Grande Italia (2025)
Begin your journey in stunning Milan followed by romantic Venice. Complete your spectacular Italian adventure with a stay in Rome, where a local guide will whisk you away to the city’s most charming and historic sites.Begin your journey in stunning Milan, where you’ll view da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” Stop for a tasting of rare Amarone wines on your way to romantic Venice. Embark on your cruise to treat yourself to a private evening lighting ceremony at St. Mark’s Basilica, explore the colorful facades of Burano, and sail south to discover Chioggia—a charming southern port loved by fishermen, artists, and anyone looking for unique gifts or souvenirs. Complete your spectacular Italian adventure with a stay in Rome, where a local guide will whisk you away to the city’s most charming and historic sites.
Featured Excursion:
- Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" (may be operated on Day 1 or Day 2)**
Meet your Uniworld guide at 2:00pm in the hotel to begin today’s excursion.* You will be taken to Santa Maria delle Grazie, a beautiful Gothic and Renaissance convent, which offers you a sight few visitors are lucky enough to see: Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper. Despite the throngs of tourists hopeful to see one of the most famous artworks in the world, the convent only allows small groups inside at a time, leaving many disappointed. As treasured Uniworld guests, however, you will skip the line with a reserved spot.
*Tour start time is subject to change. Start time will be at 2:00pm or later. Your Local Host will advise you of the confirmed start time when you check in to the hotel on Day 1.
**Occasionally, "The Last Supper" visit may take place on Day 2. Your local host will confirm excursion date and time when you check in to the hotel on Day 1.
Featured Excursion:
- Milan Highlights City Tour
Your hotel is in the heart of the city, so it’s easy to see the highlights of the neighborhood on a short, guided walk. Il Duomo, the magnificent cathedral, was born in the 14th century yet finished 500 years later. The last part to be finished, one of its five great doors, wasn’t installed until 1965 and offers one of the most spectacular Gothic façades in the world. Step inside with a local expert 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 Piazza della Scala is Milan’s city hall. A stunning Renaissance palace, it is 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.
Masterpiece Collection:
- Milano La Scala
It has a surprisingly modest façade for one of the most famous theaters in the world, but when you step through the doors of Teatro alla Scala, originally built in the 18th century (from a design approved by the Habsburg empress Maria Theresa) and rebuilt to the original specifications after being destroyed during WWII, you'll find a sumptuous interior. The auditorium, decked in red velvet and gilding, is dominated by a spectacular chandelier - and for opera lovers, even more spectacular acoustics. The theater is also home to possibly the world's most demanding opera lovers, who drive those who fail to please them from the stage with boos and refuse to let those they love leave the stage. Tour the museum as well as the theater for a taste of the institution's 200-year connection with the greatest singers in Italy and the world.
*Masterpiece Collection are optional experiences that go above and beyond our daily selection of included excursions and can be booked for an additional fee. Select Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences can be pre-booked. Please note that requests to pre-book must be made by calling our Reservations Team no later than 6 days prior to departure and are subject to availability. Some venues are limited in the number of guests they can accommodate. Guests can book onboard (space permitting) and pay in Euros. Pre-booked Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences are refundable up to 5 days prior to the cruise/tour start date; if inside of 5 days they are non-refundable. Select Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences require a minimum number of participants and are subject to cancellation (with full refund) if minimum is not met. Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences are non-commissionable. Prices are subject to change. Masterpiece Collection excursions may not operate if they occur on a holiday or if they require a minimum number of participants and that minimum is not met.
Featured Excursions:
- Verona, “City of Romeo and Juliet”
Discover the real roots of Shakespeare’s tragic tale with a visit to the fair city of 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 romantic destination for lovers now as visitors leave love notes on the walls. Stop by the imposing Scaligeri tombs, and ramble along Via Mazzini and through Piazza delle Erbe—the bustling city square laid out where the ancient Roman forum once stood. After the tour, you’ll have a little free time to explore on your own. 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.
- Valpolicella Wine Estate Lunch
Your 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 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. A compulsory safety drill and briefing, along with the welcome briefing, will be organized shortly before dinner, but this will be a quick and easy part of your journey.
