Excursions in Italy (Po)

A walking tour of the "calli" will give you the chance to discover, not far from St Mark's Square, Venice's hidden masterpieces of architecture and painting. Meet up with your guides on Seven Martyrs Quay. You will visit the inside of the Byzantine-style Santa Maria Formosa Church, the Santa Maria dei Miracoli Church, a little gem of Venetian Renaissance, and finally the Santi Giovanni e Paolo Church, whose interior contains the impressive series of funerary monuments of the Doges, masterpieces of the heroes of the Republic and Renaissance sculptures. On your way back, you will get to admire the Church of San Zaccaria (exteriors only), built in the Gothic and Renaissance styles and dedicated to St. Zacharias, father of John the Baptist, whose relics are kept inside. Then you will pass by the Santa Maria della Pieta Church (exteriors only), which was founded in 1346. This orphanage for girls was renowned throughout Europe for its music in the 17th and 18th centuries. Return to the boat on foot.

Duration : approx. 3:30

• Comfortable shoes are recommended.
• Please dress appropriately for the visits of churches.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary.
• If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).
• The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise.

This 32-mile long Venitian lagoon was born from the estuaries of three different rivers and is separated from the Adriatic Sea by a thin sand bar. Venice is located in the midst of the cluster of islands that are in this lagoon. Almost half of them are deserted and the two most prominent ones to the North are the Murano and Burano islands. Our flagship tour will start from the Cornoldi jetty and you'll be able to visit these two islands. Murano is famous for its glasswork and you'll have the opportunity to watch a master glassmaker hard at work. The glass manufacture was transferred to Murano in 1291 after ovens were banned from Venice to protect it from fires. Murano was particularly active in glassmaking in the 16th century, the "golden age" of glasswork thanks to the 37 manufactures and 30 000 inhabitants that were on the island at the time. Glasswork was one of the first Venitian exports and the secrets of this craft were sealed. Glassmaking was considered a privilege that allowed the craftsmen a wealthy marriage. Today, this glasswork isn't a secret anymore and mirrors made in blown glass, chandeliers, cups and other complex art objects are renowned worldwide. Burano will be our next step. This lovely fishermen's village is picturesque with its vividly-colored houses and its canal sides interspersed with breams. Burano is famous for its lace. The heyday of this craft was in the 16th century when Burano was famous all across Europe. A school was created to preserve the traditional lace making technique. Although lace production might not be as popular today as it was back then, some women on the island are still making it. You'll also get some free time on this charming island to discover it on your own. We'll get back to the ship at the end of our tour.

Duration : approx. 4:00

• Good shoes and a windbreaker are recommended.
• Evening may be cold depending on season.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary.
• If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).
• The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise.

Transfer by coach from Chioggia to Padua. Best known in Christianity as the Saint Antoine of Padua city, it is also famous for its art. Giotto (1267-1337, painter, sculptor and Italian architect) gifted the city of Padua some of his masterpieces, enriching the artistic scenery of the city. We'll start off with a guided tour of the city by coach before visiting the basilic which holds the vault of Saint Antoine. You'll be able to admire Donatello's bronze statue from the 15th century in the square before the basilic. This art piece was a major influence on sculptors of the Italian Renaissance. A guided tour on foot will take you to the Piazza delle Erbe and the Piazza dei Frutti which holds a fresh produce market every day. You'll then see the Palazzo della Ragione (exterior only) and the Torre dell'Orologio with its astronomical clock dating back to 1344. You'll enjoy some free time to discover this charming city on your own. We'll be back on board in Venice.

Duration : approx. 5:00

• Good walking shoes are recommended.
• Commentaries inside the Saint Antoine church are forbidden so they would be given before getting in.
• Please dress appropriately to visit the Saint Antoine church.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary.
• If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).
• The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise.

We'll leave by coach from Polesella for Verona.
Discover Verona's main attractions and lesser-known sites as you pedal down medieval streets, along ancient city walls and through picturesque squares and courtyards.
Often overshadowed by neighboring Venice, Verona possesses an impressive artistic heritage and many cultural diversions. Throughout the tour, learn more about Verona's stories from a local guide.
You'll discover the Giusti Gardens, one of the city's marvels. This magnificent Italian garden was designed in the 16th century and contains age-old trees, gargoyles, fountains, and grottoes. The garden is dominated by a captivating ancient cypress-tree road which even impressed the poet Goethe.
At the end of our visit, we'll return on board in Polesella.

Duration : approx. 06:00

• PLEASE WEAR COMFORTABLE, STURDY SHOES AND APPROPRIATE CLOTHING ACCORDING TO THE WEATHER.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary.
• The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise.
• If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).
• Attention: children are under the responsibility of their parents and must be autonomous by bike.

