Culinary Cruise Italy – La Grande Cucina
About This Cruise
This eight-day Culinary Cruise combines Venice with the landscapes of the Po while placing regional flavours, local specialities and Italian lifestyle at the heart of the journey. After beginning in Venice, the cruise continues to Mazzorbo, where the peaceful island atmosphere and proximity to colourful Burano provide a charming contrast to the lagoon city.
The route then leads via Taglio di Po and Polesella into rural northern Italy. Small towns, broad plains and the landscapes of the Po accompany the journey, while local produce and regional cuisine add a distinctive culinary dimension. Travelling via Santa Maria Maddalena and Revere, you continue to Boretto.
The journey concludes in Cremona, a historic Lombard city known not only for its violin-making tradition but also for its rich food culture. Historic destinations, authentic landscapes and Italian flavours combine to create an enjoyable Culinary Cruise from the Venetian Lagoon to the Po.
Who Is This Cruise For?
Couples
River cruising is relaxed, scenic and intimate
Over 50s
A gentle pace with daily excursions and no sea days
Solo travellers
Low or no single supplement on selected cabins
Type
River, Classic
Ship
VIVA UNIQUE
Departure Date
1 October 2028
Cruise Line
VIVA Cruises
Duration
7 Nights
Select Your Cabin Type
Call Us at 01 6874149Itinerary
Italy
Venice
With our boutique ship, the VIVA UNIQUE, you’ll be right in the heart of Venice—so central that the lagoon city practically begins right at your doorstep. From your dock, you can easily reach the winding alleys, quiet canals, and magnificent palazzi on foot, and St. Mark’s Square is just a short walk away.Join us to discover the fascinating stories surrounding the Doge’s Palace, take a gondola ride, or simply let yourself drift: through charming neighborhoods, into a small bacaro for cicchetti and an aperitivo, or along the waterfront promenades with views across the lagoon.Venice is especially beautiful in the early morning and in the evening, when the alleys grow quieter. Then all you have to do is step ashore and enjoy the city’s special atmosphere at your own pace.
Italy
Venice
With our boutique ship, the VIVA UNIQUE, you’ll be right in the heart of Venice—so central that the lagoon city practically begins right at your doorstep. From your dock, you can easily reach the winding alleys, quiet canals, and magnificent palazzi on foot, and St. Mark’s Square is just a short walk away.Join us to discover the fascinating stories surrounding the Doge’s Palace, take a gondola ride, or simply let yourself drift: through charming neighborhoods, into a small bacaro for cicchetti and an aperitivo, or along the waterfront promenades with views across the lagoon.Venice is especially beautiful in the early morning and in the evening, when the alleys grow quieter. Then all you have to do is step ashore and enjoy the city’s special atmosphere at your own pace.
Italy
Mazzorbo, Lagoon of Venice
In the heart of the Venetian Lagoon, Mazzorbo awaits you as a retreat where the VIVA UNIQUE moors, bringing you up close to the island’s authentic way of life. Only a wooden bridge connects the island to the colorful Burano: here, quiet paths, gardens, and plenty of authentic lagoon charm; there, brightly colored houses and lively alleys.From Mazzorbo, we’ll take you to the most beautiful parts of the lagoon—from historic Torcello to Murano, where the art of glassmaking has been passed down from generation to generation for centuries. Watch the master glassmakers at work as they create intricate works of art from molten glass.And sometimes, something special is right under your nose: Enjoy a stroll through Mazzorbo—with a view of the water and plenty of time to savor the moment.
Italy
Mazzorbo, Lagoon of Venice
In the heart of the Venetian Lagoon, Mazzorbo awaits you as a retreat where the VIVA UNIQUE moors, bringing you up close to the island’s authentic way of life. Only a wooden bridge connects the island to the colorful Burano: here, quiet paths, gardens, and plenty of authentic lagoon charm; there, brightly colored houses and lively alleys.From Mazzorbo, we’ll take you to the most beautiful parts of the lagoon—from historic Torcello to Murano, where the art of glassmaking has been passed down from generation to generation for centuries. Watch the master glassmakers at work as they create intricate works of art from molten glass.And sometimes, something special is right under your nose: Enjoy a stroll through Mazzorbo—with a view of the water and plenty of time to savor the moment.
