Venice

The sight of the Gothic arches and marble façade of the Doges Palace encapsulates Venice. See the vast golden staircase with gilded stucco and the Doges' private apartments. Glimpse into the Palace prisons by way of the famous Bridge of Sighs.

St Mark's Square features stately public buildings and elegant cafés, wonderfully animated by people and pigeons. The clock tower is topped by 2 bronze Moors who hammer out the time, and the 300-feet-tall Campanile looks out over the city.

One of the most beautiful buildings in the world, St Mark's Basilica, whose façade features gold mosaic arches above the carved Romanesque entrance and 5 dramatic domes. Your guide will offer commentary from outside; as narration is not permitted within.

Time permitting, you’ll have a chance to browse the shops or to relax in a nearby café before returning to the ship.

During your motor launch ride, you will be given brief commentary on the sights and scenery before beginning your walking tour of Venice.

Take a motor launch ride through the Venetian Lagoon passing the Arsenale, the Church of San Pietro di Castello and St Elena. Enjoy views of the entrance to the Grand Canal as you pass through St Mark’s Basin.

The tiny island of Murano gained prominence as a glass-making centre in the 16th century and its products are still greatly revered. Visit a Murano Glass Factory to see how the glass treasures are made and perhaps shop for a memento of your visit.

On San Giorgio Island, you’ll visit one of Venice’s most remarkable churches. The interior of San Giorgio Maggiore is simple, but houses 2 of Tintoretto’s most important pieces: ‘The Last Supper’ and ‘The Gathering of Manna’.

Boarding a sleek gondola, you’ll traverse some of the smaller canals, crossed by many bridges. Relax as you glide through Venice on the city’s most famous form of transport.

Take a short walk to the motor launch for your return to the ship.

Your motor-launch will glide along the broad Giudecca Canal to Saint George’s Island, before traversing the southern lagoon to San Servolo and San Lazzaro.

Continue along a part of the Lido, a long strip of land dividing the Lagoon of Venice from the Adriatic Sea. You’ll then enter the canal that separates the two islands of Le Vignole and Sant’Erasmo.

You’ll see the island of Murano, renowned for its glass making. Cruising back towards Venice view the Arsenale, a vast walled dockyard that was once the most efficient industrial complex in Europe. Your panoramic tour also passes the ancient church of San Pietro di Castello, the city’s Cathedral until the beginning of the 19th century.

Approaching St Mark’s Basin, capture a wonderful view of St George’s Island, St Mark’s Square and, in the distance, the Grand Canal.

Allow your guide to take you on a journey of discovery. Take a stroll into the heart of Venice through narrow streets and bustling piazzas, over tiny footbridges and past beautiful buildings exuding Venetian character and charm.

See the façade of the vast 14th century Santa Maria Gloriosa Dei Frari church, which is simple but beautifully punctuated with a white marble portico and pinnacles. The square of Campo San Polo is one of the oldest and largest piazzas in Venice, in ancient times it was used for ceremonies and theatrical performances.

After the collapse of several wooden bridges, it was decided that the Rialto Bridge must be constructed in stone. One of only 4 bridges to cross the Grand Canal, Rialto remains the most famous bridge in Venice.

Campo San Giovanni e Paolo is one of the city’s most monumental squares. Here you’ll find the Church of Santi Giovanni e Paolo, the largest example of Gothic architecture in Venice.

You’ll make a stop at a nearby café to enjoy some welcome refreshments, before strolling back to the motor launch for your return journey to the ship.

No trip to Venice is complete without a visit to the Doge’s Palace. See this opulent residence, steeped in history and lavishly decorated. Venture to the gloomy dungeons, by way of the Bridge of Sighs.

Take in the sights and monuments of the impressive landmark piazza, St Mark’s. See the 300-feet-tall Campanile, as well as bustling St Mark’s Square. A highlight of the square is St Mark's Basilica, a truly stunning piece of architecture and the jewel in the crown of Venice (entrance not permitted on Sunday mornings).

