Venice, Italy - Mediterranean Cruises

A limited number of guests have the opportunity to experience the remarkable St Mark’s Basilica, after it has closed to the public.

From the ship, take a motor launch cruise along the Giudecca Canal, enjoying panoramic evening views of The Redeemer Church, St George’s Island, the Salute Church and St Mark’s Basin. On arrival in the St Mark’s area, you will be met by your guide, who will escort you to the Basilica to share its fascinating history with you.

Saint Mark is the patron saint of Venice and the Byzantine Basilica is where his remains are kept. St Mark’s Basilica is one of the most popular sites in the city and can be crowded with visitors during the day before reverting to a quiet temple of worship once evening falls.

This after-hours viewing of St Marks’ is a wonderful opportunity to see the glory of the Basilica. Illuminated from within, the interior is bathed in a soft glowing light making your experience of this magnificent church even more atmospheric.

Note: Guests should dress appropriately ensuring that shoulders and knees are covered. Photography is not permitted within the Basilica. Please note that although the Basilica is closed to the public, there may be other groups allowed to visit during your time there. In the event that religious services are held in the evening, this tour will be cancelled.

Visit a farmhouse and distillery in the pretty little town of Conegliano, set in the rolling hills of the Prosecco wine region.

You’ll board your air conditioned coach and travel approximately one hour to Conegliano Veneto, the capital of Prosecco and Grappa wine region.

Upon arrival in Conegliano, you will visit a traditional family owned and world renowned winery and distillery, where you can personally talk to the proprietors.

The winery personnel will guide you through the vineyards and teach you how to examine the colour, texture, taste and aroma of both the Grappa and Prosecco grapes.

Despite technological progress, distillation is still a ritual and a poetical process and for this reason the distillation master is considered the alchemist of modern times.

Afterwards, you’ll be invited to take a walk through the vineyards and visit the museum where you’ll have the opportunity to see wine and Grappa bottles together with the glass blown bottles that have won many international awards.

During your visit to the distillery, you’ll have the chance to taste both the Prosecco and Grappa wine varieties.

Note: There is approximately 2½ hours of walking on this tour, over some cobblestoned surfaces. There are steps to negotiate at the distillery and farmhouse. Children under the age of 18 may not participate.

Enjoy a motor launch ride across the Venetian Lagoon admiring the picturesque aspects of this wonderful city, without the walking.

Your motor-launch will glide along the broad Giudecca Canal to Saint George’s Island, before traversing the southern lagoon to San Servolo and San Lazzaro.

Continue along a part of the Lido, a long strip of land dividing the Lagoon of Venice from the Adriatic Sea. You will then enter the canal that separates the two islands of Le Vignole and Sant’Erasmo.

Enjoy a view the island of Murano, renowned for its glass making. Cruising back towards Venice view the Arsenale, a vast, walled dockyard that was once the most efficient industrial complex in Europe. Your panoramic tour also passes the ancient church of San Pietro di Castello, the city’s Cathedral until the beginning of the 19th century.

Approaching St Mark’s Basin, capture a wonderful view of St George’s Island, St Mark’s Square and, in the distance, the Grand Canal.

Note: This tour is a panoramic motor launch tour, there are no stops included. Guests must be able to negotiate gangways and steps onto and off the launches. It is not possible to transit the Grand Canal as large private launches are prohibited from doing so. There are no toilets on the motor launches. The seating on board the motor-launches is made from hard wood material. The order of highlights may vary.

Make the most of your evening in Venice and discover its magic with an enchanting evening gondola ride.

Enjoy a motor launch ride into the heart of Venice and see the city by night. Take a short walk to the gondola station where you will board one of the beautiful hand painted boats, which typify Venice. To be a gondolier is a special privilege for Venetians and they take great pride in their cherished vessels.

The sights speak for themselves as your experienced gondolier navigates you through the narrow canals. Serenely glide under stone bridges and past balconied waterfront buildings. During your ride, a few gondolas will gather together for a brief musical serenade; a moment to be cherished.

At the end of your gondola ride, you’ll walk back to the motor launch station to return to the ship.

Note: There is a 15 minute walk, over some cobblestoned surfaces to the gondola station, and queues to board are likely. Please take extra care when stepping in and out of the gondolas. Guests must be reasonably agile to board the gondola. Flat, comfortable non-slip shoes are essential. The gondola ride will be approximately 30 to 40 minutes long and will be un-guided and without narration. Gondolas seat 6 guests, however for the evening ride; only 4 guests will be permitted per gondola. This tour will not operate in heavy rain, wind or extreme tidal conditions.

A visit to Venice is not complete without a tour of its lagoon, and of course a ride in a gondola.