Italy
Taglio di Po
The small town of Taglio di Po lies amid one of Northern Italy’s most fascinating natural landscapes and serves as the gateway to the vast Po Delta for guests aboard VIVA UNIQUE.Here, the river branches into countless waterways on its journey towards the Adriatic, creating a unique landscape of lagoons, reed beds and small islands. Discover this peaceful, unspoilt side of Italy with us and encounter the rich wildlife and remarkable variety of birdlife that call the delta home.Surrounded by greenery, you’ll also find the historic Villa Ca’ Zen – an elegant country estate whose enchanting atmosphere once inspired Lord Byron. A wonderful place to slow down, unwind and savour the moment – and a delightful contrast to the vibrant energy of Venice.
Italy
Taglio di Po
The small town of Taglio di Po lies amid one of Northern Italy’s most fascinating natural landscapes and serves as the gateway to the vast Po Delta for guests aboard VIVA UNIQUE.Here, the river branches into countless waterways on its journey towards the Adriatic, creating a unique landscape of lagoons, reed beds and small islands. Discover this peaceful, unspoilt side of Italy with us and encounter the rich wildlife and remarkable variety of birdlife that call the delta home.Surrounded by greenery, you’ll also find the historic Villa Ca’ Zen – an elegant country estate whose enchanting atmosphere once inspired Lord Byron. A wonderful place to slow down, unwind and savour the moment – and a delightful contrast to the vibrant energy of Venice.
Italy
Polesella
Set directly on the banks of the Po, the small town of Polesella offers a peaceful place to dock and an ideal starting point for discovering the many different sides of Northern Italy.Nearby, Ferrara awaits with the impressive Castello Estense, elegant Renaissance palazzi and a historic centre recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Polesella also puts two of the region’s most captivating cities within easy reach. Join us in Verona, where Roman history, magnificent piazzas and the world-famous story of Romeo and Juliet meet the unmistakable charm of Italian life. Or discover Bologna, the culinary heart of Emilia-Romagna and the city that gave the famous Bolognese its name.
Italy
Polesella
Set directly on the banks of the Po, the small town of Polesella offers a peaceful place to dock and an ideal starting point for discovering the many different sides of Northern Italy.Nearby, Ferrara awaits with the impressive Castello Estense, elegant Renaissance palazzi and a historic centre recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Polesella also puts two of the region’s most captivating cities within easy reach. Join us in Verona, where Roman history, magnificent piazzas and the world-famous story of Romeo and Juliet meet the unmistakable charm of Italian life. Or discover Bologna, the culinary heart of Emilia-Romagna and the city that gave the famous Bolognese its name.
Italy
Revere
Revere may be small, but its history is remarkable. The region was once shaped by the powerful Este dynasty, which influenced the political and cultural life of Northern Italy for centuries and left behind an extraordinary legacy of art and architecture.Their influence is particularly visible in Ferrara, which the Este transformed into one of Europe’s most important Renaissance courts – a meeting place for artists, architects and scholars. On our excursions, follow in the footsteps of this fascinating era and discover places where the spirit of the Renaissance can still be felt today.Revere itself is also well worth exploring. With its historic centre and relaxed atmosphere, the town reveals a more authentic and unhurried side of Italy – quieter than the great cities, and all the more charming for it.
Italy
Boretto
Boretto is small, peaceful and refreshingly unhurried – and that is exactly what makes it such a special stop on your journey aboard VIVA UNIQUE. Just beyond the river embankment lies the historic town centre, dominated by the impressive Basilica of San Marco Evangelista.From here, two very different cities invite you to discover the rich culture and lifestyle of Northern Italy. In Mantua, explore one of the region’s most beautiful Renaissance cities, surrounded by three lakes and shaped by the powerful Gonzaga family.In Parma, meanwhile, everything revolves around flavour. Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma have their roots here, embodying centuries-old traditions, exceptional craftsmanship and the unmistakable taste of Italy.
