The Pearls of the Po: from Venice to Parma Aboard La Venezia September 18–26, 2021

The Pearls of the Po: From Venice to Parma Aboard La Venezia September 18–26, 2021

ITALY Venice Padua Adriatic Chioggia Sea Mantua

Ferrara Po River Parma Ravenna

Rialto Bridge, Venice

The Po River, Italy’s longest river, winds through the heart of the country, ending its 400-mile journey at the Venetian Lagoon. On a delightful seven-night cruise along this incredible waterway, experience wonderful art, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and sumptuous palaces as you travel in luxury aboard the elegant La Venezia. Sailing gently from Venice to Parma, the ship stops along the way to visit the Renaissance gems of Ferrara and Parma, the Byzantine splendor of Ravenna, and the medieval grandeur of Virgil’s hometown, Mantua. Experience authentic Italian culture and cuisine, and be amazed by the art, architecture, and history of some of Italy’s most beautiful and historically rich cities.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Join the first cruise in a decade along this legendary waterway on the lavish, newly renovated super ship La Venezia. Visit remote, artistically rich towns that are underexplored by international visitors

• Dock overnight in the heart of stunning Venice for early access to the city at sunrise, when the passageways are empty and serene and Venice’s sparkling piazze and palazzi are most captivating

• Revel in the artistic splendors of Parma, where dazzling frescoes from Correggio and Parmigianino grace churches, and admire stunning 5th- and 6th-century mosaics in Ravenna

• Explore the medieval and Renaissance city of Ferrara, innovatively designed as an “ideal city” by urban planner Biagio Rossetti. View medieval Estense Castle, with its storybook moat, drawbridges, and gorgeous towers

• Delight in an exclusive, after-hours visit to Venice’s iconic Saint Mark's Basilica, an 11th-century showstopper filled with glittering gold mosaics and beautiful marble floors and statues

A street in Ferrara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (left) and Palazzo Ducale, Mantua, photo by Bernard Blanc (right)

ITINERARY

Saturday, September 18 DEPARTURE Ferrara was the first fully executed concept of an ideal city Depart for Venice on an overnight flight. during the Renaissance. Explore its pioneering layout during guided walks around the city. Walk the cobbled streets Sunday, September 19 VENICE, ITALY / of the UNESCO-designated city center, full of grand palaces EMBARK LA VENEZIA including the Palazzo dei Diamanti, whose façade is studded Arrive at Venice’s Marco Polo International Airport, where you with marble blocks carved to resemble diamonds. Stroll will be transferred to La Venezia. Unpack, relax, and enjoy through the ancient Jewish quarter, whose community has your first evening on the Venetian Lagoon. This afternoon, lived here continuously since the Middle Ages, and visit the embark on an optional walking tour through the Cannaregio newly opened Jewish Museum. Admire the 12th-century neighborhood, known for its local flavor and picturesque cathedral, which combines Romanesque and Gothic styles in squares and canals. Alternatively, go out and explore the city its three-tiered pink and white marble façade. Return to the at your leisure. Tonight, enjoy an exclusive, after-hours visit to ship in the late afternoon. B,L,D Saint Mark's Basilica, with its spellbinding, glittering mosaics.

(schedule pending). D Wednesday, September 22 PARMA

Monday, September 20 VENICE / CHIOGGIA Today journey to Parma, which has existed since Roman times and is famous for producing two of Italy’s most iconic Take a scenic cruise through the historic Venetian Lagoon to the picturesque fishing village of Chioggia, then choose foods: Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and prosciutto. Take a among three options today. You may enjoy a gentle bike ride tour exploring the town’s rich culinary traditions, sampling the along the waterways and through the town of Chioggia. Or local specialties along the way. Alternatively, marvel at the you may choose to travel to Padua for a guided stroll through architectural highlights of the historic city of Parma: from the Romanesque cathedral whose cupola by Correggio is a the Old Town, including visits to the Scrovegni Chapel, famous for its rich and elaborate frescoes by Giotto, and the masterpiece of perspective to the octagonal Baptistery, Basilica of St. Anthony, with its bronzes by Donatello. Finally, considered one of the finest medieval buildings in Italy. your third option is a guided visit of Villa Valmarana, one of Explore the 13th-century San Giovanni Pharmacy, filled with the grand villas along the bucolic Brenta Canal, opened apothecary jars on ancient wooden shelves. Take a behind- exclusively for us. Enjoy a festive welcome reception and the-scenes tour of the famous Teatro Regio, one of the dinner this evening. B,L,R,D country’s most renowned opera houses, linked with great composers like Verdi and Rossini (pending final confirmation). Tuesday, September 21 FERRARA Stroll through vibrant Piazza Garibaldi, and step inside the Disembark this morning for an excursion to Ferrara, Basilica di Santa Maria della Steccata to marvel at the work of once a center for the arts ruled by the Este family. Parmigianino. At the National Gallery of Parma, admire works Meticulously designed by urban planner Biagio Rossetti, by Parmigianino, Correggio, and Tintoretto. B,L,D