Featured Excursions:
- A Walk in Venice with Doge’s Palace Visit
Please note that the amount of walking during this excursion is extensive.
Venice has no need to designate a pedestrians-only historic district because no cars are permitted within the island city - all transportation is by foot or water.
You first arrive at the Doge’s Palace and most famous plaza in Italy - St. Mark’s Square. Venetians 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. Throughout its history, Venice has been a supremely political city. 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.
You will continue this exploration by strolling through the historic Castello district. It’s the largest of Venice’s six districts. Back in the 13th century the Castello district was home to the Arsenal, where Venice’s ships were built. (Venetians boasted that they could build a complete ship in a single day.) This is also 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.
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, Vivaldi taught music to the daughters of Venetian noblemen. 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.
- Nights Out: Private After-Hours Visit to Saint Mark's Basilica
Welcome to Saint Mark’s Basilica. The doors of this icon are specially opened for you tonight. You will see the glorious church in the evening light and 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 don’t 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. Golden glass-tiled mosaics line the interior walls and cupolas, giving the church its nickname, Church of Gold. It houses treasures collected 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.
Please 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, such as during the week of Easter. On such occasions, an alternative option will be arranged.
Other Excursions:
Set out for Vicenza, a beautiful town famous for its shopping, its architecture, and for being the home of the Teatro Olimpico. Considered by many to be one of the greatest masterpieces of famous 16th-century architect, Andrea Palladio, the Teatro Olimpico is the oldest Italian Renaissance theater still in existence. A first of its kind, this indoor theater was crafted in wood, stucco, and plaster, with seating room for 400. Enjoy a captivating light and music show while you’re here—an absolute must-see. Afterwards, enjoy lunch on your own in town.
Join your local guide on a walking tour of medieval Padua. Discover the city’s great squares, churches and palaces.
Padua flourished as a hub of learning and discovery in the 13th and 14th centuries. The second-oldest university in Italy was founded here in 1222, hosting such students as Copernicus and faculty as Galileo. Immediately outside the Palazzo del Bo, the university’s first home, you’ll see a cafe where revolutionaries met to plot an uprising against Austrian invaders in 1848.
Stroll past the largest public square in Italy, Prato della Valle, originally laid out by the Romans and transformed in the 18th century into a graceful, elliptical open space with a serene canal and statues of local nobles. Gaze upon the Byzantine-influenced domes and towers of the vast Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua, where you’ll often find a crowd waiting to offer thanks or prayers.
You will have some free time too explore Padua on your own, perhaps stopping for lunch at one of the many delicious eateries in town.
A special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.
Featured Excursions:
Settled before Venice was founded, Torcello was once 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.
Before we head back to the ship, relax with a cup of coffee at a serene little Osteria on the island.
- Murano Glass Blowing Demonstration
Murano’s glassblowers are renowned for being amongst the best in the world—and how could they not be, with a tradition of craftsmanship dating back eight centuries? Watch a glass-master shape beautiful works of art in their Murano workshop. Before you leave, take some time to roam around the factory’s gallery to view works in a wide variety of styles—from tableware to sculptural, traditional to modern. You can even purchase some for yourself to bring a piece of Murano to your home.
Other Excursions:
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, 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 Corso del Popolo—a dynamic outdoor market along its main thoroughfare where stands sell everything from clothes, shoes, purses, gadgets and “every-day” domestic items. Locals usually do their shopping here as prices are more affordable than retail shopping.
Set off on a light bicycle ride along the beaches of Chioggia, an island often described as a second Venice in miniature. Head to Lusenzo Lagoon, break to see the fishing boats, and then continue on to Isola dell’Unione.
Head to one of the most enticing islands of the Venice lagoon, Chioggia. A small fishing port often referred to as a Venice in miniature, with a well-preserved tradition due to its relative lack of crowds, Chioggia is a wonderfully authentic and picturesque island. Board a genuine Adriatic wooden sailing boat, a bragozzo, to take in the island from the clear blue waters of the lagoon.
After your sailing, return to shore for a visit to Tenuta Ca’ Zen, a beautiful Venetian villa with a fascinating story. Here, you can explore the expansive grounds, antique stable, family chapel and more before rejoining the group for a tasting of local products, which include organic olive oil, wines, honey and cheeses.
