- Italy River Cruises
- Enchanting Waterways of Venice
This cruise takes you into the iconic Italian city of Venice, to marvel at an otherworldly network of sea-fed canals lined with bobbing gondolas, tucked away osterie taverns serving the city's signature prosecco, museums flooded with vivid artistic treasures and marble landmarks crowned by elegant Byzantine domes.
Dinner
Depart on your scheduled flight to Venice. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your ship. After meeting the crew and enjoying a welcome cocktail, unwind on board with an evening to do as you please.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Awake in a city like no other: a network of gondola-filled canals weaving between grand marble palaces and dramatic, historic monuments. This morning a brief cruise through the Venetian Lagoon will bring us to Mazzorbo. Take a guided tour of the Doge's Palace, built in the 11th century as the residence and seat of government of the Republic of Venice, it is renowned for its imposing architecture and richly ornate interior decoration. Wander through the rooms of the palace and admire the paintings by Tintoretto and Veronese, before crossing the famous Bridge of Sighs to reach the "prison". Built in the 16th century, it was used to take prisoners from the courtroom to the dungeon. Enjoy some free time to explore Piazza San Marco. Later in the afternoon, take a tour through the brightly coloured streets of the charming island of Burano then explore the outlying island chain of Murano, renowned for its beautiful glassware.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This morning, join us on a Food tour of little-known neighbourhoods in Venice. The tour will begin with a stroll to the Rialto Market, the famous fish market located next to the Grand Canal. We'll continue on the Cannaregio neighbourhood, a melting pot of diversity and authenticity. The next stop will be Castelletto, the first red-light district in the city. At the end of our tour, we'll enjoy a wine tasting with some Italian-style tapas in an osteria. Our ship will cruise through the lagoon. Enjoy some free time on your own in Venice this afternoon and this evening.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This morning, sail to Chioggia, a picturesque coastal town where pastel houses overlook a web of serene canals. In the afternoon, travel to Padua, a city brimming with medieval architecture. Take a guided tour of the town's sights, including the grand Basilica of Saint Anthony, one of the most frequently visited holy sites in the world. Head back to Venice for on board evening entertainment and a gala meal.
Breakfast
After breakfast, disembark at 9am for your transfer to the airport and your return flight to the UK. If you have a late return flight, you may leave your luggage onboard the ship until 14.00pm and spend your time exploring the city until your return airport transfer.
Your Next Adventure Awaits! We've been arranging award-winning, expertly crafted hoildays and tours since 1980. We're also ABTA protected and ATOL bonded for your total peace of mind. Call us today to book your next unforgettable holiday!
Our stay on the MS Michelangelo boat was excellent, opened the curtains every morning to a view overlooking Venice lagoon. The food and staff were excellent.
Robert Fogg
19 SeptemberThe Captain and CroisiEurope reserve the right to alter/modify an itinerary at any time, should safety or external circumstances make this necessary, changes are also subject to tides. This also means that included excursions will alter/modify to match the cruise itinerary.
Some of the highlights may only be seen on optional excursions at an additional cost, or by exploring independently.
If booking more than 12 weeks before departure a deposit of £295.00pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 12 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 12 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.
A visa is not required for your entry into Italy. Further advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. We strongly advise you check your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding passport validity.
Your flight is to Venice Airport with EasyJet, departing from London Gatwick. Each passenger is entitled to hold luggage plus 1 item of hand luggage and 1 personal item such as a handbag, briefcase or laptop case. Weight restrictions will be finalised on your final confirmation. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-in should be at least 3 hours before departure. IMPORTANT: Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 21 days before departure. Check in baggage is included with your flight. A printed E-ticket is no longer required at check-in, all you need to do is present your passport to the staff at the desk and your boarding pass will be given to you.
Airport Extras: If you wish to arrange Airport car parking, lounges or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras Tel. 0333 188 0407, quoting HX313.
We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras, including up to a 20% discount, which is given to all Mercury Holidays customers. To arrange your insurance with Holiday Extras, please visit https://www.mercuryholidays.co.uk/info/insurance for more details. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.
It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.
This cruise is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness. It involves some climbing of steep steps, and getting on and off boats. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.
The currency in Italy is the Euro, We recommend that you exchange your currency before you leave the UK, however cash machines are available in all the major cities to withdraw money in the local currency.
Credit cards are accepted on board ship and throughout all major cities.
This cruise is All-Inclusive, so you will only need to take a little extra money with you to cover any premium drinks on board and souvenirs, drinks and snacks purchased when off the ship, as well as any optional excursions you wish to book.
Tipping is at your discretion. There is an envelope in your cabin for these purpose that can be handed to reception at the end of your cruise.
Please note: your cruise is shared with international clients from other companies.
An English-speaking Cruise Director will be on board your cruise to help with any queries that you may have. While on excursions included in your itinerary, you will be accompanied by an English-speaking local tour guide. When exploring locally during your leisure time you will not be accompanied by a tour guide. Please note: Your cruise is shared with international clients from other companies.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily are taken onboard the ship. Tables seat 4 and 6 people, so you’ll be able to converse and socialise with new friends, whilst never feeling crowded together. Tea and coffee are available on board ship as well as unlimited soft drinks and alcoholic drinks, including a variety of wines and beer, both during meals and at the bar. (Premium brands are available at an extra cost). Any dietary requirements and dislikes should be made known to our reservations staff at the time of booking.
On embarking the ship, you will be greeted by the captain, crew and staff and treated to welcome cocktails.
On your arrival in Venice you will be met by a representative from our local agent, CroisiEurope, holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays/CroisiEurope”. The Mercury Holidays/CroisiEurope representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. If you need to contact your representative during your stay the details will be given on your arrival.
Embarkation Time: 6pm
If you have a late return flight, you may leave your luggage onboard the ship and spend your time exploring the city until your return airport transfer.
Disembarkation Time: 9am
If your return flight is after 9am you will be able to leave your luggage onboard the ship (until 14:00pm) and spend your time exploring the city until your return airport transfer. Please note: from 9:00 am on day of disembarkation drinks will not be available in the lounge bar and there will be no other cruise services on board.
If you need to contact Europlan regarding your transfer during your stay the details are as follows:
Europlan phone number for emergencies only: +39 331 7013838 or Veneziana Motoscafi +39 (0)417 16000 or +39 (0)41 716922