You’ll have some free time to explore at your leisure, stop for a spot of lunch or perhaps do some shopping.

Depart St Mark’s by motor launch for the charming island of Murano. Here, you’ll discover how, in the 16th century, this little island became the centre for the most spectacular glass making production in Europe - perhaps the world. See artists at work during a glass making demonstration and browse the gallery for mementos of your visit.

See the Doges Palace with its gothic arches and delicate marble façade. Discover the opulent interior allowing the lavishly decorated rooms, golden staircase, and Venetian masterpieces to dazzle you. Venture into the gloomier Palace Prisons, via the sorrowful Bridge of Sighs.

Enjoy the atmosphere of St Mark’s Square, the epicentre of Venice. Admire the architectural delights: the formal public buildings, imposing campanile tower and splendid Doge’s Palace flanked by the stunning Basilica. Marvel at the one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, St Mark's Basilica (interior visit is unguided).

Complete your Venetian experience with a glide along the city’s enchanting canals on a gondola. Riding 6 per gondola, enjoy the sights from a different perspective on the city’s most famous form of transport.

Time permitting, you’ll have a short while for shopping or independent exploration at the end of the tour.

Enjoy a motor launch ride into the heart of Venice and see the city by night. You’ll take a short walk to the gondola station where you’ll board one of the beautiful hand painted boats, which typify Venice. To be a gondolier is a special privilege for Venetians and they take great pride in their cherished vessels.

The sights speak for themselves as your experienced gondolier navigates you through the narrow canals. Serenely glide under stone bridges and past balconied waterfront buildings. During your ride, a few gondolas will gather together for a brief musical serenade; a moment to be cherished.

At the end of your gondola ride, you’ll walk back to the motor launch station to return to the ship.

From the ship, you’ll take a motor launch cruise along the Giudecca Canal, enjoying panoramic evening views of The Redeemer Church, St George’s Island, the Salute Church and St Mark’s Basin. On arrival in the St Mark’s area, you will be met by your guide, who will escort you to the Basilica to share its fascinating history with you.

Saint Mark is the patron saint of Venice and the Byzantine Basilica is where his remains are kept. St Mark’s Basilica is one of the most popular sites in the city and can be crowded with visitors during the day before reverting to a quiet temple of worship once evening falls.

This after-hours viewing of St Marks’ is a wonderful opportunity to see the glory of the Basilica. Illuminated from within, the interior is bathed in a soft glowing light making your experience of this magnificent church even more atmospheric.

Enjoy a motor-launch ride, past the many islands that dot the Venetian Lagoon. Pass by St Mark’s for a view of the Doges’ Palace and San Giorgio. See St Elena Island, the Arsenale, San Pietro di Castello and the island that serves as Venice’s cemetery.

The 16th century was known as the ‘great age’ of Murano glass and, while glass making is no longer a secret, the products of Murano are greatly revered. Visit the Murano Glass Factory to enjoy a short demonstration of the glass pieces being made and browse the gallery. You’ll also have an opportunity to purchase some of the distinctive, colourful pieces from the factory gallery.

Re-board your motor launch for a ride to Burano. Your guide will introduce you to the cheerful fishing village on the small island. Wander its brightly painted houses and handful of shops. Burano is known for its lace making, still practised by the local women. Browse the Burano lace gallery, where you’ll also be offered a refreshing drink.

You’ll be transferred from the pier by motor launch into the heart of Venice. Upon arrival you’ll take a short walk to the gondola station and board one of the beautiful hand painted boats. You’ll traverse some of the smaller canals, crossed by stone bridges, and pass by balconied waterfront buildings. Relax as you glide through Venice on the city’s most famous form of transport.

Following your gondola experience, you’ll have some free time to explore Venice at your own leisure. Stroll through St Mark’s Square, admire the imposing campanile tower, view the magnificent San Giorgio Church or simply relax in one of the local cafés. You may also choose to spend some time browsing through the many designer shops and boutiques.

Afterwards, you’ll rejoin your escort at the designated meeting point, for the return motor launch to the pier.

