Italy - Uniworld · 2019-04-09 · The currency in Italy is the euro. The euro comes in banknote denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. One euro is divided into 100 cents,

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Italy

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Icon/Letter Code Legend

The symbols below will help guide you through the

descriptions of the daily itineraries. They will give you

an idea of the length and pace of the excursions, and

they will note which meals are provided.

Uniworld Signature Icons

u UNESCO Site b Motorcoach

e Embark/Disembark

Dining Letter Codes

CB Continental Breakfast BB Buffet Breakfast

L Lunch D Dinner

WD Welcome Gala Dinner FD Farewell Gala Dinner

Tour Duration Icons

5 1/4 Day 7 1/2 Day

9 3/4 Day 8 Full Day

Shore Excursion IconsAll tours involve walking unless strictly noted as a

panoramic tour. In many cases, the walking takes place

over uneven ground, cobblestones or flagstone walkways,

and several tours involve stairs or short uphill climbs.

Please wear comfortable, non-skid walking shoes while

on all tours. These symbols give an idea of what to

expect on each program.

1 Easy walking

Includes walking of 15 minutes or less from multiple

motorcoach stops to and around historical sites.

Possibly some steps, or gentle uphill and downhill walks.

2 Intermediate walking

Includes walks of up to two hours on uneven terrain.

Limited seating at sites. Multiple stairs and/or uphill/

downhill walking.

3 Strenuous walking

Involves walking at all sites. Many stairs and uphill/

downhill passages. Those with physical limitations

and those who may need private arrangements

should contact the Cruise Manager when onboard.

W E L C O M E

Our world begins with youThank you for selecting Uniworld Boutique River Cruise

Collection. We want to do everything we can to ensure

you have the most enjoyable and worry-free vacation.

With that in mind, we have prepared this booklet for

you, so you can plan your trip with the greatest of ease.

Consider it a guideline to help you get ready for your

upcoming trip. It contains valuable tips and advice

on what to pack, your flight and transfer experience,

onboard information, day-to-day details and much more.

We highly look forward to hosting you onboard our

beautifully appointed ships and making your vacation

the most memorable and enjoyable experience possible.

Sincerely,

The Uniworld Team

COVER: Venice, Italy ▲ Venice, Italy

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C R U I S E / T O U R C O M PA N I O N

Helpful Hints Before You Go

4 Travel Documents Passports

Visa Requirements

Passenger Information Form

Travel Protection Plan

5 Cruise/Tour Documentation Final Documentation Includes

6 Baggage Limitations

6 Travel Essentials

6 Health and Mobility Physical Limitations

Medical

Special Diets

7 General Money Matters ATMs

Currency Exchange

Credit Cards and Travelers Checks

Transaction Fees

Getting There

8 Airport Security and Check-In

9 Transfers Airport Arrival Transfers

Airport Departure Transfers

Private Car Transfers

Guests with Independent Arrangements

Cruise-Only Guests

Late Flight Arrivals and Missed Flights

Baggage Delays

12 Included Pre-Cruise Land Stay

(“Gems of Northern Italy” and “Splendors of Italy” Programs)

12 Included Post-Cruise Land Stay

(“Splendors of Italy” Program Only)

13 Hotel Check-In and Hotel Check-Out

13 Embarkation and Disembarkation Embarkation

Disembarkation

About Your Uniworld Cruise/Tour Package and Onboard and Onshore Services

14 Dining

14 Elevators

14 Fitness Center

14 Front Desk

14 Gift Shop

14 Go Active

15 Gratuities

15 Health and Hygiene

15 Ice Machine

15 Internet Access

15 Laundry

16 Lounges and Coffee Station

16 Mail

16 Mooring and Docking Facilities

16 Quietvox

17 Responsibility and Waiver

17 Safety Deposit Box

17 Shopping

17 Shore Excursions

18 Smoking

18 Spa Treatments and Massage

18 Stateroom and Suite Amenities

18 Sun Deck Access

18 Visitors

18 Water

19 Weather

19 What to Wear

19 Omissions

20 Frequently Asked Questions

2 0 1 7 R I V E R C R U I S E / TO U R P R O G R A M

Gems of Northern Italy

23 Milan to Venice / 10 Days

Splendors of Italy

35 Milan to Rome / 15 Days

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Whenever using a visa service, it is highly recommended

that you provide the service with a copy of your entire

travel itinerary. There are times when multiple-entry visas

may be required, or when there may be restrictions to

entering one country from another depending on your

nationality. If the service does not have your full itinerary,

this may result in improperly issued documentation.

Passenger Information Form: By now, you should have

completed the Uniworld Passenger Information Form.

The information on this form is used to comply with

certain foreign government and airline security restrictions

in advance of your arrival onboard our ships. If you have

completed this form, we thank you for your prompt

attention. If you have not completed this form, please

visit our website at uniworld.com and complete the

online Passenger Information Form in the “Already

Booked” section. Each guest must complete the form.

Travel Protection Plan: Uniworld strongly recommends

that each guest purchase a Travel Protection Plan. Please

carry all policy information with you during the course of

your trip.

During the cruise/tour, it is advisable to have copies of

important documents (i.e., first page of your passport,

photo, credit card numbers and bank/credit card

company phone numbers) in a separate packet, in case

the originals are lost or stolen.

Cruise/Tour DocumentationUniworld sends all final cruise and air documents between

21 and 30 days prior to your trip departure, provided that

Uniworld has received a completed and signed Passenger

Information Form and your booking is paid in full. All

documents are sent via a priority mail delivery service,

such as UPS or FedEx.

Final Documentation Includes:

▶ Cruise-Only Ticket or Cruise/Tour Ticket

▶ Passenger Ticket Contract (which is legally binding

between Uniworld and each guest)

▶ Airline Tickets or E-Ticket Confirmation (if international

air ticket was purchased from Uniworld)

▶ Cruise/Tour Companion

▶ Baggage Tags

▶ Leave-Behind Communication Card

▶ Travel Protection Plan Pamphlet (if Uniworld travel

protection was purchased)

Helpful Hints Before You Go

Travel DocumentsPassports: All Uniworld river cruise/tours require a

passport. Passports must be valid for six (6) months

after the scheduled return date from the trip. Each guest

is fully responsible for obtaining and carrying the travel

documents necessary for his or her travel itinerary.

Uniworld will not be responsible for any delays, damages

and/or losses, including missed portions of your trip,

related to improper travel documents.

Visa Requirements: No visas are required for US or

Canadian citizens on the itinerary shown in this booklet.

Non-US or non-Canadian citizens must contact each

consulate of the country or countries to be visited for

specific requirements. Information for US citizens and

Canadian citizens can also be found at uniworld.com

in the “Already Booked” section. All guests are strongly

advised to obtain necessary visas well in advance

of departure to avoid unnecessary expedited

processing charges.

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Baggage LimitationsAirline baggage restrictions change frequently, and each

guest needs to check with their specific air carrier for

limitations concerning baggage weight, baggage size,

carry-on regulations, and excess or overweight baggage

charges. This information can be found on the carrier’s web-

site or on Uniworld’s website at uniworld.com/baggage.

Remember to check for both international (over the

water) and domestic (intracontinental) regulations, as

limitations differ depending on flight routings. Overweight

or excess baggage charges vary, and guests who exceed

an airline’s recommended limit may be asked by the

airline to pay fees ranging from $25 to $80 US dollars

(USD), or possibly more, per infraction.

Onboard the ship and motorcoaches, storage space is

very limited. Therefore, for your comfort and convenience

on the cruise/tour, we ask that you bring one (1) suitcase

per person and one (1) carry-on bag per person (excluding

purses). Please note there may be a fee assessed on-site

for excess baggage.

Keep an eye on your baggage and all personal

belongings—they are solely your responsibility throughout

the trip. Uniworld is not responsible for loss, theft or

damage to baggage and personal belongings. A Travel

Protection Plan covering lost, stolen or damaged

baggage is highly recommended.

Travel EssentialsThe following items are essential for any destination:

comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a

hat, an umbrella, and a lightweight raincoat or outer-

wear garment appropriate for the seasonal weather

conditions. It is recommended that you bring duplicates

of prescription eyewear, copies of prescriptions for any

medication, copies of credit card information and copies

of your passport information pages. Make sure that your

baggage has identification tags both inside and outside

with your contact information and address clearly marked.

Do not pack valuables or important medication in your

checked baggage unless required to do so by your

airline; these should be carried with you in your

carry-on baggage. Please contact your air carrier for

any additional regulations.

Health and MobilityPhysical Limitations: Uniworld trips are exciting, relatively

active vacations. While there will be plenty of time to

relax, there will also be much to see and do. Your included

excursions generally require an extensive amount of

walking, as well as the navigation of numerous steps

and cobblestone streets. On shore excursions, guests

with physical limitations will find access to sites generally

restricted. For your safety and enjoyment, we recommend

that all guests be in good physical condition.

In addition, river ships, while spacious and elegant, are not

in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act,

and some do not have elevators. Uniworld, at its sole

discretion, reserves the right to refuse passage or to

require a current passenger to end his or her trip if the

passenger’s state of health or physical condition may

affect his or her own health, safety and enjoyment, or

that of other passengers.

The use of mobility devices such as wheelchairs, walkers,

scooters, etc. is not recommended for travel in Europe

and such devices cannot be readily obtained in the region.

Medical: Uniworld does not employ staff nurses or

doctors onboard its ships. Nor can the onboard gift shop

carry medications that are sold over the counter in the

US and other countries (most European nations allow

the sale of medications by licensed pharmacies only).

Should you require medical attention, you will need to

obtain it at local facilities at your own expense. Uniworld

is not responsible for any costs incurred as a result of

medical service or for the quality of medical care received.

A Travel Protection Plan covering medical expenses is

highly recommended.

Special Diets: Please advise us in advance of your

departure of any special dietary restrictions. This

information will be provided to the proper personnel.

To the extent possible, and in consideration of local

conditions, every effort will be made to accommodate

your needs. It is the guest’s responsibility to provide

us with as much detail as necessary concerning any

medically related diet concerns. Not all dietary requests

can be accommodated, and we appreciate your

understanding in this matter. Dietary restrictions should

be reiterated to the service staff at the time of placing

orders in restaurants.

General Money MattersThe currency in Italy is the euro. The euro comes in

banknote denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200

and 500. One euro is divided into 100 cents, and coin

denominations are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, or 1 euro

and 2 euros.

Uniworld features a “cashless” environment onboard, and

all charges are billed directly to each guest’s onboard

account. Currency accepted onboard for settlement of

final bills is either the euro or US dollar (the total amount

will be converted into US dollars based on the onboard

exchange rate). The major credit cards accepted are

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Visa, MasterCard and American Express, and these will

incur extra bank charges for transactions, which will be

your responsibility. Please contact your bank and/or

credit card companies to let them know that you will be

leaving the country to avoid any problems using your

debit and/or credit card(s) overseas.