Meet up with your guide on board. The tour will begin with a historical and artistic introduction to Venice with St Mark's Square, after which you will be able to admire the exteriors of St Mark's Cathedral. The Byzantine facades of the Cathedral (one of the most magnificent in the world) will immediately draw your attention. It was built in the 9th century to hold the body of St Mark, Patron Saint of Venice. Only a few pieces of the original structure remain and the present day Cathedral dates back from the 12th, 14th and 15th centuries. The exterior, with its domes, pinnacles and wooden horses, contrasts with the shining golden mosaics of the interior. The tour continues with the Doge's Palace, the residence of the Dukes of Venice and seat of the Venetian government from the 9th century until the Republic fell in 1797. Although there are no longer any traces of the 9th century Byzantine structures, the Palace as we see it today, richly decorated both on the outside and inside, dates back from the 14th century and is considered by many to be the finest in the world. You will then be able to admire the paintings of Tintoretto and Veronese from the top of the famous Golden Staircase before walking through the Grand Council Chamber and out onto the balcony with its fantastic view over the city. You will cross the famous decorated Bridge of Sighs which leads to the prison. The bridge, known in the past as the symbol of the destiny that awaited the prisoners, has more romantic connotations nowadays. Return to the boat on foot.

Duration : approx. 2:00

• The commentary on St Mark's cathedral will be given outside, as it is not authorised inside.
• Passengers will be able to enter the Cathedral during their free time. Modest clothing required. A long queue can be expected.
• Wear sturdy walking shoes: the tour is entirely on foot.
• There are a lot of steps to climb at the Doge's Palace.
• With your tickets for the Doges' Palace, you will have free entry to the Correr Museum and library.
• Depending on where the vessel is moored, we will arrange for shuttle boats if necessary to provide access to the Doges' Palace.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary.
• If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).
• The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise.

Departure by coach from Polesella with your guide for Ferrara, which is about 5 km from the Po river in the eastern part of the Italian plain.
Ferrara is famous for being the seat of the archbishopric and its small university. The town was also the residence of the Este dynasty as well as a flourishing trading town. You can still appreciate the city's past glory by its wide streets and impressive Renaissance palaces.
Our tour will take you through the town's medieval streets. You will visit the old Jewish ghetto, the Cathedral with its stunning Romanesque facade and the Castello Estense (exterior only), built during the Renaissance and whose four towers dominate the town center. Return to the coach for a panoramic tour which will allow you to admire the Palazzo dei Diamanti, the Piazza Ariostea and the Palazzo Schifanoia (exterior only).
Then, enjoy some free time before returning to the boat at Polesella.

Duration : approx. 4:00

• Comfortable shoes are recommended.
• Please dress appropriately for the visit of the cathedral.
• The order of visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary.
• If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).
• The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise.

This hike will take you to the Cannaregio district via the Castello area. You’ll discover another side of Venice on this urban hike, including the heart of the city, its shops, and its craftspeople. One highlight is the old Jewish Ghetto, home to the population for over three centuries. This trek will also take you past the two famous churches in the area (Madonna dell’Orto and Gesuati), give you a great view of the lagoon and the Isola di San Michele, and bring you to the docks in Fondamenta Nove.

PLEASE NOTE

• Please wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes.
• Hike: Approx. 5 miles (8 km); several bridges on trail; return to ship using public transportation (boats).
• Times are approximate and can change according to navigational conditions.

This 32-mile long Venitian lagoon was born from the estuaries of three different rivers and is separated from the Adriatic Sea by a thin sand bar. Venice is located in the midst of the cluster of islands that are in this lagoon. Almost half of them are deserted and the two most prominent ones to the North are the Murano and Burano islands. Our flagship tour will start from the Cornoldi jetty and you'll be able to visit these two islands. Murano is famous for its glasswork and you'll have the opportunity to watch a master glassmaker hard at work. The glass manufacture was transferred to Murano in 1291 after ovens were banned from Venice to protect it from fires. Murano was particularly active in glassmaking in the 16th century, the "golden age" of glasswork thanks to the 37 manufactures and 30 000 inhabitants that were on the island at the time. Glasswork was one of the first Venitian exports and the secrets of this craft were sealed. Glassmaking was considered a privilege that allowed the craftsmen a wealthy marriage. Today, this glasswork isn't a secret any longer and mirrors made in blown glass, chandeliers, cups and other complex art objects are renowned worldwide. Burano will be our next step. This lovely fishermen's village is picturesque with its vividly-colored houses and its canal sides interspersed with breams. Burano is famous for its lace. The heyday of this craft was in the 16th century when Burano was famous all across Europe. A school was created to preserve the traditional lace making technique. Although lace production might not be as popular today as it was back then, some women on the island are still making it. You'll also get some free time on this charming island to discover it on your own. We'll get back to the ship at the end of our tour.