The sight of the Gothic arches and marble façade of the Doges Palace encapsulates Venice. See the vast golden staircase with gilded stucco and the Doges' private apartments. Glimpse into the Palace prisons by way of the famous Bridge of Sighs.

St Mark's Square features stately public buildings and elegant cafés, wonderfully animated by people and pigeons. The clock tower is topped by 2 bronze Moors who hammer out the time, and the 300-feet-tall Campanile looks out over the city.

One of the most beautiful buildings in the world, St Mark's Basilica, whose façade features gold mosaic arches above the carved Romanesque entrance and 5 dramatic domes. Your guide will offer commentary from outside; as narration is not permitted within.

Time permitting, you’ll have a chance to browse the shops or to relax in a nearby café before returning to the ship.

During your motor launch ride, you will be given brief commentary on the sights and scenery before beginning your walking tour of Venice.

Your motor-launch will glide along the broad Giudecca Canal to Saint George’s Island, before traversing the southern lagoon to San Servolo and San Lazzaro.

Continue along a part of the Lido, a long strip of land dividing the Lagoon of Venice from the Adriatic Sea. You’ll then enter the canal that separates the two islands of Le Vignole and Sant’Erasmo.

You’ll see the island of Murano, renowned for its glass making. Cruising back towards Venice view the Arsenale, a vast walled dockyard that was once the most efficient industrial complex in Europe. Your panoramic tour also passes the ancient church of San Pietro di Castello, the city’s Cathedral until the beginning of the 19th century.

Approaching St Mark’s Basin, capture a wonderful view of St George’s Island, St Mark’s Square and, in the distance, the Grand Canal.

Enjoy a motor-launch ride, past the many islands that dot the Venetian Lagoon. Pass by St Mark’s for a view of the Doges’ Palace and San Giorgio. See St Elena Island, the Arsenale, San Pietro di Castello and the island that serves as Venice’s cemetery.

The 16th century was known as the ‘great age’ of Murano glass and, while glass making is no longer a secret, the products of Murano are greatly revered. Visit the Murano Glass Factory to enjoy a short demonstration of the glass pieces being made and browse the gallery. You’ll also have an opportunity to purchase some of the distinctive, colourful pieces from the factory gallery.

Re-board your motor launch for a ride to Burano. Your guide will introduce you to the cheerful fishing village on the small island. Wander its brightly painted houses and handful of shops. Burano is known for its lace making, still practised by the local women. Browse the Burano lace gallery, where you’ll also be offered a refreshing drink.

You’ll board your air conditioned coach and travel approximately 1 hour to Conegliano Veneto, the capital of the Prosecco and Grappa wine region.

Upon arrival in Conegliano, you will visit a traditional family owned and world renowned winery and distillery, where you can personally talk to the proprietors.

The winery personnel will guide you through the vineyards and teach you how to examine the colour, texture, taste and aroma of both the Grappa and Prosecco grapes.

Despite technological progress, distillation is still a ritual and a poetical process and for this reason the distillation master is considered the alchemist of modern times.

Afterwards, you’ll be invited to take a walk through the vineyards and visit the museum where you’ll have the opportunity to see wine and Grappa bottles together with the glass blown bottles that have won many international awards.

During your visit to the distillery, you’ll have the chance to taste both the Prosecco and Grappa wine varieties.

Take a motor launch ride through the Venetian Lagoon and enjoy views of the entrance to the Grand Canal as you pass through St Mark’s Basin.

The tiny island of Murano gained prominence as a glass-making centre in the 16th century and its products are still greatly revered. Visit a Murano Glass Factory to see how the glass treasures are made.

On San Giorgio Island, you’ll visit one of Venice’s most remarkable churches. The interior of San Giorgio Maggiore is simple, but houses 2 of Tintoretto’s most important pieces: ‘The Last Supper’ and ‘The Gathering of Manna’.

Afterwards, board a gondola and glide through Venice’s scenic waterways.

Take a short walk to the motor launch for your return to the ship.