CroisiEurope cruises exploring the Venice lagoon and islands

Italy river cruises start in the unique city of Venice, with our river cruise ship MS Michelangelo moored along the quayside from St Mark’s Square and the Grand Canal. The short break cruises offer an ideal way to explore Venice, with the advantage of all meals included and a central city base.

The islands of Burano and Murano in the Venice lagoon can be visited on a Venice river cruise, with longer cruises offering excursions to cities such as Padua and Verona.

Heart of Venice
4 Nights - Venice and Back
Michelangelo

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Venice with CroisiEurope. This exciting cruise allows you to explore the city's iconic landmarks, including St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace, while enjoying top-notch amenities on board. It's a unique experience that combines history, culture, and relaxation in one package. 2024 - Oct Save 10% on 2025 cruises!

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Venice to Mantua
6 Nights - Venice to Mantua
Michelangelo

This unique cruise on board Michelangelo explores the breathtaking regions of Veneto, Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna, with visits to enchanting Venice and romantic Mantua. Includes unlimited complimentary drinks on board 2024 - Oct 2025 - Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Aug, Sep Save 10% on 2025 cruises!

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Venice to Milan and Lake Como
8 Nights - Venice to Milan
Michelangelo

This unique holiday combines a relaxing cruise from enchanting Venice to picturesque Mantua, with a hotel stay in fashionable Milan or picturesque Lake Maggiore, your gateway to stunning Lake Como. Includes unlimited complimentary drinks on board the ship 2024 - Oct 2025 - Apr, May, Jun, Aug Save 10% on 2025 cruises!

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Venice at Christmas
4 Nights - Venice and Back
Michelangelo

Spend a leisurely Christmas in Venice on this short break with a visit to Chioggia and the chance to visit Padua, Burano and Murano

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Last Updated: 01 October 2024 14:45:01

Venice and River Po Cruises

Venice is noted for its maze of canals, narrow alleys, and squares bordered by ancient churches and palaces. The famous Grand Canal is the busiest of the canals which connect 117 islands spanned by 409 bridges!

Familiar Venice landmarks are St Mark's Square with the Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica, the nearby Bridge of Sighs and the Rialto Bridge across the Grand Canal. The traditional gondolas offer a gentle ride along the canals, and the many vaporetto water buses run a typical bus service.

Across the lagoon from Venice are the islands of Murano, noted for its glassware, and Burano for its lace-making and brightly painted house.

At the south of the Venice lagoon is Chioggia, a vibrant village port noted for its seafood restaurants. Further south is the Po River leading to the village of Polesella and the World Heritage Site of the Po Delta Park

Depending on the cruise itinerary, there may be excursions to Padua, and the Scrovegni Chapel with famous frescos by Giotto, to Verona, of Romeo and Juliet fame, and to the World Heritage Site of Ferrare.

Burano (Italy)

Burano is a fishing community, famous for its brightly-painted houses, and for fine lacemaking. At the Museo del Merletto you can see lace-makers at work and examples are sold throughout the island. San Martino is the only church on Burano, and is well-known for its tilting bell tower.

Chioggia

Chioggia is situated on an island in the Venetian lagoon, and in contrast to Venice, is a simple fishing town with one broad street, the Corso del Popolo which runs the length of the island. Beside the Piazzatta Vigo is a Venetian sculpture of a lion and a 12th-century column, and the church of San Domenico houses works by Tintoretto and Diziani. There are several fish restaurants along the main street.

Mantua (Italy)

Fine Renaissance buildings bordering three large squares make up the centre of this historic city, which is surrounded by lakes. The wealthy Gonzaga family were great patrons of the arts, and left behind a string of impressive landmarks including the Palazzo Te, the arcaded Palazzo Ducale, and the Basilica de Sant Andrea.

Murano (Italy)

Murano became a centre of glass-making when in 1291 the Venetian Republic ordered the artisans to move because of the danger of fire from their foundries. There are numerous galleries selling a variety of glass beads, jewellery and sculptures. Perhaps see the mosaic pavement in Basilica dei Santa Maria and Palazzo Da Mula, the summer palace of Venetian aristocrats.

Padua (Italy)

The fabulous walled city of Padua is a treasure for art-lovers, and its most-visited attraction is the Scrovegni Chapel which houses 14th-century frescoes by Giotto. Other delights include Donatello’s equestrian statue in front of the Basilica de San Antonio, the impressive Prato della Valle, a square bordered by statues and the Caffee Pedrocchi, once a favourite haunt of Lord Byron.

Torcello (Italy)

The island of Torcello in the Venetian lagoon was once a splendid and important community but now has a population of only 100 people. There are a few remnants of its past glory, including Devil's Bridge, the church of Santa Maria Assunta and its Byzantine mosaics, and two 14th century palaces which house the island's museum.

Venice (Italy)

The glorious buildings along the Grand Canal are a breathtaking sight - the ornate fa'ades of 15th century Palazzo Dario and Ca' d'Oro, the Rialto and St Mark's Square and Basilica. Venice is renowned for its Murano glass and for its exclusive shops. Upmarket boutiques run from Piazza San Marco to the Accademia Bridge and more unusual wares are available in Frezzeria.

Verona (Italy)

The World Heritage Site of Verona has many important buildings and structures, including the Arco dei Gavi, a Roman arch at the end of the Via Postumia, and the remarkable Castelvecchio, a castle dating back to the Middle Ages. The handsome fortified Scaliger Bridge spans the Adige River, and the gothic Scaliger Tombs date back to the 13th century.