Introduction

Between the mid-1980s and 2019, Richard and Dawn Furlong personally escorted tours to numerous European and Worldwide destinations. In 2016, we hosted a very enjoyable week in Venice, aboard Uniworld's 5-star river cruise ship, River Countess.

In September 2026 we are heading back for a repeat performance, this time aboard Uniworld's newly launched S.S. La Venezia. If you fancy joining Richard and Dawn on this special holiday, in the company of other like-minded discerning travellers, please read on ...

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Venice - the Queen of the Adriatic

This ultimate Venetian holiday is perfected by one unique quality: your stay onboard Uniworld’s floating boutique hotel. Not only will you benefit from an enviable location in Venice, but you will also find that your hotel transports you to hidden gem towns nearby. Explore the waterfront shops, colourful facades, and peaceful canals unique to Burano, Mazzorbo, and Torcello. Farther south, discover Chioggia - a charming southern port loved by fishermen. And savour the spectacular wine and cuisines of this region every step of the way!

The 2026 itinerary will include exclusive experiences including early access to the Doge's Palace and a private after-hours lighting ceremony inside St. Mark's Basilica or an Opera Evening at Musica a Palazzo. Some other highlights:-

• Explore the UNESCO World Heritage cities of Vicenza or Padua.

• Sail the lagoon to the enchanting island of Mazzorbo.

• Visit the renowned glassblowing artisans in Burano.

• Discover the historic Basilica of Torcello with an expert art historian.

• Stroll through the charming fishing port of Chioggia.

• Cruise along the scenic Po River Delta.

• Enjoy private water-taxi rides to the iconic Rialto Bridge.

This hosted 8-day holiday departs the UK on Sunday 6th September 2026 and returns on Sunday 13th September 2026. Standard holiday prices start from £3,679 per person sharing a twin/double and including flights, currently reduced by 10% to £3,311 per person while space allows.

Prior Uniworld guests are eligible for an additional “River Heritage Club” bonus which effectively saves £90 per person from the early-booking price.

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The Itinerary

Sunday 6 September 2026 Round-trip international flights are included in economy class, outbound from London, with alternative regional departure airports available subject to schedules and any applicable supplement. Richard and Dawn will be flying from Heathrow, but we also have clients joining us from Glasgow, Newcastle, Manchester, and Dublin. On arriving at Venice Marco Polo International Airport, you will be transferred to the ship. Time to unpack, relax and enjoy your first evening on the Venetian Lagoon.

Monday 7 September 2026 With an early morning arrival at Doge’s Palace, you will be able to marvel at the property in total peace. Wander through a Venetian neighbourhood and experience daily life in an authentic Venetian residential quarter. Later in the evening, cap the day off with a private once-in-a-lifetime experience at an after-hours lighting ceremony inside St. Mark’s Basilica without the crowds, or a full opera experience at Musica a Palazzo.

Tuesday 8 September 2026 Start your morning with an escorted visit to one of two of the Veneto region’s UNESCO World Heritage cities, Vicenza or Padua. In the afternoon, you'll reboard the ship for scenic sailing across the lagoon as we head towards Mazzorbo and Burano. In the evening, you may wish to take your free time to stroll into town to appreciate this charming island when most of the tourists have left for the evening. Burano’s brightly painted fishermen’s cottages are an artist’s dream - hot pink, chartreuse, orange, lemon yellow, and more. A special Captain’s Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.

Wednesday 9 September 2026 Spend the day exploring the northern lagoon of Venice and its captivating islands. Start with a visit to Torcello's famous basilica with an art historian, then stroll through the agricultural island of Mazzorbo and the rainbow-hued island of Burano during your free time after lunch. Alternatively, you can take the afternoon to see the renowned glassblowing artisans of Murano at work.

Thursday 10 September 2026 Today, you’ll admire the greatest sites of charming and coastal Chioggia, including a stop at the local and lively market.

Friday 11 September 2026 This morning, join a sailing excursion where you’ll explore the Po Delta where the Po River and the Adriatic Sea meet, or set off to visit one of E|urope's most majestic castles, Castello del Catajo. Later, during lunch, we sail back to Venice.