With a sommelier as your guide today, you will learn about the long history of winemaking in the Veneto region. Visit Dominio di Bagnoli, one of the oldest wine producing properties in Europe, for a private tasting. A variety of wines are produced here, with the most popular being made from an indigenous grape variety. The beautiful property of Dominio di Bagnoli is also a farm, where rice, grain and other products are grown. You’ll have the opportunity to see the granary on your visit today.
IMPORTANT: We are obliged to comply with Italian Maritime Authorities who require that only crew may be on the ship during the Adriatic Sea passage. Therefore, our guests must disembark the ship and partake in the featured excursions. We thank you for your cooperation. -->
Masterpiece Collection:
- Jewish Ghetto
Take a stroll through Venice’s former Jewish Ghetto with a local guide, starting at the Synagogue museum. This district became the world’s first official Jewish ghetto in the 16th century, and the conditions for the people forced to live in this district were appalling. In spite of such discrimination, the Jewish people of Venice built a series a small synagogues, each a hidden gem of modern Venice that many visitors overlook.
*Masterpiece Collection are optional experiences that go above and beyond our daily selection of included excursions and can be booked for an additional fee. Select Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences can be pre-booked. Please note that requests to pre-book must be made by calling our Reservations Team no later than 6 days prior to departure and are subject to availability. Some venues are limited in the number of guests they can accommodate. Guests can book onboard (space permitting) and pay in Euros. Pre-booked Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences are refundable up to 5 days prior to the cruise/tour start date; if inside of 5 days they are non-refundable. Select Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences require a minimum number of participants and are subject to cancellation (with full refund) if minimum is not met. Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences are non-commissionable. Prices are subject to change. Masterpiece Collection excursions may not operate if they occur on a holiday or if they require a minimum number of participants and that minimum is not met.
Other Excursions:
Set off for the Euganean hills to discover one of Europe’s most majestic castles. Enjoy a guided tour of a palace so beautiful that it became a resort for the Habsburg Dynasty before being returned to Italy following the first world war. After marveling at its frescoed walls, continue on for a guided walk around its beautiful gardens or take some free time for yourself to explore as you please before returning to the ship.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences Excursion:
- Rowing Venice
Venice is known for a unique style of rowing—standing up and facing forward—that is iconic to its gondoliers. This style is also used by athletes, who race batellina boats. The sport, known as Regate, has been held in Venice for over a thousand years. Try your hand at the technique in a lesson led by Row Venice, a non-profit organization of female rowers dedicated to preserving the sport and supporting female rowers, who are vastly underrepresented.
This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supports Global Goal 5: Gender Equality; and Global Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
This excursion is only available on sailings that belong to the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences program.
Other Excursions:
Back 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 accompanies 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 (and after some free time where you should have plenty of time to enjoy a gondola ride), 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.
Get an early morning start to see a side of Venice most of the tourists miss—The Dorsoduro. One of Venice’s six main sestieri, or districts, The Dorsoduro is quieter than some of the more popular districts and thus has an authentic, easygoing atmosphere. Enjoy a walking tour around this picturesque side of town before moving on to visit a gondola artisan. See the craftwork that goes into Venice’s iconic sailing vessels and meet some local masters at work.
An integral feature of the Carnival of Venice, masks are known for their intricate beauty and wide variety of styles. See for yourself how these masks are created at one of the top handmade mask ateliers in town.
A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.
Featured Excursion:
- Orientation Walk
Featured Excursion:
- Panoramic Tour
Featured Excursion:
- Vatican City
Note: At times, access to the Vatican is not available; in those circumstances, we will visit the Colosseum.
