Italy

Italy 2014 CRUISE COMPANION AND EXCURSION PLANNER

In the following pages, you will find these symbols to help guide you with the daily excursions. You will get an idea of the pace of the excursions; you will find out if meals are provided; and you will learn about any special excursions, such as wine tastings, museum visits, or music concerts.

UNIWORLD SIGNATURE ICONS

u y U b d e

Choice Is Yours Uniworld Exclusive Motorcoach Flight

m c v

i

UNESCO Site

G w f

CB/BB

Do as the Locals Do Go Active Wine/Beer Tasting Dining Out Continental/Buffet Breakfast

Embark/Disembark

L

Lunch

Museum

D

Dinner

Concert

WD

Welcome Gala Dinner

Village Day

FD

Farewell Gala Dinner

SHORE EXCURSION SYMBOLS

Welcome Thank you for selecting Uniworld River Cruises. We want to do everything we can to ensure you have the most enjoyable and worry-free vacation.

With that in mind, we have prepared this booklet for you, so you can plan your trip with the greatest of ease.

Consider it a guideline to help you get ready for your upcoming trip. It contains valuable tips and advice on what to pack, your flight and transfer experience, onboard information, day-to-day details, and much more.

We highly look forward to hosting you onboard our beautifully appointed ships and making your vacation the most memorable and enjoyable experience possible.

Sincerely, The Uniworld Team

All tours involve walking unless strictly noted as a panoramic tour. In many cases, the walking takes place over uneven ground, cobblestone, or flagstone walkways, and several tours involve stairs or short uphill climbs. Please wear comfortable, non-skid walking shoes while on all tours. These symbols give an idea of what to expect on each program.

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Easy walking

Includes walking of 15 minutes or less from multiple motorcoach stops to and around historical sights.

Possibly some steps, or gentle uphill and downhill walks.

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Intermediate walking Includes walks of up to two hours on uneven terrain.

Limited seating at sites. Multiple stairs and/or uphill/ downhill walking.

3

Strenuous walking Involves walking at all sites. Many stairs and uphill/ downhill passages. Those with physical limitations and those who may need private arrangements need to contact the Cruise Manager when onboard.

TOUR DURATION SYMBOLS Each tour varies in length. The darkened areas of the symbols indicate approximate tour duration.

4 6 COVER: Venice, Italy

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1/4 Day AM 1/2 Day AM

5 7

1/4 Day PM 1/2 Day PM

9 8

3/4 Day

Full Day

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ICONS and SYMBOLS

Icons and Symbols

TABLE of CONTENTS

Ice Machine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Helpful Hints Before You Go

Internet Facilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Travel Documents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Laundry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Passports Passenger Information Form Travel Protection

Cruise Documentation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Key Cards.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Local and Onboard Money Matters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 5

Lounges and Coffee Station.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Mail. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Final Documentation Includes

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Mooring and Docking Facilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Travel Essentials.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Quietvox. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Health and Mobility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Responsibility and Waiver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Baggage Limitations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Physical Limitations Medical Special Diets

Safety Deposit Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Shopping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

General Money Matters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 ATMs Credit Cards and Travelers Checks

Shore Excursions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Smoking.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Stateroom Amenities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Getting There

Sun Deck Access. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Airport Security and Check-In. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Visa Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Transfers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Visitors.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Airport Arrival Transfers Airport Departure Transfers Private Car Transfers Guests with Independent Arrangements Cruise-Only Guests Late Flight Arrivals/Missed Flights Baggage Delays

Included Post-Cruise Land Stay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Hotel Check-In/Hotel Check-Out. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Embarkation/Disembarkation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Embarkation Disembarkation

Water. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Weather. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 What to Wear. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Omissions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Frequently Asked Questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

SHORE EXCURSIONS

Splendors of Northern Italy, Venice, Florence & Rome

About Your Uniworld Cruise Package and Onboard and Onshore Services

Venice to Rome | 13 Days.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Dining. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Venice to Venice | 8 Days. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Venice & the Gems of Northern Italy 42

Elevators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Fitness Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Front Desk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Gift Shop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Go Active. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Gratuities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Health and Hygiene. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

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Passenger Information Form: By now, you should have completed the Uniworld Passenger Information Form. The information on this form is used to comply with certain foreign government and airline security restrictions in advance of your arrival onboard our ships.

If you have completed this form, we thank you for your prompt attention. If you have not completed this form, please visit our website at uniworld.com and complete the online Passenger Information Form in the “Before You Go” section. Each guest must complete the form.

CRUISE DOCUMENTATION Uniworld sends all final cruise and air documents between 21 and 30 days prior to your trip departure, provided that Uniworld has received a completed Passenger Information Form and your booking is paid in full. All documents are sent via a priority mail delivery service, such as UPS or Federal Express.

Final Documentation Includes:

Cruise Companion Helpful Hints Before You Go TRAVEL DOCUMENTS Passports: All Uniworld river cruise/tours require a passport. Passports must be valid for six months after the scheduled return date from the trip. Some itineraries will require visas. Each guest is fully responsible for obtaining and carrying the travel documents necessary for his or her travel itinerary. Uniworld will not be responsible for any delays, damages, and/or losses, including missed portions of your trip, related to improper travel documents.

Visa requirements on this itinerary for US and Canadian citizens can be found at the end of this booklet, in the section marked “About Your Uniworld Cruise Package,” or on the Uniworld website, uniworld.com, in the “Before You Go” section. Non-US or non-Canadian citizens must contact the appropriate consular office for entry requirements pertaining to their particular trip.

Uniworld’s website provides information on obtaining the required visas as a courtesy only.

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Cruise Ticket or Cruise/Tour Ticket for the cruise/ land program Passenger Ticket Contract (which is legally binding between Uniworld and each guest) Airline Tickets or E-Ticket Confirmation (if international air ticket was purchased from Uniworld) Cruise Companion Baggage Tags Leave-Behind Communication Card Travel Protection Plan Pamphlet (if Uniworld travel protection was purchased)

BAGGAGE LIMITATIONS Airline baggage restrictions change frequently and each guest needs to check with their specific air carrier for limitations concerning baggage weight, baggage size, carry-on regulations, and excess baggage or overweight charges. This information can be found on the carrier’s website or on Uniworld’s website at uniworld.com/baggage. Remember to check for both international (over the water) and domestic (intracontinental) regulations, as limitations differ depending on flight routings. Overweight or excess

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Travel Protection: Uniworld strongly recommends that each guest purchase a Travel Protection Plan. Please carry all policy information with you during the course of your trip.

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right to refuse passage or to require a current passenger to end his or her trip if the passenger’s state of health or physical condition may affect his or her own health, safety, and enjoyment, or that of other passengers.

Onboard the ship and motorcoaches, storage space is very limited. Therefore, for your comfort and convenience on the cruise as well as on the post-cruise land stay, we ask that you bring one (1) suitcase per person and one (1) carry-on bag per person (excluding purses). Please note there may be a fee assessed onsite for excess baggage.

Medical: Uniworld does not employ staff nurses or doctors onboard its ships. Nor can the onboard gift shop carry medications that are sold over the counter in the US and other countries because most European nations allow the sale of medications by licensed pharmacies only. Should you require medical attention, you will need to obtain it at local facilities at your own expense. Uniworld is not responsible for any costs incurred as a result of medical service, or for the quality of medical care received. A Travel Protection Plan covering medical expenses is highly recommended.

Keep an eye on your baggage and all personal belongings—they are your responsibility throughout the trip. Uniworld is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to baggage and personal belongings. A Travel Protection Plan covering lost, stolen, or damaged baggage is highly recommended.

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS The following items are essential to any destination: comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, an umbrella, and a lightweight raincoat or outerwear garment appropriate to the seasonal weather conditions. It is recommended that you bring duplicates of prescription eyewear, copies of prescriptions for any medicine, copies of credit card information, and copies of passport information pages. Make sure that your baggage has identification tags both inside and outside with your contact information and address clearly marked. Do not pack valuables or important medication in your checked baggage. You should carry any valuables and important medication with you in your carry-on baggage. Please contact your air carrier for any additional regulations.

HEALTH AND MOBILITY Physical Limitations: Uniworld trips are exciting, relatively active vacations. While there will be plenty of time to relax, there will also be much to see and do. Your included excursions generally require an extensive amount of walking, as well as the navigation of numerous steps and cobblestone streets. On shore excursions, guests with physical limitations will find access to sites generally restricted. For your safety and enjoyment, we recommend that all guests be in good physical condition. In addition, river ships, while spacious and elegant, are not in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and most do not have elevators. Uniworld, at its sole discretion, reserves the

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Special Diets: Please advise us in advance of your departure of any special dietary restrictions. This information will be provided to the proper personnel.

To the extent possible, and in consideration of local conditions, every effort will be made to accommodate your needs. It is the guest’s responsibility to provide us with as much detail as necessary concerning any medically related diet concerns. Not all dietary requests can be accommodated, and we appreciate your understanding in this matter.

GENERAL MONEY MATTERS ATMs: ATMs connected to bank networks such as PLUS or Cirrus are widely available in most major metropolitan areas in airports, city centers, and some hotels. Fees for transactions vary. ATMs are not available onboard the ships. Your bank can tell you which network your ATM card can access, and whether a debit or credit card must be used. Make sure you have the correct PIN for the card you plan to use before leaving home, as the PIN is required for all money withdrawals. It is also recommended that you bring an overseas contact number for your bank or credit card company in case you require assistance while traveling.

Credit Cards and Travelers Checks: Most major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, and American Express) are accepted worldwide. Credit cards are also accepted onboard.

There may be some stores or locations where cash is preferred (especially for small purchases) or where a particular credit card cannot be used for purchases.

We recommend bringing at least one major credit card, as well as an ATM card that is both a debit and

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baggage charges vary, and guests who exceed an airline’s recommended limit may be asked by the airline to pay fees ranging from $25 to $80 US dollars (USD), or possibly more, per infraction.

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In accordance with Uniworld’s transfer guidelines, all guests making their own flight arrangements are required to provide Uniworld with their flight information and pre-trip arrangements no later than 45 days prior to departure in order to receive transfers. For complete details, please see the Terms and Conditions section of our current brochure or our website, uniworld.com.

Please contact your bank and/or credit card companies to let them know that you will be leaving the country to avoid any problems using your credit or debit cards overseas.