ATMs: The ship does not have ATMs onboard, but ATMs

linked to major bank networks can be found throughout

Europe. Most debit and major credit cards can be used

for cash withdrawals ashore. Your bank can tell you

which network your ATM card can access and whether

a debit or credit card must be used. Make sure you have

the correct PIN for the card you plan to use before

leaving home, as the PIN is required for all money

withdrawals. It is also recommended that you bring an

overseas contact number for your bank or credit card

company in case you require assistance while traveling.

Currency Exchange: Limited currency exchange is

available onboard for the exchange of cash only. Credit

cards cannot be accepted for money exchange. All

hotels and major tourist sites have exchange facilities.

We recommend that you do not carry euro bills in

denominations greater than €100, as many merchants

are hesitant to accept them due to counterfeiting. Local

banks can break larger bills into smaller denominations

for you.

Credit Cards and Travelers Checks: Most major credit

cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) are accepted

worldwide. There may be some stores or locations where

cash is preferred or where a particular credit card cannot

be used for purchases. We recommend bringing at least

one major credit card, as well as an ATM card that is

both a debit and credit card. It is not advisable to bring

Travelers Checks, as it is becoming increasingly difficult

to cash them at local banks.

Transaction Fees: Please note currency exchange

transactions and ATM cash withdrawals always involve

transaction fees. It is always best to inquire as to the fee

before exchanging any money. ATMs will typically ask

you if you accept the fee before enabling the transaction.

Note: ¤ = Euro.

Getting There

Airport Security and Check-InIt is advisable to contact the airline in advance of your

departure to verify that there have been no changes

to the flight number or schedule found on your travel

documents. After your travel documents are issued and

sent to you, Uniworld is not responsible for notifying

guests of any changes in flight schedules.

Please make sure you arrive at the airport at least two

and a half (2.5) hours prior to your scheduled departure

to complete check-in and security procedures. For peak

travel times, you may even want to arrive three (3) hours

prior to your scheduled departure time.

TransfersAirport Arrival Transfers: If your cruise-only or cruise/tour

package includes a group arrival transfer (and your flights

coincide with our transfer guidelines and have been

communicated to Uniworld), or if you have purchased a

private arrival transfer from Uniworld, you will be greeted

by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the hotel

or ship. Transfers are only provided on the actual start

day of the cruise or cruise/tour. You will be met as

you exit the secure customs area. Please claim all of

your baggage before exiting the baggage claim area.

Porterage services are not included at the airport. From

the airport, you’ll be transferred to the hotel or ship.

Please note that transfers are nonrefundable. There may

be a waiting period of up to two (2) hours for scheduled

airport transfers, depending on groupings of flight arrivals.

Uniworld will not be responsible for late arrivals or missed

transfers due to delayed, changed, canceled or missed

flights; for missed cruise-only or cruise/tour days; or for

extra costs resulting from delayed, changed, canceled or

missed flights.

Flight information and pre-trip arrangements for all guests

making their own flight arrangements must be given to

Uniworld no later than 45 days prior to departure in order

for transfers to be properly arranged. Your flight arrange-

ments must also be made in accordance with Uniworld’s

recommended transfer guidelines. For complete details,

please see the “Terms and Conditions” section of our

current brochure or our website, uniworld.com.

Guests who have purchased extra nights with the

Uniworld hotel stay in Milan on the “Gems of Northern

Italy” program will be provided private transfers to the

hotel in Milan as part of the extra nights purchase, as

long as Uniworld has received their flight information

no later than 45 days prior to departure.

If your cruise-only or cruise/tour package does not

include transfers (i.e., for flights outside Uniworld’s

recommended transfer time guidelines or if flight details

have not been communicated to Uniworld in time), then

please make your way to the hotel or ship as per your

itinerary at your own expense.

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Airport Departure Transfers: If your cruise-only or

cruise/tour package includes a group departure transfer

(and your flights coincide with our transfer guidelines

and have been communicated to Uniworld), or if you

have purchased a private departure transfer from

Uniworld, you will be transferred to the airport for your

flight home. Transfers are only provided on the actual

end day of the cruise or cruise/tour. Porterage services

are not included at the airport.

In accordance with Uniworld’s transfer guidelines, all

guests making their own flight arrangements are required

to provide Uniworld with their flight information and

post-trip arrangements no later than 45 days prior to

departure in order to receive transfers. For complete

details, please see the “Terms and Conditions” section

of our current brochure or our website, uniworld.com.


Uniworld land stay in Milan on the “Gems of Northern

Italy” program will be provided private transfers to the

hotel in Milan as part of the extra nights purchase, as

long as Uniworld has received their flight information

no later than 45 days prior to departure.


Uniworld hotel stay in Rome on the “Splendors of Italy”

program will be provided private transfers to the airport

in Rome as part of the extra nights purchase, as long as

Uniworld has received their flight information no later

than 45 days prior to departure.

If your cruise-only or cruise/tour package does not

include transfers (i.e., for flights outside Uniworld’s

recommended transfer time guidelines or if flight details

have not been communicated to Uniworld in time), then

please make your way from the ship or hotel as per your

trip itinerary at your own expense.

Private Car Transfers: Guests who make independent

flight arrangements and arrive outside Uniworld’s

transfer guidelines can purchase private car transfers

from Uniworld at an additional cost. Private car transfers

are only available on the cruise or cruise/tour start and

end dates.

Please ask your preferred Travel Professional or Uniworld

for details. In some locations, private transfers are not

available due to the distance between the airport arrival

city and the port of embarkation and disembarkation.

Guests with Independent Arrangements: For guests

who are making their own way to the ship and who

are not using Uniworld’s transfer options, we strongly

suggest that you call the ship to determine its exact

location before proceeding to the dock. The ship’s

telephone number will be shown on your Cruise-Only

Ticket or Cruise/Tour Ticket. Docking assignments for

river cruise vessels can change at the last minute, and

the information provided on your Cruise-Only Ticket

or Cruise/Tour Ticket about the expected docking

location could be incorrect on your day of arrival. It

is not possible for Uniworld to notify guests making

their own way to the ship of any last-minute changes.

Cruise-Only Guests: Cruise-only guests may join

Uniworld’s group transfers or may purchase private

transfers for the cruise start and end dates. However,

independent flight arrangements must be made in

accordance with Uniworld’s transfer guidelines, which are

coordinated with the ship’s required time of embarkation

and disembarkation for all guests and must be provided

to Uniworld no later than 45 days prior to departure.

Late Flight Arrivals and Missed Flights: If your package

includes a Uniworld arrival transfer and you experience

a travel delay of any kind, please proceed as follows:

Advise an airline representative at the airport that you

are a cruise passenger bound for a specific location at

a specific date and time to meet your group.

Upon arrival in the cruise or cruise/tour start city,

after you have cleared customs, look for the Uniworld

representative outside the customs area. Depending on

the nature of the delay, Uniworld’s ground staff may be

able to track flight changes. If your flight arrangements

were drastically altered, it is unlikely that the ground

staff will be notified of your specific flight changes

in time. And due to security protocols enacted after

September 11, 2001, airlines very rarely provide updated

flight information to third parties.

If you cannot find the Uniworld representative, please

contact the Transfer Provider in your arrival city. Their

contact information is shown in the transfer section of

your Cruise-Only Ticket or Cruise/Tour Ticket. If unable

to match you up with a scheduled group transfer, the

Transfer Provider will ask you to make your way to the

ship at your own expense. Costs incurred due to missed

transfers are the responsibility of the guest, and in most

cases, compensation can be obtained from your Travel

Protection Plan provider or airline carrier.

If your delay is serious enough that you miss the starting

point of your cruise, you will need to get to the next

stop on the ship’s itinerary at your own expense. Using

the ship’s phone number shown on your Cruise-Only

Ticket or Cruise/Tour Ticket, please contact the ship for

its exact location on your revised date of arrival. The

ship’s personnel will advise you on the best course of

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action. Uniworld is not responsible for missed transfers

or additional costs incurred in getting to the next

destination due to missed or delayed flights.

Baggage Delays: Baggage delays do unfortunately occur

from time to time, especially during peak travel periods.

First and foremost, do not leave the baggage area

without completing a Lost Baggage Report with your

air carrier. This report is essential to the tracking of your

claim. If traveling with a companion, we recommend that

one (1) person exit the baggage claim area and locate

the transfer representative to inform him or her of the

situation. This will allow the representative to ensure that

transfers are properly provided. Give the air carrier a copy

of your travel itinerary and the ship’s contact information.

Report your lost baggage to the Uniworld representative

and provide your Uniworld Cruise/Tour Manager with

a copy of your Lost Baggage Report. This will assist

our staff in helping to locate your baggage as quickly

as possible. Uniworld is not responsible for loss, theft,

or damage to baggage and/or personal belongings. A

protection plan covering lost, stolen or damaged baggage

is available through the Uniworld Travel Protection Plan.

Included Pre-Cruise Land Stay (“Gems of Northern Italy” and “Splendors of Italy” Programs)All Uniworld land programs are fully hosted and include

daily breakfast, transfers and porterage (at hotels only).

Most feature at least one (1) special sightseeing

program. Guests on an included pre-cruise land stay will

receive their briefing from the local host or Cruise/Tour

Manager the evening of the first day of the program.

This briefing will familiarize you with the scheduled

program and provide additional information about

excursions, dining recommendations, shopping tips and

more. Details of your pre-cruise land stay are included

with your final documents.

Included Post-Cruise Land Stay (“Splendors of Italy” Program Only)All Uniworld land programs are fully hosted and include

daily breakfast, transfers and porterage (at hotels only).

Most feature at least one (1) special sightseeing program.

Guests on an included post-cruise land stay will receive

their briefing onboard, and the local host or Cruise/Tour

Manager will be on hand during your stay to provide

information and assistance. This briefing will familiarize

you with the scheduled program and provide additional

information about excursions, dining recommendations,

shopping tips and more. Details of your post-cruise land

stay are included with your final documents.

Hotel Check-In and Hotel Check-OutPlease note that every effort is made to ensure that your

hotel room is available and ready for occupancy upon

your arrival at the hotel. This is not always possible due

to differences in hotel check-in times and scheduled

airport-to-hotel or airport-to-ship transfers. Most hotels

do not allow check-in earlier than 2:00 pm. If you arrive

at the hotel before 2:00 pm, you may need to wait until

the room becomes available. Hotel check-out must be

no later than 12:00 pm.

Embarkation and DisembarkationEmbarkation: Guests are to embark no later than two

(2) hours prior to the scheduled sailing time.

Gems of Northern Italy (Milan to Venice)—The ship will

depart from the embarkation city (Venice) on Day 3 of

the program at 8:00 pm.

Splendors of Italy (Milan to Rome)—The ship will depart

from the embarkation city (Venice) on Day 3 of the

program at 8:00 pm.

All times shown are subject to change without notice.

Uniworld is not responsible for any loss, damages, personal

costs or inconvenience incurred due to such changes.

On embarkation day, the ship is being cleaned and

prepared for your arrival. Most of the ship’s facilities,

including your stateroom or suite, will not be available

before 3:00 pm. We appreciate your understanding and

cooperation. Should you arrive at the ship earlier than

3:00 pm, you may leave your baggage at the Front

Desk and take a walk in the area or relax in the lounge.

