Uniworld River Cruises - S.S. La Venezia in Venice

Venice and the Jewels of Veneto

A Luxury All-Inclusive Venice Lagoon River Cruise

Experience Venice as it was meant to be seen, serene, romantic and wonderfully uncrowded. Venice and the Jewels of Veneto is Uniworld’s bestselling Italian river cruise, combining the magic of the Venice Lagoon with exclusive access to charming islands, Renaissance towns and unforgettable cultural moments.

Sailing round-trip from Venice aboard the elegant S.S. La Venezia, this is a journey into the heart of Northern Italy, where art, history and la dolce vita unfold at a slower, more luxurious pace.

Find Your Perfect Venice Sailing

Browse available 2026 departure dates and secure your place on Uniworld’s most popular all-inclusive Italian river cruise itinerary.

Venice Lagoon Cruising After the Cruise Ship Ban

Unlike large ocean ships, which are no longer permitted to sail into Venice’s historic lagoon, Uniworld’s boutique river ship S.S. La Venezia offers a rare privilege: the ability to dock close to the heart of the city itself. This creates a far more intimate and authentic way to experience Venice, without the crowds, long transfers, or the limitations of offshore ports.

With Uniworld’s signature all-inclusive luxury and exclusive VIP moments, you will explore Veneto in effortless style, from the colourful canals of Burano to a private after-hours visit to Saint Mark’s Basilica, when Venice feels entirely your own. This is lagoon cruising at its most refined, immersive and beautifully uncrowded.

Venice & the Jewels of Veneto: Itinerary

This unforgettable 8-day journey reveals Venice and the jewels of Veneto at a beautifully unhurried pace, combining iconic landmarks, hidden lagoon islands, and exclusive Uniworld experiences away from the crowds.

S.S. La Venezia - Venice and the Jewels of Veneto - sundeck

Day 1: Arrive in Venice

Arrive in Venice and step aboard your all-inclusive, floating boutique hotel on the lagoon, the S.S. La Venezia. After a smooth transfer and warm welcome, unpack and settle into your elegant surroundings. Your first evening is spent immersed in the timeless atmosphere of Venice, where Uniworld’s rare docking access allows you to begin your journey in the very heart of La Serenissima.

Venice, Italy - St Mark's Square

Day 2: Venice & St Mark’s Basilica

Discover Venice at its most extraordinary with an early visit to the Doge’s Palace before the city fills with visitors. Wander through the authentic Castello district, where daily Venetian life unfolds along quiet canals. This evening brings one of Uniworld’s most iconic moments: a private after-hours lighting ceremony inside Saint Mark’s Basilica, experienced without the crowds.

S.S. La Venezia - Venice and the Jewels of Veneto -  Burano Sunset

Day 3: Venice & Burano

Begin your morning with a choice of two UNESCO-listed cultural jewels: Vicenza or Padua, rich in Renaissance beauty and artistic heritage. Later, return to the ship for scenic lagoon sailing towards Mazzorbo and Burano. As evening falls, enjoy an atmospheric stroll through Burano’s vividly painted streets after most day-trippers have departed.

S.S. La Venezia - Venice and the Jewels of Veneto -  Murano Glass Blowing

Day 4: Mazzorbo, Burano, Chioggia

Explore the captivating northern lagoon, beginning with Torcello, once the greatest city in the lagoon, visited early for peaceful access to its ancient basilica mosaics. Stroll through rural Mazzorbo and colourful Burano, or witness Murano’s legendary glassblowers at work. Later, arrive in Chioggia, a charming canal town full of local character.

S.S. La Venezia - Venice and the Jewels of Veneto -  Chioggia

Day 5: Chioggia

Today is devoted to Chioggia, often called Venice’s quieter coastal sister. Visit its lively market, admire its fishing heritage, or choose from curated experiences including biking along lagoon beaches, tastings at a noble villa, or a traditional bragozzo boat ride. It is an authentic glimpse into Veneto life beyond the famous landmarks.

S.S. La Venezia - Venice and the Jewels of Veneto restaurant

Day 6: Chioggia & Venice

This morning, enjoy a unique excursion into the Po Delta, where Italy’s great river meets the Adriatic Sea in a protected natural landscape. Later, relax onboard as you sail back towards Venice, watching the lagoon scenery unfold from the comfort of your boutique ship. Returning by water is one of the most unforgettable perspectives of all.

S.S. La Venezia - Venice and the Jewels of Veneto -  Venice Gondola

Day 7: Venice

Savour your final full day in Venice, arriving in unforgettable style as your water taxi glides along the Canal Grande towards the iconic Rialto Bridge. Today offers a choice of curated experiences, from artisan gondola workshops to hidden walking routes through authentic neighbourhoods, or a visit to a traditional Venetian mask atelier. This evening, celebrate with a special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner.

Uniworld River Cruises - Venice top deck views

Day 8: Venice (Disembark)

Your journey through the Venetian Lagoon comes to an end this morning. After breakfast, disembark in Venice, with Uniworld transfers available to Venice Marco Polo International Airport. Depart with memories of an Italy experienced in rare comfort and exclusivity, from quiet islands to iconic landmarks enjoyed without the crowds.

What’s Included with Uniworld

⦿ Luxury accommodation aboard S.S. La Venezia
⦿ All meals onboard, inspired by regional Italian cuisine
⦿ Unlimited premium wines, spirits and beverages
⦿ Curated daily shore excursions across the Veneto region
⦿ All gratuities onboard and ashore
⦿ Return flights with baggage
⦿ Airport transfers on arrival and departure days
⦿ Exclusive Uniworld cultural experiences and VIP access
⦿ Personalised service with one of the highest crew-to-guest ratios on the rivers

Your Ship: S.S. La Venezia

Designed as a love letter to Venice itself, S.S. La Venezia is a floating masterpiece inspired by the city’s artistic heritage. With elegant interiors, Venetian touches and boutique-style comfort, she is the only luxury river cruise ship able to dock within Venice’s historic lagoon.

On board, you will enjoy refined lounges, beautifully appointed staterooms, exceptional dining and the signature Uniworld atmosphere of intimate, all-inclusive indulgence, perfectly suited to this iconic destination.

S.S. La Venezia - Venice and the Jewels of Veneto -  Piazza San Marco at Night

Uniworld Exclusive Experiences in Venice

Uniworld goes beyond traditional sightseeing with unforgettable Nights Out and VIP cultural moments. A highlight of this itinerary is the private after-hours visit to Saint Mark’s Basilica, allowing you to experience one of Europe’s most iconic landmarks in rare peace and atmosphere.

With Uniworld’s unique lagoon access, you can explore Venice in a way few cruises can. The ship also benefits from a private docking location on Burano, making it effortless to step ashore and discover the island’s colourful canals and lace-making heritage long after day visitors have departed.

It is Venice and the Venetian Lagoon at their most authentic, intimate and uncrowded.

Start Planning Your Uniworld Venice Cruise

Venice and the Jewels of Veneto is one of the most rewarding ways to experience Italy by water, combining lagoon sailing, iconic cities and quieter island life, all in Uniworld’s signature boutique, all-inclusive luxury.

If you would like help choosing the right departure date, suite category or itinerary length, our cruise experts are here to offer impartial advice and personal recommendations.

Browse available sailings below or contact our team to start planning your Venetian river journey.

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