Thursday September 23 MANTUA by Tiepolo, Veronese, and Bellini; explore Venice’s Step off the ship today to discover Mantua, called La Bella famous opera house, La Fenice, on a behind-the-scenes Addormentata, or “Sleeping Beauty.” We will visit the tour; or take a guided tour of the Peggy Guggenheim stunning Palazzo Ducale, created by the powerful Museum to view its fascinating modern art collection. Gonzaga family, the largest residence in Italy after the Return for lunch on board and enjoy an afternoon at Vatican. With more than 500 rooms, a basilica, courtyards, leisure. This evening, attend the captain’s farewell and gardens, the palace contains precious tapestries reception and dinner. B,L,R,D based on cartoons by Raphael, spellbinding frescoes by Andrea Mantegna, and extraordinary murals by Pisanello. Sunday, September 26 VENICE / RETURN A short distance away, explore Giulio Romano’s awe- Disembark in Venice this morning and transfer to the inspiring creation Palazzo Te, a fine example of airport for flights home. B mannerism in architecture. Inside, admire the painted An optional postlude to Asolo and the Palladian Hall of the Horses and Chamber of the Giants. B,L,D Villas is offered September 26–28, 2021.

Friday, September 24 RAVENNA Get an in-depth look at the UNESCO-listed Byzantine and This itinerary is subject to change at the discretion La early Christian mosaics in Ravenna, capital of the Western of Arrangements Abroad and the Master of Venezia Roman Empire from 402 to 476 A.D. Visit Sant’Apollinare , depending on water levels and other in Classe, with its glorious 6th-century apse covered in factors. For complete details, please carefully brilliant mosaics. Then see the mausoleum of Galla read the terms and conditions at Placidia and Theodoric the Great’s churches—San Vitale www.arrangementsabroad.com/terms. and Sant'Apollinare Nuovo—with their extraordinary Please note: This proposed itinerary is the property mosaics. This evening, we will dine al fresco as La of Arrangements Abroad and may not be duplicated or Venezia sails from the Venetian Lagoon along shores distributed without written permission. All prices are dotted with picturesque fishing villages. B,L,D estimated based on preliminary quotes provided by hotel and service providers, prevailing fuel prices, Saturday, September 25 VENICE airfares and currency exchange rates in effect as of the Docked in Venice, choose among several options to savor date of this proposal and are subject to change. this beautiful city: take a tour led by an art historian of the Reservations are subject to the Terms & Conditions of Accademia, Venice’s grand museum housing masterworks Arrangements Abroad

La Venezia

The 130-passenger La Venezia is filled with light and color. Muted shades of turquoise complemented by soothing cream, taupe, and white accents create a luxurious and sophisticated environment for your up-close, unsurpassed, and unforgettable Italian adventure. Lavishly appointed river-view staterooms and suites have handcrafted Savoir of England beds draped in high-thread- count 100% Egyptian cotton sheets and European duvets. The ship features enticing public areas and luxurious amenities, including a lounge with full-service bar, well-equipped fitness center, restaurant, Serenity River Spa, and a sundeck where you can relax and take in the ever-changing views.

MARCO POLO DECK E 423 421 419 415 411 409 407 405 403 401 SAVOY RECEPTION BAR IL CASTILLO LOUNGE RESTAURANT CAPTAINS’ LOUNGE AND LIBRARY 424 422 420 416 412 410 408 406 404 402 STATEROOMS 410 / 408 ARE AVAILABLE AS CONNECTING STATEROOMS CASANOVA DECK BELLINI DECK E SERENITY 323 321 319 317 315 311 309 307 305 303 301 INTERNET 211 209 207 205 203 201 RIVER SPA PATIO LOUNGE FITNESS 322 320 318 316 314 312 310 308 306 304 302 CENTER 212 210 208 206 204 202 STATEROOMS 321 / 323 AND 204 / 206 ARE AVAILABLE AS CONNECTING STATEROOMS TINTORETTO DECK E 109 107 105 103 108 106 104 102 110

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