Venice from the Water

Fly to Venice, and transfer to the mooring to board the MS Michelangelo for four nights.
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This morning, discover the little-known neighbourhoods of Venice on an optional walking tour. We'll stroll through the age-old San Polo area, where the Rialto Market has been held for almost 1,000 years.(2) The market is an authentic experience—from the daily catch to seasonal fruits and vegetables. Locals come here early in the morning for the best deals. It's a great
place to lose yourself in Venice. The liveliest area is the fish market, with bountiful, colorful stalls full of fish and shellfish ready to be bought and cooked. Our next stop will be a typical osteria to enjoy a tasting of
authentic Venetian finger foods known as cicchetti (pre-bookable). The rest of the day is yours to explore the ‘marble city’, its multiple museums, fantastic façades, and omnipresent art. Perhaps take a gondola ride; visit the Renaissance Rialto Bridge; and savour the splendour of St. Mark’s Square, from its centrepiece basilica to the stunning Doges’ Palace, the spires and statues of its ‘Paper Gate’, and the Bridge of Sighs, linking the palace with the prison. (B, L, D)

An optional tour this morning includes a visit to the stunning interior of the Doges’ Palace. The seat of government, the dukes’ residence, and now a museum, its iconic exterior is more than matched by the
spectacular feast of art and gilding within (pre-bookable). The lunchtime cruise on the lagoon sails to Mazzorbo and lets you explore the picture-postcard island of Burano, known for its lacemaking. Later, relish free time in the rural simplicity of Mazzorbo, perhaps viewing its monastery and 14th century belltower; or join an optional excursion to Murano, its seven islets stapled together by bridges, boasting its own basilica and Grand Canal, and famous for its fabulous hand-crafted glass (pre-bookable). Cruise back to Venice. Pre-dinner Jules Verne drinks party aboard. 
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Choose one of the three options offered in flexible plans for your final day. Spend the whole day in Venice for independent exploration; stay aboard the MS Michelangelo for a relaxing day, cruising southbound through the lagoon, calling in at the fishing port of Chioggia, and gently cruising back to Venice in the afternoon; or enjoy the morning cruise to Chioggia and disembark there for an optional tour by road to Padua, re-joining the boat back in Venice (pre-bookable). Renowned for its art, architecture, and religious heritage, Padua’s university dates from the 13th century, as does the vast St. Anthony’s Basilica, crowned with Byzantine domes, its Baroque interiors adorned with priceless artworks, and holding the tomb of the saint. Gala Dinner aboard this evening.
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Disembark and transfer to Venice airport for your return flight.
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