Cruise Companion

Day 2 · Venice (Chioggia), Italy

At a Glance: St. Mark’s Square
At a Glance: St. Mark’s Square
Moderate · Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes · INCLUDED

A Scenic Transfer to Venice’s Renowned Piazza View this fabled city from the Venice Lagoon’s languid, stunning waters and explore legendary St. Mark’s Square. You will explore La Serenissima (the Most Serene) starting with a leisurely cruise, passing magnificent waterside palazzos and piazzas and peering down the lapping, narrow canals that weave their way into the city’s medieval corridors. Disembark at the landing pontoon next to Palazzo Cornoldi, meet your guide and take a short walk to beautiful St. Mark’s Square, crossing the four elegant bridges that link the waterfront. After a short orientation tour, enjoy free time to visit the splendid Gothic-Byzantine St. Mark’s Basilica and its grand Campanile bell tower and admire the Doge’s Palace and other nearby attractions. Enjoy a gelato here, sip an espresso or just soak in the medieval ambience. Return to your ship at leisure via a complimentary shuttle boat from the landing pontoon next to Palazzo Cornoldi. * Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.

A Taste of Chioggia
A Taste of Chioggia
Moderate · Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes · ADDITIONAL COST

Stroll and Sample Favorite Local Cicchetti Immerse yourself in Venetian tradition as you sample delicious local fare. Transfer by boat to the city center, disembarking in Piazzetta Vigo, where you will begin your tour admiring the views overlooking the lagoon. Set out on foot with your guide through the narrow, cobblestone calli (“streets”) of Riva Vena and view important sites while learning the history of this charming fishing village. Stroll past the bàcari, traditional bars where locals enjoy their time after the end of their working day. Here, you will stop to sample the famous Venetian cicchetti , small snacks or side dishes prepared using fresh local ingredients. Discover the secrets behind these local favorites, then continue your stroll, stopping for more cicchetti along the way. Afterward, enjoy free time to explore Chioggia at your leisure, then return to your awaiting ship. * Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.

Chioggia: The Land of Fishermen
Chioggia: The Land of Fishermen
Moderate · Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes · ADDITIONAL COST

Village’s Connection to the Sea and Fish Market Visit Discover Chioggia’s rich fishing heritage during an informative walk and visit to the local fish market. Transfer from the pier by boat, enjoying scenic views of the Venetian Lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival in the city center, set off on foot with your knowledgeable guide. As you stroll through the narrow, cobblestone calli (“streets”), learn about Chioggia’s age-old connection to fishing. The village is one of Italy’s largest fishing ports and an important supplier to international markets. Browse the stalls of the local fish market, where you will see typical catches and learn more about traditional fishing methods. You will also visit the churches of San Domenico and San Giacomo, discovering their ties to the fishing community. Cap your tour with a typical Italian breakfast and enjoy free time to explore at your leisure, before returning to your ship. * Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.

Hidden Venice On Foot
Hidden Venice On Foot
Demanding · Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes · ADDITIONAL COST

A LEISURELY STROLL THROUGH A VENICE UNSEEN Explore Venice by foot and you will uncover treasures that are invisible to those who explore only by boat. This walking tour takes you through the narrow streets and passageways of the Venice that many never see. You will transfer via boat to Cornoldi Pier to meet your local guide. Pass through the impressive Porta Magna, the imposing entrance to the Venetian Arsenal. This medieval shipyard constructed the Republic’s naval ships. At the San Giorgio dei Greci church, built in 1548, admire the lovely campanile. You will also pass the birthplace of one of Veniceʹs famous sons, explorer Marco Polo. Cross the famed Rialto Bridge, the oldest in the city, to the thriving market, a commercial hub of Venice for centuries. Enjoy some free time here to browse the market and surrounding shops and cafés. You will return to your ship with your guide. * Demanding - Physically challenging activities, including extensive walks, hiking, riding, water sports, and high altitude activities. Activities by foot may contain difficult, unpaved surfaces and/or multiple stairs and steep inclines. Total time walking or standing may exceed 3 hours.

Scenic Chioggia by Foot
Scenic Chioggia by Foot
Moderate · Duration: 1 hour · INCLUDED

The Streets and Canals of “Little Venice” Explore lively Chioggia, set at the southern end of the Venetian Lagoon, during a brief walking excursion. One of Italy’s largest fishing communities and known as “Little Venice,” Chioggia exudes Italian charm, from its intriguing layout to its elegant palaces and colorful houses overlooking the canals. Transfer by boat to the Ponte di Vigo, where you will begin your tour admiring the views overlooking the lagoon. Set out with your guide through the narrow, cobblestone calli (“streets”) and learn about Chioggia’s history. See the 14th-century church of Saint Domenico and the fishing boats that line the nearby canal; the Gothic-style Palazzo Grassi, the Goldoni Palace and the St. Andrew Tower Clock—the second-oldest clock in the world. Cap your journey at the impressive Chioggia Cathedral, the most sacred building in the village, before returning to your ship at your leisure. * Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.