If your cruise or cruise/tour package does not contain transfers (i.e., for flights outside Uniworld’s transfer guidelines or if flight details have not been communicated to Uniworld in time), then please make your way to the ship as per your trip itinerary at your own expense.

Please note: € = Euro

Getting There AIRPORT SECURITY AND CHECK-IN It is advisable to contact the airline in advance of your departure to verify that there have been no changes to the flight number or schedule found on your travel documents. After your travel documents are issued and sent to you, Uniworld is not responsible for notifying guests of any changes in flight schedules.

Please make sure you arrive at the airport at least twoand-a-half (2.5) hours prior to your scheduled departure to complete check-in and security procedures. For peak travel times, you may even want to arrive three (3) hours prior to your scheduled departure time.

TRANSFERS Airport Arrival Transfers: If your cruise or cruise/ tour package includes a group arrival transfer (and your flights coincide with our transfer guidelines and have been communicated to Uniworld), or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer from Uniworld, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship. Transfers are only provided on the actual start day of the cruise or cruise/tour. You will be met as you exit the secure customs area. Please claim all of your baggage before exiting the baggage claim area. Porterage services are not included at the airport.

From the airport, you’ll be transferred to the ship.

Please note that transfers are non-refundable. There may be a waiting period for scheduled airport transfers, depending on groupings of flight arrivals. This wait can be up to two (2) hours. Uniworld will not be responsible for late arrivals or missed transfers due to delayed, changed, canceled, or missed flights; for missed cruise/ trip days; or for extra costs resulting from delayed, changed, canceled, or missed flights.

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Airport Departure Transfers: If your cruise or cruise/ tour package includes a group departure transfer (and your flights coincide with our transfer guidelines and have been communicated to Uniworld), or if you have purchased a private departure transfer from Uniworld, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

Transfers are only provided on the actual end day of the cruise or cruise/tour. Porterage services are not included at the airport.

In accordance with Uniworld’s transfer guidelines, all guests making their own flight arrangements are required to provide Uniworld with their flight information and pre-trip arrangements no later than 45 days prior to departure in order to receive transfers. For complete details, please see the Terms and Conditions section of our current brochure or our website, uniworld.com.

Depending on departure transfer times, transfers may include sightseeing en route.

Guests who have purchased extra nights with the Uniworld hotel stay in Rome on the “Splendors of Northern Italy, Venice, Florence & Rome” program will be provided private transfers to the airport in Rome as part of the extra night purchase, as long as Uniworld has received their flight information no later than 45 days prior to departure.

If your cruise or cruise/tour package does not contain transfers (i.e., for flights outside Uniworld’s transfer guidelines or if flight details have not been communicated to Uniworld in time), then please make your way from the ship or hotel as per your trip itinerary at your own expense.

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credit card. We do not recommend bringing Travelers Checks, as it is becoming increasingly difficult to cash them at local banks. Also, we recommend that you do not carry euro bills in denominations greater than €100, as many merchants are hesitant to accept them due to counterfeiting. Local banks can break larger bills into smaller denominations for you.

Private Car Transfers: Guests who make independent flight arrangements and arrive outside Uniworld’s transfer guidelines can purchase private car transfers from Uniworld at an additional cost. Private car transfers are only available on the cruise or cruise/tour start and end dates.

Guests with Independent Arrangements: For guests who are making their own way to the ship and who are not using Uniworld’s transfer options, we strongly suggest that you call the ship to determine its exact location before proceeding to the dock. The ship’s telephone number will be shown on your Cruise Ticket.

Docking assignments for river cruise vessels can change at the last minute, and the information provided on your Cruise Ticket about the expected docking location could be incorrect on your day of arrival. It is not possible for Uniworld to notify guests making their own way to the ship of any last-minute changes.

Cruise-Only Guests: Cruise-only guests may join Uniworld’s group transfers or may purchase private transfers for the cruise or cruise/tour start and end dates. However, independent flight arrangements must be made in accordance with Uniworld’s transfer guidelines, which are coordinated with the ship’s required time of embarkation and disembarkation for all guests and must be provided to Uniworld no later than 45 days prior to departure.

Late Flight Arrivals/Missed Flights: If your package includes a Uniworld arrival transfer and you experience a travel delay of any kind, please adhere to the following instructions: Advise an airline representative at the airport that you are a cruise passenger set to sail that day or the following day. Typically, airlines are able to arrange alternative flights for passengers to continue with their travel to the point of embarkation.

If your delay is serious enough that you miss the starting point of your cruise, you will need to get to the next stop on the ship’s itinerary at your own expense.

Using the ship’s phone number shown on your Cruise Ticket, please contact the ship for its exact location on your revised date of arrival. The ship’s personnel will advise you on the best course of action. Uniworld is not responsible for missed transfers or additional costs incurred in getting to the next destination due to missed or delayed flight arrangements.

Baggage Delays: Baggage delays do unfortunately occur from time to time, especially during peak travel periods. First and foremost, do not leave the baggage area without completing a Lost Baggage Report with your air carrier. This report is essential to the tracking of your claim. If traveling with a companion, we recommend that one (1) person exit the baggage claim area and locate the transfer representative to inform him or her of the situation. This will allow the representative to ensure that transfers are properly provided. Give the air carrier a copy of your travel itinerary and the ship’s contact information. Report your lost baggage to the Uniworld representative and provide your Uniworld Cruise Manager with a copy of your Lost Baggage Report. This will assist our staff in helping to locate your baggage as quickly as possible.

Uniworld is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to baggage and/or personal belongings. A protection plan covering lost, stolen, or damaged baggage is available through the Uniworld Travel Protection Plan.

Upon arrival in the cruise or tour start city, after you have cleared customs, look for the Uniworld representative outside the customs area. If your flight arrangements were drastically altered, it is unlikely that the ground staff will be notified of your specific flight changes in time. And, due to security protocols enacted post September 11, 2001, airlines very rarely provide updated flight information to third parties.

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Please ask your preferred Travel Professional or Uniworld for details. In some locations, private transfers are not available due to the distance between the airport arrival city and the port of embarkation and disembarkation.

If you cannot find the Uniworld representative, please contact the Transfer Provider in your arrival city. Their contact information is shown in the transfer section of your Cruise Ticket. If unable to match you up with a scheduled group transfer, the Transfer Provider will ask you to make your way to the ship at your own expense. Costs incurred due to missed transfers are the responsibility of the guest, and in most cases, compensation can be obtained from your Travel Protection Plan provider or airline carrier.

All Uniworld land programs are fully hosted and include daily breakfast, transfers, and porterage (at hotels only).

Most feature at least one (1) special sightseeing program.

Guests on an included post-cruise land stay will receive their briefing onboard, and the local host or Cruise/Tour Manager will be on hand during your stay to provide information and assistance. This briefing will familiarize you with the scheduled program and provide additional information about excursions, dining recommendations, shopping tips, and more. Details of your post-cruise land stay are included with your final documents.

HOTEL CHECK-IN/HOTEL CHECK-OUT Please note that every effort is made to ensure that your hotel room is available and ready for occupancy upon your arrival at the hotel. This is not always possible due to differences in hotel check-in/check-out times and scheduled ship-to-hotel transfers.

Most hotels do not allow check-in earlier than 2:00 pm. If you arrive at the hotel before 2:00 pm, you may need to wait until the room becomes available. Hotel check-out must be no later than 12:00 pm.

EMBARKATION/DISEMBARKATION Embarkation: If sailing time is 8:00 pm or later, guests are to embark no later than 6:00 pm. If sailing time is scheduled between 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm, guests are to embark no later than two (2) hours prior to the scheduled sailing time. The ship will overnight in Venice on embarkation day.

On embarkation day, the ship is being cleaned and prepared for your arrival. Most of the ship’s facilities, including your stateroom, will not be available before 3:00 pm. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Should you arrive at the ship earlier than 3:00 pm, you may leave your baggage at the Front Desk and take a walk in the area or relax in the lounge.

Please keep your hand baggage with you at all times.

Complimentary coffee, water, and light snacks will be available in the lounge for your enjoyment.

Disembarkation: About two (2) evenings before your departure from the ship, your Cruise Manager will brief all guests about what to expect on the morning of disembarkation and what time to have baggage available for pick-up; your Cruise Manager will also distribute any documentation necessary to make your departure as smooth as possible.

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All guests must vacate their staterooms no later than 8:00 am the day of disembarkation so the staff and crew can prepare for the next group of guests. Breakfast hours are coordinated around airport transfer times, which, in some cases, can be very early in the morning.

It is not unusual in some destinations to have airport transfers as early as 4:00 am. In such cases, we will provide guests with coffee, tea, juices, and pastries from our 24-hour coffee station.

About Your Uniworld Cruise Package and Onboard and Onshore Services DINING Your ship’s onboard restaurant provides a relaxed environment and accommodates all guests with open seating. It offers both local and international cuisine. Breakfast and lunch are sumptuous buffets, while evenings feature specialties of the chef and regional dishes.

All beverages are included (excluding premium wine and premium spirits) for the cruise portion of your trip.

In addition, al fresco dining may be available on the Sun Deck on scheduled nights, weather permitting.

Reservations are necessary as space is limited.

Reservations can only be made onboard the ship.

All meal times are scheduled around tour departures, and breakfast can take place very early in the morning.

Please notify Uniworld immediately if you have any special dietary concerns or considerations that need to be taken into account while traveling with us.

We will do our best to ensure that your request is accommodated, but we cannot guarantee that every request can be met in all cases.

ELEVATORS The River Countess is equipped with an elevator that services all decks except the Sun Deck. There is also a chair lift available to aid in accessing the Sun Deck.

FITNESS CENTER The Fitness Center hours of operation are generally from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, but may be adjusted based on each day’s program. Use of the fitness equipment is at your own risk.

FRONT DESK The Front Desk operates 24 hours a day. The Night Receptionist will make hourly safety checks of the ship.

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INCLUDED POST-CRUISE LAND STAY (SPLENDORS OF NORTHERN ITALY PROGRAM ONLY)

GIFT SHOP

INTERNET FACILITIES

There is a gift shop onboard with a limited selection of toiletries, souvenirs, and other sundries. All purchases are charged to your shipboard account. The hours of operation are adjusted to each day’s program.

Our Internet Corner allows you to send and receive emails and to access the Internet using our computer stations. In addition, you may use your own laptop computer to access our Wireless Internet Service (Wi-Fi). Wi-Fi access is only available in the Main Lounge and Captain’s Lounge. Use of the Internet Corner and Wi-Fi service is complimentary.

