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6 nights from

£1945

Venice & the Ducal Cities

Save up to £50 per person

EARLY BOOKING OFFER EXTENDED - ENDS 31 DECEMBER 2024 
Book early and save on selected dates

Sailing on a stylish river cruiser of the famous CroisiEurope fleet, this vibrant and varied tour takes you from the ‘streets of water’ in Venice, across the island-dotted lagoon, and along the Canal Bianco for excursions to Padua, Mantua and romantic Verona

With multiple museums, fantastic façades, legendary bridges, and art simply everywhere, Venice needs no introduction to the lavish opulence of its era as the Ducal seat of a great empire. Its iconic Doge’s Palace is probably the most famous in the world, so it makes a natural starting point for this six-night journey to the cities dominated by Doges families, and those renowned for religious, artistic, and cultural heritage. In the Veneto region, we visit picture-perfect Padua, its majestic, multi-domed Basilica of St. Anthony containing the tomb of the saint; and Verona, where the Scaligeri dukes were the 13th-14th century rulers, Roman ruins form the foundations for palazzi on its medieval lanes, the ancient Arena is a gloriously atmospheric venue, and Romeo and Juliet have topped the bill for centuries. We cross into Lombardy for Mantua, a well-planned work of art, created by the Gonzaga family to form a hub of culture, its Old Town now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Overview

  • Days 1 - 3  - Venice
  • Day 4  - Padua
  • Day 5  - Verona
  • Day 6  - Mantua
  • Day 7  - Return flight
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Tour Highlights

  • UNESCO Site: Venice & Lagoon
  • UNESCO Site: Padua
  • UNESCO Site: Verona
  • Cremona & Violin workshop
  • Parma Ham & Cheese Tasting
  • UNESCO Site: Mantua

Sailing on a stylish river cruiser of the famous CroisiEurope fleet, this vibrant and varied tour takes you from the ‘streets of water’ in Venice, across the island-dotted lagoon, and along the Canal Bianco for excursions to Padua, Cremona, Mantua and romantic Verona

Notes:

Whilst the vessel carries more, the excursion group size is limited to 30. Optional excursions are subject to minimum numbers and include some long walks.

The exact location of the moorings is at the discretion of the Venice port authorities, normally Riva Sette Martiri, Marittima or San Basilio.

Cabins are available from 5pm on arrival and until 9am on departure (before/after this, luggage storage on board is possible.

The programme may be altered due to navigational factors with locks, water levels or congestion at certain sites.

Vessels

MS Michelangelo

Launched in 2000 and refurbished in 2017, the MS Michelangelo is registered in France with a mainly European crew and announcements in French and English. For 20 years Jules Verne has been the main UK partner of the innovative French cruise company, CroisiEurope, established over 40 years ago, now boasting the largest European river fleet (over 40 ships), yet still operated by the same family.

All drinks, except premium brands are included throughout the cruise. Enjoy International and French cuisine with a choice of wines in an elegant one-sitting dining room. Breakfast is a buffet, lunch and dinner waiter service with the occasional buffet. The vessel does not sail at night.

Reception, lounge bar with small dance floor, sun deck and WiFi (free/limited).

78 air-conditioned cabins with private facilities, hairdryer, safe and satellite TV. 27 twin/double cabins (118 sq. ft.) on the Upper Deck with a picture window, 49 twin/double cabins (118 sq. ft.) and two single cabins with picture window on the Main Deck.

Extension Options

Venice Extension

Spend two nights in this marble city squeezed onto a hundred islets. Stay at the 4-star Hotel Indigo Venice Sant’Elena, in classical Venetian style. Breakfast daily.

 

Notes:
The city tax for a four star hotel in Venice is €4.50 per person / per night.

Hotel Indigo Venice Sant’Elena – Venice

A charming, modern 4-star boutique hotel in a former Venetian convent with well-kept gardens. The hotel is close to the Giardini della Biennale and the Parco delle Rimembranze gardens, in a quieter part of Venice. Restaurant, bar and WiFi (free). 75 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV. A city tax is payable of €4.50 per person / per night.

Lake Garda Extension

Spend two nights on the shores of Lake Garda, known for its crystal clear water. Breakfast daily.