Take a motor launch ride through the Venetian Lagoon passing the Arsenale, the Church of San Pietro di Castello and St Elena. Enjoy views of the entrance to the Grand Canal as you pass through St Mark’s Basin.

The tiny island of Murano gained prominence as a glass-making centre in the 16th century and its products are still greatly revered. Visit a Murano Glass Factory to see how the glass treasures are made and perhaps shop for a memento of your visit.

On San Giorgio Island, you will visit one of Venice’s most remarkable churches. The interior of San Giorgio Maggiore is simple, but houses two of Tintoretto’s most important pieces: ‘The Last Supper’ and ‘The Gathering of Manna’.

Boarding a sleek gondola, traverse some of the smaller canals, crossed by many bridges. Relax as you glide through Venice on the city’s most famous form of transport.

Take a short walk to the motor launch for your return to the ship.

Note: There are 15 steps to the Glass Factory Gallery and also steps to negotiate to reach the toilet facilities. There is a 15 minute walk, over some cobblestoned surfaces to the gondola station, queues to board are likely. Guests must be reasonably agile to board the gondola. Each gondola seats 6; the ride will be unguided. Flat, non-slip shoes are essential. Please dress appropriately if entering San Giorgio Church. Entrance may be restricted during services and the church is subject to closure without notice, photography is not permitted inside. The order of the itinerary may vary.

Venture to the charming islands of Murano and Burano, both located within the Venetian Lagoon.

Enjoy a motor-launch ride, passing the many islands that dot the Venetian Lagoon. Pass by St Mark’s for a view of the Doges’ Palace and San Giorgio. See St Elena Island, the Arsenale, San Pietro di Castello and the island that serves as Venice’s cemetery.

The 16thcentury was known as the ‘great age’ of Murano glass and, while glass making is no longer a secret, the products of Murano are greatly revered. Visit the Murano Glass Factory to enjoy a brief demonstration of the glass pieces being made by skilled craftsmen. You will also have an opportunity to purchase some of the distinctive, colourful pieces from the factory gallery.

Re-board your motor launch for a ride to Burano. Your guide will introduce you to the cheerful fishing village on the small island. Wander among the quaint, brightly painted houses and browse the handful of shops for souvenirs. Burano is known for its lace making, still practised by the local women. Browse the Burano lace gallery, where a refreshment will also be offered.

Note: This tour is mainly conducted on foot. Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Guests are advised that there are steps to negotiate at the Glass Factory. The demonstration at the glass factory is to provide a brief overview only, of the glass making.

Venture into Venice’s intricate maze of hidden passageways, clusters of tightly packed buildings, narrow canals and ornate bridges.

Allow your guide to take you on a journey of discovery. Take a stroll into the heart of Venice through narrow streets and bustling piazzas, over tiny footbridges and past beautiful buildings exuding Venetian character and charm.

See the façade of the vast 14th century Santa Maria Gloriosa Dei Frari church, which is simple but beautifully punctuated with a white marble portico and pinnacles. The square of Campo San Polo is one of the oldest and largest piazzas in Venice, in ancient times it was used for ceremonies and theatrical performances.

After the collapse of several wooden bridges, it was decided that the Rialto Bridge must be constructed in stone. One of only four bridges to cross the Grand Canal, Rialto remains the most famous bridge in Venice.

Campo San Giovanni e Paolo is one of the city’s most monumental squares. Here you’ll find the Church of Santi Giovanni e Paolo, the largest example of Gothic architecture in Venice.

You will make a stop at a nearby café to enjoy some welcome refreshments, before strolling
back to the motor launch for your return journey to the ship.

Note: Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. If wishing to enter churches independently, please remember to dress appropriately, ensuring your shoulders and knees are covered. Please refrain from taking flash photography within churches.

Discover the highlights of Venice, the Doges Palace, infamous Bridge of Sighs and memorable St Mark’s Square.

The sight of the Gothic arches and marble façade of the Doge’s Palace encapsulates Venice. See the vast golden staircase with gilded stucco and the Doge’s private apartments. Glimpse into the Palace prisons by way of the famous Bridge of Sighs.

St Mark's Square features stately public buildings and elegant cafés, wonderfully animated by people and pigeons. The clock tower is topped by two bronze Moors who hammer out the time, and the 300-feet-tall Campanile looks out over the city.

One of the most beautiful buildings in the world, St Mark's Basilica, whose façade features gold mosaic arches above the carved Romanesque entrance and five dramatic domes. Your guide will offer commentary outside; as narration is not permitted within.

Time permitting, you will have the chance to browse the shops or to relax in a nearby café before returning to the ship.

During your motor launch ride, you will be given brief commentary on the sights and scenery beginning your walking tour of Venice.

