River Cruises in Northern Italy
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10 best river cruise Northern Italy tours
Compiled by
MelissaNorthern Italy travel expert at TourRadar
- Milan, Venice & the Jewels of Veneto (2025) (Milan to Venice, 2025)
- Venetian Treasures (port-to-port cruise)
- From the Canals of Venice to Renaissance-infused Mantua
- Rome, Venice & the Jewels of Veneto (2025) (Venice to Rome, 2025)
- Venice & the Jewels of Veneto (2026) (Venice to Venice, 2026)
- Advent Lights, a cruise through the heart of Venice's Christmas markets and its lagoon
- Advent Lights, a cruise through the heart of Venice's Christmas markets and its lagoon (port-to-port cruise)
- From the Canals of Venice to Renaissance-infused Mantua & Milan and Lake Como Extended Stay (port-to-port cruise)
- Venice, the epicenter of art, and its famous lagoon (port-to-port package)
- Christmas in Venice
The S.S. La Venezia connects Milan to Venice through Northern Italy's waterways. The ship ventures to the Po Delta's meeting point with the Adriatic Sea, visits Chioggia's lively market, and provides exclusive after-hours access to St. Mark's Basilica. This 10-day route costs approx. $510 per day, featuring Burano's colorful fishermen's cottages and Murano's renowned glassblowing studios.
Duration 10 days Destinations Milan, Venice, Burano, Chioggia Age Range 16 to 100 year olds Ship S.S. La Venezia Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $8,599
30% Off- NZ$6,019You save $2,580
Venetian Treasures (port-to-port cruise)
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The location was perfect, just a short walk to all the must see sights.”
Susan, traveled in May
The MS Michelangelo, boasting 78 climate-controlled cabins, weaves through Northern Italy's waters from Venice to Chioggia. Local delicacies await at Rialto Market, while Murano's glass workshops and Padua's medieval charm unfold over 5 immersive days.
Duration 5 days Destinations Venice, Burano, Murano, Chioggia, Padua, Arqua Petrarca Age Range up to 99 year olds Ship MS Michelangelo Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
30% Off- NZ$1,411
The MS Michelangelo, accommodating 158 passengers, charts a course from Venice's Grand Canal through the Venetian lagoon to Mantua's lakes. Port stops include Chioggia, Porto Viro, and Ostiglia with expert-guided excursions.
Duration 7 days Destinations Venice, Island of Mazzorbo, Chioggia, Padua, Porto Viro, Verona, Mantua Age Range up to 99 year olds Ship MS Michelangelo Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
30% Off- NZ$2,838
The S.S. La Venezia takes you past Torcello's ancient basilica and Chioggia's bustling fish market. The vessel navigates Venice's iconic canals to Murano's renowned glassworks and Burano's colorful fishermen's houses. Guests receive exclusive evening access to St. Mark's Basilica's illumination ceremony.
Duration 11 days Destinations Venice, Island of Mazzorbo, Burano, Vicenza, Padua, Chioggia, Torcello, Murano, Trevi, Vatican CitySee all destinations Age Range up to 100 year olds Ship S.S. La Venezia Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $11,099
20% Off- NZ$8,879You save $2,220
S.S. La Venezia winds through the hidden canals of Burano and Torcello. The ship sails the Po Delta where Adriatic meets river, visiting Chioggia's fishing culture via traditional Bragozzo boat, continuing to Padua and Vicenza. Luxurious riverview staterooms with Savoir® beds await for 7 nights.
Duration 8 days Destinations Venice, Burano, Veneto, Vicenza, Padua, Chioggia, Torcello, Murano Age Range up to 100 year olds Ship S.S. La Venezia Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $6,899
20% Off- NZ$5,519You save $1,380
Duration 5 days Destinations Venice, Island of Mazzorbo, Chioggia Age Range up to 99 year olds Ship MS Michelangelo Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
20% Off- NZ$2,238
Duration 5 days Destinations Venice, Island of Mazzorbo, Chioggia Age Range up to 99 year olds Ship MS Michelangelo Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
20% Off- NZ$1,860
The MS Michelangelo offers panoramic views from Venice's lagoon to Mantua's lakes. Passengers float through Chioggia's canals, dock at Porto Viro, and visit Canda's riverside charm. French cuisine with regional wines accompanies views of UNESCO-listed landmarks and Renaissance ports.
