Here's what you do on Uniworld's Jewels of Venetia sailing

Hot off the heels of her first blog telling us all about Uniworld's S.S. La Venezia, Anita is back to tell us all about the brilliant excursions offered by this fabulous itinerary. From bike rides interrupted by biblical rainfalls to an after hours visit to St. Mark's Basilica that is exclusive to Uniworld, we are absolutely in love with this itinerary. Read all about it.

Day 1

We were met at Venice Marco Polo airport and transferred by minivan to San Basilio Port. Our ship was a short stroll away and our docking position at San Basilio looked across the canal. You could see the factory established by designer Mariano Fortuny, which is next door to the Hilton Molino Stucky Hotel.

On arrival, San Basilio looked like it may be quite a way from St Mark's Square and the bustle of Venice, but is actually just a 15-20 min walk. Once everyone had embarked and attended the safety briefing, we set sail across the canal passing St Mark's Square to a berth closer to the heart of the city. We settled into our new home for the week.

Day 2

After an early breakfast, at 8am everyone is invited to join a guided walking tour with exclusive pre-opening hours visit to Doge’s Palace before the crowds ascend. Doge's Palace houses amazing frescoes and paintings which adorn the walls and ceilings and you can walk up the golden staircase. The tour also includes crossing the Bridge of Sighs to the prison where you can gaze into the cells.

In the afternoon the ship set sail again and we were treated to a commentary telling us all about Venice and the lagoon. After a couple of hours the ship docks again back at San Basilio. We’re hungry after a day of exploring, and it’s a good thing. Dinner is early this evening at 5pm, and it’s buffet style due to our exclusive out-of-hours excursion to Basilica San Marco.

At 6.30pm we head off in a private boat to St Marks Square for our exclusive private after-hours visit to Basilica di San Marco, which I have to say is the most glorious church I have ever been in. The lighting ceremony reveals glittering gold-leaf mosaics which are just spectacular. You are also treated to a close-up view of Pala d’Oro, an opulent altarpiece made of gold and silver and many hundreds of precious stones. It is universally recognised as one of the most refined and accomplished works of Byzantine enamel.

This tour is not to be missed and I would highly recommend it.

Day 3

We had a choice to visit Vicenza Teatro Olimpico, which is a beautiful town famous for its shopping and 16th century architectural masterpiece, or we could visit Padua and Giotto's Scrovegni Chapel to discover the city’s great squares, churches and palaces. Both of these tours are just a coach journey away.

In the afternoon SS La Venezia sails across the lagoon to the extremely pretty island of Mazzorbo, otherwise known as Burano, famous for its lace making and brightly coloured fishing cottages. On arrival you can take an evening stroll and watch a lace making demonstration. It was absolutely fascinating!
Day 4

This morning there was a private boat trip to either Murano island, where you can see Murano glass blowing demonstration, or a five minute boat ride to the island of Torcello with an exclusive tour of the cathedral and a coffee stop at a local restaurant. Once back on board the ship sets sail toward Chioggia, nicknamed Little Venice by the Venetians, although the Chioggians beg to differ!   

Day 5

This morning  you can choose from a walk to Chioggia’s weekly market or an escorted bike ride finishing in the centre of Chioggia – the ride around 5 miles and is pretty much on the flat and mostly on bike trail. This is a great trip which would usually take you up to the Adriatic coast. We started in fine weather but unfortunately half way through our ride the heavens opened and needless to say we didn’t make it to the sea! 

In the afternoon there is a choice of either a Bragozzo boat ride or a visit and tasting at Dominio wine estate or like us you can just take time and relax on the top deck 

Day 6

On day six you can choose from two day trips: A boat ride through the Po Delta or a visit to Castello di Catajo, a historic summer palace. Both of these trips are by coach and upon return to the ship we sailed back to our docking spot at San Basilio.

Day 7

The following morning we chose to do as the locals do, a walking tour of the Rialto Market. This one was well worth the trip and starts with a ride in a private water taxi. The tour ends with the chef showing you what he has bought for today's menu and ends with a prosecco and cicchetti (small bites similar to Spanish tapas) tasting  at a local restaurant.

Alternatively you could have chosen to visit a gondola artisans shop, learning how they make the oars or a venetian mask atelier. Afternoon is spent at your leisure.

Day 8

All guests needed to be out of their stateroom by 8.30am. Our flight was at 1pm and our transfer had been booked for 10:30am. We went down for one final glorious breakfast and spent the rest of the morning on the top deck taking in Venice for one last time.

I’m in love with this itinerary. The luxurious stateroom, the delectable cuisine, and the warm camaraderie of the crew and fellow travellers made it an unforgettable journey. Each day was filled with new adventure, from exploring historic landmarks to wandering through charming alleyways, all while being serenaded by the gentle lapping of the water against the gondolas. Gorgeous… and hot!