Duration : approx. 4:00

• Good shoes and windbreaker are recommended.
• Evening may be cold depending on season.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary.
• If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).
• The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise.

We will leave on foot to the closest station to take a vaporetto to The Lido. The Lido is a 7-mile (11-km) sandbar with fantastic beaches that separates the Venetian Lagoon from the Adriatic Sea. Hit the beach and take advantage of this time to relax and have fun. After our excursion, we’ll return to the ship.

PLEASE NOTE

• Must be reserved ahead of time.

Our guide will greet you in Livorno before you board a coach and head to Florence, a feast of world-class art. Cradle of the Renaissance, the city is magnetic, romantic and busy.
We'll visit the historical center and get a peek of some of the most iconic buildings: Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral and the Brunelleschi dome, the Palazzo Vecchio on the Piazza della Signoria (exteriors) and the Loggia dei Lanzi.
We'll have lunch in a local restaurant.
After lunch, we'll set off for Pisa, the city that dominated the western Mediterranean in the Middle Ages thanks to its powerful fleet. A 45-minute stop is scheduled at the Piazza dei Miracoli to admire its famous buildings (exteriors - entrance fees not included): the Pisa Cathedral, Pisa Baptistry, and the infamous Leaning Tower of Pisa. We'll return to the ship at 5:45 p.m.

Duration: approx. 10 hours

• Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes.
• Active excursion requiring effort.
• This excursion is not recommended for persons with reduced mobility.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).
• Lunch includes the equivalent of 1/2 bottle of water + 2 standard glasses of wine OR 1 beer + 1 soft drink + 1 coffee OR tea
• These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary.
• The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise.
   

Departure by coach from Polesella with your guide for Ferrara, which is about 5 km from the Po river in the eastern part of the Italian plain.
Ferrara is famous for being the seat of the archbishopric and its small university. The town was also the residence of the Este dynasty as well as a flourishing trading town. You can still appreciate the city's past glory by its wide streets and impressive Renaissance palaces.
Our tour will take you through the town's medieval streets. You will visit the old Jewish ghetto, the Cathedral with its stunning Romanesque facade and the Castello Estense (exterior only), built during the Renaissance and whose four towers dominate the town center. Return to the coach for a panoramic tour which will allow you to admire the Palazzo dei Diamanti, the Piazza Ariostea and the Palazzo Schifanoia (exterior only).
Then, enjoy some free time before returning to the boat at Polesella.

Duration : approx. 4:00

• Comfortable shoes are recommended.
• Please dress appropriately for the visit of the cathedral.
• The order of visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary.
• If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).
• The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise.

You’ll leave by coach for Goro, the starting point of your hike. Beginning with a trek along the Adriatic Sea, you’ll cross through the Natural Mesola Forest Reserves before arriving in Oasi di Cannevié and its shallow salt-water lagoon. We’ll take some time for a picnic lunch before being transferred to the Pomposa Abbey, one of the most important Benedictine monasteries in Italy and a veritable masterpiece of Romanesque art. You’ll return to the ship by coach.

PLEASE NOTE

• Please wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes.
• Hike: Approx. 3.7 miles (6 km), no altitude difference.
• Times are approximate and can change according to navigational conditions.

Verona: a splendid city of art, surrounded by traces of ancient history and the mythical dimension bestowed upon it by the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. The Romans founded the city in 49 B.C. and built many of its grandiose works such as the amphitheater—the third largest in Italy, after the Colosseum and the amphitheater in Capua. In the Middle Ages, the city flourished under the wrathful della Scala clan, who were as much faithful patrons of the arts as they were murderous tyrants. Under Cangrande I (1308-28) Verona conquered Padua and Vicenza, with the poet Dante and the artists Petrarch and Giotto benefitting from the city's patronage. The Scaligers rebuilt the walls during the Middle Ages, embracing a much larger territory in the west and another vast area on the east bank of the river. It's easy to spend a long time simply exploring the narrow streets lined with handsome palazzi that make up its historic heart. The city's museums and churches contain some of the finest works of art.
We'll leave for our tour from Polesella and begin with a panoramic visit of the city by coach, entering through the Porta Palio. We'll see the beautiful Castelvecchio and the Arco dei Gavi. The Porta Nuova offers a wonderful view of the towers, hills and mountains in the background. From here, we'll set off on foot with our guide to Juliet's House (Casa di Giulietta) to see the balcony where she stood when Romeo declared his love. We'll then walk to the arena—built from the characteristic local pink and white stone in the 1st century A.D.—which seated as many as 30,000 spectators at gladiatorial combats, mock naval battles and other such popular entertainment. If the amphitheater is closed, we'll visit the magnificent Giusti Gardens. At the end of our visit, we'll return on board in Polesella.

