Day 1: Travel To Venice, Italy
This is a big travelling day. Enjoy your overnight flight from Toronto to Venice Airport.
Meals: D (on the plane)
Day 2: Venice Arrival & Embarkation Day
Arrive in Venice by mid-morning and begin your adventure with a guided walking tour through the enchanting streets and canals of this iconic city. Explore its timeless charm as you stroll past historic landmarks, picturesque bridges, and bustling piazzas. In the late afternoon, make your way to the cruise port and board the ship. Once aboard, settle into your cabin and get acquainted with your new floating home. Later, enjoy a welcome cocktail reception followed by a delicious dinner on board. The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure, take the opportunity to experience the magic of Venice by night.
CroisiEurope’s Michelangelo offers an intimate, elegant cruising experience through the heart of Venice. With just 78 cabins, enjoy personalized service, panoramic views, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Relax in comfortable cabins, savour gourmet French and Italian cuisine, and unwind on the sun deck as the beauty of the Venetian Lagoon drifts by.
Stay: CroisiEurope MS Michelangelo, upper deck (7 nights)
Meals:
B (on plane), L, D
Day 3: Venice - Mazzorbo – Venice
Begin your day with a scenic cruise through the Venice Lagoon, taking in the stunning views from the sun deck. Watch as the outlines of historic churches and palaces rise gracefully along the horizon. As you glide through a maze of canals and islands, admire the lively scene of boats gliding through the water in a constant, captivating rhythm. Your journey continues to the peaceful island of Mazzorbo, connected by a footbridge to the colourful island of Burano. Enjoy one of the following included excursions:
ACTIVE EXPLORATION: Depart by private boat to explore two fascinating lagoon islands. The first stop is Lazzaretto Nuovo, once abandoned but now home to an archaeological site and open-air museum. Stroll the historic sentinel path and climb the old bastions for panoramic lagoon views. Then continue to Torcello, one of the earliest settled islands in the region. Dating back to 452 AD, it was a major center before Venice emerged and is home to a stunning basilica with ancient mosaics. This tour lasts around 5 hours, including a 2.7-mile (4.5 km) flat hike over about 2.5 hours.
LEISURELY EXPORATION: Travel by private boat to the renowned island of Murano, celebrated worldwide for its centuries-old glassmaking tradition. Visit a local workshop to witness skilled artisans at work during a captivating glassblowing demonstration.
Sail back to Venice for a relaxing night on the cruise ship.
Meals: B, D
Days 4 Venice, St. Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace
After breakfast, visit the iconic St. Mark’s Square, taking in the grandeur of its famous basilica from the exterior. Then enjoy a guided tour of the legendary Doge’s Palace, once the residence of Venice’s dukes and the seat of power until 1797. Dating back to the 14th century, this masterpiece of Gothic architecture is often hailed as one of the most beautiful palaces in the world. Climb the ornate Golden Staircase to explore grand halls adorned with masterpieces by Tintoretto and Veronese, and take in sweeping views from the palace balcony overlooking the square. After your tour, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Venice - Chioggia - Porto Viro – Canda
Cruise to Chioggia, the departure point for the following included excursions:
ACTIVE EXPLORATION - HIKE THE EUGANEAN HILLS: Explore the Euganean Hills, a regional park famed for its natural beauty, hot springs, and vineyards. Begin with a guided hike to Mount Calbarina and take in the sweeping views of the tranquil Lago della Costa, then continue through forested trails to Mount Piccolo. The route ends in the charming medieval village of Arqua Petrarca, once home to the poet Petrarch. Visit his house and tomb during this scenic 6-hour tour, which includes a 2.5-hour, 4.3-mile (7 km) walk with a 919 ft (280 m) elevation gain.
LEISURELY EXPORATION - GUIDED TOUR OF PADUA, THE HOME OF SAINT ANTHONY: The city unfolds around its medieval heart, dotted with elegant squares and historic palaces. Among its most treasured landmarks is Il Santo, the Pontifical Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua, which houses the remains of the city’s beloved patron saint.
While you enjoy your guided tour or scenic hike, the ship will make its way to Porto Viro (guests cannot remain on board the ship between Chioggia and Porto Viro). Those not joining an excursion will have free time to explore Chioggia before being transferred to Porto Viro to rejoin the ship. In the afternoon, relax as we cruise toward Canda.
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 6: Canda - Ostiglio – Mantua + Day Trip to Verona
Spend the morning cruising to Ostiglia, a charming village situated on the banks of the Po River. In the afternoon, travel by coach to Verona, the romantic “City of Love” immortalized by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Your visit includes a stop outside Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta), where you’ll see the famous balcony said to be the setting of Romeo’s heartfelt declaration. Verona is a city steeped in over 2,000 years of history, reflected in its rich architectural and artistic heritage. At its heart stands the magnificent Roman amphitheater, a powerful symbol of the city's enduring cultural legacy.
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 7: Mantua
After breakfast, enjoy one of the following options:
ACTIVE EXPLORATION - DAY-LONG HIKE AROUND LAKE GARDA: Discover the romantic scenery along the banks of Lake Garda, from Toscolano-Maderno to Gargnano. You’ll cross the fascinating Valle delle Cartiere with its unique and spectacular terrain. The valley is named after the paper mills that line the banks of the lake. While most are not in operation, they remain an important testament to the industrial history in northern Italy. Follow the waterfalls along the Toscolano River, passing through olive groves, along old cobbled streets, and across tiny hamlets as you hike to Gargnano, a charming village on the shores of Lake Garda. This is an approximate 8.5-hour tour with 5 hours hiking for 7.5 miles (12 km) and an elevation gain of 1,148 feet (350 m).
LEISURELY EXPORATION – GUIDED TOUR OF MANTUA: Enjoy a guided tour of Mantua, a hidden gem in northern Italy where the powerful Gonzaga family ruled for nearly 400 years. Though lesser-known, Mantua is one of Italy’s most romantic and culturally rich cities. Begin in the heart of the city at the majestic Ducal Palace, an immense complex that served as the Gonzaga residence from 1328 to 1707. Visit the famed Bridal Chamber, adorned with stunning frescoes and oil paintings by Renaissance master Andrea Mantegna. Continue through the charming historic center, with visits to the Rotonda di San Lorenzo, the city’s oldest church, and the magnificent Basilica of Sant’Andrea, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture.
The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore on your own.
In the evening, enjoy a festive gala filled with terrific French gastronomy and fun dancing.
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 8: Disembarkation, Afternoon Sightseeing
Savour your final breakfast on board before disembarking and joining a private coach for an afternoon of sightseeing. In the evening, settle in at the charming Hotel Villa Stucky, a beautifully restored 19th-century Venetian villa. Surrounded by lush gardens and steeped in history, the hotel offers a refined blend of classic elegance and modern comfort. Freshen up and enjoy a free evening.
Stay: Hotel Villa Stucky, Mogliano Veneto, IT (2 nights)
Meals:
B, L
Day 9: Free Day In Mogliano Veneto
Spend your day exploring the charm of Mogliano Veneto at your own pace. Stroll through the historic center and Piazza dei Caduti, visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, or enjoy a scenic walk along the Sile River. In the evening, walk to a local restaurant for a farewell dinner.
Meals: B, D
Day 10: Home
After a final breakfast at the hotel, board the coach for a private transfer to the Venice Airport. Your flight arrives in Toronto in the late afternoon, marking the end of a memorable cruise and land adventure through the heart of Italy.
Meals:
B
