5 reasons to cruise… the Venetian lagoon
Venice: capital of the Veneto region and the Queen of the Adriatic. With its historic canals and shimmering lagoons, there is no better way to explore Venice than by ship - from the water, as it was always meant to be seen.
With large ocean liners now banned from entering its intricate waterways, a boutique river cruise is the way to travel. Due to its small ship size, Uniworld is the only luxury cruise line to not only enter, but also sail through the heart of Venice - making your holiday that bit more luxurious and exclusive.
A city well known for its romance, tradition and history, here's five reasons why a Venetian lagoon cruise should feature highly on your bucket list.
Venice is a unique city built upon over 100 islands, with winding canals and beautiful bridges. But what makes it special is that each of its six districts are different - from the imposing and busy San Marco district, to Dorsoduro, known for its art and cultural scene, and San Polo: the oldest yet smallest district, where you'll find the Rialto Market. Some itineraries allow you a few days in Venice with the ship docked overnight, giving you plenty of time to explore at your own pace, alongside included escorted excursions. Venice by night is a beautiful place and with other ships and day-trippers leaving by the evening, it will feel as though you have the city to yourself. Our Venetian lagoon with Harriet Constable cruise includes several days in Venice.
Away from Venice, there are many treasures to discover. The islands of Burano and Murano lie north of Venice and are lovely to visit. Burano is characterised by its brightly-coloured painted buildings that line the banks of the canals. It's also well known for Venetian lace. Murano, best known for its glass-blowing traditions, is also home to one of the oldest churches in the lagoon. Elsewhere, Torcelli is the lagoon's hidden secret and has a rural feel, and the small fishing port of Chioggia is charming. Known as 'Little Venice' due to its canals, bridges and narrow alleyways, you'll find it more relaxing than Venice itself. With excursions included on many of our Venetian lagoon cruises, you'll be able to immerse yourself in local life for an overall authentic experience.
Not only does embarking on a Venetian river cruise give you a level of exclusivity, but during your itinerary, you'll encounter some unique and special moments that will make your holiday truly unforgettable. On our eight-day Venice islands and lagoons cruise, for example, you'll experience several of these. Step inside the incredible St Mark's Basilica during a private after-hours visit for a lighting ceremony; venture inside the church on Torcello before it opens to the public, in the company of an art historian who'll share expert commentary as you explore; and enjoy VIP access to the Doge's Palace during an early morning visit where you'll discover this usually busy site in peace. Having special access to these major attractions before the general public is just one of the highlights.
The gastronomy of Venice reflects its maritime past, with a focus on fresh fish and seafood, as well as more humble ingredients such as risotto and polenta. The region is also known for its wines, especially Soave and Pinot Grigio and the Aperol Spritz, a classic cocktail found in many of its bars. On board your river cruise ship, you'll find delectable dishes - with menus reflective of the region and the local produce that can be found along your route. While ashore, head to a Bacari (wine bar) where you can try cicchetti (small snack plates, similar to tapas). On our cruise with Gennaro Contaldo, you'll join the Italian chef at the famous Rialto market, as he explains to you some of the wonderful Italian produce on offer.
There's nothing more special than seeing traditions upheld today, and during a Venice cruise you'll have the opportunity to see local craftspeople at work - and perhaps, pick up a gift or two to take home. Burano has long been known for its lace making and even today, the women of the island continue to hand stitch pieces - from handkerchiefs to tablecloths. In Murano, be sure to visit a glassblowers' workshop or even try a demonstration for yourself. The skilled craftspeople blow molten glass into anything, including vases, glasses, trinket trays and jewellery. While in Venice, see mask ateliers at work. Here, get a glimpse into the world of the iconic Venice Carnival, where the methods used to create the masks have been passed down through generations to be preserved today.