Please keep your hand baggage with you at all times.

Complimentary coffee, water and light snacks will be

available for your enjoyment.

Disembarkation: About two (2) evenings before your

departure from the ship, your Cruise/Tour Manager will

brief all guests about what to expect on the morning of

disembarkation and what time to have baggage available

for pickup, and will distribute any documentation

necessary to make your departure as smooth as possible.

All guests must vacate their staterooms and suites no

later than 8:00 am the day of disembarkation so the

staff and crew can prepare for the next group of guests.

Breakfast hours are coordinated around airport transfer

times, which, in some cases, can be very early in the

morning. It is not unusual in some destinations to have

airport transfers as early as 4:00 am. In such cases, we

will provide guests with coffee, tea, juices and pastries

from our 24-hour coffee station.

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About Your Uniworld Cruise/Tour Package and Onboard and Onshore Services

DiningYour ship’s onboard restaurant provides a relaxed

environment and accommodates all guests with open

seating. It offers both local and international cuisine.

Breakfast and lunch are sumptuous buffets, while evenings

feature specialties of the chef and regional dishes.

All beverages are included (excluding premium wine

and premium spirits) for the cruise portion of your trip.

In addition, al fresco dining may be available on the

Sun Deck on scheduled nights, weather permitting.

Reservations are necessary as space is limited.

Reservations can only be made onboard the ship.

All meal times are scheduled around tour departures,

and breakfast can take place very early in the morning.

Please notify Uniworld immediately if you have any

special dietary concerns or considerations that need to

be taken into account while traveling with us. We will do

our best to ensure that your request is accommodated,

but we cannot guarantee that every request can be met

in all cases.

ElevatorsThe River Countess is equipped with an elevator that

services all decks except the Sun Deck. There is also a

chair lift available to aid in accessing the Sun Deck.

Fitness CenterThe Fitness Center is open 24 hours a day. Use of the

fitness equipment is at your own risk.

Front DeskThe Front Desk operates 24 hours a day. The Night

Receptionist will make hourly safety checks of the ship.

Gift ShopThere is a gift shop onboard with a limited selection of

toiletries, souvenirs and other sundries. All purchases

are charged to your shipboard account. The hours of

operation are adjusted to each day’s program.

Please note: No over-the-counter medications are available, in accordance with European laws.

Go ActiveComplimentary bicycles and Nordic walking sticks are

available for your onshore enjoyment during the cruise

portion of your stay. Bicycle and walking paths are easily

accessible from some of the ports of call. Your Cruise/

Tour Manager can offer recommendations. The number

of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks available is limited,

and they can only be reserved through the Front Desk 24

hours in advance of the time you wish to use them (or on

the day of, if available). Their use is solely at your own risk;

all guests must sign a release form prior to using bicycles

or Nordic walking sticks. Biking is not allowed in Venice.

GratuitiesAll tips and gratuities are included during the cruise

portion of your trip as well as on the pre-cruise and

post-cruise land portions of the “Gems of Northern Italy”

and “Splendors of Italy” programs.

Health and HygieneAs part of our commitment to a clean, safe and healthy

onboard environment, Uniworld practices a strict

sanitization protocol on our ships. To assist us in this

important matter, we kindly ask all guests to frequently

wash their hands and to consistently use the hand-

sanitizer machines when entering the ship and when

entering the restaurant. The machines are located just

inside the main entrance to the ship and at the entrance

to the restaurant. We thank you in advance for your

cooperation in this very important matter.

Ice MachineFor your convenience, a self-service ice machine is

located on the ship, and an ice bucket is provided in your

stateroom or suite.

Internet AccessOur Internet Corner allows you to send and receive

emails and to access the Internet using our computer

stations. In addition, you may use your own laptop

computer to access our Wireless Internet Service (Wi-Fi).

Wi-Fi access varies throughout the ship and is generally

best in the Il Castillo Lounge. Use of the Internet Corner

and Wi-Fi service is complimentary.

Please note: The Internet connection might not be available in remote areas or when transiting locks. Expect the connectivity speed to be slower than your home connection and not suitable for services requiring a high bandwidth such as Skype or YouTube.

LaundryA launderette containing a self-service washing machine,

dryer and iron is available for your use (detergent is

available at the Front Desk). There are no dry cleaning

facilities. The ship also provides washing, drying and

ironing services for a fee.

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Lounges and Coffee StationThe lounge provides spectacular, expansive views at

every turn. Relax in the comfort of soft chairs and sofas

upholstered in fine fabrics and leathers. Enjoy our

full-service bar and dance the night away to the music

of our onboard pianist.

The coffee station offers a casual atmosphere with

comfortable chairs and tables. Complimentary coffee and

tea are available here 24 hours a day. The lounge also

serves specialty coffees and finely brewed teas on order.

You’ll find a pleasant, glass-enclosed Sky Lounge

complete with tables and chairs on the Sun Deck of

the River Countess. Here you can enjoy panoramic

views of the river while being completely sheltered

from the elements.

MailStamps are available for purchase at the Front Desk. Mail

is posted daily unless local mail facilities are not available.

Uniworld is not responsible for mail that is not properly

delivered to the addressee by the postal service.

Mooring and Docking FacilitiesLocal river authorities allocate docking space around

ship arrivals and departures in port. Typically, river ships

dock facing upstream. Occasionally port conditions

require ships to tie up alongside each other, in which

case guests may be required to walk through another

ship to access their own ship. This is part of the river

cruise experience and is perfectly normal and beyond

the control of Uniworld. Guests may experience

obstructed views from staterooms and suites when the

ship is docked.

QuietvoxUniworld is proud to use Quietvox portable audio headset

systems on shore excursions, so that you will always be

able to hear your local expert’s commentary with ease

and comfort. Please keep in mind that connection to

the local expert’s transmitter takes about 40 seconds,

so if you do not hear the guide straight away, please be

patient. The Quietvox system can be used with hearing

aids that are compatible with a telecoil induction loop. All

you need to do is to replace the regular Quietvox earpiece

with the telecoil, which we provide onboard the ship. We

have a limited number of telecoil induction loops available

onboard, so please inquire with the Cruise/Tour Manager

once you are on the ship.

Responsibility and WaiverThe guest accepts the terms and conditions of the

Passenger Ticket Contract when participating in any

organized shore excursion that is provided by Uniworld.

Participation in some shore excursions or tours may

also be subject to an independent operator’s own terms

and conditions.

Safety Deposit BoxEach stateroom and suite onboard and hotel room

onshore comes equipped with a safe. We urge you to

leave valuables at home. We are not responsible for

any valuables left in your stateroom or suite. Any charge

to return “lost and found” property onboard will be at

the owner’s expense. Please beware of pickpockets

when ashore.

ShoppingTime for shopping is usually allowed for within the

framework of most of the sightseeing programs. Actual

time available for shopping may be limited due to tour

constraints.

Keep in mind that many shops in Europe may be closed

on Sundays and holidays. Shopping recommendations

can be made by your Cruise/Tour Manager and

shipboard staff. Larger stores accept most major credit

cards. Market vendors and small stores usually only

accept local currency. It is a good idea to take a small

amount of cash for on-the-spot gratuities or to purchase

souvenirs or sundries.

Shore ExcursionsEach cruise-only or cruise/tour program includes

comprehensive shore excursions led by a local English-

speaking expert; these excursions have been designed

to provide you with the best possible experience ashore.

All ground transportation is provided by our spacious,

luxury motorcoaches. With no more than 40 guests per

coach and enhanced seating (with plenty of legroom),

our extra-comfortable motorcoaches will ensure you are

as at ease onshore as you are onboard.

A complete day-by-day shore excursion itinerary is

provided in this booklet. Details of your particular

itinerary can also be found at uniworld.com.

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SmokingThe ship enjoys a non-smoking environment in all public

areas and in the staterooms and suites. Smoking is only

allowed on designated parts of the Sun Deck, which are

marked on the deck plan in your room directory. For the

comfort of all passengers, smoking is not permitted on

sightseeing or transfer vehicles.

Spa Treatments and MassageSpa treatments and massage services are available

onboard the ship. These services are available for a fee

and can be paid for in cash or with a credit card at the

time of purchase or at the time you settle any of your

onboard charges prior to disembarkation from the ship.

Stateroom and Suite AmenitiesEvery riverview stateroom and suite includes an

individual thermostat for air-conditioning and/or heat,

a flatscreen TV, an internal telephone, a safety deposit

box, a bathroom stocked with L’Occitane and Hermès

bath and body products, a luxurious bathrobe for each

guest, complimentary bottled water, a hair dryer and an

umbrella. Electrical current is 220V, the European

standard; however, each stateroom and suite has one

110V outlet. The majority of staterooms and suites

have hotel beds that can be positioned separately

or together. Your stateroom or suite will be serviced

by your Stateroom/Suite Attendant on a daily basis.

Security and maintenance checks may also be

performed. Butler service is available in the suites.

Sun Deck AccessFor safety reasons, access to the Sun Deck or Sky Lounge

may be limited during the sailing on the Po River, while

passing through areas with low bridges and during

inclement weather.

VisitorsVisitors are generally not permitted onboard the ship and

are not allowed to join any shore excursions. Please make

arrangements to meet your friends and relatives onshore.

WaterThe ship has been outfitted with a sophisticated

filtration system, and the tap water in each stateroom

and suite is safe for drinking. In addition, bottled water

is provided in your stateroom or suite for your comfort.

For your convenience, we’ve provided two reusable,

eco-friendly water bottles in each stateroom and suite

that may be refilled and carried along on your daily

shore excursions. The bottles are yours to take home

as a souvenir of your voyage.

WeatherToday, weather forecasts are widely available at the click

of a button on the Internet. Uniworld’s favorite resource

for up-to-the-minute international weather information is

weather.com. Weather.com features a very informative

vacation-planner tool that you may find useful.

What to WearPrepare for a variety of weather conditions, depending

on your travel season and the regions you will be cruising

through. Layering clothing items is always your best bet,

as this allows you to adjust to any temperature, including

artificially maintained temperatures, by removing or

adding items throughout the day.

Comfortable, sporty, smart-casual daywear is appropriate

both onshore and onboard. Everyday slacks, khakis,

walking shorts and everyday skirts/dresses are

recommended. For warmer temperatures, we suggest

lightweight clothing that can be layered, such as a mix

of sweaters, lightweight knit shirts, slacks and walking

shorts. For early spring and late fall departures, you’ll

find sweatshirts, heavier cotton or wool tops and

long-sleeved shirts, and corduroy or heavy khaki pants

perfectly suitable. Mix-and-match color schemes work

best to help keep baggage light.

You will participate in a significant amount of walking

over uneven terrain during your time ashore. We

recommend comfortable walking shoes with good ankle

support. Sturdy sandals are another good option.

For evenings, any resort-type wear is perfectly suitable;

however, we do ask that you not wear shorts to dinner.

Men may want to bring one sport jacket for dressier

restaurant venues and for special events onboard such

as the Captain’s Welcome and Farewell festivities.

Women find that a cocktail dress or two always comes

in handy no matter the destination.

