Embark on a fabulous cruise through a fascinating area of Italy, which overflows with a wealth of history, art, culture and tradition. See the Medieval and Renaissance glory of Venice, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Cruise the Venetian Lagoon, and visit the enchanting islands of Murano and Burano. Visit the historic cities of the Po River–Mantua, Padua and Ferrara, once ruled by Lucretia Borgia. A tour of Parma, famous for its gourmet delights completes this wonderful cruise.

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INCLUDED TOUR FEATURES

Sightseeing Highlights

• Padua Guided walking tour and visit to St. Anthony's Basilica
• Ferrara Guided walking tour with visit to the Castello Estense
• Parma Guided city tour with visit to the Baptistery
• Revere Visit to the River Po Museum
• Mantua Guided city tour with visit to the Palazzo Ducale
• Venice Explore the Venetian Lagoon and the islands of Burano and Murano. Guided walking tour with visit to the Doges' Palace and St. Mark's Basilica

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Dining Highlights

• On–board dining & entertainment
• Welcome onboard dinner
• All meals on board ship: breakfast, lunch and dinner

– (see day–by–day itinerary)

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First Class Travel Highlights

8–Day (7–night Cat. 2 Main) cruise in an outside cabin onboard the Venezia. 7 guided shore excursions. Services of a Trafalgar Cruise Manager throughout your cruise.

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Airport Transfers
Free arrival & departure airport transfers when you book a Trafalgar cruise.

Tour Duration: 9 days

• Day 1
  USA – Venice. Depart on your overnight flight to Venice.



• Day 2
  Venice. On arrival, transfer to your beautiful floating hotel, docked in the main port of Venice. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. This evening, meet your fellow travelers at a welcome onboard dinner. (Dinner)



• Day 3
  Venice – Padua. This morning, visit Padua, an ancient University town where historic figures such as Dante and Galileo have passed through. Wander along the scenic Prato della Valle and visit the magnificent 13th century Basilica di Sant' Antonio with its beautiful frescoes, sculptures and tomb of St. Anthony. Return to the ship in Venice and then cruise across the Venetian Lagoon, past the fishing island of Pellestrina and Chioggia, through the delta of the River Po and up the river to overnight in Polesella. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)



• Day 4
  Ferrara. Disembark for an excursion to Ferrara. Now a bustling provincial captial, Ferrara came to prominence as a trade and market center during the Renaissance. The town's wealth is reflected in the wide boulevards and impressive palaces. The city was one the residence of the Este Dynasty. Their Castello Estense, a moated castle, dominates the town center. Visit the Castello, and walk through the medieval quarter. Returning to the ship, cruise this afternoon to Boretto. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)



• Day 5
  Parma – Revere. This morning, journey by motor coach to Parma, a gastronomic center famous for its prosciutto ham, parmigiano cheese and lambrusco wine. The town also boasts many architectural treasures. See the magnificent Pilotta Palace and Palazzo Ducale. Visit the medieval Baptistery and the Duomo, one of the best examples of 12th–century Romanesque architecture in all of Italy. Correggio painted the huge fresco inside the Cathedral's dome. Returning to the ship in Boretto for lunch, continue your leisurely cruise down the Po, making an overnight stop in Revere, where you visit the interesting Po Museum. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)



• Day 6
  Mantua. This morning depart for an excursion to Mantua, the setting for Guiseppe Verdi's opera "Rigoletto". This charming walled city, situated on the Mincio River, was once home to the extravagant art–loving Gonzaga family, one of the Renaissance's foremost dynasties. See the Renaissance Basilica of St. Andrea, and tour the magnificent Palazzo Ducale, former residence of the Gonzaga family. On your return to the ship you cruise down the Po to overnight in the delta town of Taglio di Po. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)



• Day 7
  Venice – Burano and Murano. This morning, you will cruise across the beautiful Venetian Lagoon and make your entry into Venice as sailors have done for centuries. This afternoon, you will continue your day on the lagoon by visiting the islands of Burano and Murano. The island of Burano is best known for its crooked bell tower, thriving fishing community, lace makers and brightly colored houses – giving it the nickname Gelato "ice cream" Island. Murano is internationally renown as the glass blowing island. This ancient art form is still practiced here and you will see a demonstration during your visit to an artist's workshop. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)



• Day 8
  Venice. This morning's guided walk introduces you to the heart of Venice. Any visit to Venice must begin in the shadow of the Campanile, on the famous Piazza San Marco. Visit the spectacular Byzantine Basilica di San Marco and the opulent Doges' Palace. While there, climb the famous Scala dei Giganti, admire the paintings of Tintoretto and Veronese, and wander through the Great Council Chamber. You will also see the Bridge of Sighs. The afternoon is free in Venice to take in some more sights or do last minute shopping. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)



• Day 9
  Venice – USA. Disembark after breakfast for your transfers to the airport and flight home. (Breakfast)