From Venice to Mantua, enjoy a unique cruise through the heart of three Italian regions. The region of Veneto opens its doors and invites you to discover Venice, famous Saint Mark’s Square and Doge’s Palace, the official residence of Venetian dukes. Lombardy welcomes you next with its breathtaking and varied panoramas. You’ll visit unique cities such as romantic Mantua and Cremona, Claudio Monteverdi’s and Stradivarius’s birthplace. Your trip ends with the region of Emilia-Romagna and its traditional cuisine: do not miss out on a tour of Parma and Cremona complete with a tasting of authentic cheese and ham! Wrap up your Italian adventure with an enchanting stay in Milan and Lake Como.
Highlights
Cruise through the heart of the Italian regions
Learn about the abundance of history of Venice
Discover the region of Veneto, its treasures, arts and traditions
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
You’ll board the ship at 6 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, You’ll introduce your crew at a welcome cocktail. Enjoy a free evening to explore the city on your own.
This morning, two excursions are offered: CLASSIC: Guided tour of Doge’s Palace and Saint Mark’s Square.
You’ll discover Saint Mark’s Square and its famous basilica (exteriors) and take a tour inside Doge’s Palace, the official residence of Venetian dukes and the seat of the government until 1797. The current palace dates back to the 14th century and is considered by many to be the most beautiful in the world. A trek to the top of the Golden Staircase brings you to massive works by Tintoretto and Veronese and gives you access to the antechambers and a magnificent view from the balcony.
DISCOVERY: Following the footsteps of Casanova in Venice to Doge’s Palace and its hidden passageways.
Giacomo Girolamo Casanova was born in Venice in 1725. Both his parents were actors, and he was the first of six children in the family. He entered the University of Padua at age twelve and graduated five years later with a degree in law. Over his lifetime, he was a lawyer, soldier, violinist, courtier, economist, philosopher, writer, and of course, a lover who got into sexual escapades resembling operatic plots. Your guide will fill you in on all the details of his titillating life, including a darker period where he was imprisoned in Doge’s Palace and his daring escape. Even today, Casanova and his lusty reputation remain a legend in itself. At the end of the tour, you can return to the boat at your own pace.
This afternoon, join an excursion for both packages: The Venetian Lagoon and its islands. The Murano glassmakers retreated to the island of Murano to help keep their production techniques a secret. Burano instills a feeling of quiet and meditation as you walk along its docks lined with colorful homes. One of the most sought-out items on the island is handwoven lace that dates back to before the exploration of the New World.
Enjoy a free evening to explore Venice on your own.
Day 3: Venice | Chiogga | Vicenza | Porto Viro | Rovigo
Cruise to Chioggia, the departure point for an excursion for both packages: A guided tour of Vicenza. Vicenza is the epitome of gorgeous Italian landscapes, art, food, and wine. The most beautiful buildings in the city are found around the Piazza dei Signori. Here, you can take in the gorgeous facade of the Teatro Olimpico, which opened in 1585 and contains the oldest standing stage set still in existence. The theater was the final design by Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio and is part of the sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the city. As you enjoy your tour, the ship will cruise to Porto Viro(1). For those who decided not to join the excursion, you will be transferred from Chioggia to Porto Viro(1). Enjoy some free time in Chioggia.
Return on board in Porto Viro and spend the afternoon cruising towards Rovigo.
Spend the morning cruising to Torretta.
In the afternoon, two excursions are offered: CLASSIC: Visit Verona and its amphitheater or the Giusti Gardens. Leave by coach from Torretta and head to Verona, the “City of Love” made famous by Shakespeare’s legendary tragedy Romeo and Juliet. Get to see the outside of Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta) and the balcony where she stood when Romeo declared his love. Verona encapsulates 2,000 years of history from an architectural, urban, and artistic point of view. The amphitheater, the historic symbol of the city, is a fantastic example of its longevity and influence. (If the amphitheater is closed and in July and August, you'll visit the magnificent Giusti Gardens.)
DISCOVERY: Take a bike tour of Verona and visit the Giusti Gardens. You’ll be transferred by coach from Torretta to Verona, where numerous possibilities to explore the city await you. Often overshadowed by neighboring Venice, Verona possesses an impressive artistic heritage and many cultural diversions. What better way to explore the city than on two wheels? Glide along its streets and lanes lined with unique houses and romantic hideaways. You’ll then visit the Giusti Gardens, one of the city’s marvels. This magnificent Italian garden contains age-old trees, gargoyles, fountains, and grottoes with ancient inscriptions. After your tour, return on board in Valdaro.
Your ship will begin to cruise early in the morning to Mantua.
