The River Countess underwent a complete design renovation recently, debuting as the S.S. La Venezia to bring guests an enhanced luxury experience inspired by Northern Italy. The redesign of the S.S. La Venezia drew influence from the fine Fortuny fabrics displayed prominently onboard. Murano glass, gilded accents and artistic etched elements pay homage to popular Venetian aesthetics of the early 20th century, creating an onboard atmosphere that is at once elegant and nostalgic.
Day 1 Ljubljana
This charming, inexpensive city with its relaxed pace, active cafe life and fondness for poets could be "the next Prague" with its own distinctive character. Several remaining structures show Roman and Baroque influences. The heart of the city lies on both sides of the Ljubljanica River. Over time, architects have used the Ljubljanica as an opportunity to build a handful of tasteful bridges. On one side of the river are the narrow cobblestone streets of the old town, which sits in the shadow of Ljubljana Castle. On the other side of the Ljubljanica is Tivoli castle, a graphic arts center, and the main shopping streets, lined by graceful art-nouveau buildings. The ultramodern Cultural and Congress Center, near the neo-rococo Opera House, is the setting for cultural performances. Worth seeing are the Franciscan Church and the Baroque town hall, with its monumental fountain. Hike to the top of 3,600-ft Mt. Katarina from Ljubljana. A trail begins in the suburb of Podutik before winding through spruce forests and up to a small church at the mountain's peak.
Day 2 Ljubljana
This charming, inexpensive city with its relaxed pace, active cafe life and fondness for poets could be "the next Prague" with its own distinctive character. Several remaining structures show Roman and Baroque influences. The heart of the city lies on both sides of the Ljubljanica River. Over time, architects have used the Ljubljanica as an opportunity to build a handful of tasteful bridges. On one side of the river are the narrow cobblestone streets of the old town, which sits in the shadow of Ljubljana Castle. On the other side of the Ljubljanica is Tivoli castle, a graphic arts center, and the main shopping streets, lined by graceful art-nouveau buildings. The ultramodern Cultural and Congress Center, near the neo-rococo Opera House, is the setting for cultural performances. Worth seeing are the Franciscan Church and the Baroque town hall, with its monumental fountain. Hike to the top of 3,600-ft Mt. Katarina from Ljubljana. A trail begins in the suburb of Podutik before winding through spruce forests and up to a small church at the mountain's peak.
Day 3 Ljubljana
This charming, inexpensive city with its relaxed pace, active cafe life and fondness for poets could be "the next Prague" with its own distinctive character. Several remaining structures show Roman and Baroque influences. The heart of the city lies on both sides of the Ljubljanica River. Over time, architects have used the Ljubljanica as an opportunity to build a handful of tasteful bridges. On one side of the river are the narrow cobblestone streets of the old town, which sits in the shadow of Ljubljana Castle. On the other side of the Ljubljanica is Tivoli castle, a graphic arts center, and the main shopping streets, lined by graceful art-nouveau buildings. The ultramodern Cultural and Congress Center, near the neo-rococo Opera House, is the setting for cultural performances. Worth seeing are the Franciscan Church and the Baroque town hall, with its monumental fountain. Hike to the top of 3,600-ft Mt. Katarina from Ljubljana. A trail begins in the suburb of Podutik before winding through spruce forests and up to a small church at the mountain's peak.
Day 3 Lake Bled
Day 4 Ljubljana
This charming, inexpensive city with its relaxed pace, active cafe life and fondness for poets could be "the next Prague" with its own distinctive character. Several remaining structures show Roman and Baroque influences. The heart of the city lies on both sides of the Ljubljanica River. Over time, architects have used the Ljubljanica as an opportunity to build a handful of tasteful bridges. On one side of the river are the narrow cobblestone streets of the old town, which sits in the shadow of Ljubljana Castle. On the other side of the Ljubljanica is Tivoli castle, a graphic arts center, and the main shopping streets, lined by graceful art-nouveau buildings. The ultramodern Cultural and Congress Center, near the neo-rococo Opera House, is the setting for cultural performances. Worth seeing are the Franciscan Church and the Baroque town hall, with its monumental fountain. Hike to the top of 3,600-ft Mt. Katarina from Ljubljana. A trail begins in the suburb of Podutik before winding through spruce forests and up to a small church at the mountain's peak.
Day 4 Postojna
Most travellers come to this small town in southwestern Slovenia to see the massive Postojna cave, just outside town. The other main attraction is Predjama castle. The mysterious Postojna cave world is the part has been carved, shaped and created by water; deep within these caves hide the most precious beauty created through millions of years, drop by drop, year after year, through which you can travel on a small electric train.
