens.(2) We’ll leave by coach from Torretta and head to Verona, the “City of Love” made famous by Shakespeare’s legendary tragedy Romeo and Juliet. We’ll get to see the outside of Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta) and the balcony where she stood when Romeo declared his love. Verona encapsulates 2,000 years of history froman architectural, urban, and artistic point of view. The amphitheater, the historic symbol of the city, is a fantastic example of its longevity and influence.

NON-HIKERS: Join us for a guided tour of Mantua, where the House of Gonzaga ruled for almost 400 years. Although Mantua is not well known, it is one of the most artistically rich and romantic cities in northern Italy. We’ll head downtown to see the imposing Ducal Palace (3). The House of Gonzaga called the monumental complex home between 1328 and 1707. One of the most splendid rooms we’ll visit is the Bridal Chamber that is decorated with a series of fresco and oil paintings by Andrea Mantegna. We’ll then stroll to the historic center of the city to visit the Rotonda di San Lorenzo and the Basilica of Sant'Andrea.

You’re free to do as you please in the afternoon.

Or enjoy an optional tour of the Ferrari Museum in Modena (price not included in packages). Car lovers will not want to miss this chance! The museum focuses on the life and work of Enzo Ferrari, founder of the Ferrari sports car brand. Their website says it best: “The Museo Enzo Ferrari is more than just a museum. It is a spectacular immersive experience that combines a dizzying mix of unique ingredients. Visitors not only get to admire the stunning cars displayed in the futuristic 2,500 square metre main pavilion but are also treated to a spectacular audio-visual show to tell the magical story of Enzo Ferrari’s 90 years.”

HIKERS: Day-long hike around Lake Garda (picnic lunch included). Discover the romantic scenery along the banks of Lake Garda, from Toscolano-Maderno to Gargnano. You’ll cross the fascinating Valle delle Cartiere with its unique and spectacular terrain. The valley is named after the paper mills that line the banks of the lake. While most are not in operation, they remain an important testimony to the industrial history in northern Italy. We’ll follow the waterfalls along the Toscolano River, passing through olive groves, along old cobbled streets, and across tiny hamlets as we hike to Gargnano, a charming village on the shores of Lake Garda.

This is an approximate 8.5-hour tour with 5 hours hiking for 7.5 miles (12 km) and an elevation gain of 1,148 feet (350 m).

Tonight is our festive gala evening.

Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. Coach transfer from Mantua to Venice. End of our services.