Exploring the art, architecture, food and history of Venice and its islands is wonderful at the best of times but to do so on board a luxurious boutique ship like this one, enables you to make the most of all the treasures the Venetian lagoon has to offer. Add to this is the chance to experience this amazing city in the company of Rick Stein, who will join you for the final days of the trip, and you have a trip to truly savour. Rick's acclaimed television series Venice to Istanbul lives long in the memory so who better to accompany you to the famous Rialto food market, give a gourmet masterclass in Italian cooking and answer your questions.
But that is far from the only highlight. You will also enjoy
out-of-hours access to the some of Venice's most iconic sights. You
will experience the masterful Gothic architecture of the Doge's
Palace during during a special early morning visit, you will take
in the glorious St Mark's Basilica at night to witness a wonderful
lighting ceremony after the crowds have long departed and you will
step foot in Torcello's atmospheric church before it is open to the
public.
With just 126 guests, superb facilities and service, wonderful food
and fine wine, the newly-renovated SS La Venezia is your elegant
home for the seven days. As well as all your meals, premium spirits
and wines, WiFi, entertainment, excercise classes and gratuities
all included, you can choose from an array of complitmentary
experiences - from bike tours along the beaches of Chioggia and
walking tours through the backstreets of the city to visits to the
islands of Torcello, Murano, Burano and Mazzorbo to name but a
few.
Rick Stein CBE is an English chef, restaurateur, television presenter, and author of more than 20 books, including his autobiography. He has made more than 30 TV programmes, including 12 cookery series, his latest being Secret France. Rick has also cooked for the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Tony Blair, Margaret Thatcher, and former French president Jacques Chirac.
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a classic riverview stateroom, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £1205. Deposit required. 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 but required for most of our overseas trips, 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
On arrival at Venice Marco Polo airport, a transfer takes you to the S.S. La Venezia. There's time to unpack and get to know the splendid surroundings of the ship before dinner.
Rick Stein joins the cruise today.
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. You will then 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.
This evening, Rick Stein will do a cooking demonstration, give a talk and take part in a Q&A.
After breakfast on board, decide whether you'd prefer to visit Vicenza or Padua - both are UNESCO World Heritage cities in the Veneto region. In the afternoon, there's the opportunity to meet a local gondola artisan and take a guided walk through Venice before boarding S.S La Venezia for a scenic sailing across the lagoon towards Mazzorbo and Burano. As you sail, your captain will host a special welcome reception and dinner.
Your day starts with a visit to Torcello's basilica, the oldest church in the Venetian lagoon. You will be accompanied by an art historian who will share their expertise and insights. There's time for coffee in an osteria before returning to the ship. The afternoon is yours to decide whether to explore Burano or Mazzorbo or watch a glass-blowing demonstration on Murano.
There's a choice of ways to get to know Chioggia today, whether you opt to visit a local food market, bike along the beaches, head to a beautiful castle, or learn about the region's winemaking and stay for a tasting (not included).
This morning, explore the Po Delta at the point where the Adriatic Sea meets the Po River on a sailing excursion. Over lunch back on board the S.S La Venezia, you'll sail back to Venice.
You'll take a water taxi through the Venice canals today, arriving in style at the Rialto Bridge. From here, you can visit Rialto market with special guest Rick Stein, take a walking tour or visit a mask atelier to see how the intricate masks worn at the Carnival of Venice are made.
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 home to London.
Glamorous Uniworld ship sailing the Po and Venice Lagoon
The River Countess underwent a complete design renovation, debuting as SS La Venezia on March 27, 2020 and bringing guests complete luxury while exploring Northern Italy. The redesign of SS La Venezia was inspired by Venetian culture and features six elegantly appointed suites including two new Grand Suites, three dining venues including an Italian kitchen on the upper deck, spa, library, lounge and bar.
Suites: Grand Suite (28 sq m), Suite (20 sq m), French Balcony
(14 sq m), Deluxe (14 sq m)
Classic (14 sq m).
Guests: 126, staff: 42. Length 110 m, width 11.4 m.
To view Uniworld’s supplier’s terms and conditions click here.
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a classic riverview stateroom, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £1205. Deposit required. 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 but required for most of our overseas trips, 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