Venice & the Gems of Northern Italy

7 nights from £3,149pp departing Sunday 3rd Nov 2019

Uncover the extraordinary hidden treasures of Venice and Northern Italy. Soak up the enchantment of “The City of Water” and three outer-lying Venetian islands, Burano, Mazzorbo and Torcello. Be treated to an exclusive evening opening and lighting ceremony at St. Mark’s Basilica. Discover the charm of seaside Chioggia loved by fishermen and artists alike. Explore medieval Padua, once home to Galileo and Copernicus; “bountiful” Bologna; and UNESCO-designated Ferrara. Each of these enchanting locales is yours to uncover on “Venice & the Gems of Northern Italy.” Who will enjoy this...

Itinerary

Map

					Arrive	Depart
	3rd03	NovNov	201919	Venice, Italy, embark on the River Countess
Venice is a city unlike any other. No matter how often you've seen it in photos and films, the real thing is more dreamlike than you could imagine. With canals where streets should be, water shimmers everywhere. The fabulous palaces and churches reflect centuries of history in what was a wealthy trading center between Europe and the Orient. Getting lost in the narrow alleyways is a quintessential part of exploring Venice, but at some point you'll almost surely end up in Piazza San Marco, where tourists and locals congregate for a coffee or an aperitif. 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.
	4th04	NovNov	201919	Venice, Italy
Venice is a city unlike any other. No matter how often you've seen it in photos and films, the real thing is more dreamlike than you could imagine. With canals where streets should be, water shimmers everywhere. The fabulous palaces and churches reflect centuries of history in what was a wealthy trading center between Europe and the Orient. Getting lost in the narrow alleyways is a quintessential part of exploring Venice, but at some point you'll almost surely end up in Piazza San Marco, where tourists and locals congregate for a coffee or an aperitif. Hoping to escape marauding Huns, Goths and Vandals as the Roman Empire collapsed 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. Today you will embark on your own personal voyage of discovery through this entrancing city. An expert guide will show you iconic sites as well as quiet lanes and secret spots known only to locals (shhhh….). Also on deck today: a scenic cruise around the Venetian Lagoon.
	5th05	NovNov	201919	Chioggia, Italy
The River Countess sails from Venice, cruising through the lagoon, past the Lido, 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), before docking in Chioggia, sometimes called “Little Venice,” at the southern end of the lagoon. Join a local expert for a stroll around this picturesque fishing village, a popular place for artists, or “Let's Go” with a bike ride along the beaches lining the lagoon, or, for something really unique, hop aboard a small boat to go mussel harvesting with local fishermen out in the lagoon. The seaside air and sweeping views are simply spectacular. 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.
	6th06	NovNov	201919	Polesella, Italy
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 to make (and eat!) your own lunch. Or indulge your appetite for art with an excursion to Ferrara, an ancient center for the arts that once rivaled Medici Florence.
	7th07	NovNov	201919	Chioggia, Italy
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. 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.
	8th08	NovNov	201919	Burano Island, Venetian Lagoon, Italy
Venice is an island surrounded by hundreds of smaller islands, three of which you’ll visit today—Burano, famous for its lace-makers and houses painted in eye-popping colors; Mazzorbo, where you’ll taste a historic golden-hued wine; and Torcello, home to beautiful Byzantine mosaics.
	9th09	NovNov	201919	Venice, Italy
Venice is a city unlike any other. No matter how often you've seen it in photos and films, the real thing is more dreamlike than you could imagine. With canals where streets should be, water shimmers everywhere. The fabulous palaces and churches reflect centuries of history in what was a wealthy trading center between Europe and the Orient. Getting lost in the narrow alleyways is a quintessential part of exploring Venice, but at some point you'll almost surely end up in Piazza San Marco, where tourists and locals congregate for a coffee or an aperitif. 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.
	10th10	NovNov	201919	Venice, Italy, disembark the River Countess
Venice is a city unlike any other. No matter how often you've seen it in photos and films, the real thing is more dreamlike than you could imagine. With canals where streets should be, water shimmers everywhere. The fabulous palaces and churches reflect centuries of history in what was a wealthy trading center between Europe and the Orient. Getting lost in the narrow alleyways is a quintessential part of exploring Venice, but at some point you'll almost surely end up in Piazza San Marco, where tourists and locals congregate for a coffee or an aperitif. Disembark the ship. If your cruise/tour package includes a group departure transfer or if you purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Venice Marco Polo International Airport for your flight home.

River Countess

Launch Year

2003

Refit Year

2012

Tonnage

5,000

Capacity

130

Cabins

Accessible

Marco Polo Deck

Casanova Deck

Bellini Deck

Tintoretto Deck

The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.

River Countess Suite

Suites are lavishly appointed river view rooms and have hotel-style beds draped in fine linens, a vanity, built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat for air conditioning and heat, direct-dial telephone, flat-screen TV with satellite, bottled water, bathroom with L'Occitane bath and body products, magnifying mirror, and plush bathrobes.

All Suites have french balconies with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, they are uniquely decorated and have additional amenities and services, including: one-per-person complimentary in-suite well-being treatment; daily fruit and biscuit plate, and an elegant evening snack; bathroom towel warmers and heated mirrors; iPod dock; Nespresso coffee machine and fine teas; fully stocked minibar; bottle of wine upon arrival; morning coffee and tea; full breakfast menu; shoe shine; free laundry service; and bathroom stocked with added comforts, such as Hermès bath products.

The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.

Savoy Restaurant

The onboard restaurant offers guests gourmet dinners paired with distinctive wines and craft beers, culinary demonstrations and tastings as well as private onshore wine and beer tastings exclusively for Uniworld guests.

Chefs will serve signature dishes designed to soothe the soul and warm the heart, along with their traveling Lite menu with health-conscious options.

With Early Riser breakfasts, Afternoon Tea, All-day Bistro menu for snacks and Al fresco dining, there is just so much to excite your tastebuds!

The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.

Captains Lounge and Library

Complete with full-service bar, the Captains Lounge and Library is the perfect place to unwind with a good book.

Castillo Lounge

The Castillo Lounge boasts a panoramic view, a full-service bar and a dance floor.

Osteria Siena Sky Lounge

The glass-enclosed Osteria Siena Sky Lounge up on the Sun Deck, is a pleasant place to sit, chat, or read away from the crowd.

The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.

Your Holiday Is Safe With Us

Our Fusion packages are all ABTA & ATOL protected ensuring that your booking is safe with us

Fusion TV

Check out our latest cruise deals, news and information from the cruise world. We will bring you up to date with all of the latest exclusive offers we have available, all the news from onboard the cruise ships and much much more!

Offer

Book by

Fusion Special

Book by

Holiday Summary

	7 nights cruising on the Po
	Return airport transfers
	All alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages included
	Gratuities Included
	Choice of shore excursions in every port
	Exclusive special events
	Speciality restaurants included
	Bikes for passenger use
	In-room mini bar
	Free Wi-Fi included
	Room Service (category dependant)
	Self-service laundry
	Butler Service (category dependant)
	Port Taxes and Fees
	ABTA and ATOL Protection*

Oceanview staterooms from		£3,149pp
CLASSIC	Classic
DELUXE	Deluxe	£3,149pp

Balcony staterooms
FRNCH	French Balcony

Suite staterooms
SUITE	Suite