Please note: No over-the-counter medications are available, in accordance with European laws.

Complimentary bicycles and Nordic walking sticks are available for your onshore enjoyment during the cruise portion of your stay. Bicycle and walking paths are easily accessible from some of the ports of call.

Your Cruise Manager can offer recommendations.

The bicycles and walking sticks can only be reserved through the Front Desk one (1) day in advance of the time you wish to use them (or on the day of, if available). The number of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks available is limited and their use is solely at your own risk. You must sign a release form prior to using bicycles or Nordic walking sticks.

GRATUITIES All tips and gratuities are included during the cruise portion of your trip as well as on the post-cruise land portion of the “Splendors of Northern Italy, Venice, Florence & Rome” program.

HEALTH AND HYGIENE As part of our commitment to a clean, safe, and healthy onboard environment, Uniworld practices a strict sanitization protocol on our ships. To assist us in this important matter, we kindly ask all guests to frequently wash their hands and to consistently use the hand-sanitizer machines when entering the ship and when entering the restaurant. The machines are located just inside the main entrance to the ship and at the entrance to the restaurant. We thank you in advance for your cooperation in this very important matter.

ICE MACHINE For your convenience, a self-service ice machine is located on the ship, and an ice bucket is provided in your stateroom.

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Please note: The Internet connection might not be available in remote areas or when transiting locks. Expect the connectivity speed to be slower than your home connection.

KEY CARDS A magnetic key card will be issued to each guest at the time of check-in. The key card can be used to open your stateroom as well as the main entrance to the ship.

LAUNDRY A launderette containing a self-service washing machine, dryer, and iron is available for your use (detergent is available for a minimal fee at the Front Desk). There are no dry cleaning facilities. The ship also provides washing, drying, and ironing services for a fee.

LOCAL AND ONBOARD MONEY MATTERS Currency in Italy is the euro. The euro comes in banknote denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500. One euro is divided into 100 cents, and coin denominations are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents or 1 euro and 2 euros.

Uniworld features a “cashless” environment onboard, and all charges are billed directly to each guest’s shipboard account. The onboard currency of our ships is the euro. While onboard, guests can sign for all purchases, and pay their balance at the end of the cruise with a credit card, including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Credit cards will be charged in euros.

Please check with your bank before departing home.

Alternatively, if paying by cash, the currency accepted on-board for settlement of final bills is the euro or US dollar (total amount will be converted into US dollars based on the onboard exchange rate).

The ships do not have ATMs, but ATMs linked to major bank networks can be found throughout Europe.

Most debit or major credit cards can be used for cash withdrawals ashore. Limited currency exchange is available onboard for the exchange of cash only. Credit cards cannot be accepted for money exchange. All hotels and major tourist sites have exchange facilities.

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GO ACTIVE

Please note that currency-exchange transactions and ATM cash withdrawals always involve transaction fees. It is always best to inquire about the fee before exchanging any money. ATMs will typically ask you if you accept the fee before enabling the transaction.

The Il Castillo Lounge provides spectacular, expansive views at every turn. Relax in the comfort of soft chairs and sofas upholstered in fine fabrics and leathers. Enjoy our full-service bar and dance the night away to the music provided by our onboard pianist.

The intimate Captain’s Lounge provides a delightful atmosphere in which to read a book from our library or to play cards or games.

The coffee station offers a casual atmosphere with comfortable chairs and tables. Complimentary coffee and tea are available here 24 hours a day.

You’ll find a pleasant, glass-enclosed Sky Lounge complete with tables and chairs on the Sun Deck of the River Countess. Here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the river while being completely sheltered from the elements.

MAIL Stamps are available for purchase at the Front Desk.

Mail is posted daily unless local mail facilities are not available. Uniworld is not responsible for mail that is not properly delivered to the addressee by the postal service.

MOORING AND DOCKING FACILITIES Local river authorities allocate docking space around ship arrivals and departures in port. Typically, river ships dock facing upstream. Occasionally port conditions require ships to tie up alongside each other, in which case guests may be required to walk through another ship to access their own ship. This is part of the river cruise experience and is perfectly normal and beyond the control of Uniworld. Guests may experience obstructed views from staterooms when the ship is docked.

QUIETVOX Uniworld is proud to use Quietvox portable audio headset system on shore tours, so that you will always be able to hear your local expert’s commentary with ease and comfort. The Quietvox system can be used with hearing aids that are compatible with a telecoil induction loop. All you need to do is to replace the regular Quietvox earpiece with the telecoil, which we

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RESPONSIBILITY AND WAIVER The passenger accepts the terms and conditions of the Passenger Ticket Contract when participating in any organized shore excursion/tour that is provided

by Uniworld. Participation in some shore excursions or tours may also be subject to an independent operator’s own Terms and Conditions.

SAFETY DEPOSIT BOX Each stateroom onboard and hotel room onshore comes equipped with a safe. We urge you to leave valuable jewelry at home. We are not responsible for any valuables left in your stateroom. Any charge to return “lost and found” property onboard will be at the owner’s expense. Please beware of pickpockets when ashore.

SHOPPING Time for shopping is usually allowed for within the framework of most of the sightseeing programs. Actual time available for shopping may be limited due to tour constraints.

Keep in mind that many shops in Europe may be closed on Sundays and holidays. Shopping recommendations can be made by your Cruise/Tour Manager and shipboard staff. Larger stores accept most major credit cards.

Market vendors and small stores will usually only accept local currency. It is a good idea to take a small amount of cash for on-the-spot gratuities or for purchasing souvenirs or sundries.

SHORE EXCURSIONS Each cruise or cruise/tour program includes comprehensive shore excursions led by a local Englishspeaking expert; these excursions have been designed to provide you with the best possible experience ashore.

From time to time, we also offer optional excursions designed to enhance the range of sightseeing already included in your cruise program. These optional excursions are available for purchase when you are onboard the ship. Your Cruise/Tour Manager will provide details about the reservation process at your Welcome Briefing. All tours purchased onboard are billed to your

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LOUNGES AND COFFEE STATION

provide onboard the ship. Please keep in mind that connection to the local expert’s transmitter takes about 40 seconds, so if you do not hear the guide straight away, please be patient. We have a limited number of telecoil induction loops available onboard, so please inquire with the Cruise/Tour Manager once you are on the ship.

shipboard account and can be paid when settling your final bill. Optional excursions are subject to cancellation if a minimum number of participants is not met.

A complete day-by-day shore excursion itinerary is provided in this booklet. Details of your particular itinerary can also be found at uniworld.com.

SMOKING The ship enjoys a non-smoking environment in all public areas and in the staterooms. Smoking is only allowed on designated parts of the Sun Deck, which are marked on the deck plan in your room directory.

STATEROOM AMENITIES Every riverview stateroom includes an individual thermostat for air-conditioning and/or heat, a flatscreen TV, an internal telephone, a safety deposit box, a bathroom stocked with L’Occitane bath and body products, a luxurious bathrobe for each guest, complimentary bottled water, a hair dryer, and an umbrella. Electrical current is 220V, the European standard; however, each stateroom has one 110V outlet.

The majority of staterooms have hotel beds that can be positioned separately or together. Your stateroom will be serviced by your Stateroom Attendant on a daily basis. Security and maintenance checks may also be performed.

SUN DECK ACCESS For safety reasons, access to the Sun Deck or Sky Lounge may be limited during the sailing on the Po River, while passing through areas with low bridges, and during inclement weather.

VISA REQUIREMENTS No visas are required for US or Canadian citizens on the itineraries shown in this book. Non-US or non-Canadian citizens must contact an Italian Consulate for their specific requirements. More information for US citizens and Canadian citizens can also be found at uniworld. com in the “Before You Go” section.

Obtaining and carrying the proper documents, including passports, is solely the responsibility of the guest.

Uniworld will not be responsible for any delays, damages, and/or losses, including missed portions of your cruise

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Whenever using a visa service, it is highly recommended that you provide the service with a copy of your entire travel itinerary. There are times when multiple-entry visas may be required or when there may be restrictions to entering one country from another depending on your nationality. If the service does not have your full itinerary, this may result in improperly issued documentation.

VISITORS Visitors are generally not permitted onboard the ship and are not allowed to join any shore excursions.

Please make arrangements to meet your friends and relatives onshore.

WATER The ship has been outfitted with a sophisticated filtration system, and the tap water in each stateroom is safe for drinking. In addition, bottled water is provided in your stateroom for your comfort.

WEATHER Today, weather forecasts are widely available at the click of a button on the Internet. Uniworld’s favorite resource for up-to-the-minute international weather information is weather.com. Weather.com features a very informative vacation-planner tool that you may find useful.

WHAT TO WEAR Prepare for a variety of weather conditions, depending on your travel season and the regions you will be cruising through. Layering clothing items is always your best bet, as this allows you to adjust to any temperature, including artificially maintained temperatures, by removing or adding items throughout the day.

Comfortable, sporty, smart-casual daywear is appropriate both onshore and onboard. Everyday slacks, khakis, walking shorts, and everyday skirts/ dresses are recommended. For warmer temperatures, we suggest lightweight clothing that can be layered, such as a mix of sweaters, lightweight knit shirts, slacks, and walking shorts. For early spring and late fall departures, you’ll find sweatshirts, heavier cotton or wool tops and long-sleeved shirts, and corduroy or heavy khaki pants perfectly suitable. Mix-and-match color schemes work best to help keep baggage light.

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All ground transportation is provided by our spacious, luxury motorcoaches. With no more than 40 guests per coach and enhanced seating (with plenty of legroom), our extra-comfortable motorcoaches will ensure you are as at ease onshore as you are onboard.

or cruise/tour, that are related to improper travel documentation. All guests are strongly advised to obtain necessary visas well in advance to avoid unnecessary expedited processing charges.

You will participate in a significant amount of walking over uneven terrain during your time ashore. We recommend comfortable walking shoes with good ankle support. Sturdy sandals are another good option.

Don’t forget to pack a lightweight, waterproof jacket (preferably hooded) or even a heavier-weight windbreaker for colder temperatures.

OMISSIONS Uniworld is not responsible for omissions or printing and/or presentation errors in brochures, on Internet sites, or in any other media where such information may be presented; we reserve the right to make corrections as required.

What about the weather?

