Cruise & Tour: Savor Northern Italy

Uncover the cultural heart of Milan on a guided tour. Marvel at the architectural grandeur of the Duomo and stroll through the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a 19th-century arcade known for its striking glass dome and refined boutiques. Step inside the world-renowned Teatro alla Scala, Italy’s most iconic opera house. Discover its storied past and opulent interiors on a private visit that brings the drama and elegance of Milanese performance to life.

Step inside the Baroque splendor of Palazzo Borromeo on Isola Bella, a 17th‑century palace replete with art, history, and architectural grandeur, standing proudly amidst the waters of Lake Maggiore. After, raise a glass in the magnificent, terraced gardens of Isola Bella, where fragrant blooms and sweeping lake views create a serene setting for a refreshing aperitif.

Glide across the shimmering waters of Lake Maggiore, admiring elegant lakeside villas and alpine panoramas from the comfort of your private boat. Pause at Isola dei Pescatori, a picturesque fishing island on the lake, for a leisurely lunch.

Dine at Il Desco, Verona’s renowned Michelin‑starred restaurant, led by acclaimed Chef Matteo Rizzo. Set within a historic Renaissance palace, this elegant culinary institution blends refined Veronese tradition with contemporary flair, offering a memorable dining experience at the heart of the city. After, set out to explore Verona on foot, discovering the city’s Roman and Renaissance charms. Admire the remarkably preserved Arena, stroll through the elegant boutiques and artisan stalls, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Piazza delle Erbe.

Meander the cobbled streets of Bolzano, where Italian and Austrian influences blend seamlessly. Visit the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, home to the world-renowned Ötzi the Iceman, offering an extraordinary glimpse into life over 5,000 years ago.

Travel through the soaring peaks and winding mountain roads of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its raw beauty and dramatic alpine scenery. Take to the heights on a cable car ride, ascending into the heart of the mountains for panoramic views of jagged peaks, verdant valleys, and the untouched grandeur of the Italian Alps. Pause to enjoy a slice of traditional strudel, a sweet alpine pastry layered with apples, spices, and flaky pastry—a beloved taste of the region’s Austro-Italian heritage.

Indulge in a tasting of Italy’s most celebrated sparkling wine during your visit to Conegliano, the birthplace of Prosecco. Surrounded by the rolling vineyards of the UNESCO-listed hills, enjoy a light lunch paired with elegant bubbles in this storied wine region.

Please note that the amount of walking during this excursion is extensive.

Venice has no need to designate a pedestrians-only historic district because no cars are permitted within the island city - all transportation is by foot or water.

You first arrive at the Doge’s Palace and most famous plaza in Italy - St. Mark’s Square. Venetians elected their first doge, or duke, in AD 697 and began building the palace around AD 800.

The palace complex, as it exists now, mostly dates to the 14th and 15th centuries, and it brims with jaw-dropping artistic gems, including Tintoretto’s wall-sized Paradise and works by Veronese, Tiepolo and Titian. Throughout its history, Venice has been a supremely political city. Those convicted of crimes were led across the Bridge of Sighs to prison. Follow their footsteps to the prison and gaze into the cells. Casanova escaped from one of these cells. Other less-fortunate prisoners whiled away their time by inscribing graffiti on the walls, which you can still read.

You will continue this exploration by strolling through the historic Castello district. It’s the largest of Venice’s six districts. Back in the 13th century the Castello district was home to the Arsenal, where Venice’s ships were built. (Venetians boasted that they could build a complete ship in a single day.) This is also where the famous Biennale art exhibition now takes place. As you pass 800-year-old homes, you’ll hear the murmur of the soft local dialect through the open windows. Clothes flap from lines strung over tiny canals and kids kick soccer balls along cobbled alleys. It’s a real, living, breathing neighborhood, not just a historic site.

In addition to its well-known museums, Venice is also home to some highly specialized ones: Displays at the Correr are devoted to the history of Venice; the Museo della Musica contains 17th and 18th-century musical instruments and exhibits about composer Antonio Vivaldi. Known as the Red Priest for his hair color, Vivaldi taught music to the daughters of Venetian noblemen. The Museo Ebraico examines the history of the Jewish community that was confined to an island known as Ghetto Nuovo. The latter was one of Europe’s wealthiest and most cultured Jewish communities, made up in part with refugees from the Spanish Inquisition.

Welcome to Saint Mark’s Basilica. The doors of this icon are specially opened for you tonight. You will see the glorious church in the evening light and without the crowds. You’ll find it almost impossible not to gaze heavenward as you enter St. Mark’s. High overhead, magnificent domes are sheathed in mosaics telling the story of the New Testament, but don’t miss the intricate pattern of marble and mosaic tile under your feet. Ahead of you is the famous altarpiece made by 10th-century Byzantine artisans who gilded it and decorated it with precious gems, some of which were subsequently stolen by Napoleon. The building, which exemplifies the city’s historic connection to Byzantium and the Eastern Mediterranean, was finished in the 11th century and incorporates the remnants of earlier churches. Golden glass-tiled mosaics line the interior walls and cupolas, giving the church its nickname, Church of Gold. It houses treasures collected by Venetians over the centuries. The relics of St. Mark, patron saint of the city, were stolen from Alexandria, and the Tetrarch, a group of four crowned figures, was looted from Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade. Every successful Venetian voyager returned with something to decorate the basilica—a frieze, a statue—and the result is one of the most stunning works of art and architecture in this amazing city.

Please note: It is not always possible to arrange an after-hours visit to St. Mark’s Basilica if religious functions or festivities are taking place in the evening, such as during the week of Easter. On such occasions, an alternative option will be arranged.

Hot pink, chartreuse, orange, lemon yellow—Burano’s brightly painted fishermen’s cottages are an artist’s dream. Burano is known for its lace-making tradition, handed down from mother to daughter since the first workshop was set up at the end of the 16th century. Stroll into town with your Cruise Manager just before dinner to appreciate this charming island when most of the tourists have left for the evening. While you’re here, you’ll visit a historic lace-making atelier to see some of their delicate work.

Settled before Venice was founded, Torcello was once the greatest, most populous city in the lagoon. Now, however, only a handful of people live there. Its centerpiece is the basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, the oldest church in the lagoon and a monument to Torcello's lost might. The doors open early for you, so you can see the stunning 11th-century mosaic of the Last Judgment without the crowds—and with expert commentary from your art historian guide.

Before we head back to the ship, relax with a cup of coffee at a serene little Osteria on the island.

Murano’s glassblowers are renowned for being amongst the best in the world—and how could they not be, with a tradition of craftsmanship dating back eight centuries? Watch a glass-master shape beautiful works of art in their Murano workshop. Before you leave, take some time to roam around the factory’s gallery to view works in a wide variety of styles—from tableware to sculptural, traditional to modern. You can even purchase some for yourself to bring a piece of Murano to your home.