Italy
Cremona
Cremona welcomes you with typical Italian serenity—and a passion that has been at home here for centuries: music.From the VIVA UNIQUE’s mooring, you can explore the historic city with its imposing cathedral and the famous violin-making tradition centered around Antonio Stradivari. Even today, small workshops open their doors and offer a glimpse into the craft that has made Cremona world-famous.At the same time, our mooring is the starting point for further explorations in northern Italy: extend your journey and join us on a trip to Verona—with a stopover at Lake Garda, plenty of Italian lifestyle, and the story of Romeo and Juliet.
Italy
Cremona
Cremona welcomes you with typical Italian serenity—and a passion that has been at home here for centuries: music.From the VIVA UNIQUE’s mooring, you can explore the historic city with its imposing cathedral and the famous violin-making tradition centered around Antonio Stradivari. Even today, small workshops open their doors and offer a glimpse into the craft that has made Cremona world-famous.At the same time, our mooring is the starting point for further explorations in northern Italy: extend your journey and join us on a trip to Verona—with a stopover at Lake Garda, plenty of Italian lifestyle, and the story of Romeo and Juliet.
Overview
This eight-day Culinary Cruise combines Venice with the landscapes of the Po while placing regional flavours, local specialities and Italian lifestyle at the heart of the journey. After beginning in Venice, the cruise continues to Mazzorbo, where the peaceful island atmosphere and proximity to colourful Burano provide a charming contrast to the lagoon city.
The route then leads via Taglio di Po and Polesella into rural northern Italy. Small towns, broad plains and the landscapes of the Po accompany the journey, while local produce and regional cuisine add a distinctive culinary dimension. Travelling via Santa Maria Maddalena and Revere, you continue to Boretto.
The journey concludes in Cremona, a historic Lombard city known not only for its violin-making tradition but also for its rich food culture. Historic destinations, authentic landscapes and Italian flavours combine to create an enjoyable Culinary Cruise from the Venetian Lagoon to the Po.
Suite
Unique Suite
- 30 m²
- Diamond Deck
- Exclusive Excursion for Unique Suites Guests
- VIVA All-Inclusive
EQUIPMENT:
- Signature excursion
- Exclusive Excursion for Unique Suites Guests
- Breakfast in the cabin
- Small culinary treats
- Best Choice of Table (MOMENTS Restaurant & VIVA's Trattoria)
- Aperitif with captain and hotel manager
- Priority embarkation (1 hour before check-in)
- Welcome Aperitif with Wine and Canapes
- 50 EUR laundry credit (per cabin)
- Two single beds (set apart on request)
- French balcony
- Table and two armchairs
- Beauty products from Typology.®
- 32" LED TV
- Minibar with free water, beer and soft drinks, refilled daily
- Nespresso® machine
- Hair dryer
- Free WLAN access
- Telephone, safe and air conditioning/heating
- Bathroom with shower
- SPA bathrobe and slippers
- Rain shower
- Generous storage space in wardrobes and under the bed
- Location on the top passenger deck
Suite
Suite
- 21 m²
- Ruby Deck
- Priority embarkation (1 hour before check-in)
- VIVA All-Inclusive
EQUIPMENT:
- Signature excursion
- Priority embarkation (1 hour before check-in)
- Welcome Aperitif with Wine and Canapes
- 50 EUR laundry credit (per cabin)
- Two single beds (set apart on request)
- French balcony
- Table and two armchairs
- Beauty products from RITUALS®
- 32" LED TV
- Minibar with free water, beer and soft drinks, refilled daily
- Nespresso® machine
- Hair dryer
- Free WLAN access
- Telephone, safe and air conditioning/heating
- Bathroom with shower
- SPA bathrobe and slippers
- Rain shower
