Renaissance Treasures

It is the first time for me to go river cruise. It's nice and very relax. You do not have to do packing and unpacking. Living in the floating hotel while traveling from the city to city. When the ship reaches a new city in the morning, the buses are already waiting for you for the day excursion.

Can you believe that Venice can survive this modern society without cars? They have what called 'Water Taxi' and 'Gondola'.

Renaissance Treasures - 9 Days

Day 1 Sat	USA - Venice Depart on your overnight flight to Italy.
Day 2 Sun	Venice On arrival, transfer to your beautiful floating hotel, docked in the main port of Venice. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. This evening, meet your fellow travelers at a welcome onboard dinner.
Day 3 Mon	Venice - Burano and Murano This morning’s you will begin your day on the Venetian Lagoon by visiting the islands of Burano and Murano. The island of Burano is best known for its crooked bell tower, thriving fishing community, lace makers and brightly colored houses – giving it the nickname Gelato “ice cream” Island. Murano is internationally re-known as the glass blowing island. This ancient art form is still practiced here and you will see a demonstration during your visit to an artist’s workshop. This afternoon then cruise across the Venetian Lagoon, past the fishing island of Pellestrina, through the Delta of the River Po and up the river to overnight in Berra.
Day 4 Tue	Ferrara Disembark for an excursion to Ferrara. Now a bustling provincial capital, Ferrara came to prominence as a trade and market center during the Renaissance. The town’s wealth is reflected in the wide boulevards and impressive palaces. The city was once the residence of the Este Dynasty. Their Castello Estense, a moated castle, dominates the town center. Visit the Castello, and walk through the Medieval quarter. Returning to the ship, cruise this afternoon to Boretto.
Day 5 Wed	Parma This morning, journey by motorcoach to Parma, a gastronomic center famous for its prosciutto ham, parmigiano cheese and lambrusco wine. The town also boasts many architectural treasures. See the magnificent Pilotta Palace, Regio Theatre and Palazzo Ducale. Visit the Medieval Baptistery and the Duomo, one of the best examples of 12th century Romanesque architecture in all of Italy. Correggio painted the huge fresco inside the cathedral’s dome. Returning to the ship in Boretto for lunch, continue your leisurely cruise down the Po, making an overnight stop in Revere, where you visit the fascinating Po Museum.
Day 6 Thu	Mantua This morning depart for an excursion to Mantua, the setting for Guiseppe Verdi’s opera “Rigoletto.” This charming walled city, situated on the Mincio River, was once home to the extravagant artloving Gonzaga family, one of the Renaissance’s foremost dynasties. See the Renaissance Basilica of St. Andrea, and tour the Palazzo Ducale, former residence of the Gonzaga family. On your return to the ship you cruise down the Po to overnight in the Delta town of Taglio di Po.
Day 7 Fri	Venice This morning you will cruise across the beautiful Venetian Lagoon and make your entry into Venice as sailors have done for centuries. This afternoon’s guided walk introduces you to the heart of Venice. Any visit to Venice must begin in the shadow of the Campanile, on the famous Piazza San Marco. Visit the spectacular Byzantine Basilica di San Marco and the opulent Doge’s Palace. While there, climb the famous Scala dei Giganti, admire the paintings of Tintoretto and Veronese, and wander through the Great Council Chamber.
Day 8 Sat	Venice - Padua This morning’s tour is to Padua, an ancient university town where Galileo and Dante studied. Visit the magnificent 13th century Basilica di Sant’Antonio with its beautiful frescoes, sculpture and tomb of St.Anthony. The afternoon is free in Venice to take in some more sights or last minute shopping.
Day 9 Sun	Venice - USA Disembark after breakfast for your transfer to the airport and flight home.