Prepare for a variety of weather conditions depending on your travel season and the river on which you will be cruising. Layering clothing items is always your best bet, as this allows each person to adjust to any temperature, including artificially maintained temperatures, by removing or adding items throughout the day.

What should I wear ashore?

Comfortable, sporty, smart-casual daywear is appropriate both onshore and onboard. For holiday season departures, you’ll find that coats, sweatshirts, heavier cotton or wool tops and long-sleeved shirts, and corduroy or heavy khaki pants are perfectly suitable.

You will do a significant amount of walking over uneven terrain during your time ashore. We recommend comfortable walking shoes with good ankle support.

Don’t forget to pack a waterproof jacket (preferably hooded) or even a heavier-weight coat for colder temperatures.

I have concerns about my physical ability. What do I do?

Guests with mobility concerns need to discuss their concerns with Uniworld staff in advance of their departure. Guests requiring the use of a mobility device, such as a wheelchair, motorized scooter, or walker, may not be able to participate in many shore excursions or use such devices onboard the ships. Also, guests who may be limited in their ability to walk long distances may also have difficulties, as there is often uneven terrain on many shore excursions.

How accurate are the shore excursion/tour descriptions?

Uniworld does everything possible to ensure that shore excursions are performed as promoted and as outlined in the subsequent pages. In certain circumstances, or for reasons beyond the control of Uniworld, it may not be possible or practical for the excursion to be performed exactly as written. The decision not to operate, to alter the operation, change content, and/or otherwise adjust or modify any element of the excursion as advertised is at the sole discretion of Uniworld, always taking into account the safety and best interests of the guests, and the overall product delivery. Any such modifications to excursions will not result in eligibility for a refund.

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For evenings, any resort-type wear is perfectly suitable; however, we do ask that you not wear shorts to dinner.

Men may want to bring one sport jacket for dressier restaurant venues and for special events onboard such as the Captain’s Welcome and Farewell festivities. Women find that a cocktail dress or two always comes in handy no matter the destination.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Does each motorcoach or walking group have its own tour guide?

You can count on the value of Uniworld’s experience and regional knowledge to make sure you enjoy your cruise/tour even when conditions beyond our control occur. The very nature of a river, its sources and networks of bridges and locks, means that there will be times when weather or other conditions in a region require Uniworld to make adjustments and modifications to the operation of an itinerary. Itineraries may need to be altered specifically because of water levels. Although every effort is made to keep itineraries as advertised, Uniworld reserves the right to make changes and substitutions as may be necessary to ensure the safety of our guests and the vessels. Time permitting, every possible effort will be made to alert guests in advance of boarding of any known changes.

Otherwise, all guests will be informed onboard of changes and amendments. Any changes to itineraries, including the addition of extensive motorcoach touring to affect delivery of the intended itinerary operation, will not result in eligibility for a refund.

Yes. Each motorcoach or walking group has its own English-speaking local tour guide. Uniworld tries very hard to ensure that our guides are of the highest quality and are well-versed in their subjects, making sure that you have the best possible time ashore.

What time will excursions depart?

All shore excursions are carefully coordinated to the ship’s daily schedule. During the daily port talk, your Cruise Manager will brief all guests about what activities will take place the next day. This briefing includes information about departure times, specifics about the shore excursions/tours not covered in this booklet, suggested shopping and restaurant recommendations, and other important information about the port of call. In addition to the briefing, a daily program will be distributed to each guest’s stateroom every evening.

This program provides a written overview of all events taking place the next day—whether onboard or ashore.

What is the transportation like on excursions?

Uniworld works with some of the world’s best tour companies, all of which are chosen with our exacting standards in mind. To ensure your maximum enjoyment of each excursion, all motorcoaches seat no more than 40 people and are air-conditioned whenever possible.

There are a few destinations where the equipment may not be of a similar standard and, in such cases, the best possible transportation will be arranged. Rest stops will be provided throughout the course of the excursions, as not all of the motorcoaches used for excursions have onboard toilets.

Is smoking allowed on shore excursions/tours?

Smoking is not allowed while on the motorcoach, and many historical venues now request that visitors not smoke anywhere on site. We ask all our guests who smoke not to do so while on excursions/tours.

How can I book the optional excursions listed in the booklet?

Reservations and bookings for the optional excursions on your cruise can be made directly with your Cruise/ Tour Manager onboard the ship. Charges for optional excursions will be added to your onboard account. We cannot accept cash payments for optional excursions.

A briefing will be held the day prior to go over any information you may need to make an informed purchase decision. Operation of optional excursions is subject to a minimum number of participants. No refunds are available for any optional excursions canceled by the guest within 24 hours of the start of the excursion, or if the excursion was pre-purchased.

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Can the itinerary change? What happens if it does change?

SLOVENIA Po Riv er

Verona

Padua Venice Chioggia

7-NIGHT CRUISE

Polesella Ferrara Bologna

FRANCE

CROATIA

Taglio di Po Ravenna

Ligurian Sea

Florence

2

Adriatic Sea

ITALY

Corsica

3

#

NIGHTS ONSHORE

LAND

Rome

CRUISE

UNESCO SITE

Splendors of Northern Italy, Venice, Florence & Rome Venice to Rome | 13 Days

The greatest treasures of Venice, Florence, and Rome await you on this unforgettable journey Sun-drenched vineyards, Venetian canals, the majestic Colosseum, and Michelangelo’s David: Italy offers something for everyone.

Experience the many wonders of Venice and explore the art and culture of Bologna, Ravenna, Padua, and Verona— all from the luxurious base of the River Countess. Then leave Northern Italy for Florence and see astonishing works by Michelangelo, Raphael, Donatello, and Botticelli.

Visit a romantic wine estate in Tuscany on your way south to Rome, where you’ll find matchless gems of art and architecture. There is no place on earth like Italy.

Epicurean Adventurer Program™ Pasta-making workshop in Bologna Wine tasting and lunch at Castello Verrazzano Italian-dessert-making demonstration and tasting Special food-and-wine-pairing dinner UNIWORLD.COM

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Venice

b e | D

Arrive at Venice Marco Polo International Airport. If your cruise/tour package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship. Your Italian adventure begins immediately with a private boat ride to Arti Veneziane alla Giudecca, a local arts center. It’s hard to decide which is more famous: Venetian glass, lace, or masks. Here, you can see all three being created.

DAY

u | BB L WD

Hoping to escape marauding Huns, Goths, and Vandals as the Roman Empire collapsed in the fifth century, refugees built a little settlement they called Venice on tiny islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. By the 12th century, Venice was the wealthiest and most powerful city-state in Europe, controlling the Mediterranean and all European trade with the East. Its merchantaristocrats lavished their wealth on palaces and churches, art and music, creating a city that is truly like no other. Now, seawater laps at the foot of thousandyear-old houses—and sometimes rises above the doorsteps—but the glorious palaces and romantic canals enchant visitors just as they have for centuries. Venice has no need to designate a pedestrians-only historic district: no cars are permitted within the island city, so all transportation is by foot or water. Today you begin your exploration of this peerless city—on foot, of course.

Featured Excursion:

Walking discovery of Venice

6 2

Stroll from your ship through the historic Sestiere di Castello (Venice is divided into six sestieri, or districts) for a glimpse of daily Venetian life: clothes flap from lines strung over tiny canals; kids kick soccer balls along cobbled alleys; and you’ll even hear the murmur of the soft Venetian dialect as you pass under the windows of 800-year-old homes. The Castello district dates to the 13th century; it’s home to the Arsenale, where Venice’s ships were once built (Venetians boasted that they could build a complete ship in a single day) and where the famous Biennale art exhibition now takes place. Your guide will take you to the vast Piazza San Marco, perhaps the most famous plaza in Italy, and the Palazzo Ducale (Doges’ Palace), where all of the city’s official business took place. Venetians elected their first doge, or duke, in

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Spend the afternoon exploring on your own. In addition to its already 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), who taught music to the daughters of Venetian noblemen; and 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.

Or you could join us for an exciting optional visit to the Scuola Grande di San Rocco and the Frari Church.

Featured Excursion:

Exclusive special evening opening of St. Mark’s Basilica 7 2 U The fanciful domes and spires of St. Mark’s Basilica are an iconic image of the city, and this evening the doors of this icon open especially for you so you can see the glorious church in the evening light—without the crowds. The existing 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; gold glass-tile mosaics line the interior walls and cupolas, giving the church its nickname, Chiesa d’Oro (Church of Gold). It houses treasures collected—one way or another—by Venetians over the centuries: the relics of St. Mark, patron saint of the city, were stolen from Notes:

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Venice

697 AD and began building the palace around 800 AD. The palace complex, as it exists now, mostly dates to the 14th and 15th centuries, and it brims with artistic gems, including Tintoretto’s wall-sized Paradise and works by Veronese, Tiepolo, and Titian. Justice—and sometimes injustice, for Venice was a supremely political city—was meted out in the palace, and those convicted of crimes were led across the Bridge of Sighs to prison. You can follow their footsteps and catch a glimpse of some of the graffiti still preserved on the cell walls. Your tour ends at the Rialto, the famous 16thcentury stone bridge spanning the Grand Canal (and the oldest part of the city).

Alexandria and the Tetrarch, a group of four crowned figures, was looted from Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade. But every successful Venetian voyager returned with something to decorate the basilica— a frieze, a statue—and the result is one of the most amazing works of art and architecture in this amazing city. It’s almost impossible not to gaze heavenward as you enter. High overhead, magnificent domes are sheathed in mosaics telling the story of the New Testament; underfoot is an intricate pattern of marble and mosaic tile. 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).

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, we will visit during regular hours.

Optional Excursion:

Scuola Grande di San Rocco and Frari Church Join an art historian on special guided visits to two legendary sites, the Scuola Grande di San Rocco and Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari. The façade of Scuola Grande di San Rocco is an extravaganza of Renaissance marble carving and gilding, but the interiors are equally astonishing. No fewer than 50 paintings by Tintoretto adorn the walls and ceilings of the rooms, works he created over the course of 20 years for these specific spaces. Stand enraptured before The Annunciation and The Flight into Egypt; mount the stairs for a closer look at the enormous paintings hanging from the rafters.

The effect is overwhelming. While the 15th-century Frari church conceals its treasures behind an austere brick façade that reflects the Franciscans’ emphasis on simplicity, inside it, too, dazzles the beholder. The artistic riches created for this church are almost unimaginable.