Saturday 12 September 2026 As our water taxi glides past narrow side canals and the Canal Grande, we’ll arrive in style at the Rialto Bridge. The iconic stone arch bridge sits at the narrowest point of the Canal Grande and holds numerous shops and restaurants. A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.

Sunday 13 September 2026 Breakfast before an included transfer back to Venice Marco Polo Airport, and your flight back to the UK.

NB: There is a full programme of INCLUDED excursions and activities throughout the week.

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The Ship

Uniworld's S.S. La Venezia debuted in 2020 to bring guests an enhanced luxury experience inspired by Northern Italy. Public rooms and facilities include Hari’s Bar & Lounge, the Ristorante Rialto, Panini Bar, La Cantinetta, a 24-hour Coffee & Tea Station, Lido di Venezia Sun Deck, a casual pizzeria called Cielo’s, a Fitness Centre, and Serenity River Spa. The ship accommodates a maximum of 126 guests. All staterooms and suites boast handcrafted Savoir ® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, and flat-screen TV with infotainment centre, plus a marble bathroom with bath and body products, plush towels, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, heated mirror, and backlit magnifying mirror.

There are four decks; Torcello, Burano and Mazzorbo (split level deck), Murano, and the top observation or Lido deck.

Classic staterooms (Torcello) - 151 sq ft Deluxe staterooms (Burano) - 151 sq ft Deluxe staterooms (Mazzorbo) - 151 sq ft French Balcony staterooms (Murano) - 151 sq ft Suites (Burano) - 214 sq ft Grand Suites (Burano) - 302 sq ft

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What's Included

• Round-trip international flights in economy class, London-Venice-London.

• Other airports on request and may be subject to supplement.

• Business class flights may be available subject to the applicable supplement.

• 7-nights aboard Uniworld's S.S. La Venezia.

• Stateroom category of your choice assigned upon booking.

• 7 Breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners.

• Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions and Gala Dinners

• Unlimited beverages onboard including fine wine, beer, spirits, teas and coffees, soft drinks, and mineral water.

• Full excursion and activity programme included, with featured entries, fully hosted by English-speaking local experts.

• Cultural enrichment, including onboard local entertainment.

• State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions.

• Use of Nordic walking sticks.

• Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager.

• Free Wi-Fi.

• Airport transfers and sightseeing transport where applicable.

• Current airport and prepaid air taxes, and port charges.

• Gratuities for onboard personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise/Tour Manager

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Holiday Prices

Subject to flight and ship accommodation availability, Uniworld’s Venice holiday prices for September 2026 are based on the ship stateroom category you choose. Availability and prices are subject to change. Also subject to availability, early booking saves you 10%. If you have travelled with Uniworld before, your "River Heritage Club" bonus saves you an extra £100 per person (gross) / £90 per person after early booking discount.

Twin/Double occupancy:- Classic staterooms £3,679 per person reduced to £3,311 per person for early booking. Deluxe staterooms £4,279 per person reduced to £3,851 per person for early booking. French Balcony staterooms £5,279 per person reduced to £4,751 per person for early booking. Suites £7,179 per person reduced to £6,461 per person for early booking. Grand Suites £9,679 per person reduced to £8,711 per person for early booking.

Sole occupancy:- Classic staterooms £5,279 per person reduced to £4,751 per person for early booking. Deluxe staterooms £6,079 per person reduced to £5,471 per person for early booking.

Uniworld adopts flexible pricing, depending on sales and availability, so holiday prices are subject to change and will be confirmed at the time of enquiry.            

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How to Book Call 01892 785 785

Simply call or email Richard or Dawn to check availability and the holiday price with flights from your preferred UK airport. Subject to availability, we will email you a booking option with further details. Check this through and if you wish to proceed, Uniworld will require a deposit (usually 15%) to confirm your reservation. You may pay by credit or debit card, or by bank transfer. All monies go direct to Uniworld, and your booking is protected by Uniworld's ATOL licence, number 10975. Uniworld will require the balance of your holiday costs to be paid 120 days prior to travel. The holiday tour operator is Uniworld River Cruises Limited, and bookings are subject to their standard terms and conditions.

Richard and Dawn will supervise your documentation and tickets, and are on hand to help with any questions you may have at any stage. They also look forward to seeing you, either at the airport or onboard ship, for a fantastic week in Venice.