Don’t forget to pack a lightweight, waterproof jacket

(preferably hooded) or even a heavier-weight wind-

breaker for colder temperatures.

OmissionsUniworld is not responsible for omissions or printing

and/or presentation errors in brochures, on Internet

sites or in any other media where such information

may be presented; we reserve the right to make

corrections as required.

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Frequently Asked QuestionsI have concerns about my physical ability. What do I do?

Guests with mobility concerns need to discuss their

concerns with Uniworld staff in advance of their

departure. Guests requiring the use of a mobility device,

such as a wheelchair, motorized scooter or walker, may

not be able to participate in many shore excursions or

use such devices onboard the ships. Also, guests who

are limited in their ability to walk long distances may also

have difficulties, as there is often uneven terrain on many

shore excursions.

How accurate are the shore excursion/tour

descriptions?

Uniworld does everything possible to ensure that shore

excursions are performed as promoted and as outlined in

the subsequent pages. In certain circumstances, or for

reasons beyond the control of Uniworld, it may not be

possible or practical for the excursion to be performed

exactly as written. The decision not to operate, to alter

the operation, to change content, and/or to otherwise

adjust or modify any element of the excursion as

advertised is at the sole discretion of Uniworld, always

taking into account the safety and best interests of the

guests and the overall product delivery. Any such

modifications to excursions will not result in eligibility

for a refund.

Can the itinerary change? What happens if it

does change?

You can count on the value of Uniworld’s experience and

regional knowledge to make sure you enjoy your cruise/

tour even when conditions beyond our control occur. The

very nature of a river, with its sources and networks of

bridges and locks, means that there will be times when

weather or other conditions in a region require Uniworld

to make adjustments and modifications to the operation

of an itinerary. Itineraries may need to be altered

specifically because of water levels. Although every

effort is made to keep itineraries as advertised, Uniworld

reserves the right to make changes and substitutions as

necessary to ensure the safety of our guests and the

vessels. Time permitting, every possible effort will be

made to alert guests in advance of boarding of any

known changes. Otherwise, all guests will be informed

onboard of amendments. Any changes to itineraries,

including the addition of extensive motor-coach touring

to affect delivery of the intended itinerary operation, will

not result in eligibility for a refund.

What time will excursions depart?

All shore excursions are carefully coordinated to the ship’s

daily schedule. During the daily port talk, your Cruise/Tour

Manager will brief all guests about what activities will take

place the next day. This briefing includes information

about departure times, specifics about the shore

excursions/tours not covered in this booklet, suggested

shopping and restaurant recommendations, and other

important information about the port of call. In addition

to the briefing, a daily program will be distributed to

each guest’s stateroom or suite every evening. This

program provides a written overview of all events taking

place the next day—whether onboard or ashore.

Does each motorcoach or walking group have its own

tour guide?

Yes. Each motorcoach or walking group has its own

English-speaking local tour guide. Uniworld tries very

hard to ensure that our guides are of the highest quality

and are well-versed in their subjects, making sure that

you have the best possible time ashore.

What is the transportation like on excursions?

Uniworld works with some of the world’s best tour

companies, all of which are chosen with our exacting

standards in mind. To ensure your maximum enjoyment

of each excursion, all motorcoaches seat no more than

40 people and are air-conditioned whenever possible.

There are a few destinations where the equipment may

not be of a similar standard and, in such cases, the best

possible transportation will be arranged. Rest stops will

be provided throughout the course of the excursions, as

not all of the motorcoaches used for excursions have

onboard toilets.

Is smoking allowed on shore excursions/tours?

Smoking is not allowed while on the motorcoach, and

many historical venues now request that visitors not

smoke anywhere on site. We ask all our guests who

smoke not to do so while on excursions/tours.

CRUISE LAND UNESCONIGHTS ONSHORERiverStart/End

uniworld.com / 23

Gems of Northern Italy

MILAN TO VENICE / 10 DAYS

Delve into the delights of Northern Italy

The most famous fresco in the world, Renaissance

palazzi floating mirage-like above the Grand Canal,

lavish food stalls brimming with the bounty of Emilia-

Romagna—welcome to an odyssey that begins in Milan,

home to Da Vinci’s The Last Supper, and ends in

legendary Venice, the “Queen of the Adriatic.” These

two iconic destinations bookend an exploration of

Northern Italy that rewards the curious traveler with

amazing experiences in beautiful vineyards, colorful

fishing villages, and the storied cities of Ferrara, Verona

and Padua.

Unpack, pour a glass of prosecco and prepare to relish

the romance of Veneto and Northern Italy from the

comfort of the impressive River Countess.

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an opportunity to admire Da Vinci’s revolutionary work or

spend some free time exploring the area on your own.

Note: The order of sightseeing varies according to the availability of time slots at Santa Maria delle Grazie.

DAY 3Milan, Verona (Valpolicella), transfer to Venice

u b e BB L D

You’ll check out of your hotel this morning and head

toward the Adriatic coast and magical Venice, but the

day includes two delightful stops en route: Verona,

forever associated with Romeo and Juliet, and the

Valpolicella wine country.

Featured Excursion:Verona, “City of Romeo and Juliet” 7 2 bDiscover the real roots of Shakespeare’s tragic tale with

a visit to fair Verona. The Scaligeri family ruled the city

for two centuries, routinely murdering one another to

gain power; an echo of these savage family feuds found

their way into the Bard’s tragedy. Your walking tour

passes the house where Romeo purportedly lived, as

well as the pretty 14th-century stone house where

legend says Juliet listened to her Romeo’s vows. (It’s

certainly a destination for lovers now: They leave love

notes on the walls). Stop by the imposing Scaligeri

tombs, ramble along Via Mazzini and through Piazza

delle Erbe, the bustling city square laid out where the

ancient Roman forum once stood. You’ll have a little

free time to explore on your own after your tour. You

might step into one of the beautiful and historic

churches nearby or take an elevator up to the top of

Torre dei Lamberti for a great view of the old city and

its surroundings.

Featured Excursion:Exclusive Valpolicella wine estate lunch 7 1 bYour journey continues from Verona through the lovely

vine-clad hills of the Valpolicella wine country. These

vineyards grow Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara

grapes—and even Garganega, the grape used for Soave

wines. While the everyday Valpolicella red wine is

popular and easy-drinking, the region also produces

Amarone, a lush and unmistakable red that is the result

of a unique wine-making process: Grapes are air-dried

on bamboo racks for several months before being

DAY 1 Milan

b

Arrive at Milan Malpensa Airport. If your cruise/tour

package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have

purchased a private arrival transfer, you will be greeted by

a Uniworld representative and transferred to the hotel.

DAY 2 Milan

u BB

Fashion and finance, opera and furniture design, telecom

companies and trade fairs—bustling Milan, Italy’s financial

and industrial center, is a modern global city whose roots

sink deep into the history of Italy. Founded 2,500 years

ago, Milan retains traces of every epoch, from Roman,

medieval and Renaissance up to the current moment,

and it boasts a dazzling bounty of artistic and cultural

landmarks, which are yours to experience today.

Featured Excursion:Milan city tour with visit to Da Vinci’s The Last Supper 7 2Your hotel is in the heart of the city, so it’s easy to see the

highlights of the neighborhood on a short walk with your

guide. Il Duomo, the magnificent cathedral begun in the

14th century and finished 500 years later (the last part to

be finished, one of its five great doors, wasn’t installed

until 1965), offers one of the most spectacular Gothic

façades in the world. Step inside with your guide for a

tour of the ravishing interior, then walk across the square

and under the splendid triumphal arch that welcomes

visitors and shoppers into the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele.

Learn a bit about the history of this area as you stroll

through the beautiful 19th-century glass-covered arcade;

it’s the oldest shopping mall in Europe and is still wildly

popular, housing the flagships of leading fashion

designers and trendy restaurants. You’ll emerge in Piazza

della Scala, home to the internationally celebrated opera

house whose name comes from the square, Teatro alla

Scala. Directly opposite it is Milan’s city hall—which

happens to be a stunning Renaissance palace. It’s just

one of the palaces and fortresses that were the heart of

medieval civic power, where the Viscontis and then the

Sforzas reigned, each ruler adding to the city’s splendor

and tumultuous history. It’s hard to pinpoint a highlight

among so many, but Santa Maria delle Grazie, a beautiful

Gothic and Renaissance church, offers you a sight you will

never forget. The Last Supper is not in the church itself; it

adorns the walls of a modest adjoining building that was

the Dominican refectory. Your tour ends after you’ve had

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elected their first doge, or duke, in AD 697 and began

building the palace around AD 800.

The palace complex, as it exists now, mostly dates to the

14th and 15th centuries, and it brims with jaw-dropping

artistic gems, including Tintoretto’s wall-sized Paradise

and works by Veronese, Tiepolo and Titian. Justice—and

sometimes injustice, for Venice was a supremely political

city—was meted out in the palace, and those convicted

of crimes were led across the Bridge of Sighs to prison.

Follow their footsteps to the prison and gaze into the

cells: Casanova escaped from one of these cells; other,

less fortunate prisoners whiled away their time by

inscribing graffiti on the walls, which you can still read.

Your tour ends at the Rialto (the oldest part of the city)

and the famous 16th-century stone bridge spanning the

Grand Canal. Spend the afternoon exploring on your

own. In addition to its well-known museums, Venice

is also home to some highly specialized ones: Displays

at the Correr are devoted to the history of Venice; the

Museo della Musica contains 17th- and 18th-century

musical instruments and exhibits about composer

Antonio Vivaldi (known as the Red Priest for his hair

color), who taught music to the daughters of Venetian

noblemen; and the Museo Ebraico examines the history

of the Jewish community that was confined to an island

known as Ghetto Nuovo. The latter was one of Europe’s

wealthiest and most cultured Jewish communities, made

up in part with refugees from the Spanish Inquisition.

Featured Excursion:Murano glassmaking, a time-honored Venetian

tradition 5 2Venetian glass—multicolored millefiori beads,

exquisite stemware, lavish chandeliers, swirling vases—is

legendary. Hop aboard a boat and head to the island

of Giudecca, once home to palaces, to Arti Veneziane

alla Giudecca, where you can watch a master glass

blower at work. The workshop also produces the

flamboyant masks the city is famous for, as well as lace.

A visit here gives you a précis of Venetian handicrafts

in a single stop; they even make gondolas. You’ll have

time to browse for treasures in the shop after the

glass-blowing demonstration.

crushed for fermentation, giving the wine a luscious

depth of flavor. Modest farmhouses and great estates

alike produce delightful wines, but the Serego Alighieri

estate, which belongs to descendants of Dante Alighieri,

is one of the oldest and loveliest. The stately villa stands

amid gracious gardens and fertile vineyards, welcoming

you in for a tour of the grounds and cellars. You’ll see

the drying racks and learn about the process before

savoring a delectable three-course lunch carefully

paired with Serego Alighieri wines.

This evening you’ll arrive in Venice and embark. Unpack,

relax and enjoy your first evening on the Venetian Lagoon.

