Timeless Venice from the Water

Fly from London to Venice, transfer to the mooring to board the MS Michelangelo, your
vessel for the 5-night cruise, and join us for a welcome cocktail and an introduction to the crew.
After dinner aboard, the evening is yours to relax on the ship or explore ashore.
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Enjoy a morning of independent discovery, or take our optional tour of the iconic Doge’s
Palace. The guide will walk you through the immense halls of the palazzo, lavishly furnished and rich
with artworks by Tintoretto and Veronese; and across the 17th-century Bridge of Sighs, which linked
the palace courtroom to the historic prison (pre-bookable). At the end of the tour, there is free
time to savour the splendour of St. Mark’s Square, from its imposing basilica to the spires and
statues of its ‘Paper Gate’, before returning to the cruiser for lunch. The rest of the day is free for you to set your own pace in ‘the marble city’, viewing its multiple museums, fantastic façades, and
omnipresent art.
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Settle on the sun deck this morning for a leisurely cruise through the Venetian Lagoon to
Mazzorbo island, and walk the wooden footbridge to explore the neighbouring island of Burano,
famed for its colourful canal-side houses and for its fine lacemaking. Stroll back to Mazzorbo for
lunch aboard and an afternoon visit to the Venissa Vineyard, which includes a tasting of the unique
Venissa wine, made from an ancient variety of Dorona grapes and based on traditional methods.
Later, enjoy free time to relish the rural simplicity of the island, perhaps viewing its monastery and
14thcentury belltower. Overnight mooring in Mazzorbo.
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The ship sails south on its morning journey to Choggia, passing scenic islands, islets, and The
Lido sandbar which shields the lagoon from the Adriatic Sea. An included excursion this afternoon
takes you by road to Padua. Renowned for its art, architecture, and religious heritage, Padua’s
landmarks include medieval palazzos, the vast Prato della Valle city square, and the cloistered
Basilica of St. Anthony. We visit this 13th-century edifice, crowned with Byzantine domes, its Baroque
interior adorned with priceless artworks, and holding the tomb of the saint. Return to the ship for
the sunset sail back to Venice.
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Our optional morning tour today is a guided visit to the Basilica of Santi Giovanni e Paolo in the Castello District. Located in the historic district of Castello, the basilica is one of the most impressive religious buildings in Venice. It has earned the nickname ‘The Pantheon of Venice’ (pre-bookable).

With an afternoon at leisure, perhaps take a gondola ride, visit the famous Rialto Bridge, or discover the little-known neighbourhoods of Venice; the Castelletto district, with a waterfront riva running through residential streets to little bridges and authentic restaurants; and Cannaregio, boasting casual eateries, artisan shops, and the 16th-century ‘Venetian Ghetto’, the setting for Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice. Enjoy a festive Gala Evening on your final night aboard.
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Disembark the MS Michelangelo this morning, and transfer to the airport for your return flight to London.
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