Just You Cruising the Heart of Italy

• Just You Tour Manager as your host & Specialist Local Guide
• Return flights from Gatwick with easyJet
• 6 nights on board 4-star ship MS Michelangelo
• 17 meals: 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners & all drinks on board (excluding Champagne & selected wines). Includes a Captain’s welcome cocktail reception & farewell gala dinner
• Overseas transfers, other transportation & porterage

Day 1: UK – Venice – Mantua

You’ll fly to Venice today and on arrival we will transfer you to your ship in Mantua. Settle into your cabin before enjoying dinner and meeting the crew and your travelling companions at the Captain’s welcome cocktail reception.

Day 2: Mantua – Cremona – Parma

Today if you wish, you can join an optional excursion to Cremona and Parma. A stroll through the historical centre of Cremona reveals its hidden artistic and architectural treasures, and violin-making heritage. Within the superb medieval square, we’ll take in the immensity of the cathedral and its bell tower, before visiting a violin-maker’s workshop. We’ll then head to the town of Polesine Parmense and visit a farmhouse, Fratelli Spigaroli. Here, they cure Culatello ham and make Parmigiana cheese and we’re going to enjoy a tasting.

Day 3: Mantua – Valdaro – Torrestta – Rovigo

This morning, those who have booked the Explorer Package will enjoy a guided tour of Mantua, an artistically rich city that’s surrounded by shimmering lakes. It was ruled by the House of Gonzaga for almost 400 years, and your tour will take in highlights including the vast 500-room Palazzo Ducale di Mantova, which overlooks the city centre. Here, we will step inside the Camera degli Sposi, the bridal chamber, to admire the incredible 15th century frescoes painted by Andrea Mantegna. We’ll then head to the historic centre of the city, where you’ll see the ancient church Rotonda di San Lorenzo and the beautiful Basilica of Sant’Andrea. If you have chosen the Discovery Package of excursions, you will explore Mantua by bike.

Day 4: Rovigo – Verona – Porto – Viro – Porto Levante 

After breakfast this morning, you’ve the chance to explore Verona on an optional excursion. If you’ve opted for the Explorer Package, your sightseeing tour will take you to Casa di Giulietta, where you’ll see the balcony declared to be the place where Romeo proclaimed his love for Juliet in Shakespeare’s legendary tale. After this, you’ll head to the iconic Arena di Verona, a Roman amphitheatre which encapsulates 2,000 years of history.

Day 5: Porto Levante – Vicenza – Chioggia – Venice

You’ve the chance to join an optional guided tour of Vicenza today. This elegant city is the epitome of gorgeous Italian landscapes, art, food, and wine. We’ll head to the Piazza dei Signori, where some of the city’s most beautiful buildings are found, including the gorgeous façade of the Teatro Olimpico. As you enjoy your tour, the ship will cruise to Chioggia, and we’ll sail to Venice when everyone is back on board. Later, when we arrive you are free to step ashore and explore with your fellow travellers.

Day 6: Venice

The delights of Venice await, and if you have chosen the Explorer Package, today you’ll discover St Mark’s Square on foot and enjoy a tour of Doge’s Palace, the official residence of the Dukes of Venice and seat of the government until 1797. The current palace dates back to the 14th century and is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world.

Day 7: Venice – UK

Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking and transferring to Venice for your flight home to the UK.

The MS Michelangelo is a beautiful 4 star ship. Whilst onboard all meals and drinks will be included (*excluding Champagne and selected wines). The vessels facilities include; lounge bar with a dance floor, bar, dining room, large sundeck with deckchairs, gift shop and wifi.

Please note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 2 people sharing and don’t include any additional supplements. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment’s notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0800 707 6229 for more departure dates available and a quote.