DAY 4 Venice

u BB L WD

Hoping to escape marauding Huns, Goths and Vandals

as the Roman Empire collapsed in the fifth century,

refugees built a little settlement they called Venice on

tiny islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. By the 12th

century, Venice was the wealthiest and most powerful

city-state in Europe, controlling the Mediterranean and

all European trade with the East. Its merchant-aristocrats

lavished their wealth on palaces and churches, art and

music, creating a city that is truly like no other. Now,

seawater laps at the foot of thousand-year-old houses—

and sometimes rises above the doorsteps—but the

glorious palaces and romantic canals enchant visitors

just as they have for centuries. Today you will embark

on your own personal voyage of discovery through this

entrancing city.

Featured Excursion:Venice walking discovery tour 7 2Venice has no need to designate a pedestrians-only

historic district: No cars are permitted within the island

city; all transportation is by foot or water. Begin your

exploration—on foot, of course—by strolling through the

historic Castello district. It’s the largest of Venice’s six

districts; back in the 13th century it was home to the

Arsenal, where Venice’s ships were built (Venetians

boasted that they could build a complete ship in a single

day) and where the famous Biennale art exhibition now

takes place. As you pass 800-year-old homes, you’ll hear

the murmur of the soft local dialect through the open

windows, clothes flap from lines strung over tiny canals

and kids kick soccer balls along cobbled alleys—it’s a

real, living, breathing neighborhood, not just a historic

site. You will soon arrive at the most famous plaza in

Italy, St. Mark’s Square, and the Doge’s Palace. Venetians

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Choice Is Yours Excursion Options:A. Padua walking discovery tour

B. Chioggia walking discovery tour

C. Exclusive guided “Go Active” bike tour of Chioggia’s beaches

A. Padua walking discovery tour 7 2 bJoin your local guide on a walking tour of medieval Padua

that will show you the city’s great squares, churches and

palaces. The 13th and 14th centuries were glory days for

Padua. Italy’s second-oldest university was founded here

in 1222; many notable scholars joined the faculty in search

of academic freedom, including Galileo and Copernicus,

and two of Italy’s most famous writers, Dante and

Petrarch, were among its students. Immediately outside

the Palazzo del Bo, the university’s first home, you’ll see

Caffé Pedrocchi. It may not be as old as the university, but

it is historically notable in its own right: Revolutionaries

met there to plot in 1848, and Stendhal called it the best

club in Europe. Stroll past the largest public square in

Europe, Prato della Valle, originally laid out by the Romans

and transformed in the 18th century into a graceful

elliptical open space lined with a serene canal and statues

of local notables. Gaze up at the Byzantine-influenced

domes and towers of the vast Basilica of St. Anthony—

there’s almost always a crowd waiting to offer thanks or

prayers for assistance at the saint’s tomb.

B. Chioggia walking discovery tour 7 2 Chioggia spreads over several islands, and though it

boasts notable landmarks, including a 17th-century

cathedral graced with work by Tiepolo, it’s essentially a

fishing village. As you stroll through the picturesque

town, you’ll see immediately why it’s a favorite destination

for painters. Canals are lined with colorful fishing boats,

fishermen mend nets and neighbors chat from their

windows. Fishermen bring their catch into this port every

day before it’s sent to Venice and other destinations,

and the fish market is an amazing sight—and sound, as

the market criers vie with one another to call attention

to their catches. You’ll have a lovely view of Vena Canal

from the white marble bridge at the end of Corso del

Popolo, the town’s main boulevard, but if you are

ambitious and would like a view of the whole village,

climb the bell tower of San Andrea.

Featured Excursion:Exclusive evening opening of St. Mark’s Basilica 5 2The doors of this icon open especially for you tonight, so

you can see the glorious church in the evening light—

without the crowds. You’ll find it almost impossible not

to gaze heavenward as you enter St. Mark’s. High

overhead, magnificent domes are sheathed in mosaics

telling the story of the New Testament, but you should

not miss the intricate pattern of marble and mosaic tile

under your feet. Ahead of you is the famous altarpiece

made by 10th-century Byzantine artisans who gilded it

and decorated it with precious gems (some of which

were subsequently stolen by Napoleon). The building,

which exemplifies the city’s historic connection to

Byzantium and the Eastern Mediterranean, was finished

in the 11th century and incorporates the remnants of

earlier churches; gold glass-tile mosaics line the interior

walls and cupolas, giving the church its nickname,

Church of Gold. It houses treasures collected—one way

or another—by Venetians over the centuries: The relics

of St. Mark, patron saint of the city, were stolen from

Alexandria, and the Tetrarch, a group of four crowned

figures, was looted from Constantinople during the Fourth

Crusade. Every successful Venetian voyager returned

with something to decorate the basilica—a frieze, a

statue—and the result is one of the most stunning works

of art and architecture in this amazing city.

Note: It is not always possible to arrange an after-hours visit to St. Mark’s Basilica. If religious functions or festivities are taking place in the evening, we will visit during regular hours.

A special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Gala Dinner

will be prepared for you this evening.

Did You Know? About 30,000 boats ply the waters of Venice every day—abiding by a speed limit of 4.2 miles per hour (7 kilometers per hour) on the Grand Canal.

DAY 5 Chioggia (Padua)BB L D

The River Countess sails from Venice, cruising through

the lagoon, past the Lido, the colorful 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.

It’s your base for a visit to the medieval glories of Padua,

or you can explore the charming little town itself.

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and then stroll with your guide under the famous arcades

to see some of the lovely, historic buildings in the city

center: The huge basilica dates to the 14th century, and

the two leaning towers that loom above Piazza di Porta

Ravegnana were built in the 12th century, as were the

structures that housed Europe’s first university.

B. Half day excursion to Ferrara with lunch onboard 7 2 b

Square towers rise sternly above the moat that still

surrounds Castle Estense, the huge fortress the Este

family built in the center of Ferrara in the 14th century. It

was a demonstration of both power and caution, since

the Estes had just put down an uprising, but it is just one

of the family palaces to grace the city they developed.

They turned Ferrara into a center for the arts and

artists—particularly for musicians and composers—that

rivaled Medici Florence. Here the Renaissance concept of

the ideal city took shape—it was the first planned city in

Italy that did not follow a Roman model—and as you take

a brief walking tour through the historic center, you will

see the Estes’ vision throughout it, from the street layout

that parallels the river to the many family palaces. But

not all of Ferrara is Renaissance: The medieval walls still

surround the old city (providing a popular walking and

biking route for locals and visitors alike), the Gothic

cathedral dates to the 12th century, and tiny cobbled

lanes might make you think you were visiting the Middle

Ages—were it not for the bicycles that Ferrara’s citizens

ride everywhere. Your guide will introduce you to the

highlights of Ferrara, and you’ll have some time to explore

on your own before returning to the ship for lunch.

DAY 7 Taglio di Po, ChioggiaBB L D

Dip into a lively local scene with a stroll through Chioggia.

Featured Excursion:

Chioggia market visit 7 2 b Chioggia is the quintessential Venetian Lagoon fishing

village. Founded in the fifth century, it was known as the

pantry of Venice because of its many small truck farms,

C. Exclusive guided “Go Active” bike tour of

Chioggia’s beaches 7 3Meet your local bike guide dockside for a scenic ride along

the lagoon. Your first stop is Piazza Vigo, with its famous—

and beautiful—white marble bridge that links the square to

San Domenico, a church standing on its own little island

(you’re likely to see your ship cruise past right about now).

Mount your bike again to pedal around Lusenzo Lagoon,

the placid body of water between Chioggia and

Sottomarina, delighting in the gloriously luminous air and

serene views. Take a break at the end of San Marco street

before heading back to Chioggia and the cathedral—you

may extend your tour with a visit to the cathedral, which

has a 14th-century bell tower, though the church itself was

rebuilt in the 17th century and given an unusual white-and-

gray interior. Or you could simply spend a little free time

enjoying Chioggia’s broad main boulevard, Corso del

Popolo, with its inviting shops and sidewalk cafés.

Note: We are obliged to comply with Italian Maritime Authorities who require that the ship is only manned by crew during the Adriatic Sea passage.

DAY 6 Polesella (Bologna or Ferrara)

u BB L D

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?

Choice Is Yours Excursion Options:A. Full day excursion to Bologna with exclusive pasta-

making workshop with lunch

B. Half day excursion to Ferrara with lunch onboard

A. Full day excursion to Bologna with exclusive

pasta-making workshop with lunch 8 2 bDoes Bologna have the best food in Northern Italy?

Taste and decide for yourself today. Of course there’s

Bolognese sauce, but that’s just one possible topping for

the exceptional pasta available here. There are those who

believe that the best tortellini in the world is made in

Bologna. Locals also claim to have invented the first

chocolate bars, and even if others dispute that claim,

there’s no denying that the chocolate shops offer some

very special treats. Bologna’s green market brims with

local produce, and its specialty food stores and food halls

are unmatched; locally made mortadella, luscious

balsamic vinegar from nearby Modena, ham from Parma

and, of course, great rounds of Parmesan cheese all

contribute to the lavish displays. Participate in a workshop

on making pasta, enjoy lunch at a celebrated restaurant

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during very high tides—and produce a luscious golden

wine. These grapes grew here long ago in a walled

vineyard that has been brought back into verdant

production. Enjoy a tasting in lovely surroundings.

DAY 9 VeniceBB L FD

Further your acquaintance with the city called the

“Queen of the Adriatic” with a tour of its marvelous food

markets (your ship’s chef might just lead your expedition)

or take a tour of the stunning Academy museum.

Choice Is Yours Excursion Options:A. Exclusive “Do as the Locals Do” Venice walking tour

B. “Venetian Painters at the Accademia” tour with art-historian guide

A. Exclusive “Do as the Locals Do” Venice

walking tour 7 2Back when Venice was at the height of its power, only

the Rialto Bridge spanned the Grand Canal—and the

city’s famous Rialto markets for fish and produce have

sprawled at its feet as long as the bridge has arched

over the water. Here you’ll find violet artichokes from

the nearby island of Sant’Erasmo, honey from the salt

marshes, white asparagus from Giare—and Venetians

shopping for their dinners in the historic heart of the city.

Join them as you explore the colorful, noisy and fun

arcades with your guide (the ship’s chef often leads this

expedition), who knows Venice’s culinary arts intimately.

Freshly caught local fish is sold to knowledgeable

customers under the Gothic arches of the covered fish

market, which was probably originally built in the 11th

century. At the end of the tour, join your guide at a

bacaro (a casual wine bar) for the Venetian version of

happy hour, called ombra e cicchetti—a drink (often a

glass of prosecco) with a bite of something delicious—

perhaps crostini with salt cod spread or another

Venetian fish specialty.

B. “Venetian Painters at the Accademia” tour with

art-historian guide 7 2 bJoin an art historian on an exclusive guided visit to the

Academy. Probably the greatest collection of Venetian

which supplied Venetian households with produce until

just a few decades ago. It is still a thriving fishing port; its

wholesale fish market is one of the largest in Italy. On

Thursdays, Chioggia also hosts a huge outdoor market

along its main thoroughfare, Corso del Popolo, where

stands sell everything from locally grown melons and

beets (pretty candy-striped Chioggia beets are treasured

by U.S. chefs) to colorful straw handbags. Spend some

time exploring the market before heading back to the

ship for lunch.

