Northern Italy with Uniworld & Luxury Gold

DAY 1 – MILAN

Arrive at Milano Malpensa Airport. If you have arranged a Uniworld arrival transfer, you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to the Gran Hotel Rosa, an elegant hideaway tucked behind the Duomo. With contemporary design and warm Italian hospitality, it offers a serene escape in the vibrant heart of Milan.

This evening, meet your Travel Concierge and fellow guests for a warm welcome dinner featuring refined Milanese cuisine.

DAY 2 – MILAN, LAKE COMO, STRESA

Join a local expert for a guided exploration of Milan’s cultural icons, including the majestic Duomo and the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Visit the renowned Teatro alla Scala before continuing to the sparkling shores of Lake Como, where you’ll have time at leisure to explore. Later, journey to the lakeside town of Stresa, your home for the next two nights.

Excursion: Milan City Tour

DAY 3 – STRESA (LAKE MAGGIORE)

Cruise the waters of Lake Maggiore, admiring grand lakeside villas and alpine scenery. Enjoy exclusive early access to the resplendent Palazzo Borromeo on Isola Bella, a Baroque masterpiece set on a private island. Stop at Isola dei Pescatori for a stroll through its charming village before a leisurely lunch.

Excursions: Before hours visit to Palazzo Borromeo and Lake Maggiore cruise with lunch

DAY 4 – VERONA

Travel to romantic Verona, a city of Renaissance beauty and Shakespearean legend. Begin your day with a Michelin-starred lunch at Il Desco, where innovation and tradition blend seamlessly on the plate. Next, explore the city’s highlights, including the grand Roman Arena and the lively Piazza delle Erbe.

Excursion: Verona with Michelin-Starred Lunch

DAY 5 – BOLZANO, DOLOMITES

Journey north to Bolzano, gateway to the Italian Alps. Join a local expert for a guided exploration of this charming alpine town. Enjoy time at leisure to visit the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, home to Ötzi the Iceman, a remarkably preserved 5,000-year-old mummy discovered in the nearby mountains. Later, continue into the heart of the Dolomites and settle into your alpine surroundings for the evening.

Excursion: Bolzano visit

DAY 6 – DOLOMITES

Discover the dramatic beauty of the Dolomites as you journey through alpine passes and striking limestone peaks. Learn about the region’s poignant wartime history, where battles once played out amidst this now-tranquil landscape. Enjoy a traditional slice of strudel, then ascend by cable car for sweeping views of this majestic mountain realm.

Excursion: Dolomite scenic tour with cable car ride

DAY 7 – CONEGLIANO, VENICE

Embarkation.

Journey through the rolling hills of Conegliano, the birthplace of Italy’s finest Prosecco. Enjoy a tasting and light lunch in this charming wine region before continuing to Venice. Upon arrival, board the S.S. La Venezia to begin your week-long cruise, embarking on a new chapter of discovery through the enchanting waterways of northern Italy.

Excursion: Conegliano Prosecco tasting

DAY 8 – VENICE

With your early morning arrival at Doge’s Palace, you’ll be able to marvel at the estate in total peace. Wander through a Venetian neighborhood and experience daily life in an authentic Venetian residential quarter. Later in the evening, cap the day off with a private once-in-a-lifetime experience at an after-hours lighting ceremony inside St. Mark’s Basilica without the crowds.

Excursions: Walk in Venice with Doge’s Palace visit and Night out! A private after hours visit to Saint Marks Basillica

DAY 9 – VENICE (PADUA), MAZZORBO (BURANO)

Start your morning in one of two of the Veneto region’s UNESCO World Heritage cities, Vicenza or Padua. In the afternoon, you’ll reboard the ship for scenic sailing across the lagoon as we head towards Mazzorbo and Burano. In the evening, you may wish to take your free time to stroll into town to appreciate this charming island when most of the tourists have left for the evening. Burano’s brightly painted fishermen’s cottages are an artist’s dream —hot pink, chartreuse, orange, lemon yellow, and more.

A special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.

Excursions: Evening stroll in Burano, Padu walking tour OR Vicenza with Teatro Olimpico

DAY 10 – MAZZORBO, BURANO, CHIOGGIA

Spend the day exploring the northern lagoon of Venice and its captivating islands. Start with a visit to Torcello’s famous basilica with an art historian, then stroll through the agricultural island of Mazzorbo and the rainbow-hued island of Burano during your free time after lunch. Alternatively, you can take the afternoon to see the renowned glassblowing artisans of Murano at work.

Excursions: Torcello, Hidden treasure of the lagoon and Murano glass blowing demonstration

DAY 11 – CHIOGGIA

Today, you’ll admire the greatest sites of charming and coastal Chioggia, including a stop at the local and lively market.

Excursions: Bragozzo Ride with Tastings at Ca’ Zen or Chioggia Market Visit or Let’s Go: Biking Chioggia or A Noble Country Villa and Its Wines or Villa Palazzo Goldoni Visit

DAY 12 – CHIOGGIA, VENICE

This morning, join a sailing excursion where you’ll explore the Po Delta where the Po River and the Adriatic Sea meet. Later, during lunch, we sail back to Venice.

DAY 13 – VENICE

As your water taxi glides past narrow side canals and the Canal Grande, you’ll arrive in style at the Rialto Bridge. The iconic stone arch bridge sits at the narrowest point of the Canal Grande and holds numerous shops and restaurants.

A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.

Excursions: Venice Walk with Gondola Artisans Visit or Do as the Locals Do: Venice Walking Tour or Ca’ Macana Mask Atelier or Rowing Venice

DAY 14 – VENICE

Disembark

Disembark the ship. If you have arranged a Uniworld departure transfer, you will be transferred to Venice Marco Polo International Airport for your flight home.

The River Countess underwent a complete design renovation in 2020, debuting as the S.S. La Venezia to bring guests an enhanced luxury experience inspired by Northern Italy.

The redesign of the ship drew influence from the fine Fortuny fabrics displayed prominently onboard. Murano glass, gilded accents, and artistic etched elements pay homage to popular Venetian aesthetics of the early 20th century, creating an onboard atmosphere that is at once elegant and nostalgic.

SUITE:

Luxurious riverview suite (214 sq ft – 20 sq m) with a French balcony
Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, and flat-screen TV with infotainment center
Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmers, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, heated mirror, and backlit magnifying mirror
Additional amenities and services, include: in-suite butler service; packing and unpacking assistance; in-room breakfast; daily fruit and cookie plate, and an elegant evening snack; Nespresso coffee machine and fine teas; fully stocked mini bar; bottle of wine upon arrival; shoe shine and free laundry service

FRENCH BALCONY:

Luxurious riverview stateroom (151 sq ft – 14 sq m) with a French balcony
Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, and flat-screen TV with infotainment center
Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, heated mirror, and backlit magnifying mirror.

CLASSIC STATEROOM:

Luxurious riverview stateroom (151 sq ft – 14 sq m)
Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, and flat-screen TV with infotainment center
Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, heated mirror, and backlit magnifying mirror
Note: windows in these staterooms are situated at the water line; additional details on the cabin are available on request.