Venice-Simplon Orient Express & Uniworld River Cruise - 10 days

DAY 1: Venice (Embark)

Fly to Venice Marco Polo International Airport, where you will be transferred to the ship. Unpack, relax and enjoy your first evening on the Venetian Lagoon.

DAY 2: Venice

Today you will embark on a personal voyage of discovery through this entrancing city. An expert guide will show you iconic sites as well as quiet lanes and secret spots known only to locals (shhhh….). Also, on deck today: a scenic cruise around the Venetian Lagoon.

Included Excursions:

A morning walk in Venice

Private after-hours visit to Saint Mark's Basilica

A special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.

DAY 3: Chioggia

The S.S. La Venezia sails from Venice, cruising through the lagoon, past the Lido, the colourful fishermen’s houses of Pellestrina and the huge ongoing flood-control project called MOSE (which is designed to protect Venice from rising seawater), before docking in Chioggia, sometimes called “Little Venice,” at the southern end of the lagoon. Join a local expert for a stroll around this picturesque fishing village, a popular place for artists, or “Let's Go” with a bike ride along the beaches lining the lagoon, or, for something really unique, hop aboard a small boat to go mussel harvesting with local fishermen out in the lagoon. The seaside air and sweeping views are simply spectacular.

Choice of Padua morning walk and market visit or “Let's Go” biking Chioggia or Bragozzo ride with typical Italian mussel lunch

DAY 4: Polesella (Bologna or Ferrara)

Today you face a tough decision: Do you spend a full day in Bologna, the culinary capital of Northern Italy, or visit UNESCO-designated Ferrara, a beautifully preserved Renaissance city? Let your passions be your guide today. If you have an appetite for pasta, head to Bologna—the heart of Italian culinary traditions—and learn how to make (and eat!) your own lunch. Or indulge your appetite for art with an excursion to Ferrara, an ancient centre for the arts that once rivalled Medici Florence.

Choice of Private pasta-making and Italian lunch in Bologna or Ferrera: Renaissance, elegance and Italian lifestyle town discovery walk

DAY 5: Porto Viro, Chioggia

Chioggia is such a delight that we’ll return there today to experience something completely different. You can visit the village’s bustling once-a-week market—a colourful and boisterous scene, and quintessentially Italian. IMPORTANT: We are obliged to comply with Italian Maritime Authorities who require that the ship is only manned by crew during the Adriatic Sea passage. Therefore, our guests must disembark the ship and partake in the featured excursions. We thank you for your cooperation.

Excursion:

Chioggia market visit

DAY 6: Venice Islands (Burano, Mazzorbo, Torcello)

Venice is an island surrounded by hundreds of smaller islands, three of which you’ll visit today—Burano, famous for its lace-makers and houses painted in eye-popping colors; Mazzorbo, where you’ll taste a historic golden-hued wine; and Torcello, home to beautiful Byzantine mosaics.

Excursion:

Magic Island Day: hidden treasures of the lagoon

DAY 7: Venice

Lovers of food and wine flock to Italy to immerse themselves in a true farm-to-table epicurean experience. If that sounds like you, you’ll love today’s walking tour to the famous fish and produce market next to the Rialto Bridge. Prefer a more visual feast? Join an art historian for a highlights tour of the Accademia gallery.

Excursion:

"AVG Arti Veneziane alla Giudecca" glass factory visit with crafts demonstrations

Choice of “Do as the Locals Do” Venice walking tour or “Venetian Painters at the Accademia” tour with art historian guide or Rialto Bridge and Fondaco dei Tedeschi

DAY 8: Venice (Disembark)

Disembark the ship and transfer to your 4 star hotel for 1 night. This is another opportunity to revisit some your favourite spots of Venice.  

Day 9: Board the magnificent Venice Simplon-Orient-Express!

Complimentary transfer from your hotel to Venice Santa Lucia station and board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Your steward will show you to your private compartment before you enjoy a three-course lunch as you gaze at the beautiful passing scenery of the Italian Dolomites and the Austrian and Swiss Alps. Afternoon tea is served in your compartment. A four-course dinner is served in the evening in one of the opulent restaurant cars. Why not head to the Bar Car '3674' for an after-dinner cocktail, accompanied by the melodies of the baby grand piano. Return to your compartment, which will have been transformed into a cosy bedroom by your Steward. (Overnight on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express).

Day 10: Morning wake up in Paris.

Breakfast is served in your compartment by your steward at a time to suit you. A delicious brunch is served in the restaurant cars as you travel on towards the French coast for the Channel crossing. Say goodbye to the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express as you board luxury coaches for the shuttle journey through the tunnel to Folkestone, where you meet Belmond British Pullman

Board the cream and umber carriages of the British Pullman for the journey to London. A traditional English afternoon tea accompanied by a glass of champagne is served to you at your table as you watch the gentle scenery of Kent pass by. Suddenly, you are drawing into London Victoria station

Other dates and combinations with Uniworld is possible or wish to know more about Uniworld's river cruises call us on 01582 349480