You’ll sail back to Venice this evening.


DAY 8Venice Islands (Torcello, Burano and Mazzorbo), VeniceBB D

Featured Excursion:Full day “The Magic Islands of Venice” tour:

Torcello with its Byzantine mosaics, colorful Burano

with lace making, and peaceful Mazzorbo with

wine tasting 8 2The lagoon is dotted with islands, each with its own

history, heritage and charm. Torcello may be the most

surprising of all these islands. It was settled before Venice

was founded, and at one time it was the greatest, most

populous city in the lagoon; now, however, only a handful

of people live there. Its centerpiece is the basilica of Santa

Maria Assunta, the oldest church in the lagoon and a

monument to Torcello’s lost might. The doors open early

for you so you can see the stunning 11th-century mosaic of

the Last Judgment without the crowds—and with expert

commentary from your art historian guide. Your second

island stop is neighboring Burano. Hot pink, chartreuse,

orange, lemon yellow—Burano’s brightly painted

fishermen’s cottages are an artist’s dream. The sizzling

colors may look random, but they are strictly regulated: An

owner needs state permission to change the color of the

house. Burano is even better known for its lace-making

tradition than for its colors; the exquisite craft has been

practiced here for 400 years, handed down from mother

to daughter since the first workshop was set up at the end

of the 16th century. Visit a historic lace-making atelier to

see some of this delicate work and, if you like, purchase

items to take home. Enjoy lunch on your own at one of

Burano’s charming restaurants, then rejoin the group for a

visit to bucolic Mazzorbo. Here you’ll find a different craft

practiced: wine-making. Visit an ambitious wine estate

devoted to making wine with Dorona grapes, which

tolerate the salt air—and the occasional saltwater bath

CRUISE LAND UNESCONIGHTS ONSHORERiverStart/End

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Splendors of Italy

MILAN TO ROME / 15 DAYS

The greatest treasures of Venice, Florence and Rome

await you on this unforgettable journey

Sun-drenched vineyards, The Last Supper, Venetian

canals, the majestic Colosseum and Michelangelo’s

David: Italy offers something for everyone.

Experience the many wonders of Milan and Venice and

explore the art and culture of Bologna, Padua and

Verona—all from the luxurious base of the River Countess.

Then leave Veneto for Florence and see astonishing

works by Michelangelo, Raphael, Donatello and Botticelli.

Visit a romantic wine estate in Tuscany on your way

south to Rome, where you’ll find matchless gems of art

and architecture. There is no place on earth like Italy.

Renaissance paintings in the world, it includes works by

Tiepolo, Veronese, Tintoretto, Bellini and Canaletto.

There are more than 20 galleries, each one containing

extraordinary masterpieces, with exhibits generally laid

out in chronological order. There are far too many to

see in a single visit; fortunately, your guide brings a

specialist’s knowledge to the history of Venetian painting

and will show you what was unique about Venetian art

as it developed from the 14th through the 16th centuries.

Note: Photography is not permitted inside the Academy, and large bags, especially backpacks, must be left in lockers.

Did You Know? To become a gondolier, applicants must complete a rigorous training program and exam. Only three or four new gondolier licenses are issued each year.

A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Gala Dinner


DAY 10 Depart Venice

e b CB/BB

Disembark the ship. If your cruise package includes a

group departure transfer or if you purchased a private

departure transfer, you will be transferred to Venice

Marco Polo International Airport for your flight home.

Note: The itineraries presented are subject to modification due to water levels, closures because of public holidays or other uncontrollable factors. Every effort will be made to operate programs as planned, but changes may still be necessary throughout the cruise/tour.

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Your tour ends after you’ve had an opportunity to admire

Da Vinci’s revolutionary work or spend some free time

exploring the area on your own.

DAY 3Milan, Verona (Valpolicella), transfer to Venice

u b e BB L D

You’ll check out of your hotel and head toward the

Adriatic coast and magical Venice, but the day includes

two delightful stops en route: Verona, forever associated

with Romeo and Juliet, and the Valpolicella wine country.

Featured Excursion:Verona, “City of Romeo and Juliet” 9 2 bDiscover the real roots of Shakespeare’s tragic tale with a

visit to fair Verona. The Scaligeri family ruled the city for

two centuries, routinely murdering one another to gain

power; an echo of these savage family feuds found their

way into the Bard’s tragedy. Your walking tour passes

the house where Romeo purportedly lived, as well as the

pretty 14th-century stone house where legend says Juliet

listened to her Romeo’s vows. (It’s certainly a destination

for lovers now: They leave love notes on the walls). Stop

by the imposing Scaligeri tombs, ramble along Via

Mazzini and through Piazza delle Erbe, the bustling city

square laid out where the ancient Roman forum once

stood. You’ll have a little free time to browse through the

area on your own after your tour. You might step into

one of the beautiful and historic churches nearby or take

an elevator up to the top of Torre dei Lamberti for a

great view of the old city and its surroundings.

Featured Excursion:Exclusive Valpolicella wine estate lunch 7 1 bYour journey continues from Verona through the lovely

vine-clad hills of the Valpolicella wine country. These

vineyards grow Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara

grapes—and even Garganega, the grape used for Soave

wines. While the everyday Valpolicella red wine is

popular and easy-drinking, the region also produces

Amarone, a lush and unmistakable red that is the result

of a unique wine-making process: Grapes are air-dried

on bamboo racks for several months before being

crushed for fermentation, giving the wine a luscious

depth of flavor. Modest farmhouses and great estates

alike produce delightful wines, but the Serego Alighieri

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DAY 1 Milan

b

Arrive at Milan Malpensa Airport. If your cruise/tour

package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have

purchased a private arrival transfer, you will be greeted

by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the hotel.

DAY 2 Milan

u BB

Fashion and finance, opera and furniture design, telecom

companies and trade fairs—bustling Milan, Italy’s financial

and industrial center, is a modern global city whose roots

sink deep into the history of Italy. Founded 2,500 years

ago, Milan retains traces of every epoch, from Roman,

medieval and Renaissance up to the current moment,

and it boasts a dazzling bounty of artistic and cultural

landmarks, which are yours to experience today.

Featured Excursion:Milan city tour with visit to Da Vinci’s The Last Supper 7 2Your hotel is in the heart of the city, so it’s easy to see

the highlights of the neighborhood on a short walk with

your guide. Il Duomo, the magnificent cathedral begun in

the 14th century and finished 500 years later (the last

part to be finished, one of its five great doors, wasn’t

installed until 1965), offers one of the most spectacular

Gothic façades in the world. Step inside with your guide

for a tour of the ravishing interior, then walk across the

square and under the splendid triumphal arch that

welcomes visitors and shoppers into the Galleria Vittorio

Emanuele. Learn a bit about the history of this area as

you stroll through the beautiful 19th-century glass-

covered arcade; it’s the oldest shopping mall in Europe

and is still wildly popular, housing the flagships of leading

fashion designers and trendy restaurants. You’ll emerge

in Piazza della Scala, home to the internationally

celebrated opera house whose name comes from the

square, Teatro alla Scala. Directly opposite it is Milan’s

city hall—which happens to be a stunning Renaissance

palace. It’s just one of the palaces and fortresses that

were the heart of medieval civic power. Here the

Viscontis and then the Sforzas reigned, each ruler adding

to the city’s splendor and tumultuous history. It’s hard to

pinpoint a highlight among so many, but Santa Maria

delle Grazie, a beautiful Gothic and Renaissance church,

offers you a sight you will never forget. The Last Supper

is not in the church itself; it adorns the walls of a modest

adjoining building that was the Dominican refectory.

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The palace complex, as it exists now, mostly dates to the

14th and 15th centuries, and it brims with jaw-dropping

artistic gems, including Tintoretto’s wall-sized Paradise

and works by Veronese, Tiepolo and Titian. Justice—and

sometimes injustice, for Venice was a supremely political

city—was meted out in the palace, and those convicted

of crimes were led across the Bridge of Sighs to prison.

Follow their footsteps to the prison and gaze into the

cells: Casanova escaped from one of these cells; other,

less fortunate prisoners whiled away their time by

inscribing graffiti on the walls, which you can still read.

Your tour ends at the Rialto (the oldest part of the city)

and the famous 16th-century stone bridge spanning the

Grand Canal.

Spend the afternoon exploring on your own. In addition to

its already well-known museums, Venice is also home to

some highly specialized ones: Displays at the Correr are

devoted to the history of Venice; the Museo della Musica

contains 17th- and 18th-century musical instruments and

exhibits about composer Antonio Vivaldi (known as the

Red Priest for his hair color), who taught music to the

daughters of Venetian noblemen; and the Museo Ebraico

examines the history of the Jewish community that was

confined to an island known as Ghetto Nuovo. The latter

was one of Europe’s wealthiest and most cultured Jewish

communities, made up in part with refugees from the

Spanish Inquisition.

Featured Excursion:Murano glassmaking, a time-honored Venetian

tradition 5 2Venetian glass—multicolored millefiori beads, exquisite

stemware, lavish chandeliers, swirling vases—is legendary.

Hop aboard a boat and head to the island of Giudecca,

once home to palaces, to Arti Veneziane alla Giudecca,

where you can watch a master glass blower at work. The

workshop also produces the flamboyant masks the city

is famous for, as well as lace. A visit here gives you a

précis of Venetian handicrafts in a single stop; they even

make gondolas here. You’ll have time to browse through

the shop for treasures after the demonstration.

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estate, which belongs to descendants of Dante Alighieri,

is one of the oldest and loveliest. The stately villa stands

amid gracious gardens and fertile vineyards, welcoming

you in for a tour of the grounds and cellars. You’ll see

the drying racks and learn about the process before

savoring a delectable three-course lunch carefully

paired with Serego Alighieri wines.

This evening you’ll arrive in Venice, where your ship awaits

you. Unpack, relax and enjoy your first evening on the

Venetian Lagoon.

DAY 4 Venice

u BB L WD

Hoping to escape marauding Huns, Goths and Vandals

as the Roman Empire collapsed in the fifth century,

refugees built a little settlement they called Venice on

tiny islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. By the 12th

century, Venice was the wealthiest and most powerful

city-state in Europe, controlling the Mediterranean and

all European trade with the East. Its merchant-aristocrats

lavished their wealth on palaces and churches, art and

music, creating a city that is truly like no other. Now,

seawater laps at the foot of thousand-year-old houses—

and sometimes rises above the doorsteps—but the

glorious palaces and romantic canals enchant visitors

just as they have for centuries. Today you will embark on

your own personal voyage of discovery through this

entrancing city.

