Michelangelo

Venice and its Lagoon Cruise - 5 Days

Discover the beauty of Italy aboard the comfortable Michelangelo, a 2 deck ship constructed in 2000 and refurbished in 2010. The ship measures 110 metres in length and can accommodate up to 158 passengers in a total of 78 cabins. Facilities on board include a swimming pool and a spacious sun deck, complete with a shaded area. There is also a gift shop, a lounge bar with a dance floor and a restaurant serving French inspired cuisine. ****Please note that this is a French-operated ship and that French will usually be the first language spoken on board.****

Info

Embark

Embarkation is at 6pm at St Basilio in Venice (opposite Santa Marta Vaporetto Station).

Day 1: Venice

Check in from 6pm and take some time to settle into your cabin before a presentation from the crew. A welcome cocktail will be served in the ship's lounge, followed by dinner in the restaurant. During the course of the evening, the ship will set sail for 7 Martyrs Quay where it will remain moored overnight.

Day 2: Venice - Burano - Murano - Venice

After a leisurely breakfast on board the Michelangelo, you will spend the morning cruising the Venetian lagoon. The ship will return to Venice at lunchtime and this afternoon you can join an optional trip by boat to the islands of the lagoon; Murano, famous all over the world for its exquisite glass, and Burano, known for its tradition of lacework. Back on board the ship there will be dinner followed by dancing this evening.

Day 3: Venice

Today's optional sightseeing introduces you to the historic centre of Venice. Starting at St Mark's Square, your guide will show you the awe-inspiring basilica, soaring bell-tower and the Doges Palace, once home of the Doge and seat of the Palace of Justice. This afternoon is at leisure for you to explore this fascinating city in your own time. Dinner will be served back on the Michelangelo at around 7pm and the rest of the evening is free.

Day 4: Venice - Chioggia - Venice

As you enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board, the ship sets sail across the Bay of Venice for Chioggia. Chioggia was established by the Romans and is home to works of art bearing witness to a great variety of styles and periods. Take a stroll around the town before returning to the ship in time for lunch. This afternoon you will have the option of a guided coach tour to Padua, the town of St Antoine di Padova, famous for its art and pilgrimages. This optional tour includes a visit to the Santo Basilica, which is dedicated to Saint Antoine, and there will be time to meander through the town to see the “Pedrocchi” coffee house which is so dear to Padua's inhabitants. After the tour you will rejoin the ship in Venice and enjoy a gala evening and dinner on board tonight.

Day 5: Venice

The Michelangelo sets sail from 7 Martyrs Quay early this morning and arrives into San Basilio Quay in time for you to disembark after breakfast.

Disembark

Disembarkation is at 9am at St Basilio in Venice.

Includes

4 Nights' accommodation on board the Michelangelo
Full board (from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 5)
Drinks with meals on board the ship (beer, wine, mineral water, juice and tea or coffee)
Sightseeing and excursions as detailed in the itinerary
**Please note that the dominant language is French, although all announcements are pre-recorded in English.