Day 4 Venice
With a great historic past and incomparable art treasures, Venice is renowned as one of the world’s great cities. Its 118 islands are separated by more than 150 canals and spanned by 400 bridges. During Venice's artistic golden age many magnificent structures were erected to create world-famous masterpieces. One of the best sightseeing routes is along Grand Canal, with many palaces lining the famous waterway. St. Mark’s Square offers access to some of Venice’s most famed attractions - St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. From Piazza San Marco, a maze of narrow streets are lined with shops, cafés and restaurants. A popular pastime is sitting at an outdoor café facing the square while people-watching and letting the whole marvelous scenario unfold. Venice’s Murano, Burano and Torcello Islands comprise an area famous as home of Venice’s glass-blowing industry and known for their charm, skilled lace-making and medieval monuments. Relax on a gondola ride, see art treasures in museums, churches and palaces, and have a sumptuous meal - all in this incomparable city.
Day 5 Venice
With a great historic past and incomparable art treasures, Venice is renowned as one of the world’s great cities. Its 118 islands are separated by more than 150 canals and spanned by 400 bridges. During Venice's artistic golden age many magnificent structures were erected to create world-famous masterpieces. One of the best sightseeing routes is along Grand Canal, with many palaces lining the famous waterway. St. Mark’s Square offers access to some of Venice’s most famed attractions - St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. From Piazza San Marco, a maze of narrow streets are lined with shops, cafés and restaurants. A popular pastime is sitting at an outdoor café facing the square while people-watching and letting the whole marvelous scenario unfold. Venice’s Murano, Burano and Torcello Islands comprise an area famous as home of Venice’s glass-blowing industry and known for their charm, skilled lace-making and medieval monuments. Relax on a gondola ride, see art treasures in museums, churches and palaces, and have a sumptuous meal - all in this incomparable city.
Day 6 Venice
With a great historic past and incomparable art treasures, Venice is renowned as one of the world’s great cities. Its 118 islands are separated by more than 150 canals and spanned by 400 bridges. During Venice's artistic golden age many magnificent structures were erected to create world-famous masterpieces. One of the best sightseeing routes is along Grand Canal, with many palaces lining the famous waterway. St. Mark’s Square offers access to some of Venice’s most famed attractions - St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. From Piazza San Marco, a maze of narrow streets are lined with shops, cafés and restaurants. A popular pastime is sitting at an outdoor café facing the square while people-watching and letting the whole marvelous scenario unfold. Venice’s Murano, Burano and Torcello Islands comprise an area famous as home of Venice’s glass-blowing industry and known for their charm, skilled lace-making and medieval monuments. Relax on a gondola ride, see art treasures in museums, churches and palaces, and have a sumptuous meal - all in this incomparable city.
Day 6 Padua
Extraordinary Padua, Italy, just 20 mi/30 km west of Venice, was one of the locales in Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew.
Its beautiful streets hold numerous attractions, including a 13th-century university, what's thought to be the oldest Italian clock (the 1344 clock tower at Palazzo del Capitano) and various other art-filled, eye-pleasing buildings.
If you've lost anything, then you're in the right city: St. Anthony, the saint of lost things, is also the patron saint of Padua. Every 13 June, the saint's feast day, thousands of pilgrims flock to the 13th-century Basilica di Sant'Antonio to pray for the recovery of whatever they have lost. The grand basilica is noted for its Byzantine influences and eight domes.
On the square outside the church, admire Donatello's equestrian statue of the statesman Gattemelata (the Honeyed Cat). But many art lovers make the trip to Padua just to visit the Scrovegni Chapel with Giotto's stunning, gemlike frescoes, the most complete medieval fresco series still intact.
Padua is best seen as a half-day trip from Venice.
Day 6 Mazzorbo, Venitian Island
Known for its agriculture - hundreds of artichoke fields, vineyards and fruit trees, Mazzorbo is a sister island to Burano.
Day 6 Burano, Venitian Island
Visitors to Burano are fascinated by the vibrant colors on display - most notably the colored homes which reflect onto the green waters of the channels. Other notable sights on this idyllic island include the Oblique Bell Tower and elderly ladies chatting and laughing while embroidering Burano lace.
Day 7 Mazzorbo, Venitian Island
Known for its agriculture - hundreds of artichoke fields, vineyards and fruit trees, Mazzorbo is a sister island to Burano.