Featured Excursion:Venice walking discovery tour 7 2 Venice has no need to designate a pedestrians-only

historic district: No cars are permitted within the island

city; all transportation is by foot or water. Begin your

exploration—on foot, of course—by strolling through the

historic Castello district. It’s the largest of Venice’s six

districts; back in the 13th century it was home to the

Arsenal, where Venice’s ships were built (Venetians

boasted that they could build a complete ship in a single

day) and where the famous Biennale art exhibition now

takes place. As you pass 800-year-old homes, you’ll hear

the murmur of the soft local dialect through the open

windows, clothes flap from lines strung over tiny canals,

and kids kick soccer balls along cobbled alleys—it’s a

real, living, breathing neighborhood, not just a historic

site. You will soon arrive at the most famous plaza in

Italy, St. Mark’s Square, and the Doge’s Palace. Venetians

elected their first doge, or duke, in AD 697 and began

building the palace around AD 800.

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Choice Is Yours Excursion Options:A. Padua walking discovery tour

B. Chioggia walking discovery tour

C. Exclusive guided “Go Active” bike tour of Chioggia’s beaches

A. Padua walking discovery tour 7 2 bJoin your local guide on a walking tour of medieval Padua

that will show you the city’s great squares, churches and

palaces. The 13th and 14th centuries were glory days for

Padua. Italy’s second-oldest university was founded here

in 1222; many notable scholars joined the faculty in search

of academic freedom, including Galileo and Copernicus,

and two of Italy’s most famous writers, Dante and

Petrarch, were among its students. Immediately outside

the Palazzo del Bo, the university’s first home, you’ll see

Caffé Pedrocchi. It may not be as old as the university, but

it is historically notable in its own right: Revolutionaries

met there to plot in 1848, and Stendhal called it the best

club in Europe. Stroll past the largest public square in

Europe, Prato della Valle, originally laid out by the Romans

and transformed in the 18th century into a graceful

elliptical open space lined with a serene canal and statues

of local notables. Gaze up at the Byzantine-influenced

domes and towers of the vast Basilica of St. Anthony—

there’s almost always a crowd waiting to offer thanks or

prayers for assistance at the saint’s tomb.

B. Chioggia walking discovery tour 7 2 Chioggia spreads over several islands, and though it

boasts notable landmarks, including a 17th-century

cathedral graced with work by Tiepolo, it’s essentially

a fishing village. As you stroll through the picturesque

town, you’ll see immediately why it’s a favorite destination

for painters. Canals are lined with colorful fishing boats,

fishermen mend nets and neighbors chat from their

windows. Fishermen bring their catch into this port every

day before it’s sent to Venice and other destinations, and

the fish market is an amazing sight—and sound, as the

market criers vie with one another to call attention to

their catches. You’ll have a lovely view of Vena Canal from

the white marble bridge at the end of Corso del Popolo,

the town’s main boulevard, but if you are ambitious and

would like a view of the whole village, climb the bell

tower of San Andrea.

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Featured Excursion:Exclusive evening opening of St. Mark’s Basilica 5 2 The doors of this icon open especially for you tonight, so

you can see the glorious church in the evening light—

without the crowds. You’ll find it almost impossible not to

gaze heavenward as you enter St. Mark’s. High overhead,

magnificent domes are sheathed in mosaics telling the

story of the New Testament, but you should not miss

the intricate pattern of marble and mosaic tile under

your feet. Ahead of you is the famous altarpiece made

by 10th-century Byzantine artisans who gilded it and

decorated it with precious gems (some of which were

subsequently stolen by Napoleon). The building, which

exemplifies the city’s historic connection to Byzantium

and the Eastern Mediterranean, was finished in the

11th century and incorporates the remnants of earlier

churches; gold glass-tile mosaics line the interior walls

and cupolas, giving the church its nickname, Church of

Gold. It houses treasures collected—one way or another—

by Venetians over the centuries: The relics of St. Mark,

patron saint of the city, were stolen from Alexandria, and

the Tetrarch, a group of four crowned figures, were looted

from Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade. Every

successful Venetian voyager returned with something to

decorate the basilica—a frieze, a statue—and the result is

one of the most stunning works of art and architecture in

this amazing city.

Note: It is not always possible to arrange an after-hours visit to St. Mark’s Basilica. If religious functions or festivities are taking place in the evening, we will visit during regular hours.

A special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Gala Dinner


Did You Know? About 30,000 boats ply the waters of Venice every day—abiding by a speed limit of 4.2 miles per hour (7 kilometers per hour) on the Grand Canal.

DAY 5 Chioggia (Padua) BB L D

The River Countess sails from Venice, cruising through

the lagoon, past the Lido, the colorful 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.

You may opt to explore this charming town or visit the

medieval glories of Padua from this base.

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on making pasta, enjoy lunch at a celebrated restaurant

and then stroll with your guide under the famous arcades

to see some of the lovely, historic buildings in the city

center: The huge basilica dates to the 14th century, and

the two leaning towers that loom above Piazza di Porta

Ravegnana were built in the 12th century, as were the

structures that housed Europe’s first university.

B. Half day excursion to Ferrara with lunch onboard 7 2 b

Square towers rise sternly above the moat that still

surrounds Castle Estense, the huge fortress the Este

family built in the center of Ferrara in the 14th century.

It was a demonstration of both power and caution, since

the Estes had just put down an uprising, but it is just one

of the family palaces to grace the city they developed.

They turned Ferrara into a center for the arts and artists—

particularly for musicians and composers—that rivaled

Medici Florence. Here the Renaissance concept of the

ideal city took shape—it was the first planned city in Italy

that did not follow a Roman model—and as you take a

brief walking tour through the historic center, you will see

the Estes’ vision throughout it, from the street layout that

parallels the river to the many family palaces. But not all

of Ferrara is Renaissance: The medieval walls still surround

the old city (providing a popular walking and biking route

for locals and visitors alike), the Gothic cathedral dates to

the 12th century, and tiny cobbled lanes might make you

think you were visiting the Middle Ages—were it not for

the bicycles that Ferrara’s citizens ride everywhere. Your

guide will introduce you to the highlights of Ferrara, and

you’ll have some time to explore on your own before

returning to the ship for lunch.

DAY 7 Taglio di Po, Chioggia

u BB L D

Dip into a lively local scene with a stroll through Chioggia.

Featured Excursion:

Chioggia market visit 7 2 b Chioggia is the quintessential Venetian Lagoon fishing

village. Founded in the fifth century, it was known as the MIL

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C. Exclusive guided “Go Active” bike tour of

Chioggia’s beaches 7 3Meet your local bike guide dockside for a scenic ride

along the lagoon. Your first stop is Piazza Vigo, with its

famous—and beautiful—white marble bridge that links

the square to San Domenico, a church standing on its

own little island (you’re likely to see your ship cruise

past right about now). Mount your bike again to pedal

around Lusenzo Lagoon, the placid body of water

between Chioggia and Sottomarina, delighting in the

gloriously luminous air and serene views. Take a break

at the end of San Marco street before heading back to

Chioggia and the cathedral—you may extend your tour

with a visit to the cathedral, which has a 14th-century

bell tower, though the church itself was rebuilt in the

17th century and given an unusual white-and-gray

interior. Or you could simply spend a little free time

enjoying Chioggia’s broad main boulevard, Corso del

Popolo, with its inviting shops and sidewalk cafés.


DAY 6 Polesella (Bologna or Ferrara)

u BB L D

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?

Choice Is Yours Excursion Options:A. Full day excursion to Bologna with exclusive pasta-

making workshop with lunch

B. Half day excursion to Ferrara with lunch onboard

A. Full day excursion to Bologna with exclusive

pasta-making workshop with lunch 8 2 bDoes Bologna have the best food in Northern Italy?

Taste and decide for yourself today. Of course there’s

Bolognese sauce, but that’s just one possible topping

for the exceptional pasta available here. There are those

who believe that the best tortellini in the world is made

in Bologna. Locals also claim to have invented the first

chocolate bars, and even if others dispute that claim,

there’s no denying that the chocolate shops offer some

very special treats. Bologna’s green market brims with

local produce, and its specialty food stores and food

halls are unmatched; locally made mortadella, luscious

balsamic vinegar from nearby Modena, ham from Parma

and, of course, great rounds of Parmesan cheese all

contribute to the lavish displays. Participate in a workshop

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pantry of Venice because of its many small truck farms,

which supplied Venetian households with produce until

just a few decades ago. It is still a thriving fishing port;

its wholesale fish market is one of the largest in Italy. On

Thursdays, Chioggia also hosts a huge outdoor market

along its main thoroughfare, Corso del Popolo, where

stands sell everything from locally grown melons and

beets (pretty candy-striped Chioggia beets are treasured

by U.S. chefs) to colorful straw handbags. Spend some

time exploring the market before returning to the ship

for lunch.

You’ll sail back to Venice this evening.


DAY 8Venice Islands (Torcello, Burano and Mazzorbo), VeniceBB D

Featured Excursion:Full day “The Magic Islands of Venice” tour: Torcello

with its Byzantine mosaics, colorful Burano with

lace making, and peaceful Mazzorbo with

wine tasting 8 2The lagoon is dotted with islands, each with its own

history, heritage and charm. Torcello may be the most

surprising of all these islands: It was settled before Venice

was founded, and at one time it was the greatest, most

populous city in the lagoon; now, however, only a handful

of people live there. Its centerpiece is the basilica of Santa

Maria Assunta, the oldest church in the lagoon and a

monument to Torcello’s lost might. The doors open early

for you so you can see the stunning 11th-century mosaic

of the Last Judgment without the crowds—and with

expert commentary from your art historian guide. Your

second island stop is neighboring Burano. Hot pink,

chartreuse, orange, lemon yellow—Burano’s brightly

painted fishermen’s cottages are a painter’s dream. The

sizzling colors may look random, but they are strictly

regulated: An owner needs state permission to change

the color of the house. Burano is even better known for its

lace-making tradition than for its colors, an exquisite craft

that has been practiced here for 400 years, handed down

mother to daughter since the first workshop was set up at

the end of the 16th century. Visit a historic lace-making

atelier to see some of this delicate work and, if you like,

purchase items to take home. Enjoy lunch on your own at

one of Burano’s charming restaurants, then rejoin the

group for a visit to the island next door, bucolic Mazzorbo.

Here you’ll find a different craft practiced: wine-making.

Visit an ambitious wine estate devoted to making wine

with Dorona grapes, which tolerate the salt air—and the

occasional saltwater bath during high tide—and produce a

luscious golden wine. These grapes grew here long ago in

a walled vineyard that has been brought back into verdant

production. Enjoy a tasting in these lovely surroundings.

DAY 9 VeniceBB L FD

Further your acquaintance with the city called the Queen

of the Adriatic with a tour of its marvelous food markets

(your ship’s chef might just lead your expedition) or take

a tour of the stunning Academy museum.

Choice Is Yours Excursion Options:A. Exclusive “Do as the Locals Do” Venice walking tour

B. “Venetian Painters at the Accademia” tour with art-historian guide

A. Exclusive “Do as the Locals Do” Venice

walking tour 7 2Back when Venice was at the height of its power, only the

Rialto Bridge spanned the Grand Canal—and the city’s

famous Rialto markets for fish and produce have sprawled

at its feet as long as the bridge has arched over the water.

