The Venetian Republic ruled Adriatic waves for a millennium. During the 8th century as the Roman Empire began its decline, many Europeans fled to Venice. Merchants put their skills to use, and the city-state was soon thriving. Along the city’s Grand Canal, more than 50 palazzi line its banks featuring buildings influenced by Byzantine and Islamic architecture, reflecting Venice’s powerful trading network. The first vaporetto traversed the Grand Canal in 1881; alongside the gondolas, these iconic Venetian water buses are at the heart of Venice’s transport network.
Shore Excursions
Shore excursions vary by each itinerary and are subject to change.
At a Glance: St. Mark’s Square
View this storied city from the Venice Lagoon’s languid waters and explore legendary St. Mark’s Square on foot.
Hidden Venice On Foot
Explore Venice by foot and you will uncover treasures that are invisible to those who explore only by boat.
Unraveling St. Mark’s Square & Doge’s Palace
Stroll past the famous Dogeʹs Palace and to beautiful St. Markʹs Basilica on this walking tour of Venice.
A Private Gondola Ride for Two
Indulge in your very own private gondola ride for the ultimate romantic experience in Venice.
Traditions of an Italian Kitchen
Enjoy an immersive experience with a local home cook who will introduce you to specialties of Venice.
Venetian Islands, Murano & Burano
Discover two of Venice’s most beautiful outlying islands and linger in one of Europe’s most beautiful squares.
Venetian Jewels
Stroll through the heart of storied Venice during a captivating tour past this famous city’s iconic landmarks.
Secrets of Doge’s Palace
Enter the secret passageways of Venice’s Doge’s Palace, the halls, rooms and chambers hidden from the public eye.
The Kitchen Table
Immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine as our Executive Chef leads you on an interactive culinary adventure.
Discovering Verona
Explore the history and culture of Romeo and Juliet’s Verona on a guided walking tour.
Venice by Foot & Gondola
Immerse yourself in the historic sights of Venice and take a ride in an iconic gondola along this famed waterway.
A Gondola Ride in Venice
Experience a romantic and mesmerizing gondola ride through the canals of Venice.
The Island & the Abbey
Visit Venice’s glassmaking center and a centuries-old monastery on two of the most beautiful Venice Lagoon islands.
Videos
Cooking with Karine: A Real Contessa
In her centuries-old Palazzo Tiepolo on the Grand Canal, Contessa Lelia Passi teaches Karine to make risi e bisi, a risotto of rice and peas.
Venice’s Most Unusual Bookstore
Join Karine at Libreria Acqua Alta, a Venetian hidden treasure. This extraordinary shop is run by the charismatic Luigi Frizzo, who believes that books “make your soul come alive.”
The Venetian Lagoon
Follow Karine as she explores the fascinating Venice Lagoon, stopping to visit Torcello, San Giorgio Maggiori, Sant’ Erasmo, Burano, Lazzaretto Nuovo and Murano.
Italian Language Lesson
Learn a few useful Italian words and phrases with Elena, your Viking tutor. Salute!
Discover Venice
Whether you are interested in art, architecture, music or history, romantic Venice has it all. Once the center of the cultured Venetian Republic, it retains an unrivaled old-world charm.
Beyond Venice’s Gondolas
Gondolas are icons of Venice, but countless other boats and people keep this car-free city running smoothly. Join Karine for a glimpse at the city’s diverse water-oriented infrastructure.
