Cruise & Rail: A Taste of Italy & Venice

Name: Cruise & Rail: A Taste of Italy & Venice
Brand: UNIWORLD Boutique River Cruises
Price: 20099 EUR
Availability: InStock

About This Cruise

Sicily & Venice, Cruise & Rail—two perfect pairings that epitomize the coastal charm and relaxed luxury that Italy does so well. After a five-star hotel stay, board the Golden Eagle Danube Express to explore Italy's southernmost region. Bask in the sun-drenched terraces of Taormina, listen to the music swell during a concert at Palermo's famed Teatro Massimo, and learn to make pizza with an expert. Head north to join the S.S. La Venezia for a blissful cruise of the Venetian Lagoon, during which you'll enjoy private visits to the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica, savor the fantastic wine and cuisine of the Veneto, and explore the charming towns and islands that neighbor Venice.

Who Is This Cruise For?

Couples
Luxury service and an intimate, small-ship feel
Over 50s
A gentle pace with daily excursions and no sea days
Solo travellers
Low or no single supplement on selected cabins

Type

River, Luxury

Ship

S.S. La Venezia

Departure Date

7 September 2027

Cruise Line

UNIWORLD Boutique River Cruises

Duration

12 Nights

Select Your Cabin Type

Call Us at 01 6874149

Itinerary

Italy

Taormina

Arrive at the Catania-Fontanarossa Airport in Sicily, where you will be greeted and transferred to the Grand Hotel Timeo (or similar) for a one-night-stay. A Belmond property, the Grand Hotel Timeo invites you to soak in the classic, easygoing glamor Sicily is known for. This evening, join your fellow guests for a five-star Welcome Dinner complete with a champagne toast to honor the start of an incredible journey together.

Italy

Ragusa

After a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the Golden Eagle Danube Express. Settle into your cabin and watch the dreamy Sicilian landscapes pass by outside your window as the train winds its way to Ragusa, a hilltop town bursting with Baroque charm. With its honey-hued churches and grey-stone houses tumbling down the hillside, it’s a photographer’s dream. Later, enjoy a fun cooking demonstration, where we’ll get hands-on with regional flavors and learn the secrets of traditional Sicilian cuisine.

Italy

Palermo

Wake up to a gourmet breakfast in the elegant dining car of the Golden Eagle Danube Express, following a rare overnight train crossing of the Strait of Messina—a unique and memorable moment of the journey. Framed by the panoramic windows, rugged hills and olive groves offer a spectacular welcome to the day. Today, we stop in the lively Sicilian capital, Palermo. A gentle walking tour through its vibrant old town reveals a captivating blend of architectural styles. We conclude with an aperitif and concert at the grand Teatro Massimo, Italy’s largest opera house. This afternoon, choose to delve deeper into Palermo at your own pace: visit Corleone to explore its Anti-Mafia Museum and enjoy breathtaking mountain views, or head to Monreale to admire the golden mosaics of its world-famous Norman Cathedral.

Italy

Maratea

Arrive in the charming coastal town of Maratea, often referred to as the “Pearl of the Tyrrhenian,” set dramatically between the mountains and the sea. This morning, ascend to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, where sweeping panoramic views stretch across the Tyrrhenian coastline, offering one of southern Italy’s most breathtaking vistas. Later, continue to the elegant Santavenere Hotel, beautifully positioned above the sea. Here, enjoy a relaxed and immersive pizza-making class, led by expert chefs who will introduce you to the art of traditional Italian pizza—from preparing the dough to selecting authentic local ingredients. The experience concludes with the pleasure of enjoying your freshly made pizza in refined coastal surroundings, combining regional flavor with effortless Italian hospitality.

Italy

Verona

This morning, we arrive in the elegant city of Verona. Immortalized as the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Verona reveals a rich tapestry of Roman, medieval, and Renaissance heritage during an informative guided walking tour. Highlights include the magnificent first-century Roman amphitheatre in Piazza Bra, one of the best-preserved in the world, alongside the city’s historic squares and atmospheric streets. Later this afternoon, we continue onward to Venice, where we arrive in time for a one-night hotel stay in the heart of this extraordinary city, allowing time to relax and soak up the unique ambience of the canals and palazzi ahead of our final day. In the evening, join your fellow guests for a celebratory dinner to mark the end of the first chapter of your journey. Tomorrow, the next chapter begins: an all-inclusive stay aboard the beautiful S.S. La Venezia.

Italy

Venice

Following breakfast in the hotel, you will be transferred to the S.S. La Venezia to board your cruise of the Venetian Lagoon. With the rest of your day at leisure, why not take some time to explore the city at your own pace, get lost among the winding canals, or people-watch at one of Venice’s many charming wine bars.