| Cruise Departure | Double Occupancy Pricing | Ship | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Fri, 04 Apr 2025
(Milan to Rome) |
$0.00 |
S.S. La Venezia |
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Fri, 11 Apr 2025
(Milan to Rome) |
$0.00 |
S.S. La Venezia |
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Fri, 18 Apr 2025
(Milan to Rome) |
$0.00 |
S.S. La Venezia |
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Fri, 25 Apr 2025
(Milan to Rome) |
$0.00 |
S.S. La Venezia |
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Fri, 02 May 2025
(Milan to Rome) |
$0.00 |
S.S. La Venezia |
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Fri, 09 May 2025
(Milan to Rome) |
$0.00 |
S.S. La Venezia |
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Fri, 16 May 2025
(Milan to Rome) |
$0.00 |
S.S. La Venezia |
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Fri, 23 May 2025
(Milan to Rome) |
$0.00 |
S.S. La Venezia |
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Fri, 30 May 2025
(Milan to Rome) |
$14,199.00 |
S.S. La Venezia |
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Fri, 06 Jun 2025
(Milan to Rome) |
$0.00 |
S.S. La Venezia |
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Fri, 13 Jun 2025
(Milan to Rome) |
$0.00 |
S.S. La Venezia |
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Fri, 20 Jun 2025
(Milan to Rome) |
$0.00 |
S.S. La Venezia |
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Fri, 27 Jun 2025
(Milan to Rome) |
$14,199.00 |
S.S. La Venezia |
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Fri, 04 Jul 2025
(Milan to Rome) |
$13,899.00 |
S.S. La Venezia |
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Fri, 11 Jul 2025
(Milan to Rome) |
$13,899.00 |
S.S. La Venezia |
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Fri, 18 Jul 2025
(Milan to Rome) |
$13,899.00 |
S.S. La Venezia |
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Fri, 25 Jul 2025
(Milan to Rome) |
$13,899.00 |
S.S. La Venezia |
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Fri, 01 Aug 2025
(Milan to Rome) |
$13,899.00 |
S.S. La Venezia |
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Fri, 08 Aug 2025
(Milan to Rome) |
$13,899.00 |
S.S. La Venezia |
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Fri, 15 Aug 2025
(Milan to Rome) |
$13,899.00 |
S.S. La Venezia |
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Fri, 22 Aug 2025
(Milan to Rome) |
$13,899.00 |
S.S. La Venezia |
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Fri, 29 Aug 2025
(Milan to Rome) |
$0.00 |
S.S. La Venezia |
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Fri, 05 Sep 2025
(Milan to Rome) |
$14,199.00 |
S.S. La Venezia |
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Fri, 12 Sep 2025
(Milan to Rome) |
$0.00 |
S.S. La Venezia |
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Fri, 19 Sep 2025
(Milan to Rome) |
$0.00 |
S.S. La Venezia |
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Fri, 26 Sep 2025
(Milan to Rome) |
$0.00 |
S.S. La Venezia |
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Fri, 03 Oct 2025
(Milan to Rome) |
$0.00 |
S.S. La Venezia |
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Fri, 10 Oct 2025
(Milan to Rome) |
$14,199.00 |
S.S. La Venezia |
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Fri, 17 Oct 2025
(Milan to Rome) |
$0.00 |
S.S. La Venezia |
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Sat, 01 Nov 2025
(Milan to Rome) |
$13,699.00 |
S.S. La Venezia |
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- All fares are per guest in US Dollars based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted.
- Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice.
- Availability of all stateroom categories cannot be guaranteed.
- Single Supplement applies for single accommodation.
- Itineraries, hotels, and vessels may change, and substitute visits to other sites may occur during your trip due to water level fluctuations and other uncontrollable factors.
- The order of sightseeing and docking ports are subject to change according to port authority assignments.
- Prices exclude additional port charges of $270 per person
Dining
- All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
- 12 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
- Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions
- Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks, and mineral water
Excursions
- 11 days of excursions, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts
- State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions
- Use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks
Accommodations
- 2 nights in Milan at the Rosa Grand (or similar) with breakfast
- 7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the impressive S.S. La Venezia
- 3 nights in Rome at the Anantara Palazzo Naiadi (or similar) with breakfast
- Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites have handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, high thread count 100% Egyptian cotton sheets and European duvets, and a menu of pillow options
- Free Wi-Fi
Experiences
- 1 country: Italy
- 4 UNESCO World Heritage sites
- Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
- Group Transfers are included on arrival and departure days (please see terms and conditions for transfer guidelines)
- Gratuities for onboard personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise/Tour Manager) are included during the cruise/tour
- Cultural enrichment, including captivating onboard local entertainment
