- Italy
- Enchanting Waterways of Venice with Venice City Stay
Our five day cruise takes you into the iconic Italian city of Venice, to marvel at an otherworldly network of sea-fed canals lined with bobbing gondolas, tucked away osterie taverns serving the city's signature prosecco, museums flooded with vivid artistic treasures and marble landmarks crowned by elegant Byzantine domes.
This unique city, built on over 100 islands in the lagoon, is yours to explore. Take in galleries, museums and historic churches, as well as canals lined with grand villas and tucked-away cafes - be sure to make time for an 'ombre e chiceti' - chilled white wine with typical snacks.
Dinner
Depart on your scheduled flight to Venice. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your ship. After meeting the crew and enjoying a welcome cocktail, unwind on board with an evening to do as you please.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Awake in a city like no other: a network of gondola-filled canals weaving between grand marble palaces and dramatic, historic monuments. This morning a brief cruise through the Venetian Lagoon will bring us to Mazzorbo. Take a guided tour of the Doge's Palace, built in the 11th century as the residence and seat of government of the Republic of Venice, it is renowned for its imposing architecture and richly ornate interior decoration. Wander through the rooms of the palace and admire the paintings by Tintoretto and Veronese, before crossing the famous Bridge of Sighs to reach the "prison". Built in the 16th century, it was used to take prisoners from the courtroom to the dungeon. Enjoy some free time to explore Piazza San Marco. Later in the afternoon, take a tour through the brightly coloured streets of the charming island of Burano then explore the outlying island chain of Murano, renowned for its beautiful glassware.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This morning, join us on a Food tour of little-known neighbourhoods in Venice. The tour will begin with a stroll to the Rialto Market, the famous fish market located next to the Grand Canal. We'll continue on the Cannaregio neighbourhood, a melting pot of diversity and authenticity. The next stop will be Castelletto, the first red-light district in the city. At the end of our tour, we'll enjoy a wine tasting with some Italian-style tapas in an osteria. Our ship will cruise through the lagoon. Enjoy some free time on your own in Venice this afternoon and this evening.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This morning, sail to Chioggia, a picturesque coastal town where pastel houses overlook a web of serene canals. In the afternoon, travel to Padua, a city brimming with medieval architecture. Take a guided tour of the town's sights, including the grand Basilica of Saint Anthony, one of the most frequently visited holy sites in the world. Head back to Venice for on board evening entertainment and a gala meal.
Breakfast
After breakfast, disembark and transfer to your hotel. During your time at leisure, explore these incredible cities network of gondola-filled canals which weave between grand marble palaces and dramatic, historic monuments. Why not visit the Doge's Palace and the famous St Marks Square or enjoy a relaxing coffee at one of the many cafes dotted through the city.
Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to Venice airport for your return flight to the UK.
Embarkation Time: 6pm Disembarkation Time: 9am
If your arrival is before this time, you will be transferred to the docking area where you will be able to leave your luggage. You are then free to explore the city at your own pace until it is time to board your ship. If your return flight is after 9am you will be able to leave your luggage onboard the ship (until 14:00pm) and spend your time exploring the city until your return airport transfer. Please note: from 9:00 am on day of disembarkation drinks will not be available in the lounge bar and there will be no other cruise services on board.
The Captain and Croisieurope reserve the right to alter/modify an itinerary at any time, should safety or external circumstances make this necessary, changes are also subject to tides. Some of the highlights may only be seen on optional excursions at an additional cost, or by exploring independently.
You will receive excursion vouchers with your ticket package. In the unlikely event that your cruise does not operate, then you may be asked to change to a different date. A full refund will be made available, should the alternative dates offered be unsuitable.
If booking more than 12 weeks before departure a deposit of £390.14pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 12 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 12 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.
A visa is not required for your entry into Italy. Further advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. We strongly advise you check your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding passport validity.
Your flight is to Venice Airport with EasyJet, departing from London Gatwick. Each passenger is entitled to hold luggage plus 1 item of hand luggage and 1 personal item such as a handbag, briefcase or laptop case. Weight restrictions will be finalized on your final confirmation. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-in should be at least 3 hours before departure. IMPORTANT: Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 21 days before departure. Check in baggage is included with your flight. A printed E-ticket is no longer required at check-in, all you need to do is present your passport to the staff at the desk and your boarding pass will be given to you.
Airport Extras: If you wish to arrange Airport car parking, lounges or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras Tel. 0871 360 2000, quoting HX313.
We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please call 0800 781 4237 and quote 'WK830' for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24-hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.
It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.
This cruise is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness. It involves some climbing of steep steps, and getting on and off boats. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.
The currency in Italy is the Euro, We recommend that you exchange your currency before you leave the UK, however cash machines are available in all the major cities to withdraw money in the local currency.
Credit cards are accepted on board ship and throughout all major cities.
This cruise is All-Inclusive, so you will only need to take a little extra money with you to cover any premium drinks on board and souvenirs, drinks and snacks purchased when off the ship, as well as any optional excursions you wish to book.
Tipping is at your discretion. There is an envelope in your cabin for these purpose that can be handed to reception at the end of your cruise.
Please note: your cruise is shared with international clients from other companies.
There is no minimum number of travellers for this extension however the main tour passenger numbers will apply for the main part of the tour. If in the unlikely event there are less than the required number of people booked on your main tour date then you may be asked to change to a different date. A full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.
An English-speaking Cruise Director will be on board your cruise to help with any queries that you may have. While on excursions included in your itinerary, you will be accompanied by an English-speaking local tour guide. When exploring locally during your leisure time you will not be accompanied by a tour guide. Please note: Your cruise is shared with international clients from other companies.
Your extended stay in Venice is not escorted by a tour guide and your time will be free to explore the area at your own pace. Transfers are included.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily are taken onboard the ship. Tables seat 4 and 6 people, so you’ll be able to converse and socialise with new friends, whilst never feeling crowded together. Tea and coffee are available on board ship as well as unlimited soft drinks and alcoholic drinks, including a variety of wines and beer, both during meals and at the bar. (Premium brands are available at an extra cost). Any dietary requirements and dislikes should be made known to our reservations staff at the time of booking.
On embarking the ship, you will be greeted by the captain, crew and staff and treated to welcome cocktails.
On your arrival in Venice you will be met by a representative from our local agent, CroisiEurope, holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays”. The Mercury Holidays/CroisiEurope representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. If you need to contact your representative during your stay the details will be given on your arrival.
Disembarkation Time: 9am
On your arrival in Venice, you will be transferred from the port to your extension hotel by our local agent.
Return transfer information will be provided by the hotel reception during your stay.
If you need to contact Europlan regarding your transfer during your stay the details are as follows:
Europlan phone number for emergencies only: +39 331 7013838 or Veneziana Motoscafi +39 (0)417 16000 or +39 (0)41 716922
If you need to contact Europlan regarding your extension during your stay the details are as follows:
Europlan (phone number for emergencies only): +39 331 7013838 or Veneziana Motoscafi +39 (0)417 16000 or +39 (0)41 716922