As cruise ships over 25,000 tons are no longer allowed to enter the basin of St. Mark’s and the Giudecca Canal in central Venice, which takes out nearly every large liner, a handful of intimate vessels still glide along the water, undisturbed by the giants of the sea. Here’s a look at the best river cruises for a getaway on the Po and in the Venice lagoon.
From Mantua to Venice with CroisiEurope
Over a week, the CroisiEurope itinerary takes you through Lombardy along the Po River. Departing Mantua, you wander through the former Gonzaga capital, famed as Renaissance princes-turned-artists. For car enthusiasts who enjoy a maritime bend, an optional excursion to the Ferrari Museum in Modena is on the table. The ship then sails toward Valdaro and Ostiglia, with a optional stop in Verona, celebrated for its ancient arenas. Before reaching Porto Viro and Chioggia, there’s the option to explore Padua, the city of Saint Anthony. The voyage culminates in Venice and its lagoon, where the magic of St. Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace awaits.
© CroisiEurope – restaurant
Housed in a graceful vessel named MS Michelangelo, CroisiEurope’s ship accommodates 150 guests. The cabins are spacious and feature large windows that invite quiet, panoramic views. On the upper deck, toward the stern, lies the restaurant with an all-inclusive package and, toward the bow, a lounge-bar with a dance floor. The sun deck is the perfect place to soak in the scenery as you sail.
Uniworld: Venice, the Luxury Edition
The pinnacle of luxury. Rebranded SS La Venezia (ex-River Countess), this Uniworld ship underwent a complete renovation in 2020. Departing from Venice, the eight-day experience begins with a stroll through the City of the Doges, followed by a private after-hours visit to St. Mark’s Basilica. Then the voyage heads to Vicenza or Padua, two UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Veneto region, before an evening wander through Burano. The itinerary continues with days exploring the northern Venetian lagoon and the coastal town of Chioggia, before returning to Venice. Extensions to Athens and Santorini are also available.
© Uniworld – chambre
SS La Venezia stands out as one of the region’s premier ships for exploring. Between Fortuny-inspired fabrics that adorn this five-star floating palace, the Murano glass myriad, gilding, and artistic engravings that pay homage to early 20th‑century Venetian aesthetics, every detail evokes Italian luxury at its finest. With 126 guests, travelers can choose from several cabin categories, though the standout option is the expansive 28 m² suite (separate bedroom and living room) featuring floral tapestries, Savoir beds, and a marble bathroom. On the culinary front, look for the Rialto Italian restaurant, a terrace serving pizza and a Panini Bar, and the intimate La Cantinetta. A fitness center and a spa round out the premium experience.
The Grand Ship on Venice’s Doorstep: Viking River Cruises
It all starts in Rome with the Colosseum, then heads south to Naples and Sicily, before sailing up to Crotone and Bari. After several days, the voyage shifts to Croatia for a continental change of scenery. Yet the highlight remains the grand finale in the stunning city of Venice. Its canals, bridges, and historic landmarks—plus a stop in Chioggia, a charming fishing village—make for an unforgettable finale in the romantically famed lagoon.
© Vesta Viking – restaurant
The ship itself varies depending on the embarkation date. Whether it’s Neptune Viking, Mira Viking, or Vesta Viking, these widely accessible yet premium vessels share very similar specifications. Expect capacity near 1,000 passengers, a Nordic spa, several restaurants including an Italian option, a bar, a fitness center—and modern, simply styled cabins, many with balconies to savor the sea views.