Secrets of Doge’s Palace
Secrets of Doge’s Palace
Moderate · Duration: 5 hours · ADDITIONAL COST

HIDDEN PASSAGES IN THE HOUSE OF THE VENETIAN DOGE Enter the secret passageways of Venice’s Doge’s Palace, the halls, rooms and chambers hidden from the public eye. With your local guide, you will slip away from the crowds through a small door into the lowest levels of the palace. Here, stone cells held prisoners of the Venetian Republic behind thick doors and wrought-iron locks. Ascend to the upper floors via narrow, steep stairways to the sparse offices of the staff who performed the delicate work of building and maintaining a republic. Heading farther upward still, you will see the cells reserved for political prisoners and spies, including its most famous captive, Casanova, who was arrested for seduction in 1753. Return to the palace’s public spaces to tour the luxurious staterooms and the breathtaking Great Council Room. You will have time to explore St. Mark’s Square before returning to your ship. * Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.

The Island & the Abbey
The Island & the Abbey
Moderate · Duration: 4 hours · ADDITIONAL COST

The Island of Murano and the Monastery on San Giorgio Maggiore Visit Venice’s glassmaking center and a centuries-old monastery on two of the most beautiful Venice Lagoon islands. With your local guide, cruise along the Giudecca Canal, passing St. Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace. On the island of Murano, learn about the glassmaking trade that was moved here in 1291 to reduce the risk of fires in the city. At one of the leading glass manufacturers, you can witness a master craftsman at work. You will also visit the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, home of a breathtaking monastery. The 16th-century church is home to The Last Supper and The Gathering of the Manna, two masterworks by the painter Tintoretto. Enjoy a tour from your knowledgeable local guide before returning to your ship. * Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.

Traditions of an Italian Kitchen
Traditions of an Italian Kitchen
Moderate · Duration: 8 hours · ADDITIONAL COST

Cook in the Home of a Local in Venice Enjoy an immersive experience with a local home cook who will introduce you to specialties of Venice. Upon arrival in Venice, meet your Cesarine host, a member of a community of skilled home cooks who embody the warmth of traditional Italian cuisine and hospitality by opening their homes to visitors from around the globe. They seek to preserve Italy’s food culture and foster lasting connections between travelers and locals. Accompany them to gather ingredients, then step into their home kitchen, ready to uncover the secrets of Italian cuisine. Discover traditional techniques for pasta-making and watch as your host demonstrates how to prepare tiramisù or classic buranelli cookies, a buttery shortbread perfect for dipping into a cup of hot coffee. Enjoy your creations with a glass of local wine and other Venetian specialties. * Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.

Unraveling St. Mark’s Square & Doge’s Palace
Unraveling St. Mark’s Square & Doge’s Palace
Moderate · Duration: 4 hours · ADDITIONAL COST

AN EXPLORATION OF VENICE Stroll past the famous Dogeʹs Palace and to beautiful St. Markʹs Basilica on this walking tour of Venice. After a panoramic boat ride, disembark near the famed St. Markʹs Square and step into the splendor of Venice. With your guide, you will view the Dogeʹs Palace, once the seat of government for the Venetian Republic and Courts of Justice. The present palace was built in the 14th century in the Venetian Gothic style. In the heart of St. Markʹs Square, admire the Campanile, the cathedralʹs bell tower that famously collapsed in 1902. An exact replica was built 10 years later. You will also visit the grand interior of St. Markʹs Basilica, a beautiful cathedral built in the shape of a Greek cross. The basilica houses the bones of St. Mark, smuggled out of Alexandria by Venetian merchants in 828. Enjoy free time to explore the square on your own. * Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.

Venetian Islands, Murano & Burano
Venetian Islands, Murano & Burano
Moderate · Duration: 5 hours · ADDITIONAL COST

Explore the Charming Islands of Venice Discover two of Venice’s most beautiful outlying islands and linger in one of Europe’s most beautiful squares. With a local guide, you will cruise along the Giudecca Canal, passing St. Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace. Dock at the island of Murano, nicknamed “Island of the Flames”; all of Venice’s glassmaking was moved here in 1291 to reduce the risk of fires in the city. You will visit one of the leading glass manufacturers and witness a master craftsman at work. On Burano, a charming island lined with brightly colored houses, learn about Venice’s lace-making industry and stroll along quaint cobblestone streets. You will have time to shop for handicrafts or visit a café before returning to your ship. * Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.