Join an excursion for both packages: A guided tour of Mantua, where the House of Gonzaga ruled for almost 400 years. Although Mantua is not well known, it is one of the most artistically rich and romantic cities in northern Italy. Visit the Palazzo Ducale di Mantova (Ducal Palace - closed on Mondays) which overlooks the city center. Built between the 14th and the 17th centuries by the noble House of Gonzaga, the property comprises many buildings such as the Castel di San Giorgio which was designed as a defensive structure aimed at protecting the heart of the town and subsequently converted into the main residence of the Gonzaga family. You’ll also visit the Camera degli Sposi (“bridal chamber”), known for its frescoes executed by Andrea Mantegna as a celebration of the Gonzaga family. Then reach the historic center of the city where you’ll visit the Rotonda di San Lorenzo and the Basilica of Sant’Andrea.
You’re free to do as you please in the afternoon.
Or enjoy an optional tour of the Ferrari Museum in Modena (not included in packages). Car lovers will not want to miss this chance! The museum focuses on the life and work of Enzo Ferrari, founder of the Ferrari sports car brand. Their website says it best: “The Museo Enzo Ferrari is more than just a museum. It is a spectacular immersive experience that combines a dizzying mix of unique ingredients.Visitors not only get to admire the stunning cars displayed in the futuristic 2,500 square metre main pavilion but are also treated to a spectacular audio-visual show to tell the magical story of Enzo Ferrari’s 90 years.”
Join an excursion to Cremona and Parma (including lunch). A stroll through the historical center of Cremona reveals its hidden artistic and architectural treasures. Within the superb medieval square, take in the immensity of the duomo and tower before visiting a violin-maker’s workshop. You'll then head to Polesine Parmense and stop at Fratelli Spigaroli(2) to visit the cellars where they cure the famous Culatello ham and Parmigiana cheese. In the afternoon, go to Parma—located in the confines of the Lombardy and Emilie-Romagna Regions—to indulge in art, music history, and food! Parma is in one of Italy’s most emblematic areas, and its castles and ancient churches inspire dreams of yesteryear. Visit the pink-marble Baptistery, which contains some amazing frescoes representing the life of Christ. The frescoes on the dome of the cathedral are also exceptional.
Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. Hit the road for Milan (an approximate 2-hour drive), and upon our arrival mid-morning, you’ll enjoy a panoramic tour of the city to get an overview of what it has to offer. Dynamic, trendy Milan also contains old-fashioned charm, monuments, quaint neighborhoods, and a veritable architectural and artistic heritage that stands out on its own in sublime Italy. Have lunch in a local restaurant. The afternoon will be dedicated to discovering the historic center, including a visit to the cathedral. The vast, Gothic-style cathedral took five centuries to complete and is covered with white and pink marble. The roof is adorned with openwork pinnacles and spires crowned with sculptures overlooking the city. The soberer inside is impressive in its grandeur: it can hold up to 40,000 people at one time. Dinner and accommodations in a 3-star hotel LS in Milan or Lake Maggiore.
Breakfast will be served at the hotel. Head to Como for a guided tour of the city. Built along the banks of a calm lake, Como is an invitation to rest and relaxation. Visit the remarkable cathedral, which was built over a period of 400 years. The interior contains important tapestries and paintings, mainly dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Have lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, you'll take the Brunate funicular railway to the summit, where you’ll have a great view of the lake and city below. Return to Como and enjoy a boat tour of the lake. After the excursion, return to Milan by coach. Dinner and accommodations in a 3-star hotel LS in Milan or Lake Maggiore.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$3,699
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Select a Date
Main Deck-Cat A
51 cabins (44 twins, 2 single cabins, 4 cabins with a double bed, 1 suite) equipped with shower and toilet, hairdryer, satellite TV, radio, safe.
Select a Date
Main Deck- Cat B
cabins (44 twins, 2 single cabins, 4 cabins with a double bed, 1 suite) equipped with shower and toilet, hairdryer, satellite TV, radio, safe.
Select a Date
Main Deck-Cat C
cabins (44 twins, 2 single cabins, 4 cabins with a double bed, 1 suite) equipped with shower and toilet, hairdryer, satellite TV, radio, safe.
Select a Date
Upper Deck-Cat A
27 twin cabins with large windows equipped with shower and toilet, hairdryer, satellite TV, radio, safe.
Select a Date
Upper Deck-Cat B
twin cabins with large windows equipped with shower and toilet, hairdryer, satellite TV, radio, safe.
Notes
20% discount on children between 2-10 years
30% discount for 3rd person in triple cabin
Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Bank transfer or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
1 day ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
3 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.