In 2024 stay at the 4-star Hotel Salò du Parc, on the banks of Lake Garda. Salò has the longest promenade on the lake and was the seat of government of the Italian Social Republic from 1943 to 1945.

In 2025 stay at the 3-star Hotel Astoria in Garda. The village of Garda is set on one of the small bays on the lake shore. The lake was named after the village. In Garda you can find numerous villas and palaces, the most beautiful and worth visiting are ‘Palazzo dei Capitani’, ‘Villa Alberini’ and ‘Villa Canossa’.

Hotel Astoria - Garda

A traditional 3-star hotel in the historic centre of Garda, close to the lakeside promenade. Restaurant, bar and WiFi (free). 21 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.

Optional Excursions

From £75pp

Doges' Palace

Meet up with your guide on board. The tour will begin with a historical and artistic introduction to Venice with St Mark's Square, after which you will be able to admire the exteriors of St Mark's Cathedral. The Byzantine facades of the Cathedral (one of the most magnificent in the world) will immediately draw your attention. It was built in the 9th century to hold the body of St Mark, Patron Saint of Venice. Only a few pieces of the original structure remain and the present day Cathedral dates back from the 12th, 14th and 15th centuries. The exterior, with its domes, pinnacles and wooden horses, contrasts with the shining golden mosaics of the interior. The tour continues with the Doge's Palace, the residence of the Dukes of Venice and seat of the Venetian government from the 9th century until the Republic fell in 1797. Although there are no longer any traces of the 9th century Byzantine structures, the Palace as we see it today, richly decorated both on the outside and inside, dates back from the 14th century and is considered by many to be the finest in the world. You will then be able to admire the paintings of Tintoretto and Veronese from the top of the famous Golden Staircase before walking through the Grand Council Chamber and out onto the balcony with its fantastic view over the city. You will cross the famous decorated Bridge of Sighs which leads to the prison. The bridge, known in the past as the symbol of the destiny that awaited the prisoners, has more romantic connotations nowadays. Return to the boat on foot.

From £55pp

Murano Excursion

A short boat ride will take us to the island of Murano. The largest island in the lagoon, Murano is famous all over the world for its unique glass. We’ll visit a glassblowing studio to see how it’s done. Take advantage of some free time afterwards to explore the island on your own. Murano is also known for its lovely churches and several remarkable palazzetto.

Dates & Prices

per person in a twin/double Main Deck cabin

Tue 15 Apr 2025
From London Gatwick

Was £2145

£ 2095

Wed 14 May 2025
From London Gatwick

Was £1995

£ 1945

Tue 24 Jun 2025
From London Gatwick

Was £2225

£ 2175

Mon 15 Sep 2025
From London Gatwick

Was £2025

£ 1975

Price Includes:

Air travel and taxes, all port charges, transfers, 6-night cruise, full board and drinks on cruise vessel, Jules Verne Representative, itinerary as described, services of a cruise director, local expert guides and representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.

Not Included:

Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.

Supplements per person

Single Supplement
  • Single Supplement
  • £425
Upgrades
  • MS Michelangelo - Upper Deck Twin/Double from £155
  • MS Michelangelo - Upper Deck Single from £580
Optional Excursions
  • Doges' Palace (2025)
  • £75
  • Murano Excursion (2025)
  • £55
Tour Only
  • Save
  • up to £200
  • Arrival transfer
  • £90
  • Departure transfer
  • On request, please call
Extension Options
  • Post Cruise Extension - Lake Garda 2025 (2 nights)
  • 2025: Apr 21
  • £365
  • 2025: May, Sep
  • £375
  • 2025: Jun 30
  • £395
  • Single Supplement
  • 2025: Apr 21
  • £68
  • 2025: May, Sep
  • £75
  • 2025: Jun 30
  • £95

  • Pre Cruise Extension - Venice (2 nights)
  • 2025: Apr 13
  • £485
  • 2025: Jun 22
  • £565
  • 2025: Sep 13
  • £595
  • Single Supplement
  • 2025: Apr 13
  • £205
  • 2025: Jun 22
  • £285
  • 2025: Sep 13
  • £305

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