From Renaissance-infused Mantua to the Canals of Venice

CroisiCruise: MAV

7 Days

From Mantua to Venice, enjoy a unique cruise through the heart of three Italian regions. Your trip starts with the region of Emilia-Romagna and its traditional cuisine: do not miss out on a tour of Parma and Cremona complete with a tasting of authentic cheese and ham! Lombardy welcomes you next with its breathtaking and varied panoramas. You’ll visit unique cities such as romantic Mantua and Cremona, Claudio Monteverdi’s and Stradivarius’s birthplace. Finally, the region of Veneto opens its doors and invites you to discover Venice, famous Saint Mark’s Square and Doge’s Palace, the official residence of Venetian dukes.

THE CROISIEUROPE DIFFERENCE

- All meals included - DRINKS INCLUDED with meals and at the bar
- Refined French cuisine - Gala dinner and evening - Welcome cocktail
- Free Wi-Fi in lounge and bar
- Headsets are included for excursions
- Official welcome from the captain and crew
- Onboard activities
- Travel assistance and repatriation insurance
- All port fees included
- Prepaid Classic Sightseeing package

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

- Unique itinerary: cruise through the heart of the Italian regions
- Coach transfer from Venice to Mantua on day 1 FREE OF CHARGE
- The region of Emilia-Romagna and its traditional cuisine

- Visit Fratelli Spigaroli(3). enjoy a tasting of Culatello ham and authentic Parmesan cheese
- The region of Lombardy, its breathtaking and varied panoramas

- Cremona: Claudio Monteverdi’s and Stradivarius’s birthplace
- Mantua: romantic city surrounded by lakes
- The region of Veneto, its treasures, arts and traditions

- Verona: the City of Love
- Padua: the home of Saine Anthony
- Venice: an abundance of history

- Itinerary Day 1: Venice - Mantua

You'll be transferred by coach from Venice to Mantua where you’ll board our ship at 6 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we’ll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. Enjoy a free evening to explore the city on your own. Day 2: Mantua

This morning, join us on an excursion for both packages: A guided tour of Mantua, where the House of Gonzaga ruled for almost 400 years. Although Mantua is not well known, it is one of the most artistically rich and romantic cities in northern Italy. We'll head downtown to see the imposing Ducal Palace (closed on Monday). The House of Gonzaga called the monumental complex home between 1328 and 1707. One of the most splendid rooms we'll visit is the Bridal Chamber decorated with a series of fresco and oil paintings by Andrea Mantegna. We'll then stroll to the historic city center to visit the Rotonda di San Lorenzo and the Basilica of Sant'Andrea.

You're free to do as you please in the afternoon. Or take an optional tour of the Ferrari Museum in Modena (not included in packages). Car lovers will not want to miss this chance! The museum focuses on the life and work of Enzo Ferrari, founder of the Ferrari sports car brand. Their website says it best: “The Museo Enzo Ferrari is more than just a museum. It is a spectacular immersive experience that combines a dizzying mix of unique ingredients. Visitors not only get to admire the stunning cars displayed in the futuristic 2,500 square metre main pavilion but are also treated to a spectacular audio-visual show to tell the magical story of Enzo Ferrari’s 90 years." Day 3: Mantua - Cremona - Valdaro

Join us for an excursion to Cremona (including lunch). A stroll through the historical center of Cremona reveals its hidden artistic and architectural treasures. Within the superb medieval square, we’ll take in the immensity of the duomo and tower, before visiting a violin-maker’s workshop. We’ll then head to Polesine Parmense and stop at Fratelli Spigaroli(3) to visit the cellars where they cure the famous Culatello ham and Parmigiana cheese.

(3) In case the cellars at Fratelli Spigaroli are closed, we’ll visit a similar site. Day 4: Valdaro - Verona - Ostiglia- Rovigo This morning's proposed excursions are: CLASSIC: Visit Verona and its amphitheater or the Giusti Gardens. Departing Rovigo, we'll head by coach to Verona, the City of Love made famous by Shakespeare's legendary tragedy Romeo and Juliet. We'll visit Juliet's House (Casa di Giulietta) to see the balcony where she stood when Romeo declared his love. Verona encapsulates 2,000 years of history from an architectural, urban, and artistic point of view. The amphitheater, the historic symbol of the city, is a fantastic example of its longevity and influence. (If the amphitheater is closed or during July and August, we'll visit the magnificent Giusti Gardens.) DISCOVERY: Verona through its gastro