Gyongyi Campailla Fuzer
Cruise Manager
“Our ship is the only one that gets to dock in Burano overnight. I love getting to witness the sunset, when the sky is ablaze with hues of gold, painting a breathtaking backdrop to this exclusive experience.”
In many ways, Italy is synonymous with quality, with luxury, with the enjoyment of life’s most beautiful qualities. It’s why we look to its artists for inspiration, its countryside farms for great food, or its ateliers for fine clothing.
Our Italian itineraries focus on Veneto, a wonderfully multifaceted region with Venice at its heart. There is so much to love here. Winding alleyways, grand architecture, rich history, and a sparkling lagoon dotted with charming islands. Uniworld’s S.S. La Venezia is one of the very few cruise ships small enough to dock in town, and the only boutique hotel in Venice that floats, making it the perfect home for your Venetian vacation. And our all-inclusive ethos means you can enjoy an exceptional degree of luxury for a much better value than a comparable do-it-yourself trip. From there, extend your visit to the Dolomites, Florence, Capri, Rome, and more.
Landmarks
👁 San Marcos Square in Venice, Italy
For such a small island, Venice certainly has more than its fair share of major world landmarks, and it can often be difficult for tourists to get a good look at them without dealing with long lines or crowds. With Uniworld, you’ll enjoy prime docking locations that bring you close to St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. Join a Cruise & Tour program to marvel at the Sistine Chapel and breathe in the fresh sea air as you cruise the stunning coastline of Capri.
Cuisine
👁 Pizza in Venice, Italy
Italy is dedicated to the craft of great food, from rustic, farm-grown meals to Michelin-star affairs. Visit the Rialto farmer’s market with the chef of the S.S. La Venezia, visit a countryside farm for a tasting of homegrown products, and walk around Venice with a local guide to sample the city’s famous cichetti—essentially the local version of tapas, cicchetti are most commonly small pieces of toast with various toppings, ordered alongside a drink at a bar. Savor a delectable meal of Mediterranean flavors in perfect Caprese style at the Michelin-Starred Le Monzù restaurant. Join a professional chef and uncover the secrets of Tuscan cooking during an authentic culinary masterclass set in the former hunting lodge of the Medici family, before enjoying the fruits of your labor with a lovely lunch.
Wine
👁 Venice, Italy
If you love wine, you will be in your element in Italy, with over 70 DOCG wines (the highest classification, indicating the finest production and quality) to choose from. Wine is in itself an ‘event’ in Italy; you can visit vineyards, learn the secrets of the best grape-growing techniques, make an afternoon or evening of wine tasting, and of course savor the optimum varieties while dining. Chianti, Prosecco, Gavi di Gavi and Barolo are just some of many delights you can try during an Italian vacation.
Culture
👁 Gondolas in Venice
As the epicenter of the Renaissance, Italy has a great history of creativity and fine craftsmanship. With Uniworld, you’ll enjoy opportunities to meet a number of local artisans at work creating products with deep cultural significance. Listen to a gondola maker talk about the symbolism behind different elements of Venice’s characteristic boats, enter a lacemaking workshop in Burano, watch Murano glassblowers create their extraordinary pieces, and learn what it takes to make the famous Venetian masks. Discover the art of loom-weaving one of the few remaining traditional frame hand weaving workshops in Italy and visit the Accademia Museum to marvel at the statue of David, a Michelangelo masterpiece.
When to go: April to September for sunny skies and less rain, March or October for more temperate weather and quieter streets.
How to pack: We suggest comfortable, sporty, smart-casual daywear both onshore and onboard. Depending on your travel season, the weather can range from cool to quite hot. Check the weather before you go and pack accordingly. Layering clothing items is always your best bet, allowing you to adjust to most temperatures. Pack a lightweight waterproof jacket (preferably hooded) in case of rain, though we will also have umbrellas onboard. You will participate in a significant amount of walking over uneven terrain during your time ashore, so please bring comfortable walking shoes with good ankle support. Sturdy sandals are another good option.
Spring
MAR–MAY
Avg. Temp. 66º F / 19º C
Summer
JUN–AUG
Avg. Temp. 81º F / 27º C
Autumn
SEP–NOV
Avg. Temp. 70º F / 21º C
Winter
DEC–FEB
Avg. Temp. 54º F / 12º C
Currency
Euro (EUR, €)
Time Zone
Central European Time (CET)
Central European Summer Time (CEST)
Official Language
Italian
Electricity
European 230V
Plug types C, F, and L
Tomas Breziansky
Executive Chef
“Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini once said that life is a combination of magic and pasta. No truer words have been spoken here in Italy, or onboard the beautiful S.S. La Venezia.”
Martina Seinen Peric
Hotel Manager
“Italy is the perfect place to experience the true meaning of hospitality. It’s a country that opens its arms and embraces you with its rich culture, delicious cuisine, and warm-hearted people.”
Verified reviews by 👁 feefo logo yellow
"Perfect! An ideal holiday for a solo traveler. Many of the passengers had traveled with Uniworld before and it is obvious why. I shall certainly book again."
– Christine M.
