Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, Milan, Venice & the Gems of Northern Italy 

Itinerary: Milan, Venice & the Gems of Northern Italy 
Sailing: Date: 01 July 2025
Ship: S.S. La Venezia
Author: Jen Pagett, Key Accounts Manager – Uniworld Boutique River Cruises                                              

When it comes to river cruising, Uniworld delivers an experience that’s as luxurious as it is immersive, and the Milan, Venice & the Gems of Northern Italy itinerary is no exception. Jen Pagett shares her firsthand journey through the Veneto region aboard S.S. La Venezia. From private access to iconic landmarks like Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica to savouring Bellinis while gliding through the Giudecca Canal, every moment feels like a masterpiece.

Pop open a bottle of Prosecco, sit back, and join Jen on a captivating journey:

1. The floating hotel – There was no doubt that we were in Italy. Every furnishing is handpicked to reflect the Italian style and immerse you in the Veneto region. I wanted to touch everything! Every silk lined hallway, every fabric in the lounge, the Venetian masks adorning the walls.. And with everything included, sometimes it feels hard to leave the ship.

2. The itinerary – If you said seven-nights in Venice… most would say that’s too long. But with this itinerary, there is just two full days in Venice, the rest of the time you are taken to Burano, Murano, Chioggia, Torcello and Vincenza. You get a taste of the whole Veneto region.

3. My stateroom – As is the nature of river cruising, the cabins are piccolo. However, they are so well thought out for storage! Travelling with a girlfriend, neither of us who packed lightly, I can still say that we were able to comfortably unpack and put our suitcases under the bed. Even with all our frocks!

4. Private opening of Doges Palace – The first morning, after a sumptuous breakfast, we were treated to a private opening of Doges Palace. Before the crowds arrive, we are broken into small groups of about 12 people to wander through and admire up close and without the crowds.

5. St Marks Basilica- My first trip to Venice years ago, I didn’t make it into the Basilica because of the four-hour long queue. This time, we were treated like rockstars and escorted to a side entrance once the Basilica had closed to the public for the day. Opened privately for Uniworld guests, we wandered in and witnessed a lighting ceremony of the domes followed by a viewing behind the alter and a special visit to the crypt below. It was a real bragging rights moment for me.

6. Sailing the Giudecca Canal – Sailing the canal, the Lido, and all over the lagoon meant we could see parts of Venice that tourists typically don’t. Not to mention all while sipping Bellinis on the top deck (the traditional drink of Venice) and over-indulging in mussels…

7. Burano – Known for its colourful houses and masses of tourists, it was a refreshing visit to be there both in the morning before the crowds, and in the evening after the tourists have left for the day. One local walked past our mini photoshoot, how rude!

8. Pizza night – As we watched the sunset magically, behind a mountain range in the very far distance, we enjoyed Antipasto and pizza cooked fresh by our chef on the top deck. Bellissimo!

9. The very best value – Fares on our seven-night itinerary start from $4,767 per person. Upon check-in, we weren’t even asked for a credit card because everything has already been taken care of in our fare. Dining, free flow premium drinks, all our onshore experiences and much more. Hard pressed to get an Aperol Spritz in Piazza San Marco for that!

10. Chioggia – Little Venice. A tiny version of Venice that we visited on market day, so it was as busy as the Rialto Bridge but entirely locals! We left the ship with our local guide to get the lay of the land and meandered back at our own pace.

11. My advice: Don’t wait for someone to ask for this. It’s something that is lesser known, and I think one of the Veneto’s best kept secrets. This is best recommended for those that want to unpack once, settle in, explore deeper and have an incredible value holiday.