Note: This tour is on foot and involves a lot of standing. Flat, comfortable shoes are advisable. The Doge’s Palace includes over 100 steps throughout the visit. Bags must be left in a secure store. Flash and video cameras are not allowed in the Palace or Basilica. Please dress appropriately for entering the Basilica. Queuing is to be expected and may delay or prevent entrance to the Basilica. Interior visits in general cannot always be guaranteed as daily services may be taking place and the Basilica is subject to closure without notice. Catholic Mass is held on Sunday mornings and an interior visit of St Mark’s Cathedral is not permitted.

Wander the gilded halls of the Doge’s Palace, marvel at St Mark’s and enjoy a gondola ride through tranquil canals.

See the Doge’s Palace with its gothic arches and delicate marble façade. Discover the opulent interior allowing the lavishly decorated rooms, golden staircase, and Venetian masterpieces to dazzle you. Venture into the gloomier Palace Prisons, via the sorrowful Bridge of Sighs.

Enjoy the atmosphere of St Mark’s Square, the epicentre of Venice. Admire the architectural delights: the formal public buildings, imposing campanile tower and splendid Doge’s Palace flanked by the stunning Basilica.

Marvel at the one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, St Mark's Basilica (interior visit is unguided).

Complete your Venetian experience with a glide along the city’s enchanting canals on a gondola. Riding six per gondola, enjoy the sights from a different perspective on the city’s most famous form of transport.

Time permitting, you will have a short while for shopping or independent exploration at the end of the tour.

Note: This tour is mainly on foot and involves a lot of standing. Flat, non-slip shoes are recommended. Please refer to the notes from VCE001 & VCE002 regarding the Doge’s Palace, Basilica and gondolas. The order of the itinerary may vary.

Enjoy a Gondola ride through the Venetian canals, combined with some time to explore Venice independently.

You will be transferred from the pier by motor launch into the heart of Venice. Upon arrival, take a short walk to the gondola station and board one of the beautiful hand painted boats. You will traverse some of the smaller canals, crossed by stone bridges, and pass by balconied waterfront buildings. Relax as you glide through Venice on the city’s most famous form of transport.

Following tour Gondola experience, some free time will be given to explore Venice at your own leisure. Stroll through St Mark’s Square, admire the imposing campanile tower, view the magnificent San Giorgio Church or simply relax in one of the local cafés. You may choose to spend some time browsing through the many designer shops and boutiques.

Afterwards, rejoin your escort at the designated meeting point, for the return motor launch to the pier.

Note: There is a 15 minute walk, over some cobblestoned surfaces to the gondola station, and queues to board are likely. Please take extra care when stepping in and out of the gondolas. Guests must be reasonably agile to board the gondola. Flat, comfortable non-slip shoes are essential. Each gondola seats 6. The gondola ride will be approximately 30 minutes long and will be un-guided and without narration. This tour will not operate in heavy rain, wind or extreme tidal conditions. Please dress appropriately if entering churches. Please make a note of the meeting point and time, as the return motor launch cannot be held for latecomers.

Make the most of your time in Venice, discover the highlights of St Mark’s Square and the enchanting island of Murano.

No trip to Venice is complete without a visit to the Doges Palace. See this opulent residence, steeped in history and lavishly decorated. Venture to the gloomy dungeons, by way of the Bridge of Sighs.

Take in the sights and monuments of the impressive landmark piazza, St Mark’s. See the 300-feet-tall Campanile, as well as bustling St Mark’s Square. A highlight of the square is St Mark's Basilica, a truly stunning piece of architecture and the jewel in the crown of Venice (entrance not permitted on Sunday mornings).

Enjoy some free time to explore at your leisure, stop for a spot of luncheon or perhaps do some shopping.

Depart St Mark’s by motor launch for the charming island of Murano. Here, you will discover how, in the 16th century, this little island became the centre for the most spectacular glass making production in Europe - perhaps the world. See artists at work during a glass making demonstration and browse the gallery for mementos of your visit.

Note: This tour is on foot and involves a lot of standing. Flat, comfortable shoes are advisable. The Doges Palace includes over 100 steps throughout the visit. Bags must be left in a secure store. Flash and video cameras are not allowed in the Palace or Basilica. Please dress appropriately for entering the Basilica. Queuing is to be expected and may delay or prevent entrance to the Basilica. Interior visits in general cannot always be guaranteed as daily services may be taking place and the Basilica is subject to closure without notice. Catholic Mass is held on Sunday mornings and an interior visit of St Mark’s Cathedral is not permitted. Luncheon is not included. Option to remain in St Marks for independent exploration is not possible due to time restraints.