Titian used his wife for the model of his Madonna di Ca’ Pesaro, and the artist himself is buried here. Bellini painted the triptych Madonna and Child with Saints for the sacristy. Donatello’s first work in Venice, John the Baptist, is also here­­—and these are just a few of the highlights.

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

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3

Venice, Chioggia (Padua), Taglio di Po, Polesella BB L D

The River Countess sails from Venice, cruising through the lagoon, past the Lido, the colorful fishermen’s houses of Pellestrina, and the huge ongoing floodcontrol project called MOSE (which is designed to protect Venice from rising seawater), before docking in Chioggia, sometimes called “Little Venice,” at the southern end of the lagoon.

Featured Excursion:

Half-day excursion to Padua

7 2 b

The 13th and 14th centuries were glory days for Padua.

Italy’s second oldest university was founded here in 1222, and many notable scholars joined the faculty in search of academic freedom, including Galileo and Copernicus, and two of Italy’s most famous writers, Dante and Petrarch, were among its students. Early in the 15th century, Venice conquered Padua, putting an end to its independence as a city-state. Join your local guide on a walking tour of medieval Padua that will show you the city’s great squares, churches, and palaces. Stroll through the Prato della Valle, the largest public square in Europe, originally laid out by the Romans and transformed in the 18th century into a graceful elliptical open space lined with a water feature and statues of local notables. Gaze up at the Byzantineinfluenced domes and towers of the vast Basilica del Santo, dedicated to St. Anthony and enriched through the centuries by the offerings of pilgrims. Here you may choose to continue your tour, going into the basilica with your guide­—the Donatello sculptures that adorn the high altar of the basilica are among the artist’s finest work—or explore on your own.

Upon embarking the River Countess in Taglio di Po, come up on deck and enjoy an aperitivo and delicious Italian appetizers and chat with your fellow passengers while the ship sails for Polesella.

Notes:

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7 2 m

DAY

DAY

4

Polesella (Bologna or Ferrara)

u y | BB L D

Today you face a tough decision: do you spend a full day in Bologna, the culinary capital of Northern Italy, or visit UNESCO-designated Ferrara, a beautifully preserved Renaissance city?

Choice Is Yours Excursion Options: excursion to Bologna with exclusive pasta-making workshop with lunch B. Half-day excursion to Ferrara with lunch A. Full-day

excursion to Bologna with exclusive pasta-making workshop with lunch 8 2 U b f

Spend the whole day in Bologna, called la grassa, meaning bountiful. Does it have the best food in Northern Italy? You be the judge. There’s more to their cuisine than Bolognese sauce, that’s for sure—there’s mortadella, tagliatelle, and perhaps the best tortellini in the world. Of course, like any other city in Northern Italy, Bologna also has its fair share of lovely, historic buildings. Among them you’ll find the huge 14th-century basilica (only the bottom half of it is sheathed in marble; apparently its builders ran into budget problems, and the Bolognese felt no need to cover up the red bricks with anything fancier); the two leaning towers that loom above Piazza di Porta Ravegnana; Santo Stefano, a complex of churches and monasteries (the oldest dates to the fifth century); and the handsome arcaded structures that housed Europe’s first university and its students. But Bologna is perhaps best known for its food: its green market brims with local produce, and its food halls and specialty food stores are unmatched. All the bounty of the region can be found here: luscious balsamic vinegar from nearby Modena, ham from Parma, and, of course, great rounds of Parmigiano cheese, all on lavish display at Bologna’s amazing food markets, which are just part of your day’s adventures. After some free time to browse the city, you’ll enjoy lunch followed by a pasta-making workshop at one of the city’s legendary food halls.

B. Half-day

6 2 b f

excursion to Ferrara with lunch

The Renaissance glories of the city built by the Este family are yours to discover. As the House of Este rose to power in the 14th century, they began transforming Ferrara into a center for the arts and artists—particularly musicians and composers—that rivaled Medici Florence.

Here the Renaissance concept of the ideal city took shape—it was the first planned city that did not follow 30

Polesella, Taglio di Po (Ravenna or Po Delta), Chioggia, Venice

DAY

5

u y | BB L D

Choose to spend the day in Ravenna, marveling at the magnificent Byzantine mosaics, or opt instead to enjoy a leisurely time onboard as the River Countess sails to Taglio di Po. Choice Is Yours Excursion Options: day in Ravenna with lunch B. Half-day excursion to Po Delta with lunch A. Full

A. Full

day in Ravenna with lunch

8 2 b f

Ravenna was the capital of the Western Roman Empire in the fifth century, after the emperor—and the seat of power—had moved to Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul). In those days Ravenna was a vital seaport; now it is five miles (eight kilometers) inland. The 75 years it spent as the embodiment of Byzantine authority in Italy endowed it with the finest collection of Byzantine mosaics outside Istanbul. Today you see some of these remarkable works for yourself. Perhaps the most astonishing is the chapel built by Galla Placidia, widow of the emperor Constantius III and regent for her young son. She ruled the Western Empire for 12 years, making Ravenna the center of Christian art and culture in the West, and she commissioned a modest brick chapel, popularly supposed to be her mausoleum (though she was actually buried in Rome). This chapel, completely unadorned on the outside, contains spectacular mosaics: the vaulted ceilings of the oratory are sheathed in mosaic stars and representations of saints and the Good Shepherd. Your tour will also include

Notes:

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VENICE to ROME

VENICE to ROME

A. Full-day

a Roman model in Italy—and everywhere in the historic center you see their handiwork: the great moated Castello Estense, the street layout that parallels the river, Palazzo dei Diamanti with its diamond-faceted marble façade, and numerous other family palaces. But not all of the city is Renaissance: the Gothic cathedral dates to the 12th century and the Loggia dei Merchanti was home to medieval merchants and craftsmen. Your guide will introduce you to the highlights and then you’ll enjoy lunch and explore Ferrara on your own.

the UNESCO-designated Basilica Sant’Apollinare Nuovo and the Church of San Vitale, all near Ravenna’s peaceful downtown. After the tour, you’ll have time to explore the historic city center on your own. You might like to visit Dante Alighieri’s tomb, which adjoins the fifth-century church where his funeral was held. Enjoy lunch and explore Ravenna on your own.

B. Half-day

excursion to Po Delta with lunch

Explore the Po Delta, the largest wetlands in Italy, and a couple of the small communities that have grown up among its shifting waters and sand banks. The Po is Italy’s longest river, rising in the Cottian Alps and traveling 424 miles (682 kilometers) to the Adriatic.

It has changed course often over the centuries, and sometimes those changes have had human help: the Venetians redirected the river early in the 17th century, creating the channel now known as Taglio di Po. Board a coach and journey across this landscape to Chioggia.

Here, you’ll enjoy a typical seafood lunch before exploring this fishing village. Chioggia, like Venice, spreads over several islands, and though it boasts notable landmarks, including an 17th-century cathedral graced with work by Tiepolo, it’s essentially a laid-back fishing port. As you stroll through the picturesque town, you’ll see immediately why it’s a favorite destination for painters. Canals are lined with colorful fishing boats, fishermen mend nets, and neighbors chat from their windows.

You’ll sail back to Venice this evening.

DAY

6

Venice (Verona)

u | BB D

Shakespeare endowed Verona with fame through the ages when he wrote of two star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, but Verona has been an important city in Northern Italy’s affairs for 2,000 years. Rising beautifully above the Adige River, its mellow stone palaces and churches speak to the city’s wealth, both historically and in the present day.

Following your tour, explore further on your own.

Though Juliet and her Romeo are Verona’s best-known lovers, Verona’s best-known landmark is the pink marble-sheathed Roman arena, the Arena di Verona.

Climb the stairs built in the first century and gaze down to the floor of the arena where ancient spectacles were staged. Not all of the structure is open to the public— and not all of it survived a 12th-century earthquake—but what remains is vast and remarkably well preserved.

In fact, only the Colosseum in Rome is larger. Verona’s citizens reclaimed it as a theatrical venue in the 18th century; a world-famous opera festival takes place here every summer.

Market stalls add to the buzz in Piazza Erbe; browse through them to choose your lunch or opt for a nearby restaurant. Via Sotto Riva is lined with osterie and bars serving specialties of the region. Or join us for an optional excursion to the famous wine-growing region outside the city.

Featured Excursion:

Full-day excursion to Verona, city of Romeo and Juliet 8 2 b Your panoramic tour will introduce you to Verona’s architectural treasures as you travel along the Adige riverfront to get a sense of the historic city’s layout:

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Notes:

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VENICE to ROME

VENICE to ROME

6 2 b f

it’s enclosed in a loop of the river and is guarded by 14th-century walls. Verona was a significant military stronghold well into the 19th century, and those walls were maintained and rebuilt by a succession of rulers. You’ll enter the city through the Porta Palio and pass Castelvecchio, the cathedral, and the Roman amphitheater, before stepping down at the Ponte Pietra, the oldest bridge in the city. Stroll with your guide across the bridge and along the Via Sotto Riva, glimpsing the house where Romeo purportedly lived, and stopping at the Scaligeri family tombs. Local guides will introduce you to the saga of medieval in-fighting as you see some of the lovely palaces left by the Scaligeri, who ruled the city for two centuries and who routinely murdered one another to gain power. An echo of these savage family feuds found its way into Shakespeare’s tragedy: you will see the balcony of a 14th-century house where Juliet is supposed to have lived. Lovers have written notes on the walls there for many years.

Optional Excursion:

Valpolicella wine country tour and wine tasting

7 2 b w

Drive north from Verona into the hills where vineyards have been tended since the Romans first planted them millennia ago. This special region, where Corvina, Molinara, and Rondinella grapes are grown, produces white wines and both dry and sweet reds, but Amarone is the most celebrated of the Valpolicella wines. Stately villas and rustic farmhouses surrounded by centuries-old olive trees and vineyards dot the landscape, and you’ll visit one of them to learn about the utterly unique winemaking process of this region, called appassimento. The grapes are air-dried for several months before being crushed for fermentation. You’ll see the drying racks and learn about the process before enjoying a tasting of three different wines.

DAY

Venice

y | BB L FD

See Venice as the locals do on a walking tour of the Venetian food markets. Or, join us on an excursion to a local arts center before spending the rest of the day in Venice at your leisure.

