Before gracing UK televisions, James Martin travelled throughout France working in the kitchens of French châteaux. At 21, he opened the Hotel and Bistro du Vin in Winchester as Head Chef, where he changed the menu daily. James' TV shows have included James Martin: Home Comforts, British favourite Saturday Kitchen and James Martin's French Adventure. He can be found at James Martin Manchester and The Kitchen at Chewton Glen.
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Expert-led
Discover the captivating beauty and history of Venice with James Martin
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Join us for a luxurious adventure by water around Venice and the wider Venetian Lagoon. This region of northwest Italy is home to beautiful islands, acclaimed art museums, stunning architecture and a colourful history.
Making this trip extra special is the company of acclaimed chef James Martin, who will join you on board for one day to give a talk, Q&A and book signing, and who will craft and cook a mouthwatering gala dinner one evening.
During the week you'll marvel at the sights and sounds of Venice, including special access to some of Venice's top landmarks. You'll visit the impressive St Mark's Basilica after dark to see a peaceful lighting ceremony, and tour Torcello's basilica with an art historian.
As well as exploring all that Venice has to offer, you'll sail to several hidden gems 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.
Also included in your trip is VIP access to the Doge's palace for an early morning visit plus a range of other excursions to choose from, like learning more about the history of the lagoon, or cycling the beaches of Chioggia.
On your ultimate Venetian vacation you'll be staying aboard the sleek ship S.S. La Venezia which is more like a floating boutique hotel, with gorgeous furnishings influenced by the sophisticated style of Venice. With large ocean lines now banned, Uniworld's small ship size gives guests an added level of exclusivity being the only luxury cruise line to not only enter, but also sail through the heart of Venice.
As you sail, you'll savour the spectacular wine and cuisines of this region every step of the way, with all meals and drinks included on S.S. La Venezia.
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Reasons to book
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Events with James Martin
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Exclusive access
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Italian dining
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Sail in style
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Meet the craftspeople
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Explore the Lagoon
Your expert guide
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Price includes
- Return flights from the UK
- Seven-night cruise in a river view stateroom on the impressive S.S. La Venezia in a lavishly appointed river view stateroom.
- All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
- Captain's welcome and farewell receptions and gala dinners
- Gala dinner cooked and designed by James Martin
- Talk, Q&A and book signing with James, you will need to bring your own copy for him to sign
- Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks and mineral water
- Six days of excursions, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts
- State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions
- All transfers on arrival and departure days
- Onboard gratuities
- Services of an experienced Cruise Manager
- Captivating onboard local entertainment
- Cultural enrichment, including a Signature Lecture
- Price includes up to £661pp saving*
Availability
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a classic riverview stateroom, subject to availability. Price includes saving of £661pp, discount is capacity controlled. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement on request. Deposit 15%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Uniworld River Cruises Limited.
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a classic riverview stateroom, subject to availability. Price includes savings of up to £1000 per person, discount is capacity controlled. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement on request. Deposit 15%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Uniworld River Cruises Limited.
Itinerary
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Day1Arrive in VeniceVenice, Italy
Today you'll arrive at Venice Marco Polo airport, where a transfer will take you to the SS La Venezia. There'll be some free time to unpack and get to know the ship and its facilities before dinner.
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Day2VeniceVenice, Italy
You'll arrive early at Venice's Doge's Palace today to explore this usually busy site in peace, with an extra special entrance. You will enter through the side door, which is usually reserved for dignitaries and VIPs.
After your exclusive visit to Doge's Palace, you'll take a stroll through a traditional Venetian neighbourhood to see how local life unfolds.
Tonight, you'll witness a private after-hours lighting ceremony inside St Mark's Basilica without the crowds.
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Day3Mazzorbo, BuranoBurano, Italy
After breakfast on S.S. La Venezia, decide whether you'd prefer to visit Vicenza or Padua - both are UNESCO World Heritage Cities with many beautiful sights to discover.
In the afternoon, you'll reboard the ship for a scenic journey across the lagoon towards Burano and Mazzorbo. As you're docked on Burano, you can enjoy an evening stroll with your cruise Manager as you discover this beautifully colourful island. Most tourists visit here during the day and depart in the evening, meaning you explore without the usual crowds, giving more space to take in the uniquely coloured fishing houses surrounding you. This evening, your captain will host a special welcome reception and dinner on board your ship.
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Day4Mazzorbo, Burano, ChioggiaBurano, Italy
Spend the day exploring the northern lagoon of Venice and its captivating islands. Start with a visit to Torcello's famous basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, you have exclusive access before doors open to the public to see the stunning 11th-century mosaic of the Last Judgment without the crowds with an expert art historian. 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.
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Day5ChioggiaChioggia, Italy
Today, you'll admire the greatest sites of Chioggia, a charming seaside town south of Venice. You'll have time to wander the pretty streets and see the Torre dell'Orologio S. Andrea, a Romanesque watchtower, and make a stop at the lively local market.
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Day6Po DeltaChioggia, Italy
This morning, explore the Po Delta at the point where the Adriatic Sea meets the Po River on a sailing excursion. You'll then sail back to Venice over lunch back on board the SS La Venezia.
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Day7VeniceVenice, Italy
Today you'll explore more of Venice. As you enter the city via water taxi you'll glide past narrow side canals and the Canal Grande to 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.
From here, you can visit Rialto market, take a walking tour or visit a mask atelier to see how the intricate masks worn at the Carnival of Venice are made.
A special Captain's Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.
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Day8DepartureVenice, Italy
After a final breakfast on board, you'll disembark S.S. La Venezia and a transfer will take you to the airport for your flight back to London.
Accommodation
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SS La Venezia
Glamorous Uniworld ship sailing the Po and Venice Lagoon
Paying homage to classic Venetian style, the S.S La Venezia is no ordinary cruise ship. This elegant vessel was renovated in 2020, bringing a new level of luxury and decadence to river sailing. With nods to its locale, the ship features Murano glass and splendid gilding that add to a sparkling onboard atmosphere. All the staterooms are river-facing with marble bathrooms and luxury amenities.
Brought to you by
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To view Uniworld’s supplier’s terms and conditions click here.
Availability
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a classic riverview stateroom, subject to availability. Price includes savings of up to £1000 per person, discount is capacity controlled. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement on request. Deposit 15%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Uniworld River Cruises Limited.
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a classic riverview stateroom, subject to availability. Price includes saving of £661pp, discount is capacity controlled. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement on request. Deposit 15%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Uniworld River Cruises Limited.