Here you’ll find violet artichokes from the nearby island of

Sant’Erasmo, honey from the salt marshes, white

asparagus from Giare—and Venetians shopping for their

dinners in the historic heart of the city. Join them as you

explore the colorful noisy and fun arcades with your guide

(the ship’s chef often leads this expedition), who knows

Venice’s history and its culinary arts intimately. Freshly

caught local fish is sold to knowledgeable customers

under the Gothic arches of the covered fish market, which

was probably originally built in the 11th century. At the end

of the tour, join your guide at a bacaro (a casual wine bar)

near the market for the Venetian equivalent of happy

hour, ombra e cicchetti: a drink (often a glass of prosecco)

with a bite of something delicious—perhaps crostini with

salt cod spread or another Venetian fish specialty.

B. “Venetian Painters at the Accademia” tour with

art-historian guide 7 2 Join an art historian on an exclusive guided visit to the

Academy. Probably the greatest collection of Venetian

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Renaissance paintings in the world, it includes works

by Tiepolo, Veronese, Tintoretto, Bellini and Canaletto.

There are more than 20 galleries, each one containing

extraordinary masterpieces, with exhibits generally laid

out in chronological order. There are far too many to see

in a single visit; fortunately, your guide brings a specialist’s

knowledge to the history of Venetian painting and will

show you what was unique about Venetian art as it

developed from the 14th through the 16th centuries.

Note: Photography is not permitted inside the Academy, and large bags, especially backpacks, must be left in lockers.

Did You Know? To become a gondolier, applicants must complete a rigorous training program and exam. Only three or four new gondolier licenses are issued each year.

A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Gala Dinner


DAY 10 Venice, transfer to Florence

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After disembarking the ship, you’ll travel cross-country

to Florence. The birthplace of Italy’s national poet,

Dante Alighieri, and of the Renaissance, Florence offers

innumerable treasures of art and architecture. The city

rose to international prominence in the 14th century

under the rule of the Medici family, who played a

significant part in European politics for the next 300

years. Besides being masterful politicians, the Medici

were the greatest patrons of art in Europe, employing

Michelangelo, Brunelleschi, Titian, Fra Angelico and

Giotto, to name only a few. These are the treasures

awaiting you, along with Renaissance architecture,

seductive vistas—and world-famous gelato.

You’ll stop for lunch in the Tuscan hills outside of

Florence. Take a seat on the sun-dappled patio of a

well-known restaurant and prepare to savor a traditional

Tuscan meal; then, refreshed and well fed, you’ll be ready

to begin your exploration of this Renaissance city.

Featured Excursion:Guided Accademia Gallery tour with visit to

Michelangelo’s David 5 2The Academy houses what may well be the most

famous sculpture in the world: Michelangelo’s David.

The 16-foot-tall marble figure was always intended to

be displayed outdoors, but it was moved inside in 1876

to protect it from the weather—and no matter how

many photos or posters of the figure you may have

seen, you will still be amazed by the reality. It’s one of

five Michelangelo sculptures in the gallery’s collection,

which also contains Botticelli’s Madonna and Child

and Madonna of the Sea. Following your visit to the

Academy, walk from the museum to your hotel, where

your luggage will be waiting. Check in and relax—or go

out and see a bit of the neighborhood. The Duomo and

Piazza della Signoria are not far. Perhaps you’d like to

stroll a bit farther to the Ponte Vecchio for a view of the

city at sundown before choosing a trattoria for your

evening meal.

DAY 11 Florence

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After breakfast at the hotel, start the day with a walking

tour that will introduce you to the heart of this historic city.

Featured Excursion:“Architectural Treasures of Renaissance Florence”

walking discovery tour 5 2Get an up-close view on foot of some of the city’s most

glorious monuments, among them the Cathedral of

Santa Maria del Fiore and the Florence Baptistery; the

Uffizi Gallery; the Piazza della Repubblica, the center

of the city since Roman times; and the Ponte Vecchio,

with its glittering jewelry shops. Step into Santa Croce,

where Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli and Rossini are

buried. Wherever you walk, you’ll spot the Medici family

emblem—red balls on a gold shield—affixed to building

after building, a sure sign that Medici money built it.

The number of balls, called palle, on the crest varied;

sometimes there were 12, sometimes five or six. After

your tour, continue to explore on your own. You don’t

even need to enter a museum to see the work of major

artists. Stroll along the Loggia dei Lanzi, a 14th-century

arched gallery near the Palazzo Vecchio, to see

Giambologna’s Rape of the Sabine Women and other

statues, some of them dating to antiquity. Cross the

Arno to see the Pitti Palace, home of the Medici, and

the old merchant quarter. If you want a break from

Renaissance architecture, remember that the city is

home to Gucci and Ferragamo, so chic boutiques line

the streets alongside the palaces and galleries. There are

those who believe that no trip to Florence is complete

without trying the gelato from at least two or three

places, and the best gelato is the subject of spirited

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debate. Taste and judge for yourself. At the end of the

day, rejoin the group for a delectable dinner.

DAY 12 Florence, transfer to Rome

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You have a few hours to enjoy Florence on your own.

Many museums open at eight o’clock, so if you’d like to

visit the Bargello, with its early Michelangelo sculptures,

or the Uffizi, this is your chance.

Featured Excursion:Chianti tasting and lunch at Castello di Verrazzano

wine estate 7 2 bVineyards climb the verdant hills, and the green spires

of cypresses mark roadways and houses in picture-

perfect Chianti as you travel south via motorcoach

through the storied Tuscan countryside, known the

world over for its red wines. As lunchtime nears, your

motorcoach will turn up a scenic lane and drive toward

the gorgeous estate of Castello di Verrazzano. Parts of

the castle, which belonged to the powerful Verrazzano

family during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, date to

the seventh century. The family-owned estate produces

acclaimed wines; you’ll tour the cellars and enjoy a

tasting of these fine reds, along with a delicious Tuscan

lunch in an idyllic setting.

Did You Know? The Verrazzano family produced a number of notable mariners, including Giovanni da Verrazzano, who discovered New York Harbor in 1524. New York’s Verrazano Bridge is named for him.

Once in Rome, you will check into your hotel. You can

unpack and relax this evening or go out on your own to

begin your exploration of the ancient and modern capital

of Italy.

DAY 13 Rome

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It is impossible to overestimate the significance of Rome

in European history. The Eternal City was founded 2,700

years ago and at one time ruled most of the known

world, from Northern Africa all the way to the Scottish

border, building roads and aqueducts that still carry

traffic and water, and giving rise to the French, Spanish,

Italian, Portuguese and Romanian languages.

Featured Excursion:“Imperial Rome and the Heart of the City”

discovery tour 7 2 b

Today offers you a sweeping overview of the Eternal City,

from the Colosseum to the beauties of the baroque era.

A panoramic tour of the city built on seven hills will show

you the highlights as you ride past St. Peter’s Basilica, the

Arch of Titus and the Villa Borghese; every vista offers

legends, history, beauty and mystique. When you reach

the Colosseum, you’ll step down from the motorcoach

and enter one of the city’s icons, built in the first century

by the emperor Vespasian. The enormous arena held

55,000 spectators and was a marvel of sophisticated

engineering: The entire floor of the arena could be filled

with water so naval battles could be reenacted; trap

doors opened to permit lions to spring out of their cages

to attack other animals or slaves; and the entire area

could be covered by a vast awning to protect spectators.

Half of it collapsed in a ninth-century earthquake, but

not all of the damage occurred naturally—like many

other Roman structures, the Colosseum provided

building materials for newer monuments, including

St. Peter’s Basilica. Your guide will take you through the

parts of it that are open to visitors and fill you in on its

history and uses through the centuries. Though the

third level had the least desirable seating in ancient

days (that’s why women were relegated to those seats),

it offers spectacular views of both the interior of the

arena and the neighborhood around it. Notice the cats

lounging in the sun here? They are considered part of

Rome’s bio-heritage and are protected by city law.

You’ll head next to the heart of the baroque city, in an

area where no cars are allowed, beginning in Piazza

Navona. It was laid out on top of the ruins of Domitian’s

arena, which is why it has a long, semi-oval shape, and

it is dominated by a spectacular fountain by Bernini—

which happens to be a favorite meeting place for locals.

Ramble through the narrow alleys, lined with shops,

homes and sidewalk cafés, for a few blocks to the

Pantheon. Erected as a temple to all the gods of Rome

and boasting a huge dome, the Pantheon was converted

into a Christian church early in the seventh century. After

seeing the Pantheon, choose a café for lunch on your

own; there are many delectable options in the area.

After lunch, continue on your own to the Trevi Fountain.

The 18th-century fountain dominates the tiny square it’s

in; you’ll be dazzled by the sparkle of its waters in the

sunshine as you come upon it from the shadowy lanes

that lead to it. It’s not far from Giolitti, the oldest gelato

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purveyor in Rome, which you really shouldn’t miss. What

will be your favorite flavor? Champagne? Blueberry? Be

sure to ask for a dollop of whipped cream on top, just as

the locals do. After your break, head over to the Spanish

Steps. In May, flowers cascade down the steps, which

connect the church at the top of hill with the square at

the bottom, but the Spanish Steps are beautiful at any

time of year.

Did You Know? Occasionally emperors had spectators snatched from their seats and thrown into the arena to be killed by wild beasts or gladiators. Sometimes the victim was an enemy of the emperor, but sometimes he was simply someone whose behavior during the show had annoyed the ruler.

The afternoon is yours to explore on your own. The

options are endless—the monuments of ancient Rome

and the beauties of the Renaissance may beckon equally.

Or you might want to check out modern Italian design in

the chic shops on Via del Corso or join the hip Roman

foodies sampling the delicacies at ’Gusto, an unorthodox

food emporium.

At the end of the day, join up with the group for dinner.

DAY 14 Rome

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This is the last full day of your Italian adventure. Spend

the morning among the amazing treasures collected or

commissioned by the popes over the centuries.

Featured Excursion:Guided Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

visit 7 2 bIt takes far more than a single day to see all of the

Vatican Museums—there are 14 individual museums

in 13 papal palaces, so your guide will be invaluable in

navigating this overwhelming bounty of treasures. Just

a couple of the legendary ancient sculptures on this

morning’s agenda: the Apollo Belvedere and the

Laocoön. The tour encompasses the Sistine Chapel,

with its spectacular ceiling frescoes by Michelangelo,

and St. Peter’s Basilica, whose dome was designed by

Michelangelo. Relax over lunch with the group, then

decide what to do next on your own. Castel

Sant’Angelo is just a short walk away, and the Piazza

Navona—the heart of baroque Rome—is only about 20

minutes away.

Of course you could go farther afield to Capitoline Hill

(Piazza del Campidoglio, at the foot of the hill, was

designed by Michelangelo, though his design wasn’t

completed until the 17th century), the Forum or the

Baths of Caracalla—you decide!

DAY 15 Depart Rome

b CB/BB

If your cruise/tour package includes a group departure

transfer or if you have purchased a private departure

transfer, you will be transferred to Rome Leonardo da Vinci

Airport for your flight home.

Note: The itineraries presented are subject to modification due to water levels, closures because of public holidays or other uncontrollable factors. Every effort will be made to operate programs as planned, but changes may still be necessary throughout the cruise/tour.

52CST #2075415-20

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