Slovenia, Venice & the Jewels of Veneto

Itinerary:

Day 1: Ljubljana, Slovenia

Arrive in Ljubljana and settle into your hotel for the beginning of your journey. Take some time to relax and get ready to discover Slovenia’s charming capital and surrounding countryside over the next few days. Guests with an arranged Uniworld transfer will be met at the airport.

Day 2: Ljubljana

Explore Ljubljana’s pedestrian-friendly centre on a guided walking tour, passing pastel-coloured buildings, lively squares and landmarks such as the Triple Bridge. Ride the funicular up to Ljubljana Castle and take in panoramic views across the city. Afterwards, enjoy more time soaking up the relaxed atmosphere of the Slovenian capital.

Day 3: Lake Bled

Leave the city behind for a day surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Lake Bled. Visit Bled Castle, take a traditional pletna boat across the lake to Bled Island and see its charming church before visiting a local bee farm. Learn about Slovenia’s beekeeping traditions, taste local honey and even make your own beeswax candle.

Day 4: Postojna & Venice

Travel towards Italy, stopping along the way to explore the spectacular underground world of Postojna Cave. Journey through its impressive network of caverns and rock formations before continuing to Venice. This evening, board S.S. La Venezia and settle in for your first night on the Venetian Lagoon.

Day 5: Venice

Discover some of Venice’s greatest treasures, beginning with an early visit to Doge’s Palace before the crowds arrive. Wander through a traditional Venetian neighbourhood and experience a quieter side of everyday life in the city. Later, enjoy a special after-hours visit to St. Mark’s Basilica, subject to local religious events and availability.

Day 6: Padua or Vicenza, Mazzorbo & Burano

Choose between two of the Veneto region’s UNESCO-listed cities, with time to discover either historic Padua or elegant Vicenza. Return to the ship and sail across the lagoon towards Mazzorbo and colourful Burano. In the evening, enjoy some free time to wander past Burano’s brightly painted fishermen’s houses once the daytime crowds have disappeared.

Day 7: Torcello, Burano & Chioggia

Explore more of the Venetian Lagoon, beginning with historic Torcello and its beautiful basilica. Spend time wandering through Mazzorbo and colourful Burano, or choose to see Murano’s famous glassblowers at work. Later, continue across the lagoon towards the fishing town of Chioggia.

Day 8: Chioggia

Spend the day getting to know Chioggia, a characterful fishing town filled with canals, narrow streets and local life. Choose from experiences including a market visit, cycling along the coast, sailing aboard a traditional wooden boat or visiting a Venetian country villa. It’s a chance to discover a more relaxed side of the Venetian Lagoon.

Day 9: Chioggia to Venice

Venture into the UNESCO-protected Po Delta, where Italy’s longest river meets the Adriatic Sea, or visit the impressive Castello del Catajo in the Euganean Hills. Later, return to the ship and enjoy lunch as you sail back towards Venice. Spend the rest of the day relaxing as the city comes back into view.

Day 10: Venice

Travel by water taxi towards the Rialto Bridge for another day of exploring Venice. Choose from experiences that take you deeper into local life, from walking through the Rialto markets to discovering traditional Venetian crafts and neighbourhoods. Return onboard in the evening for the Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner.

Day 11: Venice

Wake up in Venice as your journey through Slovenia and northern Italy comes to an end. After breakfast, disembark S.S. La Venezia and continue with your onward travel. Leave with memories of alpine lakes, underground caves, colourful lagoon islands and the unforgettable canals of Venice.

Terms and Conditions

INCLUDES: accommodation in a Riverview stateroom on the S.S. La Venezia and in Ljubljana at the InterContinental Ljubljana (or similar), 10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners, Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions, Welcome and Farewell Gala Dinners, unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks, and mineral water, 9 days of excursions (all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts), state-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions, Brompton G-Line Bicycles and Nordic Walking sticks available for independent exploration, cultural enrichment, including captivating onboard local entertainment, gratuities for onboard personnel, 24-hour room service, laundry and Wi-Fi.

SAVE R17,000 – 11 Days From R57,000 per person sharing