Choice Is Yours Excursion Options: “Do as the Locals Do” Venice walking tour B. Visit a local arts center A. Exclusive

A. Exclusive

“Do as the Locals Do” Venice walking tour 6 2 U i

Back when Venice was at the height of its power, only the Rialto Bridge spanned the Grand Canal—and the city’s famous markets for fish and produce have sprawled at its feet as long as the bridge has arched over the water. Here you’ll find violet artichokes from the nearby island of Sant’Erasmo, salt-marsh honey, white asparagus from Giare, and blood oranges. You’ll also find Venetians shopping for their dinners in this historic heart of the city. Join them as you ramble with your guide, who knows Venice’s history and its culinary arts intimately, among the colorful, noisy, and fun array.

Marble columns support the roof of the covered fish market, which was probably originally built in the 11th century. Fresh-caught local fish is sold to knowledgeable customers under the Gothic arches of an arcade no less historic than their original location. Sample some cicchetti, Venetian appetizers, with your savvy guide’s 34

B. Visit

a local arts center

4 2

If you missed your chance earlier to bring home some famous Venetian glass or lace, or if you’ve been hoping to find the perfect mask, now’s your chance to pick up an unforgettable souvenir. Join us on an excursion to an arts center where you can see the handiwork of local artists and learn the difference between each type of mask, from the classic Bauta and Columbina to the terrifying Medico della peste (the plague doctor).

Optional Excursion:

“ Venetian Painters at the Accademia” tour with art-historian guide 7 2 m Join an art historian on an exclusive guided visit to the Accademia, probably the greatest collection of Venetian Renaissance paintings in the world. The collection spans the 13th through the 18th century and includes works

by Tiepolo, Veronese, Tintoretto, Bellini, and Canaletto.

There are more than 20 galleries, each one containing extraordinary masterpieces, with exhibits laid out in more or less chronological order. There are far too many to see in a single visit; fortunately, your guide brings a specialist’s knowledge to the history of Venetian painting and will focus on showing you what was unique about Venetian art as it developed from the 14th through the 16th centuries. Discover what motivated the men and women who commissioned these paintings and meet some lesser known artists whose work reveals the political and cultural forces that shaped the city. Learn the secret symbols embedded in some paintings and see why others created scandals when they were unveiled.

Come prepared to be surprised as well as dazzled.

Note: Photography is not permitted inside the Accademia, andlarge bags, especially backpacks, must be left in lockers.

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

Notes:

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VENICE to ROME

VENICE to ROME

7

assistance—perhaps some marinated octopus, baccala mantecato (salt cod spread), olives, or crostini with prosciutto—and wash down the delectable nibbles with an ombra, a small glass of wine.

DAY

8

Venice, transfer to Florence

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After disembarking the ship, you’ll travel cross-country to Florence. The birthplace of Italy’s national poet, Dante Alighieri, and of the Renaissance, Florence offers innumerable treasures of art and architecture.

The city rose to international prominence in the 14th century under the rule of the Medici family, who played a significant part in European politics for the next 300 years. Besides being masterful politicians, the Medici were the greatest patrons of art in Europe, employing Michelangelo, Brunelleschi, Titian, Fra Angelico, and Giotto, to name only a few. These are the treasures awaiting you, along with Renaissance architecture, seductive vistas—and world-famous gelato.

You’ll stop for lunch in the Tuscan hills outside of Florence. Take a seat on the sun-dappled patio of a well-known restaurant and prepare to savor a traditional Tuscan meal; then, refreshed and well fed, you’ll be ready to begin your exploration of this Renaissance city.

Guided visit to the Accademia Gallery and Michelangelo’s David 5 2 m The Accademia houses what may well be the most famous sculpture in the world: Michelangelo’s David.

The 16-foot-tall marble figure was always intended to be displayed outdoors, but it was moved inside in 1876 to protect it from the weather—and no matter how many photos or posters of the figure you may have seen, the reality cannot fail to impress. It’s one of five Michelangelo sculptures in the gallery’s collection, which also contains Botticelli’s Madonna and Child and Madonna of the Sea. Following your visit to the Accademia, you’ll walk from the museum to your hotel, where your luggage will be waiting. Check in and relax there for the evening or go out and see a bit of the neighborhood. Perhaps you’d like to stroll to the Ponte Vecchio for a view of the city at sundown before choosing a trattoria for your evening meal.

9

Florence

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After breakfast at the hotel, start the day with a walking tour that will introduce you to the heart of this historic city.

Featured Excursion:

Walking tour of Florence, the Renaissance city

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Get an up-close view on foot of some of the city’s most glorious monuments, among them the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Florence Baptistry; the Pitti Palace, home of the Medici; the Piazza della Repubblica, the center of the city since Roman times; and the Ponte Vecchio. Wherever you walk, you’ll spot the Medici family emblem—red balls on a gold shield— affixed to building after building, a sure sign that Medici money paid for it. (The number of balls, called palle, on the crest varied; sometimes there were 12, sometimes five or six.) In the afternoon, continue to explore on your own. You don’t even need to enter a museum to see the work of major artists. Stroll along the Loggia dei Lanzi, a 14th-century arched gallery near the Palazzo Vecchio, to see Giambologna’s Rape of the Sabine Women and other statues, some of them dating to antiquity.

This afternoon, venture out on your own. If you want a break from Renaissance architecture, remember that the city is home to Gucci and Ferragamo, so chic boutiques line the streets alongside the palazzi and galleries.

Join Florentines shopping for their produce at the San Lorenzo central market, located in a neighborhood of wine shops, traditional osterie, and specialty markets where you’ll find a lively and picturesque street scene.

There are those who believe that no trip to Florence is complete without trying the gelato from at least two or three places, and the best gelato is the subject of spirited debate. Taste and judge for yourself. At the end of the day, rejoin the group for a delectable dinner.

Notes:

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VENICE to ROME

VENICE to ROME

Featured Excursion:

DAY

DAY

10

Florence, transfer to Rome

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You have a few hours to enjoy Florence on your own this morning. Many museums open at eight o’clock, so if you’d like to visit the Bargello, with its early Michelangelo sculptures, or the Uffizi, this is your chance.

Featured Excursion:

Wine tasting and lunch at Castello di Verrazzano wine estate in Chianti 7 2 b f w

Fun Fact: The Verrazzano family produced a number of notable mariners, including Giovanni da Verrazzano, who discovered New York Harbor in 1524. New York’s Verrazzano Bridge is named for him.

Once in Rome, you will check into your hotel. You can unpack and relax this evening or go out on your own to begin your exploration of the ancient and modern capital of Italy.

DAY

11

Rome

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It is impossible to overestimate the significance of Rome in European history. The Eternal City was founded 2,700 years ago and at one time ruled most of the known world, from Northern Africa all the way to the Scottish border, building roads and aqueducts that still carry traffic and water, and giving rise to the French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and Romanian languages.

Choice Is Yours Excursion Options: tour of imperial Rome with Colosseum visit B. Exclusive “Do as the Locals Do” walking tour through the heart of Rome

A. Guided

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tour of imperial Rome with Colosseum visit 6 2 b

A panoramic tour of the city built on seven hills will show you the highlights as you ride past St. Peter’s Basilica, the Arch of Titus, and the Villa Borghese; every vista offers legend, history, beauty, and mystique.

Step down from the motorcoach at the Colosseum, built in the first century by the Emperor Vespasian over an artificial lake that had been part of Nero’s park in the center of the ancient city. The enormous arena held 55,000 spectators and was a marvel of sophisticated engineering: the entire floor of the arena could be filled with water so naval battles could be reenacted; trap doors opened to permit lions to spring out of their cages to attack other animals or slaves; and the entire area could be covered by a vast awning to protect spectators. Half of it collapsed in a ninth-century earthquake, but not all of the damage occurred naturally—like many other Roman structures, the Colosseum provided building materials for newer monuments, including St. Peter’s Basilica. Your guide will take you through the parts of it that are open to visitors and fill you in on its history and uses through the centuries.

Fun Fact: Occasionally emperors had spectators snatched from their seats and thrown into the arena to be killed by wild beasts or gladiators. Sometimes the victim was an enemy of the emperor, but sometimes he was simply someone whose behavior during the show had annoyed the ruler.

B. Exclusive

“Do as the Locals Do” walking tour through the heart of Rome 6 2 U b i

Walk with your guide through the heart of the historic city, in an area where no cars are allowed. In May, flowers cascade down the famous Spanish Steps, which connect the church at the top of hill with the square at the bottom, but the steps are beautiful at any time of year. The Pantheon, erected as a temple to all the gods of Rome and boasting a huge dome, was converted into a Christian church early in the seventh century. It abuts the Piazza della Rotonda, a busy and popular square. Piazza Navona was laid out on top of the ruins of Domitian’s arena, which is why it has a long, semioval shape, and it is adorned with fountains, including one by Bernini. Could you visit Rome and not see the Notes:

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VENICE to ROME

VENICE to ROME

Vineyards climb the verdant hills, and the green spires of cypresses mark roadways and houses in pictureperfect Chianti as you travel south via motorcoach through the storied Tuscan countryside, known the world over for its red wines. As lunchtime nears, your motorcoach will turn up the lane and drive toward the gorgeous estate of Castello di Verrazzano. Parts of the castle, which belonged to the powerful Verrazzano family during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, date to the seventh century. The family-owned estate produces acclaimed wines; you’ll tour the cellars and enjoy a tasting of these fine reds, along with a delicious lunch in an idyllic setting.

A. Guided

Trevi Fountain? The 18th-century fountain dominates the tiny square it’s in; you’ll be dazzled by the sparkle of its waters in the sunshine as you come upon it from the shadowy lanes that lead to it. Then you’ll take a break and enjoy another Roman treat: like the Trevi Fountain, Giolitti, the oldest gelato purveyor in Rome, is almost a required stop for visitors. What will be your favorite flavor? Champagne? Cassata siciliana? Tourists and locals alike have loved the gelato here for 130 years.

Fun Fact: An aqueduct constructed by first-century Romans, Aqua Virgo, still supplies the water in the fountains of the historic center of Rome.

DAY

13

Rome

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If your cruise/tour package includes a group departure transfer or if you have purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Rome Leonardo da Vinci Airport for your flight home.

Note: Order of sightseeing may change throughout the itinerary.

Substitute visits to other sites may occur during your trip due to water levels or other uncontrollable factors.

Note: All extras, such optional excursions, telephone calls, laundry, and items of a personal nature, are not included in the cost of the trip.

