Cruise & Rail: A Taste of Italy & Venice

The medieval cliff-hanging town of Taormina is overrun with tourists, yet its natural beauty is still hard to dispute. The view of the sea and Mt. Etna from its jagged cactus-covered cliffs is as close to perfection as a panorama can get—especially on clear days, when the snowcapped volcano's white puffs of smoke rise against the blue sky. Writers have extolled Taormina's beauty almost since it was founded in the 6th century BC by Greeks from nearby Naxos; Goethe and D. H. Lawrence were among its well-known enthusiasts. The town's boutique-lined main streets get old pretty quickly, but the many hiking paths that wind through the beautiful hills surrounding Taormina promise a timeless alternative. A trip up to stunning Castelmola (whether on foot or by car) should also be on your itinerary.

Arrive at the Catania-Fontanarossa Airport in Sicily, where you will be greeted and transferred to the Grand Hotel Timeo (or similar) for a one-night-stay. A Belmond property, the Grand Hotel Timeo invites you to soak in the classic, easygoing glamor Sicily is known for. This evening, join your fellow guests for a five-star Welcome Dinner complete with a champagne toast to honor the start of an incredible journey together.

Once the intellectual capital of southern Europe, Palermo has always been at the crossroads of civilization. Favorably situated on a crescent-shaped bay at the foot of Monte Pellegrino, it has attracted almost every culture touching the Mediterranean world. To Palermo's credit, it has absorbed these diverse cultures into a unique personality that is at once Arab and Christian, Byzantine and Roman, Norman and Italian. The city's heritage encompasses all of Sicily's varied ages, but its distinctive aspect is its Arab-Norman identity, an improbable marriage that, mixed in with Byzantine and Jewish elements, created some resplendent works of art. No less noteworthy than the architecture is Palermo's chaotic vitality, on display at some of Italy's most vibrant outdoor markets, public squares, street bazaars, and food vendors, and above all in its grand climax of Italy's most spectacular passeggiata (the leisurely social stroll along the principal thoroughfare).

Wake up to a gourmet breakfast in the elegant dining car of the Golden Eagle Danube Express, following a rare overnight train crossing of the Strait of Messina—a unique and memorable moment of the journey. Framed by the panoramic windows, rugged hills and olive groves offer a spectacular welcome to the day. Today, we stop in the lively Sicilian capital, Palermo. A gentle walking tour through its vibrant old town reveals a captivating blend of architectural styles. We conclude with an aperitif and concert at the grand Teatro Massimo, Italy’s largest opera house. This afternoon, choose to delve deeper into Palermo at your own pace: visit Corleone to explore its Anti-Mafia Museum and enjoy breathtaking mountain views, or head to Monreale to admire the golden mosaics of its world-famous Norman Cathedral.

Verona is a city in northern Italy’s Veneto region, with a medieval old town built between the meandering Adige River. It’s famous for being the setting of Shakespeare’s "Romeo and Juliet." A 14th-century residence with a tiny balcony overlooking a courtyard is said be “Juliet’s House." The Verona Arena is a huge 1st-century Roman amphitheater, which currently hosts concerts and large-scale opera performances.

This morning, we arrive in the elegant city of Verona. Immortalized as the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Verona reveals a rich tapestry of Roman, medieval, and Renaissance heritage during an informative guided walking tour. Highlights include the magnificent first-century Roman amphitheatre in Piazza Bra, one of the best-preserved in the world, alongside the city’s historic squares and atmospheric streets. Later this afternoon, we continue onward to Venice, where we arrive in time for a one-night hotel stay in the heart of this extraordinary city, allowing time to relax and soak up the unique ambience of the canals and palazzi ahead of our final day. In the evening, join your fellow guests for a celebratory dinner to mark the end of the first chapter of your journey. Tomorrow, the next chapter begins: an all-inclusive stay aboard the beautiful S.S. La Venezia.

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.

Following breakfast in the hotel, you will be transferred to the S.S. La Venezia to board your cruise of the Venetian Lagoon. With the rest of your day at leisure, why not take some time to explore the city at your own pace, get lost among the winding canals, or people-watch at one of Venice’s many charming wine bars.

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.

With your early morning arrival at Doge’s Palace, you’ll be able to marvel at the estate in total peace. Wander through a Venetian neighborhood and experience daily life in an authentic Venetian residential quarter. Later in the evening, cap the day off with a private once-in-a-lifetime experience at an after-hours lighting ceremony inside St. Mark’s Basilica without the crowds.

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.

Start your morning in one of two of the Veneto region’s UNESCO World Heritage cities, Vicenza or Padua. In the afternoon, you'll reboard the ship for scenic sailing across the lagoon as we head towards Mazzorbo and Burano. In the evening, you may wish to take your free time to stroll into town to appreciate this charming island when most of the tourists have left for the evening. Burano’s brightly painted fishermen’s cottages are an artist’s dream —hot pink, chartreuse, orange, lemon yellow, and more.

Chioggia, Italy, is a charming coastal town in the Veneto region, often called "Little Venice" for its picturesque canals and historic architecture. Located on a small island in the Venetian Lagoon, it boasts colorful buildings, bustling fish markets, and scenic bridges. Key attractions include the elegant Church of San Domenico and the vibrant Corso del Popolo. Known for its fishing heritage and serene beaches, Chioggia offers a unique blend of maritime tradition and Venetian charm, making it a delightful destination for visitors seeking a tranquil yet vibrant experience.

Spend the day exploring the northern lagoon of Venice and its captivating islands. Start with a visit to Torcello's famous basilica with an art historian, then stroll through the agricultural island of Mazzorbo and the rainbow-hued island of Burano during your free time after lunch. Alternatively, you can take the afternoon to see the renowned glassblowing artisans of Murano at work.

Chioggia, Italy, is a charming coastal town in the Veneto region, often called "Little Venice" for its picturesque canals and historic architecture. Located on a small island in the Venetian Lagoon, it boasts colorful buildings, bustling fish markets, and scenic bridges. Key attractions include the elegant Church of San Domenico and the vibrant Corso del Popolo. Known for its fishing heritage and serene beaches, Chioggia offers a unique blend of maritime tradition and Venetian charm, making it a delightful destination for visitors seeking a tranquil yet vibrant experience.

Today, you’ll admire the greatest sites of charming and coastal Chioggia, including a stop at the local and lively market.

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.

This morning, join a sailing excursion where you’ll explore the Po Delta where the Po River and the Adriatic Sea meet. Later, during lunch, we sail back to Venice.

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.

As your water taxi glides past narrow side canals and the Canal Grande, you’ll arrive in style at the Rialto Bridge. The iconic stone arch bridge sits at the narrowest point of the Canal Grande and holds numerous shops and restaurants.

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 you have arranged a Uniworld departure transfer, you will be transferred to Venice Marco Polo International Airport for your flight home.