Italy

Venice

With your early morning arrival at Doge’s Palace, you’ll be able to marvel at the estate in total peace. Wander through a Venetian neighborhood and experience daily life in an authentic Venetian residential quarter. Later in the evening, cap the day off with a private once-in-a-lifetime experience at an after-hours lighting ceremony inside St. Mark’s Basilica without the crowds.

Italy

Venice

Start your morning in one of two of the Veneto region’s UNESCO World Heritage cities, Vicenza or Padua. In the afternoon, you'll reboard the ship for scenic sailing across the lagoon as we head towards Mazzorbo and Burano. In the evening, you may wish to take your free time to stroll into town to appreciate this charming island when most of the tourists have left for the evening. Burano’s brightly painted fishermen’s cottages are an artist’s dream —hot pink, chartreuse, orange, lemon yellow, and more.

Italy

Chioggia

Spend the day exploring the northern lagoon of Venice and its captivating islands. Start with a visit to Torcello's famous basilica with an art historian, then stroll through the agricultural island of Mazzorbo and the rainbow-hued island of Burano during your free time after lunch. Alternatively, you can take the afternoon to see the renowned glassblowing artisans of Murano at work.

Italy

Chioggia

Today, you’ll admire the greatest sites of charming and coastal Chioggia, including a stop at the local and lively market.

Italy

Venice

This morning, join a sailing excursion where you’ll explore the Po Delta where the Po River and the Adriatic Sea meet. Later, during lunch, we sail back to Venice.

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Venice

As your water taxi glides past narrow side canals and the Canal Grande, you’ll arrive in style at the Rialto Bridge. The iconic stone arch bridge sits at the narrowest point of the Canal Grande and holds numerous shops and restaurants.

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Venice

Disembark the ship. If you have arranged a Uniworld departure transfer, you will be transferred to Venice Marco Polo International Airport for your flight home.

Overview

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Suite

Grand Suite

Lavishly appointed riverview grand suite (302 sq ft - 28 sq m) with a French balcony and a spacious living room

Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, and flat-screen TV with infotainment center

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmers, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, separate bathtub, heated mirror, and backlit magnifying mirror

Butler service, such as packing and unpacking assistance, shoe shining, complimentary laundry service, and in-room breakfast delivery

In-room treats: fresh fruits and treats from your pastry chef delivered daily, a complimentary menu of specialty snacks and cocktails, Nespresso coffees and fine teas, a fully stocked mini bar, and a bottle of wine upon arrival

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Suite

Luxurious riverview suite (214 sq ft - 20 sq m) with a French balcony

Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, and flat-screen TV with infotainment center

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmers, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, heated mirror, and backlit magnifying mirror

Butler service, such as packing and unpacking assistance, shoe shining, complimentary laundry service, and in-room breakfast delivery

Balcony

French Balcony

Luxurious riverview stateroom (151 sq ft - 14 sq m) with a French balcony

Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, and flat-screen TV with infotainment center

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, heated mirror, and backlit magnifying mirror

Outside

Deluxe Stateroom

Please note this category is only available for 2026 sailings.

Luxurious riverview stateroom (151 sq ft - 14 sq m)

Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, and flat-screen TV with infotainment center

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, heated mirror, and backlit magnifying mirror

Outside

Deluxe A

Please note this category is only available for 2027 & 2028 sailings.

Luxurious riverview stateroom (151 sq ft - 14 sq m)

Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, and flat-screen TV with infotainment center

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, heated mirror, and backlit magnifying mirror

Outside

Deluxe B

Please note this category is only available for 2027 & 2028 sailings.

Luxurious riverview stateroom (151 sq ft - 14 sq m)

Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, and flat-screen TV with infotainment center

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, heated mirror, and backlit magnifying mirror

Outside

Deluxe C

Please note this category is only available for 2027 & 2028 sailings.

Luxurious riverview stateroom (151 sq ft - 14 sq m)

Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, and flat-screen TV with infotainment center

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, heated mirror, and backlit magnifying mirror

Outside

Classic Stateroom

Luxurious riverview stateroom (151 sq ft - 14 sq m)

Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, and flat-screen TV with infotainment center

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, heated mirror, and backlit magnifying mirror

Note: windows in these staterooms are situated at the water line; additional details on the cabin are available on request

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Exclusive

La Cantinetta

When dining onboard, you’ll be treated to world-class cuisine made from fresh ingredients, locally sourced from the destinations you visit.

Please note specialty wine pairing dinners, private culinary demonstrations and exclusive chef events can incur an additional charge depending on itinerary.

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italian

Ristorante Rialto

Our classically trained chefs use fresh, locally-sourced ingredients for all onboard meals, which feature both regionally-inspired and western dishes.