- Generous storage space in wardrobes and under the bed
Suite
Junior Suite Diamond Deck
- 18 m²
- Diamond Deck
- Welcome Aperitif with Wine and Canapes
- VIVA All-Inclusive
EQUIPMENT:
- Signature excursion
- Welcome Aperitif with Wine and Canapes
- French balcony
- Two single beds (set apart on request)
- Table and two armchairs
- Beauty products from RITUALS®
- 32" LED TV
- Minibar with free water, beer and soft drinks, refilled daily
- Nespresso® machine
- Hair dryer
- Free WLAN access
- Telephone, safe and air conditioning/heating
- Bathroom with shower
- Rain shower
- Generous storage space in wardrobes and under the bed
- Location on the top passenger deck
- Cabins 615 618 two separate beds
Suite
Junior Suite Ruby Deck
- 18 m²
- Ruby Deck
- Welcome Aperitif with Wine and Canapes
- VIVA All-Inclusive
EQUIPMENT:
- Signature excursion
- Welcome Aperitif with Wine and Canapes
- French balcony
- Two single beds (set apart on request)
- Table and two armchairs
- Beauty products from RITUALS®
- 32" LED TV
- Minibar with free water, beer and soft drinks, refilled daily
- Nespresso® machine
- Hair dryer
- Free WLAN access
- Telephone, safe and air conditioning/heating
- Bathroom with shower
- Rain shower
- Generous storage space in wardrobes and under the bed
Balcony
Double Cabin Diamond Deck
- 16 m²
- Diamond Deck
- Two single beds (set apart on request)
- VIVA All-Inclusive
EQUIPMENT:
- Signature excursion
- Two single beds (set apart on request)
- French balcony
- Table and two armchairs
- Beauty products from RITUALS®
- 32" LED TV
- Minibar with free water, beer and soft drinks, refilled daily
- Nespresso® machine
- Hair dryer
- Free WLAN access
- Telephone, safe and air conditioning/heating
- Bathroom with shower
- Generous storage space in wardrobes and under the bed
- Location on the top passenger deck
Balcony
Double Cabin Ruby Deck
- 14 m²
- Ruby Deck
- Two single beds (set apart on request)
- VIVA All-Inclusive
EQUIPMENT:
- Signature excursion
- Two single beds (set apart on request)
- French balcony
- Table and two armchairs
- Beauty products from RITUALS®
- 32" LED TV
- Minibar with free water, beer and soft drinks, refilled daily
- Nespresso® machine
- Hair dryer
- Free WLAN access
- Telephone, safe and air conditioning/heating
- Bathroom with shower
- Generous storage space in wardrobes and under the bed
Outside
Double Cabin Emerald Deck
- 14 m²
- Emerald Deck
- Two single beds (set apart on request)
- VIVA All-Inclusive
EQUIPMENT:
- Signature excursion
- Two single beds (set apart on request)
- Window (cannot be opened)
- Table and two armchairs
- Beauty products from RITUALS®
- 32" LED TV
- Minibar with free water, beer and soft drinks, refilled daily
- Nespresso® machine
- Hair dryer
- Free WLAN access
- Telephone, safe and air conditioning/heating
- Bathroom with shower
- Generous storage space in wardrobes and under the bed
gourmet
Riverside
The RIVERSIDE Restautant is the main restaurant of VIVA UNIQUE. And a place where we spoil you with international gourmet cuisine. For lunch and dinner, we offer you a choice of multi-course menus.
fine
Moments
In MOMENTS, you can enjoy fine dining at star level - a journey through the world of flavors, characterized by refined compositions and served in a stylish ambience.
italian
VIVA's Trattoria
"VIVA's Trattoria" as an alternative to the main restaurant with fine Italian specialties and Mediterranean delicacies
Lounge
Panorama Salon
Located on the Diamond Deck.
Reception
Reception
Located on the Diamond Deck.
Gym
Fitness Centre
Fitness centre with treadmill, bike, rowing machine and weights
Spa, Wellness
Wellness Area
Soothing massages and wellness treatments ensures relaxation and activity on board.
Pool
Pool
On the spacious sun deck with pool, you can let your gaze wander over picturesque landscapes