The afternoon is yours to explore on your own. The options are endless—the monuments of ancient Rome and the beauties of the Renaissance may beckon equally. Or you might want to check out modern Italian design in the chic shops on Via del Corso or join the hip Roman foodies sampling the delicacies at ’Gusto, an unorthodox food emporium.

At the end of the day, join up with the group for dinner.

12

Rome

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VENICE to ROME

VENICE to ROME

DAY

This is the last full day of your Italian adventure. Spend the morning among the amazing treasures collected or commissioned by the popes over the centuries.

Featured Excursion:

Guided visit to Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel 6 2 b m It takes far more than a single day to see all of the Vatican Museums—there are 14 individual museums in 13 papal palaces, so your guide will be invaluable in navigating this overwhelming bounty of treasures.

Just a few of the legendary ancient sculptures on this morning’s agenda: the Apollo Belvedere and the Laocoön. The tour encompasses the Sistine Chapel, with its spectacular ceiling frescoes by Michelangelo, and St. Peter’s Basilica, whose dome was designed by Michelangelo. Relax over lunch with the group, then decide what to do next on your own. Castel Sant’Angelo is just a short walk away, and the Piazza Navona—the heart of baroque Rome—is only about 20 minutes away.

Of course you could go farther afield to Capitoline Hill (Piazza Campidoglio, at the foot of the hill, was designed by Michelangelo, though his design wasn’t completed until the 17th century), the Forum, or the Baths of Caracalla—you decide!

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an

SWITZERLAND

AUSTRIA

DAY

1

SLOVENIA 7-NIGHT CRUISE

Po Rive r

Verona

Padua

Polesella Ferrara Bologna

Venice Chioggia

CROATIA

Taglio di Po Ravenna

Ligurian Sea

Adriatic Sea

ITALY

Corsica #

NIGHTS ONSHORE

LAND

CRUISE

UNESCO SITE

Venice & the Gems of Northern Italy Venice to Venice | 8 Days

Delve into the delights of Northern Italy

Unpack, pour a glass of prosecco, and prepare to explore the Veneto and Northern Italy from the comfort of the River Countess, with the Po River as your highway to its glories.

Epicurean Adventurer Program™ Pasta-making workshop in Bologna

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Arrive at Venice Marco Polo International Airport. If your cruise package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship. Your Italian adventure begins immediately with a private boat ride to Arti Veneziane alla Giudecca. It’s hard to decide which is more famous: Venetian glass, lace, or masks. Here, you can see all three being created.

DAY

2

Venice

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Hoping to escape marauding Huns, Goths, and Vandals as the Roman Empire collapsed in the fifth century, refugees built a little settlement they called Venice on tiny islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. By the 12th century, Venice was the wealthiest and most powerful city-state in Europe, controlling the Mediterranean and all European trade with the East. Its merchantaristocrats lavished their wealth on palaces and churches, art and music, creating a city that is truly like no other. Now, seawater laps at the foot of thousandyear-old houses—and sometimes rises above the doorsteps—but the glorious palaces and romantic canals enchant visitors just as they have for centuries. Venice has no need to designate a pedestrians-only historic district: no cars are permitted within the island city, so all transportation is by foot or water. Today you begin your exploration of this peerless city—on foot, of course.

Featured Excursion:

Walking discovery of Venice

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Stroll from your ship through the historic Sestiere di Castello (Venice is divided into six sestieri, or districts) for a glimpse of daily Venetian life: clothes flap from lines strung over tiny canals; kids kick soccer balls along cobbled alleys; and you’ll even hear the murmur of the soft Venetian dialect as you pass under the windows of 800-year-old homes. The Castello district dates to the 13th century; it’s home to the Arsenale, where Venice’s ships were once built (Venetians boasted that they could build a complete ship in a single day) and where the famous Biennale art exhibition now takes place. Your Notes:

Italian-dessert-making demonstration and tasting Special food-and-wine-paring dinner

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VENICE to VENICE

Renaissance palazzi float above the lagoon, miragelike.

Gondoliers pole past, singing. You could be in only one place in the world: Venice. But Venice is not the only storied city in the region. Ravenna boasts ravishing Byzantine mosaics. Bologna, the culinary capital of Northern Italy, offers both the continent’s oldest university and swoon-worthy markets. And Ferrara, Verona, and Padua, bequeathed handsome historic city centers by centuries of trade, remain dynamic and beautiful cities.

Venice

guide will take you to the vast Piazza San Marco, perhaps the most famous plaza in Italy, and the Palazzo Ducale (Doges’ Palace), where all of the city’s official business took place. Venetians elected their first doge, or duke, in 697 AD and began building the palace around 800 AD. The palace complex, as it exists now, mostly dates to the 14th and 15th centuries, and it brims with artistic gems, including Tintoretto’s wall-sized Paradise and works by Veronese, Tiepolo, and Titian. Justice—and sometimes injustice, for Venice was a supremely political city—was meted out in the palace, and those convicted of crimes were led across the Bridge of Sighs to prison. You can follow their footsteps and catch a glimpse of some of the graffiti still preserved on the cell walls. Your tour ends at the Rialto, the famous 16th-century stone bridge spanning the Grand Canal (and the oldest part of the city).

Spend the afternoon exploring on your own. In addition to its already 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), who taught music to the daughters of Venetian noblemen; and 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.

Or you could join us for an exciting optional visit to the Scuola Grande di San Rocco and the Frari Church.

Featured Excursion:

The fanciful domes and spires of St. Mark’s Basilica are an iconic image of the city, and this evening the doors of this icon open especially for you so you can see the glorious church in the evening light—without the crowds. The existing 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; gold glass-tile mosaics line the interior walls and cupolas, giving the church its nickname, Chiesa d’Oro (Church of Gold). It houses treasures collected—one way or another—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 44

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, we will visit during regular hours.

Optional Excursion:

Scuola Grande di San Rocco and Frari Church

7 2 m

Join an art historian on special guided visits to two legendary sites, the Scuola Grande di San Rocco and Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari. The façade of Scuola Grande di San Rocco is an extravaganza of Renaissance marble carving and gilding, but the interiors are equally astonishing. No fewer than 50 paintings by Tintoretto adorn the walls and ceilings of the rooms, works he created over the course of 20 years for these specific spaces. Stand enraptured before The Annunciation and The Flight into Egypt; mount the stairs for a closer look at the enormous paintings hanging from the rafters.

The effect is overwhelming. While the 15th-century Frari church conceals its treasures behind an austere brick façade that reflects the Franciscans’ emphasis on simplicity, inside it, too, dazzles the beholder. The artistic riches created for this church are almost unimaginable.

Titian used his wife for the model of his Madonna di Ca’ Pesaro, and the artist himself is buried here. Bellini painted the triptych Madonna and Child with Saints for the sacristy. Donatello’s first work in Venice, John the Baptist, is also here­­—and these are just a few of the highlights.

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

Notes:

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VENICE to VENICE

VENICE to VENICE

Exclusive special evening opening of St. Mark’s Basilica 7 2 U

Fourth Crusade. But every successful Venetian voyager returned with something to decorate the basilica— a frieze, a statue—and the result is one of the most amazing works of art and architecture in this amazing city. It’s almost impossible not to gaze heavenward as you enter. High overhead, magnificent domes are sheathed in mosaics telling the story of the New Testament; underfoot is an intricate pattern of marble and mosaic tile. 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).

DAY

3

Venice, Chioggia (Padua), Taglio di Po, Polesella BB L D

The River Countess sails from Venice, cruising through the lagoon, past the Lido, the colorful fishermen’s houses of Pellestrina, and the huge ongoing floodcontrol project called MOSE (which is designed to protect Venice from rising seawater), before docking in Chioggia, sometimes called “Little Venice,” at the southern end of the lagoon.

Featured Excursion:

Half-day excursion to Padua

7 2 b

Upon embarking the River Countess in Taglio di Po, come up on deck and enjoy an aperitivo and delicious Italian appetizers and chat with your fellow passengers while the ship sails for Polesella.

4

Polesella (Bologna or Ferrara)

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Today you face a tough decision: do you spend a full day in Bologna, the culinary capital of Northern Italy, or visit UNESCO-designated Ferrara, a beautifully preserved Renaissance city?

Choice Is Yours Excursion Options: excursion to Bologna with exclusive pasta-making workshop with lunch B. Half-day excursion to Ferrara with lunch A. Full-day

A. Full-day

excursion to Bologna with exclusive pasta-making workshop with lunch 8 2 U b f

Spend the whole day in Bologna, called la grassa, meaning bountiful. Does it have the best food in Northern Italy? You be the judge. There’s more to their cuisine than Bolognese sauce, that’s for sure—there’s mortadella, tagliatelle, and perhaps the best tortellini in the world. Of course, like any other city in Northern Italy, Bologna also has its fair share of lovely, historic buildings. Among them you’ll find the huge 14th-century basilica (only the bottom half of it is sheathed in marble; apparently its builders ran into budget problems, and the Bolognese felt no need to cover up the red bricks with anything fancier); the two leaning towers that loom above Piazza di Porta Ravegnana; Santo Stefano, a complex of churches and monasteries (the oldest dates to the fifth century); and the handsome arcaded structures that housed Europe’s first university and its students. But Bologna is perhaps best known for its food: its green market brims with local produce, and its food halls and specialty food stores are unmatched. All the bounty of the region can be found here: luscious balsamic vinegar from nearby Modena, ham from Parma, and, of course, great rounds of Parmigiano cheese, all on lavish display at Bologna’s amazing food markets, which are just part of your day’s adventures. After some free time to browse the city, you’ll enjoy lunch followed by a pasta-making workshop at one of the city’s legendary food halls.

Notes:

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VENICE to VENICE

VENICE to VENICE

The 13th and 14th centuries were glory days for Padua.

Italy’s second oldest university was founded here in 1222, and many notable scholars joined the faculty in search of academic freedom, including Galileo and Copernicus, and two of Italy’s most famous writers, Dante and Petrarch, were among its students. Early in the 15th century, Venice conquered Padua, putting an end to its independence as a city-state. Join your local guide on a walking tour of medieval Padua that will show you the city’s great squares, churches, and palaces. Stroll through the Prato della Valle, the largest public square in Europe, originally laid out by the Romans and transformed in the 18th century into a graceful elliptical open space lined with a water feature and statues of local notables. Gaze up at the Byzantineinfluenced domes and towers of the vast Basilica del Santo, dedicated to St. Anthony and enriched through the centuries by the offerings of pilgrims. Here you may choose to continue your tour, going into the basilica with your guide­—the Donatello sculptures that adorn the high altar of the basilica are among the artist’s finest work—or explore on your own.