Duration : approx. 6:00

• Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary.
• The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise.
• If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).
   

Transfer by coach from Chioggia to Padua. Best known in Christianity as the Saint Antoine of Padua city, it is also famous for its art. Giotto (1267-1337, painter, sculptor and Italian architect) gifted the city of Padua some of his masterpieces, enriching the artistic scenery of the city. We'll start off with a guided tour of the city by coach before visiting the basilica which holds the vault of Saint Antoine. You'll be able to admire Donatello's bronze statue from the 15th century in the square before the basilica. This art piece was a major influence on sculptors of the Italian Renaissance. A guided tour on foot will take you to the Piazza delle Erbe and the Piazza dei Frutti which holds a fresh produce market every day. You'll then see the Palazzo della Ragione (exteriors only) and the Torre dell'Orologio with its astronomical clock dating back to 1344. You'll enjoy some free time to discover this charming city on your own. We'll be back on board in Venice.

Duration : approx. 5:00

• Good walking shoes are recommended.
• Commentaries inside the Saint Antoine church are forbidden so they would be given before getting in.
• Please dress appropriately to visit the Saint Antoine church.
• Times are approximate.
• The order of the visits can change.
• These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary.
• If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).
• The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise.

This excursion will lead you to discover the area that has been the heart of handmade gondola production for centuries. You'll visit a gondola workshop and learn all the secrets of this art directly from the master artisans. Back in the 16th-century, the heyday of the gondola, there were upwards of 10,000 of these elegant boats plying the waters of the city canals. Today, there are only 350 remaining, and the job of gondolier is a coveted profession passed down from father to son. Afterwards, we'll visit a Venetian Carnival mask-making workshop. All the masks are individually handmade and feature touches of fantasy and creativity that make them unique items. Most of the masks are signed by the artists, which makes them the perfect souvenir.

Duration : approx. 4:15

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary.
• If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).
• The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise.

We'll leave by coach from Polesella for Bologna.
Bologna is a university city known for its terracotta medieval buildings adorned with miles of porticoes.
Come discover the city during a unique tour celebrating all its famous flavors.
Our guide will take us through the Piazza Maggiore to the heart of the city to see its magnificent Fountain of Neptune and the Towers of Bologna. We'll then head to the Quadrilatero neighborhood to browse the old medieval market. This is the commercial heart of the old town center, overflowing with goods, noisy venders and customers.
At the Il Caffe' della Corte on the Piazza Santo Stefano, you'll be able to taste some of the local foods.
Following our tour, we'll return to the ship.

PLEASE NOTE

• Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes.
• Please dress modestly to visit the interior of churches (long pants for men; legs and shoulders covered for women).
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

The Euganean Hills are volcanic-origin hills that rise to height of 1,968 feet from the Padovan-Venetian plain a few miles south of Padua. Hot water springs helped create the multitude of spa towns that have existed here since Roman times, as the ancient ruins attest. The region is also known for its vineyards.
You'll leave by coach for the Euganean Hills and the starting point of your hike. With your guide, you'll first hike to Mount Calbarina (446 feet in altitude) to take in the magnificent view of the Lago della Costa. Your hike will continue through the forest to Mount Piccolo (1,037 feet in altitude). The path continues to one of the most beautiful and picturesque medieval villages in the area: Arquà Petrarca. You'll see the façade of Renaissance poet Francesco Petrarca's home. His tomb can be found in the piazza in front of the town church.
An approximate 6 hour tour, with 2.5 hours hiking, 4.5 miles, and an altitude difference of 918 feet.

Duration : approx. 6:00

• PLEASE WEAR COMFORTABLE, STURDY SHOES AND APPROPRIATE CLOTHING ACCORDING TO THE WEATHER.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• You will only see the exterior of Francesco Petrarca's house.
• These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary.
• If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).
• The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise.
   

You’ll leave by private boat for a tour of the two islands. First stop will be Torcello, which holds the vestiges of the first populations on the islands. Settled in 452 AD, it was the parent island before Venice became inhabited and includes a basilica with priceless mosaics. You’ll then head over to long-abandoned Lazzaretto Nuovo. Today, it harbors an archaeological site and an open-air museum. A visit to the island provides an opportunity to discover the extraordinary environment in the lagoon. You can walk along the old sentinel path and climb the bastions that give a 360° view of the area.

