Monica Galetti is a Samoan-born chef who trained in New Zealand and Britain alongside Chef Michel Roux Jr at the two Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Gavroche. Previously, Monica was the chef patron of her own restaurant, Mere, in the heart of Fitzrovia, which offered a relaxed and refined dining experience. She is a judge on MasterChef: The Professionals, presents the TV series Amazing Hotels, and is the author of three books: Monica's Kitchen, The Skills, and Monica at Home.
Expert-led
Sail the Venetian Lagoon in luxury and meet Monica Galetti
Take an exclusive cruise and discover the historical and architectural delights of Venice and the Venetian Lagoon.
On this eight-day trip, you can look forward to VIP access to famous landmarks, including a lighting ceremony at St Mark's Basilica and entry to the Doge's Palace before it opens to the public.
Adding an extra special element to this cruise is the company of acclaimed chef and MasterChef judge Monica Galetti. Monica will give a talk, answer some of your questions during Q&A and accompany you on a trip to the vibrant local market in Chioggia.
Excursions include a trip to Torcello's basilica with an art historian, and visits to the colourful facades and peaceful canals of Burano, Mazzorbo, and Torcello, as well as exploring the southern port town of Chioggia, ideal for a leisurely walk or cycle.
You'll be cruising on board the luxurious S.S. La Venezia, a floating boutique hotel with opulent Venetian-style furnishings, where drinks and meals are included.
Reasons to book
Events with Monica Galetti
Exclusive access
Explore the Venetian Lagoon
Exceptional Italian dining
Sail in style
Behind the Craft: Meet the Artists
You'll be joined by
Price includes
- Save £650pp*
- Return flights from the UK
- Seven-night cruise on the impressive S.S. La Venezia in a lavishly appointed river view stateroom
- All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
- Captain's welcome and farewell receptions and gala dinners
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Cooking demonstration, talk and Q&A with Monica Galetti
- Visit Chioggia Market with Monica
- Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks and mineral water.
- Six days of excursions, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts
- State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions
- All transfers on arrival and departure days
- All gratuities, both onboard and onshore
- Services of an experienced Cruise Manager
- Captivating onboard local entertainment
- Cultural enrichment, including a Signature Lecture
Availability
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a classic cabin, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement on request. Deposit 15%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Price includes savings, discount is capacity controlled. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Uniworld River Cruises Limited.
Itinerary
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Day1Arrive in VeniceVenice, Italy
Today you'll arrive at Venice Marco Polo airport, where a transfer will take you to the S.S. La Venezia. There'll be some free time to unpack and settle into your lavish river view stateroom and explore the ship and its facilities before dinner.
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Day2VeniceVenice, Italy
You'll arrive early at Venice's Doge's Palace today to explore this usually busy site in peace, with an extra special entrance. You will enter through the side door, which is usually reserved for dignitaries and VIPs.
After your exclusive visit to Doge's Palace, you'll take a stroll through a traditional Venetian neighbourhood to see how local life unfolds.
Tonight, you'll witness a private after-hours lighting ceremony inside St Mark's Basilica without the crowds.
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Day3Mazzorbo, BuranoBurano, Italy
After breakfast on S.S. La Venezia, decide whether you'd prefer to visit Vicenza or Padua - both are UNESCO World Heritage Cities with many beautiful sights to discover.
In the afternoon, you'll step back on board the ship for a scenic journey across the lagoon towards Burano and Mazzorbo.
As you're docked on Burano, you can enjoy an evening stroll with your cruise Manager as you discover this beautifully colourful island.
Most tourists visit here during the day and depart in the evening, meaning you explore without the usual crowds, giving more space to take in the uniquely coloured fishing houses surrounding you.
This evening, your captain will host a special welcome reception and dinner on board your ship.
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Day4Mazzorbo, Burano, ChioggiaBurano, Italy
Spend the day exploring the northern lagoon of Venice and its captivating islands.
Start with a visit to Torcello's famous basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, you have exclusive access before doors open to the public to see the stunning 11th-century mosaic of the Last Judgement without the crowds with an expert art historian.
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.
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Day5ChioggiaChioggia, Italy
Today, you'll admire the greatest sites of Chioggia, a charming seaside town south of Venice. Monica Galetti will join you on a trip to its lively market, where local traders sell fresh ingredients perfect for cooking delicious Venetian recipes.
You'll have time to wander the pretty streets and see the Torre dell'Orologio S. Andrea, a Romanesque watchtower, and make a stop at the lively local market.
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Day6Po DeltaChioggia, Italy
This morning, explore the Po Delta at the point where the Adriatic Sea meets the Po River on a sailing excursion.
This is the the second largest wetland in Europe and is abuzz with flora and fauna, with hundreds of bird species including pretty flamingos.
As you sail back to Venice, you'll hear a fascinating talk from Monica Galetti and get the chance to ask her some questions as you enjoy a delicious lunch.
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Day7VeniceVenice, Italy
Today you'll explore more of Venice. As you enter the city via water taxi you'll glide past narrow side canals and the Canal Grande to 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.
From here, you can visit Rialto market, take a walking tour or visit a mask atelier to see how the intricate masks worn at the Carnival of Venice are made.
A special Captain's Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.
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Day8DepartureVenice, Italy
After a final breakfast on board, you'll disembark S.S. La Venezia and a transfer will take you to the airport for your flight back to London.
Accommodation
SS La Venezia
Glamorous Uniworld ship sailing the Po and Venice Lagoon
Paying homage to classic Venetian style, the S.S La Venezia is no ordinary cruise ship. This elegant vessel was renovated in 2020, bringing a new level of luxury and decadence to river sailing. With nods to its locale, the ship features Murano glass and splendid gilding that add to a sparkling onboard atmosphere. All the staterooms are river-facing with marble bathrooms and luxury amenities.
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Availability
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a classic cabin, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement on request. Deposit 15%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Price includes savings, discount is capacity controlled. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Uniworld River Cruises Limited.