Take a luxury cruise around the stunning waterways of Venice and the Veneto, get exclusive access to celebrated landmarks and enjoy appearances from top chef James Martin

The stunning region of the Veneto in northwest Italy is home to picturesque islands, world-famous museums, impressive architecture and colourful history. Get to know this region on a fabulous luxury cruise around Venice and the Venetian Lagoon.

An extra special addition to this trip is the presence of celebrated chef James Martin, who will join you on your ship one day to hold a talk and Q&A. Plus, he'll prepare a delicious gala dinner one evening.

Throughout the cruise you will marvel at the sights and sounds of Venice, and enjoy exclusive access to some famous locations, including the mesmerising St Mark's Basilica after dark to watch a peaceful lighting ceremony, and Torcello, where you'll tour the basilica with an art historian.

This trip takes in not just the popular jewels of Venice, but some hidden gems too - you'll sail to Burano, Mazzorbo and Torcello and stroll waterfront shops, colourful facades and peaceful canals. You'll continue as far as south as Chioggia, a charming southern port frequented by fishermen.

Also included in this tour is VIP access to the Doge's palace, where you will go for an early morning visit. A range of additional activities are also available for you to book, including learning more about the history of the lagoon, or cycling the coastline of Chioggia.

Your home for this ultimate Venetian vacation will be the sleek ship S.S. La Venezia. Consider the ship more like a floating boutique hotel, with intricate furnishings influenced by the elevated style of Venice.

With large ocean lines now banned, Uniworld's small ship size brings an extra level of exclusivity as it's the only luxury cruise line permitted to enter and sail through the heart of Venice. Savour the excellent wine and cuisines of this region as you sail; all meals and drinks on board are included.

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You'll be joined by

James Martin
Television presenter and chef
James Martin is one of the nation's favourite chefs

Before gracing UK televisions, James Martin travelled throughout France working in the kitchens of French châteaux. At 21, he opened the Hotel and Bistro du Vin in Winchester as Head Chef, where he changed the menu daily. James' TV shows have included James Martin: Home Comforts, British favourite Saturday Kitchen and James Martin's French Adventure. He can be found at James Martin Manchester and The Kitchen at Chewton Glen.

Price includes

  • Return flights from the UK
  • Seven-night cruise in a river view stateroom 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
  • Gala dinner cooked and designed by James Martin
  • Talk, Q&A and book signing with James, you will need to bring your own copy for him to sign
  • 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
  • Onboard gratuities
  • Services of an experienced Cruise Manager
  • Captivating onboard local entertainment
  • Cultural enrichment, including a Signature Lecture
  • Price includes up to £410pp saving*

Availability

From
Sun, Sun, Apr 20, 2025
To
Sun, Sun, Apr 27, 2025
Duration
8 Days
Price per person
£2,398*

* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a classic riverview stateroom, subject to availability. Price includes saving, discount is capacity controlled. 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. 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.

Call now to book 0808 256 5887
Quote ref: UWVENICEMARTIN
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Itinerary

  1. Day
    1
    Arrive in Venice
    Venice, Italy

    Today you'll arrive at Venice Marco Polo airport, where a transfer will take you to the SS La Venezia. There'll be some free time to unpack and get to know the ship and its facilities before dinner.

    Meals - Dinner
  2. Day
    2
    Venice
    Venice, 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.

    Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  3. Day
    3
    Mazzorbo, Burano
    Burano, 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 reboard 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.

    Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  4. Day
    4
    Mazzorbo, Burano, Chioggia
    Burano, 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 Judgment 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.

    Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  5. Day
    5
    Chioggia
    Chioggia, Italy

    Today, you'll admire the greatest sites of Chioggia, a charming seaside town south of Venice. 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.

    Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  6. Day
    6
    Po Delta
    Chioggia, Italy

    This morning, explore the Po Delta at the point where the Adriatic Sea meets the Po River on a sailing excursion. You'll then sail back to Venice over lunch back on board the SS La Venezia.

    Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  7. Day
    7
    Venice
    Venice, 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.

    Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  8. Day
    8
    Departure
    Venice, 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.

    Meals - Breakfast

Accommodation

SS La Venezia

0
Cruise ship

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.

Brought to you by

Uniworld
This tour is operated solely by Uniworld
Uniworld is one of the world's outstanding luxury river cruise lines. The company’s European fleet features luxurious ships with an average capacity of 130 guests, the highest staff-to-guest ratio in the river cruise industry, enticing shore excursions, world-class gourmet cuisine, impeccable hospitality, and numerous other all-inclusive benefits.

To view Uniworld’s supplier’s terms and conditions click here.

This tour is protected by the following:

Availability

From
Sun, Sun, Apr 20, 2025
To
Sun, Sun, Apr 27, 2025
Duration
8 Days
Price per person
£2,398*

* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a classic riverview stateroom, subject to availability. Price includes saving, discount is capacity controlled. 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. 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.

Call now to book 0808 256 5887
Quote ref: UWVENICEMARTIN