Excursions in Italy (Po)

With CroisiEurope, it's a true holiday in Italy with fascinating art, culture and romance. Because if Italy is a lot of things, it is above all a rare pearl and a mausoleum in honour of Mankind and what he is capable of. Centuries past by and artistic trends have crossed and transfigured Italy, formerly an Empire, then the heart of the Renaissance, and still today the country of love and passion. We offer you all of this on our cruise on the Po.

The program includes an in-depth visit of Venice, from the darkest secrets of the opulent Doge's Palace to the narrow streets of this urban labyrinth. Our guides will take you to the heart of the Serenissima and you will meet gondolier artisans and handmade masks. Then your trip will take you to the islands of Murano and Burano, simply unmissable, as much for their masterpieces of lace and glassware as for their fishing villages with vibrant colours.

Continuing your journey inland, along the Po, you will also visit the romantic Verona. Its arena, its cobbled streets, its old town served as a backdrop to the famous passion that linked Romeo to Juliet. Even today, visitors come to see the balcony from where Juliet looked down to her lover.

Discover all these treasure and fabulous destinations with our cruise on the Po.

12 excursions available

Burano and the Spirit of Advent

Departure on foot to discover the island of Burano, which takes on a special atmosphere as the festive season approaches. Famous worldwide for its lace, the island is also renowned for the small, colorful houses lining the canals of this former fishing village. The walk will allow you to fully enjoy Burano’s atmosphere at this time of year, with its decorations and festive spirit, while discovering the island’s unique charm. Return on board, then cruise towards Venice. PLEASE NOTE The order of the visits can change. Times are approximate. Good walking shoes are recommended.

Authentic

Included

Burano and the lace museum

You'll set out on foot for the island of Burano. Located outside of the hustle and bustle in the city, Burano is famous for its colorful homes and lacemaking. This photographer's paradise effuses particular charm and invites each visitor to discover its delights. As your tour guide accompanies you down its picturesque streets, you'll see Bepi Suà's kaleidoscopic house, Gianfranco Rosso's home, the adorable Ponte dei Tre Ponti—one of the island's most beautiful spots—the crooked belfry, and so much more. You'll then visit the Lace Museum in the lacemaking school founded by Countess Andriana Marcello in 1872 in an effort to promote the ancient tradition. After the school closed, the Venetian public authorities and the Andriana Marcello Foundation came together for a common project to promote the technique culturally. The old school was then transformed into an exhibit hall and its abundant archives reorganized and cataloged. And this is how the Lace Museum came to be. The museum displays more than 100 examples of the school's impressive work. Personal stories enhance the history of lacemaking in Venice from the 16th to 20th centuries. Included as part of the Civic Museums of Venice, this space currently showcases valuable objects and, during morning hours, gives visitors the opportunity to observe the techniques used by lacemakers keeping the art alive today. PLEASE NOTE The order of the visits can change. Times are approximate.

2h00Authentic

Included

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Captivating tour in the Saint Mark area

The area around Saint Mark's Square is the smallest and oldest neighborhood in Venice.The square is named after the city's patron saint. Children will adore this offbeat stroll focusing on the canals and bridges, all within a car-free environment. PLEASE NOTE The order of the visits can change. Times are approximate. The excursion is guaranteed with a minimum of 10 participants.

2h00Authentic

Included

Hiking around the Lake Garda

Discover the romantic scenery along the banks of Lake Garda, from Toscalano-Maderno to Gargnano. You’ll cross the fascinating Valle delle Cartiere with its unique and spectacular terrain. The valley is named after the paper mills that line the banks of the lake. While most are not in operation, they remain an important testimony to the industrial history in northern Italy. We’ll follow the waterfalls along the Toscolano River, passing through olive groves, along old cobbled streets, and across tiny hamlets as we hike to Gargnano, a charming village on the shores of Lake Garda. PLEASE NOTE Please wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes. Hike: Approx. 7.5 miles (12 km); Elevation gain: 1,148 feet (350 m). The times and orders of the visits are for informational purposes only and can change.

8h30Experience

Included

Scuola grande

The Scuola Grande di San Rocco is a two-story museum with three rooms open to the public. It is one of the most significant museums in Venice. In addition to the impressive building—almost entirely in its original state—you'll find magnificently preserved paintings within. The initial structure dates back to the 15th century. A confraternity—who still uses the building as its seat—commissioned the painter Tinoretto to decorate the interiors. Although Tinoretto's works here are considered his finest, you'll also find paintings, panels, pottery, textiles, and wooden sculptures by Giorgione, Titian, Tiepolo, Antonio Zanchi, Francesco Pianta, and Giovanni Marchiori. We'll then head over to the Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari Basilica, just a few steps away. Known as the Venetian Pantheon, the building is a marvelous example of local Gothic architecture. Rebuilt several times to adapt to its growing congregation, the basilica holds exceptional works of art from different eras and contains funerary memorials of illustrious figures such as the painter Titian and the sculptor Antonio Canova.