"Being a small ship, we could go places the large ships couldn't. The tours were well-curated and the guides were very knowledgeable."
– Edward. W.
"Every effort was made to ensure we got the full Veneto experience, not just Venice. Tour guides were awesome and full of deeper insights and history."
– Kathleen M.
Rome, Venice & the Jewels of Veneto
Venice to Rome | 11 days
Begin your journey in romantic Venice. Treat yourself to a private evening lighting ceremony at St. Mark’s Basilica, explore the colorful facades of Burano, and sail south to discover...
Ship: S.S. La Venezia
Country: Italy
River: Venice Lagoon
4.3/5 (10 reviews)
From $5,499 per person
Grand Highlights of Italy & Slovenia
Ljubljana to Rome | 14 days
Slovenia, with its picturesque cities and astonishing natural wonders, is a destination that deserves to be on your radar. After exploring its highlights, embark on a cruise of the Venetian Lagoon,...
Ship: S.S. La Venezia
Countries: Italy, Slovenia
River: Venice Lagoon
4.5/5 (2 reviews)
From $6,499 per person
Venice & the Jewels of Veneto
Venice to Venice | 8 days
This ultimate Venetian vacation is perfected by one unique quality: your stay onboard our floating boutique hotel. Not only will you benefit from an enviable location in Venice, you’ll also...
Ship: S.S. La Venezia
Country: Italy
River: Venice Lagoon
4.6/5 (410 reviews)
Slovenia, Venice & the Jewels of Veneto
Ljubljana to Venice | 11 days
Begin your journey in Ljubljana, the picturesque capital of Slovenia, and explore the countryside on your way to board the S.S. Venezia for a blissful sailing of the Venetian Lagoon.
This ultimate...
Ship: S.S. La Venezia
Countries: Italy, Slovenia
River: Venice Lagoon
4.3/5 (16 reviews)
Cruise & Rail: Grand Alpine & the Jewels of Veneto
Budapest to Venice | 16 days
Begin your journey in the stunning cities of Budapest and Vienna, from which you’ll ascend into the idyllic wonderland of the Alps via a luxury overnight train. Your days will be filled with...
Ship: S.S. La Venezia
Countries: Hungary, Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, Italy
River: Venice Lagoon
4/5 (2 reviews)
From $25,698 per person
Cruise & Rail: Slovenia, Venice, Istanbul & the Balkans
Ljubljana to Istanbul | 20 days
Begin with a stay in Ljubljana, Slovenia, an underrated beauty just waiting to be discovered by the masses. Take in the quiet charisma of the city and the stunning nature of Lake Bled before joining...
Ship: S.S. La Venezia
Countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Italy, Serbia, Slovenia, Turkey
River: Venice Lagoon
From $26,798 per person
Cruise & Rail: Venice, Istanbul & the Balkans
Venice to Istanbul | 17 days
Embark on a private train journey to Istanbul, during which you’ll sleep on the luxury Golden Eagle Danube Express with ever-changing views at your window—the perfect addition to a river...
Ship: S.S. La Venezia
Countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Italy, Macedonia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Turkey
River: Venice Lagoon
From $24,898 per person
Cruise & Tour: Experience the Best of Italy
Venice to Venice | 19 days
From the meandering alleyways of Venice to the Renaissance treasures of Florence and the grandeur of Rome, each moment of your trip is exquisitely curated. Begin aboard a floating boutique...
Ship: S.S. La Venezia
Countries: Italy, Holy See Vatican City State
River: Venice Lagoon
From $12,779 per person
Cruise & Rail: Slovenia, Venice, Istanbul & the Balkans
Ljubljana to Istanbul | 20 days
Begin with a stay in Ljubljana, Slovenia, an underrated beauty just waiting to be discovered by the masses. Take in the quiet charisma of the city and the stunning nature of Lake Bled before joining...
Ship: S.S. La Venezia
Countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Italy, Serbia, Slovenia, Turkey
River: Venice Lagoon
From $29,969 per person
Cruise & Rail: Venice, Istanbul & the Balkans
Venice to Istanbul | 17 days
Embark on a private train journey to Istanbul, during which you’ll sleep on the luxury Golden Eagle Danube Express with ever-changing views at your window—the perfect addition to a river...
Ship: S.S. La Venezia
Countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Italy, Macedonia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Turkey
River: Venice Lagoon
From $29,069 per person
Cruise & Tour: Savor Northern Italy
Milan to Venice | 14 days
Treat yourself to a private visit of Palazzo Borromeo on Isola Bella and dine at Michelin-starred Il Desco in Verona. Soar through the UNESCO-designated Dolomites by cable car. Relax in wine country...
Ship: S.S. La Venezia
Country: Italy
River: Venice Lagoon
From $8,369 per person
Cruise & Rail: A Taste of Italy & Venice
Taormina to Venice | 13 days
Sicily & Venice, Cruise & Rail—two perfect pairings that epitomize the coastal charm and relaxed luxury that Italy does so well. After a five-star hotel stay, board the Golden Eagle...
Ship: S.S. La Venezia
Country: Italy
River: Venice Lagoon
From $20,519 per person