On this wonderful new cruise, exclusively for our readers, you will discover the enchanting beauty of Venice and its surrounding islands. The romantic 'City of Water', where gondolas replace cars and canals are lined by elegant Renaissance palaces, is a floating masterpiece that has inspired artists for centuries.
Prue Leith, judge on The Great British Bake Off, will join you at this amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will visit the famous Rialto food markets with Prue and enjoy a cooking demonstration, exclusive talk and gala dinner with her as she joins you on board your luxury ship for part of this fantastic cruise.
Uniworld's European fleet features a number of luxurious ships. And with an average capacity of just 130 guests, it has the highest staff-to-guest ratio in the river cruise industry. Gourmet meals on board and unlimited drinks are included, as well as six days of fascinating excursions, such as a private and exclusive after-hours visit to St Mark's Basilica when the crowds have departed. You will also visit Burano, Mazzorbo and Torcello; the charming port of Chioggia; the equally iconic Italian cities of Bologna, famous for its food, and medieval Padua.
From learning to cook in France to opening her first restaurant in London, Prue has plenty of stories to tell from her varied career, as well as cooking tips to share. She will join you for three days on board, give a talk and answer your culinary questions, plus accompany you on a visit to the Rialto food markets and perform a cooking demonstration. She will also help to devise a special menu for your farewell gala dinner.
With an impressive European fleet, Uniworld is one of the world's most awarded luxury river cruise lines, and you will be sailing in a Riverview Stateroom on the SS La Venezia, new for 2020. There are three dining venues, including an Italian kitchen on the upper deck, a spa, library, lounge and bar, where you can enjoy unlimited premium drinks.
Built on tiny islands in a lagoon on the Adriatic Sea, this city will take your breath away. Join a 'secret' tour of hidden spots usually reserved for locals, visit Doge's Palace and enjoy a private after-hours experience at St Mark's Basilica.
You'll see waterfront shops, peaceful canals and colourful façades that are unique to the islands of Burano, Mazzorbo and Torcello. You'll also stop at Chioggia, a charming port sometimes called 'Little Venice'.
You will have the chance to make pasta and enjoy lunch in Bologna, the culinary capital of northern Italy, plus visit the vibrant, bustling market in Chioggia.
The Government has given the go-ahead for all river cruises. We are delighted to announce a new date for this cruise, October 17, 2021. If you were booked on the November 2020 or the March 2021 departure, please call Uniworld on the number provided.
For up-to-date information on travel and COVID-19, click here.
Over an extraordinarily varied and successful 50-year career, Prue Leith CBE has worked as a restaurateur, businesswoman, caterer, broadcaster, journalist, cookery writer and novelist. Having been a judge on the BBC's Great British Menu, Prue now brings her culinary experience to bear as a judge on The Great British Bake Off.
Arrive at Venice Marco Polo International Airport, where you will be transferred to the ship. Unpack, relax and enjoy your first evening on the Venetian Lagoon.
Hoping to escape marauding Huns, Goths and Vandals in the fifth century, refugees built a little settlement they called Venice on tiny islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. By the 12th century, Venice was the wealthiest and most powerful city-state in Europe, controlling the Mediterranean and all European trade with the East. Its merchant-aristocrats lavished their wealth on palaces and churches, art and music, creating a city that is truly like no other. Now, seawater laps at the foot of thousand-year-old houses- and sometimes rises above the doorsteps-but the glorious palaces and romantic canals enchant visitors just as they have for centuries. On this day you will embark on your own personal voyage of discovery through this entrancing city. An expert guide will take you on a "secret" tour, showing you iconic sites, quiet lanes and secret spots normally reserved only for locals. Also, on deck today-a scenic cruise around the Venetian Lagoon.
Featured excursions:
The S.S. La Venezia sails from Venice and passes the Lido before docking in Chioggia at the southern end of the lagoon. On this journey you will cruise through the lagoon to see the colorful fishermen's houses of Pellestrina and the huge ongoing flood-control project called MOSE (which is designed to protect Venice from rising seawater), arriving in Chioggia-sometimes called "Little Venice."
Join a local expert for a stroll around this picturesque fishing village, a popular place for artists. The seaside air and sweeping views are simply spectacular. Adventurous travelers can explore the sights with a bike tour around Lusenzo lagoon ending at Sottomarina's beach.
You'll also have a choice of a Padua morning walk and market visit, or "Let's Go" biking Chioggia or Bragozzo ride today.
N.B. We are obliged to comply with Italian Maritime Authorities who require that the ship is only manned by crew during the Adriatic Sea passage. Therefore, our guests must disembark the ship and partake in the featured excursions.
Today you face a tough decision: Do you spend a full day in Bologna, the culinary capital of Northern Italy, or visit UNESCO-designated Ferrara, a beautifully preserved Renaissance city? Let your passions be your guide today. If you have an appetite for pasta, head to Bologna-the heart of Italian culinary traditions-and learn how many pastas are made and shaped, even trying to shape some yourself! Then enjoy an authentic Italian pasta lunch prepared just for you. Or indulge your appetite for art with an excursion to Ferrara, an ancient center for the arts that once rivaled Medici Florence.
Excursions:
Choice of private pasta-making and Italian lunch in Bologna, or Ferrara: Renaissance, elegance and Italian lifestyle town walk.
Chioggia is such a delight that we'll return there today to experience something completely different. You can visit the village's bustling once-a-week market-a colorful and boisterous scene, and quintessentially Italian.
Featured excursions:
You'll sail back to Venice around 2pm, arriving in Venice by 5pm, giving you the opportunity to disembark and have a few hours of free time before dinner.
N.B. We are obliged to comply with Italian Maritime Authorities who require that the ship is only manned by crew during the Adriatic Sea passage. Therefore, our guests must disembark the ship and partake in the featured excursions.
IMPORTANT: We are obliged to comply with Italian Maritime Authorities who require that the ship is only manned by crew during the Adriatic Sea passage. Therefore, our guests must disembark the ship and partake in the featured excursions. We thank you for your cooperation.
Venice is an island surrounded by hundreds of smaller islands, three of which you'll visit today-Torcello, home to beautiful Byzantine mosaics; Mazzorbo, where you'll taste a historic golden-hued wine; and Burano, famous for its lace-makers and houses painted in eye-popping colors.
Prue will also join today and give an afternoon talk with Q&A.
Featured excursion:
Magic Island Day: hidden treasures of the lagoon
Lovers of food and wine flock to Italy to immerse themselves in a true farm-to-table epicurean experience. If that sounds like you, you'll love today's walking tour to the famous fish and produce market next to the Rialto Bridge. Prefer a more visual feast? Join an art historian for a highlights tour of the Accademia gallery.
Prue will join you on your visit to the Rialto food market and you'll hear her talk in small groups for 10 minutes each.
She will then do an hour-long tips and trick demonstration on board the ship this afternoon.
Prue will also help devise the menu for this evening's farewell dinner.
Featured excursions:
Disembark the ship. You will be transferred to Venice Marco Polo International Airport for your flight home.
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.
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