PLEASE NOTE

• Please wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes.
• Hike: Approx. 2.8 miles (4.5 km), no altitude difference.
• The times and orders of the visits are for informational purposes only and can change.

Departure on foot from Seven Martyrs Quay with a local guide for La Fenice theater. This opera house was built in Venice in the 18th century in the neo-classical style. The auditorium has five levels of balconies finely decorated in red and gold. It is, with La Scala in Milan and the San Carlo Theater in Naples, one of the most prestigious temples of Italian opera. La Fenice has seen the creation of the most beautiful operas of Verdi, Rossini, Bellini and many others. You'll be able to enjoy some free time or return on board in the company of your guide.

Duration : approx. 2:30

• The theatre is 45 minutes' walk from the quay - possibility of taking the vaporetto (extra charge, payable on site)
• Good walking shoes are recommended.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary.
• The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise.
• If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).

You'll leave on foot from The Zattere or San Basilio Pier. The Dorsoduro District houses some of the most picturesque canals and palazzi and some of the city's great art showcases without the tourist traps that you might expect. The area includes the highest land areas of the city. Our walk will take you along The Zattere to the Spirito Santo and the customs house. The view is absolutely spectacular from this point in Venice, because you can scan the entire Saint Mark's Basin, San Giorgio Maggiore, and the Grand Canal. We'll continue on to admire the exterior of the Santa Maria della Salute church, built during a plague epidemic in the 17th century. The church's dome was an important addition to the Venice skyline and soon became emblematic of the city, inspiring many artists. Our next stop will be Campo Santa Margherita, a large city square in the sestiere of Dorsoduro. You'll be delighted by this heart-warming quarter which has remained humble yet sophisticated with the many palaces overlooking the Grand Canal. After our visit, we'll return to the ship.

Duration : approx. 3:00

(4:00 via vaporetto from San Basilio Pier or The Zattere)

• Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes.
• No entrance fees are provided during the tour.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary.
• If the ship is moored neither at San Basilio Pier nor The Zattere, you'll be asked to pay a R/T fee of €15 per person for the vaporetto. To be paid for on board.
• The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise.
• If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).

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.
While visiting Doge's Palace, our guide will evoke his intricate life, including his imprisonment in the palace in solitary confinement for "grave faults committed in public outrages against the holy religion.” He later escaped with the help of a renegade priest.
Casanova's reputation remains until this day, and our guide will recount the most outrageous moments of this "adventurer's" life. Our guide will then take us on a walk through the city streets, passing by the Casino Venier and Casanova's house, finishing up at the Rialto Bridge. After our tour, you can return to the ship at your own pace.

Duration : approx. 3:00

• PLEASE WEAR COMFORTABLE, STURDY SHOES AND APPROPRIATE CLOTHING ACCORDING TO THE WEATHER.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary.
• The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise.
• If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).
   

You will meet the guides on the boat. The tour will begin with a historical and artistic introduction to Venice with St Mark's Square, then you will be able to see St Mark's Cathedral (exterior). The Byzantine facades of the Cathedral (one of the most magnificent in the world) will immediately draw your attention. Originally, it was built in the 9th century to hold the body of St Mark, Patron Saint of Venice. Only a few traces of the original structure remain and the present day Cathedral dates from the 12th, 14th and 15th centuries. The exterior, with its domes, pinnacles and wooden horses, contrasts with the shining golden mosaics of the interior. The tour continues with the Doge's Palace, the residence of the Dukes of Venice and seat of the Venetian government from the 9th century until the Republic fell in 1797. Although there are no longer any traces of the 9th century Byzantine structures, the Palace as we see it today, richly decorated outside and inside, dates from the 14th century and is considered by many as the finest in the world. A visit to the top of the famous Golden Staircase will enable you to admire the paintings of Tintoretto and Veronese, to walk through the Grand Council Chamber and out onto the balcony, with its fantastic view. You will walk over the famous decorated Bridge of Sighs, which leads to the prison. The bridge, known in the past as the image of the destiny that awaited the prisoners, today has more romantic connotations. Return to the boat on foot.

Duration : approx. 3:30

• The commentary on St Mark's cathedral will be given outside, as it is not authorized inside.
• Passengers will be able to enter the Cathedral during their free time. Modest clothing required. A long queue can be expected.
• Wear sturdy walking shoes: the tour is entirely on foot.
• There are a lot of steps to climb at the Doge's Palace.
• With your tickets for the Doges' Palace, you will have free entry to the Correr Museum and library.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary.
• If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).
• The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise.