River cruise in Italy

• Flight from Montreal to Venice
• Arrival in Venice on day 2 and transfer not included to your hotel with 1 night of accommodation

• Boarding: 6 PM
• Introduction of the crew and welcome cocktail.
• Dinner on board and free evening in Venice.

In the morning, optional excursions:

AUTHENTIC: guided tour of the Doge’s Palace. Also known as Palazzo Ducale, the Doge’s Palace is one of the iconic buildings of Venice. Built in the 11^th century as the residence and seat of government of the Venetian Republic, it is renowned for its imposing architecture and richly decorated interior. You will stroll through the palace halls and admire the paintings by Tintoretto and Veronese, then cross the famous Bridge of Sighs to reach the prison. Built in the 16^th century, it was used to transport prisoners from the courtroom to their cells. From the balconies and windows, you will also enjoy splendid views of the Serenissima and its canals. After the visit, enjoy some free time to explore St. Mark’s Square.

EXPERIENCE: discovering Venetian craftsmanship. As you wander through the alleys of Venice, you will discover magical places. For centuries, the city has allowed the development of many craft activities, of which only a few have survived today. You will dive into the heart of Venetian craftsmanship by visiting a “squero” or shipyard where the gondolas of the Serenissima are still made, repaired, and maintained. From the structure to the oars, including decorative ornaments and sculptures, many craftsmen must work together and combine their unique talents and know-how to create unique pieces so that each gondolier can glide through the canals of Venice. Then, during a visit to a mask-making workshop, you will uncover the secrets and meanings of these symbols of the city and its Carnival. Considered jewelry due to their beauty and refinement, they are typically made from materials such as papier-mâché, straw, fabric, and leather, and are decorated with elements like paint, beads, gemstones, or metal ornaments. Among the most famous masks, you may recognize the Plague Doctor, the Bauta, as well as characters from the Commedia dell’Arte, such as Harlequin, Pantalone, and Columbine.

Afternoon free in Venice. Take the time to discover or rediscover the most romantic city in the world and head to the Rialto, the iconic bridge of the city, located over the Grand Canal. From the bridge, you will have a stunning view of the canal and the historic buildings that surround it.

Evening free in Venice.

Morning cruise in the Venice lagoon. Onboard conference. From the sun deck, you will contemplate the silhouettes of churches and palaces outlined on the horizon. In the heart of this maze of canals and islands, you will enjoy a unique experience admiring the landscapes and the ballet of numerous boats traversing the channels. You will reach the island of Mazzorbo, connected by a pedestrian bridge to the charming island of Burano.

Free discovery of the island of Burano. Located just a few minutes’ walk from the boat, you will stroll in the heart of this island famous worldwide for its lace, but also for its beautiful colorful houses lining the canals of this fishing village.

In the mid-afternoon, optional AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCE: wine tasting from the Venissa estate. The island of Mazzorbo holds a well-kept secret: the vineyards of the Dorona variety, from which Gianluca Bisol and his son Matéo produce their wine, Venissa. It was nearly 15 years ago while wandering on the island of Torcello that Gianluca Bisol spotted in the distance some vine stocks in a garden near the cathedral that were about to be uprooted by the owner. He had a strong intuition and asked to have a vine from this grape variety analyzed before it was removed. The result was a revelation for Gianluca: it turned out to be the last 150 vines of Dorona, this small golden grape (from which its name derives), whose white wine was served during the banquets of the Doges of Venice in the past, and which was about to die out and disappear entirely in the following days. The Bisol family has managed to revive Dorona, a rare, unique, and precious wine that inherits the traditions of ancient Venice.

Evening at leisure in Mazzorbo. You will discover the “timeless” atmosphere of this small island, away from the hustle and bustle of the Serenissima.

Morning cruise to Chioggia. You will cross the Venetian lagoon, a vast closed basin that stretches over 48 km. Since time immemorial, its landscapes have inspired admiration in visitors, sometimes enchanting, sometimes bewitching. To the south, a strip of land called Lido protects the lagoon from the Adriatic Sea. Enjoy this spectacular view while savoring a typical “aperitivo” on the sun deck.

In the afternoon, optional excursions:

• AUTHENTIC: visit to Padua, city of Saint Anthony. A city of art and science, Padua is a must-see in Veneto. The city extends around the medieval heart dotted with palaces and charming squares such as Piazza delle Erbe and Prato della Valle, a vast square surrounded by canals and a double row of statues. You will visit the Basilica of Saint Anthony, whose majestic building reveals a strong influence from the Basilica of Saint Mark in Venice, while its taller apse and nine radiant chapels are in Gothic style.
• EXPERIENCE: the Palladian villas. The Palladian villas were built along the Brenta Canal as secondary residences for the aristocrats who lived in the Republic of the Most Serene. These sumptuous homes, crafted by famous architects and adorned with frescoes by exceptional painters, developed the phenomenon of “vacation” between the 15th and 16th centuries. Depart by coach for a panoramic tour of this region, followed by a visit to Villa Pisani, a magnificent villa famous for its beauty and the majesty of its park with fountains and pools, or La Malcontenta, designed by Palladio.

Return on board. Cruise to Venice at sunset, a fascinating spectacle.

In the morning, optional excursions:

AUTHENTIC: guided tour of the Basilica of San Giovanni e Paolo in the Castello district (only by prior reservation before departure). Located in the historic center of Venice, this basilica is one of the most impressive medieval religious buildings in the city. The Basilica of San Giovanni e Paolo is a jewel of incredible delicacy and richness, revealed in every detail by the midday sun. Many doges and famous personalities, who wrote crucial pages of history, rest here. They lie in solemn and monumental tombs, which is why this basilica is considered the Pantheon of Venice.

EXPERIENCE: a gourmet stroll in Venice and its hidden neighborhoods. You will taste Venetian flavors during this walking tour, accompanied by a guide. You will wander through the San Polo district, the oldest part of the city, where the famous Rialto market has been held for nearly a thousand years. You will immerse yourself in the characteristic atmosphere of this market, where fresh fruits and vegetables take center stage. It is a meeting place for the locals of the lagoon city who come to do their shopping. You will discover a relaxed ambiance, as well as an ideal spot to learn about the culture and culinary traditions of Venice. The most vibrant part of the market is undoubtedly the fish market. The stalls are often colorful and attractive, with fish and seafood arranged to catch the buyers’ interest. Then, you will visit a typical “osteria” and discover Venetian gastronomy during a tasting of small tapas called “cicchetti,” a culinary specialty originating from Italy and very popular in Venice. You will also discover buranelli, butter cookies in the shape of a ring or “S,” flavored with vanilla, rum, or lemon, a specialty of the island of Burano, located in the Venetian lagoon.

Free afternoon to continue your exploration of Venice. Take the opportunity to venture off the beaten path, stroll through the winding “calli,” pass through the “sottoporteghi” (passages), discover hidden bridges, and countless small churches. Don’t forget to look up, as real little treasures are hidden at every street corner.

Gala evening.

Disembarkation: 9 AM

Buffet breakfast on board. Disembarkation at 9 AM. End of our services.

The transfer to your return flight to Montreal is not included.