DAY

B. Half-day

6 2 b f

excursion to Ferrara with lunch

The Renaissance glories of the city built by the Este family are yours to discover. As the House of Este rose to power in the 14th century, they began transforming Ferrara into a center for the arts and artists—particularly musicians and composers—that rivaled Medici Florence.

Here the Renaissance concept of the ideal city took shape—it was the first planned city that did not follow a Roman model in Italy—and everywhere in the historic center you see their handiwork: the great moated Castello Estense, the street layout that parallels the river, Palazzo dei Diamanti with its diamond-faceted marble façade, and numerous other family palaces. But not all of the city is Renaissance: the Gothic cathedral dates to the 12th century and the Loggia dei Merchanti was home to medieval merchants and craftsmen. Your guide will introduce you to the highlights and then you’ll enjoy lunch and explore Ferrara on your own.

Polesella, Taglio di Po (Ravenna or Po Delta), Chioggia, Venice

DAY

5

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Choose to spend the day in Ravenna, marveling at the magnificent Byzantine mosaics, or opt instead to enjoy a leisurely time onboard as the River Countess sails to Taglio di Po. Choice Is Yours Excursion Options: day in Ravenna with lunch B. Half-day excursion to Po Delta with lunch A. Full

day in Ravenna with lunch

8 2 b f

Ravenna was the capital of the Western Roman Empire in the fifth century, after the emperor—and the seat of power—had moved to Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul). In those days Ravenna was a vital seaport; now it is five miles (eight kilometers) inland. The 75 years it spent as the embodiment of Byzantine authority in Italy endowed it with the finest collection of Byzantine mosaics outside Istanbul. Today you see some of these remarkable works for yourself. Perhaps the most astonishing is the chapel built by Galla Placidia, widow of the emperor Constantius III and regent for her young son. She ruled the Western Empire for 12 years, making Ravenna the center of Christian art and culture in the West, and she commissioned a modest brick chapel, popularly supposed to be her mausoleum (though she was actually buried in Rome). This chapel, completely unadorned on the outside, contains 48

B. Half-day

6 2 b f

excursion to Po Delta with lunch

Explore the Po Delta, the largest wetlands in Italy, and a couple of the small communities that have grown up among its shifting waters and sand banks. The Po is Italy’s longest river, rising in the Cottian Alps and traveling 424 miles (682 kilometers) to the Adriatic.

It has changed course often over the centuries, and sometimes those changes have had human help: the Venetians redirected the river early in the 17th century, creating the channel now known as Taglio di Po. Board a coach and journey across this landscape to Chioggia.

Here, you’ll enjoy a typical seafood lunch before exploring this fishing village. Chioggia, like Venice, spreads over several islands, and though it boasts notable landmarks, including an 17th-century cathedral graced with work by Tiepolo, it’s essentially a laid-back fishing port. As you stroll through the picturesque town, you’ll see immediately why it’s a favorite destination for painters. Canals are lined with colorful fishing boats, fishermen mend nets, and neighbors chat from their windows.

You’ll sail back to Venice this evening.

VENICE to VENICE

VENICE to VENICE

A. Full

spectacular mosaics: the vaulted ceilings of the oratory are sheathed in mosaic stars and representations of saints and the Good Shepherd. Your tour will also include the UNESCO-designated Basilica Sant’Apollinare Nuovo and the Church of San Vitale, all near Ravenna’s peaceful downtown. After the tour, you’ll have time to explore the historic city center on your own. You might like to visit Dante Alighieri’s tomb, which adjoins the fifth-century church where his funeral was held. Enjoy lunch and explore Ravenna on your own.

Notes:

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DAY

6

Venice (Verona)

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Shakespeare endowed Verona with fame through the ages when he wrote of two star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, but Verona has been an important city in Northern Italy’s affairs for 2,000 years. Rising beautifully above the Adige River, its mellow stone palaces and churches speak to the city’s wealth, both historically and in the present day.

Featured Excursion:

Your panoramic tour will introduce you to Verona’s architectural treasures as you travel along the Adige riverfront to get a sense of the historic city’s layout: it’s enclosed in a loop of the river and is guarded by 14th-century walls. Verona was a significant military stronghold well into the 19th century, and those walls were maintained and rebuilt by a succession of rulers. You’ll enter the city through the Porta Palio and pass Castelvecchio, the cathedral, and the Roman amphitheater, before stepping down at the Ponte Pietra, the oldest bridge in the city. Stroll with your guide across the bridge and along the Via Sotto Riva, glimpsing the house where Romeo purportedly lived, and stopping at the Scaligeri family tombs. Local guides will introduce you to the saga of medieval in-fighting as you see some of the lovely palaces left by the Scaligeri, who ruled the city for two centuries and who routinely murdered one another to gain power. An echo of these savage family feuds found its way into Shakespeare’s tragedy: you will see the balcony of a 14th-century house where Juliet is supposed to have lived. Lovers have written notes on the walls there for many years.

Following your tour, explore further on your own.

Though Juliet and her Romeo are Verona’s best-known lovers, Verona’s best-known landmark is the pink marble-sheathed Roman arena, the Arena di Verona.

Climb the stairs built in the first century and gaze down to the floor of the arena where ancient spectacles were staged. Not all of the structure is open to the public— and not all of it survived a 12th-century earthquake—but what remains is vast and remarkably well preserved.

In fact, only the Colosseum in Rome is larger. Verona’s citizens reclaimed it as a theatrical venue in the 18th

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Market stalls add to the buzz in Piazza Erbe; browse through them to choose your lunch or opt for a nearby restaurant. Via Sotto Riva is lined with osterie and bars serving specialties of the region. Or join us for an optional excursion to the famous wine-growing region outside the city.

Optional Excursion:

Valpolicella wine country tour and wine tasting

7 2 b w

Drive north from Verona into the hills where vineyards have been tended since the Romans first planted them millennia ago. This special region, where Corvina, Molinara, and Rondinella grapes are grown, produces white wines and both dry and sweet reds, but Amarone is the most celebrated of the Valpolicella wines. Stately villas and rustic farmhouses surrounded by centuries-old olive trees and vineyards dot the landscape, and you’ll visit one of them to learn about the utterly unique winemaking process of this region, called appassimento. The grapes are air-dried for several months before being crushed for fermentation. You’ll see the drying racks and learn about the process before enjoying a tasting of three different wines.

VENICE to VENICE

VENICE to VENICE

Full-day excursion to Verona, city of Romeo and Juliet 8 2 b

century; a world-famous opera festival takes place here every summer.

Notes:

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DAY

7

Venice

Optional Excursion:

y | BB L FD

See Venice as the locals do on a walking tour of the Venetian food markets. Or, join us on an excursion to a local arts center before spending the rest of the day in Venice at your leisure.

Choice Is Yours Excursion Options: “Do as the Locals Do” Venice walking tour B. Visit a local arts center A. Exclusive

A. Exclusive

“Do as the Locals Do” Venice walking tour 6 2 U i

B. Visit

a local arts center

4 2

If you missed your chance earlier to bring home some famous Venetian glass or lace, or if you’ve been hoping to find the perfect mask, now’s your chance to pick up an unforgettable souvenir. Join us on an excursion to an arts center where you can see the handiwork of local artists and learn the difference between each type of mask, from the classic Bauta and Columbina to the terrifying Medico della peste (the plague doctor).

Join an art historian on an exclusive guided visit to the Accademia, probably the greatest collection of Venetian Renaissance paintings in the world. The collection spans the 13th through the 18th century and includes works by Tiepolo, Veronese, Tintoretto, Bellini, and Canaletto. There are more than 20 galleries, each one containing extraordinary masterpieces, with exhibits laid out in more or less chronological order. There are far too many to see in a single visit; fortunately, your guide brings a specialist’s knowledge to the history of Venetian painting and will focus on showing you what was unique about Venetian art as it developed from the 14th through the 16th centuries. Discover what motivated the men and women who commissioned these paintings and meet some lesser known artists whose work reveals the political and cultural forces that shaped the city. Learn the secret symbols embedded in some paintings and see why others created scandals when they were unveiled. Come prepared to be surprised as well as dazzled.

Note: Photography is not permitted inside the Accademia, andlarge bags, especially backpacks, must be left in lockers.

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

DAY

8

Depart Venice

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Disembark the ship. If your cruise package includes a group departure transfer or if you purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Venice Marco Polo International Airport for your flight home.

Note: Order of sightseeing may change throughout the itinerary.

Substitute visits to other sites may occur during your trip due to water levels or other uncontrollable factors.

Note: All extras, such as optional excursions, telephone calls, laundry, and items of a personal nature, are not included in the cost of the trip.

Notes:

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VENICE to VENICE

VENICE to VENICE

Back when Venice was at the height of its power, only the Rialto Bridge spanned the Grand Canal—and the city’s famous markets for fish and produce have sprawled at its feet as long as the bridge has arched over the water. Here you’ll find violet artichokes from the nearby island of Sant’Erasmo, salt-marsh honey, white asparagus from Giare, and blood oranges. You’ll also find Venetians shopping for their dinners in this historic heart of the city. Join them as you ramble with your guide, who knows Venice’s history and its culinary arts intimately, among the colorful, noisy, and fun array.

Marble columns support the roof of the covered fish market, which was probably originally built in the 11th century. Fresh-caught local fish is sold to knowledgeable customers under the Gothic arches of an arcade no less historic than their original location. Sample some cicchetti, Venetian appetizers, with your savvy guide’s assistance—perhaps some marinated octopus, baccala mantecato (salt cod spread), olives, or crostini with prosciutto—and wash down the delectable nibbles with an ombra, a small glass of wine.

“ Venetian Painters at the Accademia” tour with art-historian guide 7 2 m

Our Commitment We are committed to providing our guests with the most comprehensively luxurious, value-packed river cruise experience possible. We are happiest when you feel you are a respected guest in the finest of homes—ours.

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EUROPE and RUSSIA Travel through Europe and Russia while enjoying extraordinary luxury, comfort, and convenience.

Uniworld offers expertly planned itineraries ranging from 8 to 29 days along the great rivers.

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