Day 7 Burano, Venitian Island
Visitors to Burano are fascinated by the vibrant colors on display - most notably the colored homes which reflect onto the green waters of the channels. Other notable sights on this idyllic island include the Oblique Bell Tower and elderly ladies chatting and laughing while embroidering Burano lace.
Day 7 Venice (Chioggia)
Often referred to as "Little Venice," Chioggia is 25 miles south of Venice, on the southern side of the Lagoon of Venice. Chioggia is laced with canals and bussling main streets lined with shops, markets and rustic buildings. Visit the Piazetta Vigo and Bridge, Clock Tower, and Duomo or cathedral, complete with marble, gold and stained glass. A fishing town and port, Chioggia also features a sandy beach at Sottomarina, and many site-seeing locations, shopping opportunities, and restaurants to enjoy authentic, local cuisine.
Day 8 Venice (Chioggia)
Often referred to as "Little Venice," Chioggia is 25 miles south of Venice, on the southern side of the Lagoon of Venice. Chioggia is laced with canals and bussling main streets lined with shops, markets and rustic buildings. Visit the Piazetta Vigo and Bridge, Clock Tower, and Duomo or cathedral, complete with marble, gold and stained glass. A fishing town and port, Chioggia also features a sandy beach at Sottomarina, and many site-seeing locations, shopping opportunities, and restaurants to enjoy authentic, local cuisine.
Day 9 Venice (Chioggia)
Often referred to as "Little Venice," Chioggia is 25 miles south of Venice, on the southern side of the Lagoon of Venice. Chioggia is laced with canals and bussling main streets lined with shops, markets and rustic buildings. Visit the Piazetta Vigo and Bridge, Clock Tower, and Duomo or cathedral, complete with marble, gold and stained glass. A fishing town and port, Chioggia also features a sandy beach at Sottomarina, and many site-seeing locations, shopping opportunities, and restaurants to enjoy authentic, local cuisine.
Day 9 Venice
With a great historic past and incomparable art treasures, Venice is renowned as one of the world’s great cities. Its 118 islands are separated by more than 150 canals and spanned by 400 bridges. During Venice's artistic golden age many magnificent structures were erected to create world-famous masterpieces. One of the best sightseeing routes is along Grand Canal, with many palaces lining the famous waterway. St. Mark’s Square offers access to some of Venice’s most famed attractions - St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. From Piazza San Marco, a maze of narrow streets are lined with shops, cafés and restaurants. A popular pastime is sitting at an outdoor café facing the square while people-watching and letting the whole marvelous scenario unfold. Venice’s Murano, Burano and Torcello Islands comprise an area famous as home of Venice’s glass-blowing industry and known for their charm, skilled lace-making and medieval monuments. Relax on a gondola ride, see art treasures in museums, churches and palaces, and have a sumptuous meal - all in this incomparable city.
Day 10 Venice
With a great historic past and incomparable art treasures, Venice is renowned as one of the world’s great cities. Its 118 islands are separated by more than 150 canals and spanned by 400 bridges. During Venice's artistic golden age many magnificent structures were erected to create world-famous masterpieces. One of the best sightseeing routes is along Grand Canal, with many palaces lining the famous waterway. St. Mark’s Square offers access to some of Venice’s most famed attractions - St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. From Piazza San Marco, a maze of narrow streets are lined with shops, cafés and restaurants. A popular pastime is sitting at an outdoor café facing the square while people-watching and letting the whole marvelous scenario unfold. Venice’s Murano, Burano and Torcello Islands comprise an area famous as home of Venice’s glass-blowing industry and known for their charm, skilled lace-making and medieval monuments. Relax on a gondola ride, see art treasures in museums, churches and palaces, and have a sumptuous meal - all in this incomparable city.
Day 11 Venice
With a great historic past and incomparable art treasures, Venice is renowned as one of the world’s great cities. Its 118 islands are separated by more than 150 canals and spanned by 400 bridges. During Venice's artistic golden age many magnificent structures were erected to create world-famous masterpieces. One of the best sightseeing routes is along Grand Canal, with many palaces lining the famous waterway. St. Mark’s Square offers access to some of Venice’s most famed attractions - St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. From Piazza San Marco, a maze of narrow streets are lined with shops, cafés and restaurants. A popular pastime is sitting at an outdoor café facing the square while people-watching and letting the whole marvelous scenario unfold. Venice’s Murano, Burano and Torcello Islands comprise an area famous as home of Venice’s glass-blowing industry and known for their charm, skilled lace-making and medieval monuments. Relax on a gondola ride, see art treasures in museums, churches and palaces, and have a sumptuous meal - all in this incomparable city.