3h00Authentic

Included

Experience the Magic of Christmas in Padua

Departure by coach from Chioggia to Padua, one of Italy’s major art cities, renowned for the masterpieces of Giotto. The visit begins with the Basilica of Saint Anthony, famous for its Byzantine domes and minaret-like spires. Inside, you'll find a traditional Nativity scene(1) that delights both young and old, featuring the Baby Jesus in the manger, in the arms of the Virgin Mary—or even Saint Anthony himself. This theme of the Nativity is central to the Saint’s iconography, where he is often shown holding the Infant Jesus, along with a lily and a book.We’ll continue on foot to explore Padua’s most beautiful squares, all festively decorated for the season. As night falls, the city glows with thousands of twinkling lights. The Christmas markets on Piazza dei Signori and Piazza del Capitaniato showcase a wide range of local handicrafts. A little further on, the Astronomical Clock Tower shines like the starry sky in Giotto’s celebrated paintings. On the way back, you’ll pass by Prato della Valle and its majestic Christmas tree. Return to the ship. PLEASE NOTE The order of the visits can change. Times are approximate. Good walking shoes are recommended. (1) The date on which the nativity scene will be installed is not known at this time. Therefore, it may not be visible on the day of your excursion.

4h30Authentic

Included

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Private soirée at the Ca’Sagredo Hotel

This magical venue, with its opulent ballroom and fresco-covered halls, oozes the romance found in European novels. Just walking up the grand staircase decorated with cherub statues makes you feel like royalty. Traditional Commedia dell'arte characters will greet you before your evening cocktail. We'll then sit down to a delicious dinner accompanied by baroque music.If you'd like to extend the fun after our feast has finished, take a stroll through the narrow streets and along the romantic canals at night. The cobblestone roads bathed in the soft lights create a fairytale-like atmosphere found only in La Serenissima. Sumptuous masques and elaborate costumes pop out of the dark at each turn, like ghosts from the past. Nighttime adds a mysterious aura to the lavish disguises, transforming each mask into fleeting artwork glimpsed under the soft city lights. PLEASE NOTE The order of the visits can change. Times are approximate.

6h00Authentic

Included

Hiking through the Lessinia Regional Nature Park

With magnificent scenery and fascinating geological characteristics, Lessinia Regional Nature Park is every hiker’s dream. We'll trek the green alpine pastures above the valleys lined with pine and beech forests. The overlooks provide amazing views of the lake and its surroundings. We’ll have lunch in a local mountain refuge. PLEASE NOTE Please wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes. Hike: Approx. 6.2 miles (10 km); Elevation gain: 1,148 feet (350 m). The times and orders of the visits are for informational purposes only and can change.

9h00Experience

Included

The Dorsoduro District, the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute

Departure on foot with your guides. Nestled in the heart of Venice, the Dorsoduro district offers a unique experience combining art, culture and authenticity. This gem of the Serenissima, bordering the Grand Canal, lights up for the festive season, creating a warm and magical atmosphere. This will also be an opportunity to visit one of the many churches. Then visit the Baroque Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, dedicated to the Virgin Mary and considered the protector of Venice. It is one of Venice’s most important religious buildings. Its dome features on many of the city’s iconic postcards. Built on nearly 100,000 wooden piles, this Baroque church impresses with its octagonal design and two majestic domes. Its interior houses masterpieces by Titian and Tintoretto. Return to the ship on foot. PLEASE NOTE The order of the visits can change. Times are approximate. Good walking shoes are recommended.

3h30Authentic

Included

Hiking across the Euganean Hills

The Euganean Hills are located in a regional park known for its beauty and hot springs. Hot water springs helped create the multitude of spa towns that have existed here since Roman times, as the ancient ruins attest. The region is also known for its vineyards. With your guide, you’ll first hike to Mount Calbarina (446 feet/136 m in altitude) to take in the magnificent view of the Lago della Costa. Your hike will continue through the forest to Mount Piccolo (1,037 feet/316 m in altitude). The trail leads to the medieval village of Arqua Petrarca, one of the most picturesque hamlets in Italy, located at the foot of both Monte Piccolo and Monte Ventolone. The poet Petrarch lived the final four years of his life here. We’ll see his home and his tomb in front of the church. PLEASE NOTE Please wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes. Hike: Approx. 4.3 miles (7 km); Elevation gain: 919 feet (280 m). The times and orders of the visits are for informational purposes only and can change.

5h00Experience

Included

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Guided tour of La Fenice theatre

Departure on foot from Seven Martyrs Quay with a local guide for La Fenice theater. This opera house was built in Venice in the 18th century in the neo-classical style. The auditorium has five levels of balconies finely decorated in red and gold. It is, with La Scala in Milan and the San Carlo Theater in Naples, one of the most prestigious temples of Italian opera. La Fenice has seen the creation of the most beautiful operas of Verdi, Rossini, Bellini and many others. You'll be able to enjoy some free time or return on board in the company of your guide. Duration : approx. 2:30 The theatre is 45 minutes' walk from the quay - possibility of taking the vaporetto (extra charge, payable on site) Good walking shoes are recommended. The order of the visits can change. Times are approximate. These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary. The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise. If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).

3h00Authentic

Included

Discover the Christmas Village in Campo Santo Stefano and the magical atmosphere of Saint Mark’s Square at Christmastime

Meet your guides at the ship before setting off on foot toward Campo Santo Stefano. This square hosts the largest Christmas market in Venice. With its charming wooden chalets, it transforms into a true Christmas village. A section of the market is entirely dedicated to local products: candied chestnuts, specialty pastas, creamy nougat, traditional oils, and vinegars fill the air with festive aromas.You’ll then head to the iconic Saint Mark’s Square. As night falls, Venice turns into a winter fairytale. Christmas lights illuminate the façades of grand palaces and shimmer in the peaceful waters of the canals. At the heart of the city, Saint Mark’s Square welcomes a majestic Christmas tree—the dazzling centerpiece of the Venetian holiday season. Return on foot to the ship. PLEASE NOTE The order of the visits can change. Times are approximate. Good walking shoes are recommended.

3h00Authentic

Included