Duration 9 days Destinations Venice, Island of Mazzorbo, Chioggia, Padua, Porto Viro, Verona, Mantua, Milan, Lake Como Age Range up to 99 year olds Ship MS Michelangelo Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
20% Off- NZ$3,971
MS Michelangelo, accommodating 158 guests, sails through Venice's lagoon to Chioggia. The itinerary features UNESCO-listed Vicenza's Teatro Olimpico, Burano's Lace Museum, and Teatro La Fenice, complemented by refined French cuisine and regional wines.
Duration 6 days Destinations Venice, Island of Mazzorbo, Burano, Chioggia Age Range up to 99 year olds Ship MS Michelangelo Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From $2,646
25% Off- NZ$1,985You save $662
The MS Michelangelo, with 158 passengers in 78 cabins, winds through Northern Italy's waterways from Venice to Chioggia through picturesque lagoons. Guided excursions lead to Padua's medieval center, while Christmas Eve dinner unfolds as Venice's illuminated palazzos drift past.
Duration 5 days Destinations Venice, Chioggia, Burano, Murano Age Range up to 99 year olds Ship MS Michelangelo Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
25% Off- NZ$2,823
Northern Italy River Cruise Reviews
- Venetian Treasures (port-to-port cruise)
My expectations were far exceeded. The boat was lovely, the food was wonderful and the staff was attentive! A shout out to Christine our cruise director/coordinator. Our excursions were great and with wonderful, intelligent, passionate tour guides. My only concern was that sometimes dinner runs later, need more then crackers in the lounge. During our free time in Venice, we would stock up on snacks and bring back. All drinks included in price. I am already thinking of planning another trip through Tourradar and CroisiEurope! River cruising is the only way to see Venice. Consider it a floating hotel, seeing parts of Venice that most tourist don't see.
- Venice & the Jewels of Veneto (2024) (Venice to Venice, 2024) (5 destinations)
My cruise was fantastic. Great food and outstanding service
What our customers ask about River Cruises in Northern Italy
What unique destinations and experiences can I expect on a Northern Italy river cruise?
Northern Italy river cruises center on the Venetian Lagoon and Po River Delta where grand cities meet quiet waterways. The routes pass through Venice with stops at St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace then continue to the islands of Murano where glass artisans work and Burano with its traditional lace makers. Less visited ports like Chioggia and Polesella offer a quieter look at local life while UNESCO sites such as Padua and Ferrara showcase Italy's rich history. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "River cruising is the only way to see Venice - seeing parts of Venice that most tourists don't see. The excursions were great with wonderful intelligent passionate tour guides."
What are the most popular river cruise routes in Northern Italy?
The main routes follow the Venetian Lagoon and Po River Delta networks with Venice as the primary starting point. Key journeys run from Venice to Chioggia then through the island communities of Burano and Murano before reaching historic Mantua. Vessels like the S.S. La Venezia and MS Michelangelo take guests to major sites including Doge's Palace St. Mark's Basilica and the Rialto Bridge. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The route through the Venetian lagoon offered breathtaking views and access to hidden gems you wouldn't see otherwise."
What type of cabins are available on Northern Italy river cruise ships?
Accommodations range from standard rooms to luxury suites across different price points. The S.S. La Venezia offers five categories: Classic Deluxe French Balcony Suite and Grand Suite all featuring Savoir® Beds with Egyptian cotton linens. On the MS Michelangelo guests choose between upper and main deck rooms including Category A and B staterooms plus premium suites. A TourRadar reviewer noted: "Our French Balcony cabin on the S.S. La Venezia provided stunning views of the Venetian Lagoon and was surprisingly spacious."
What kind of culinary experiences are offered on Northern Italy river cruises?
The food programming celebrates regional specialties from Venice and the Po Valley. Ships like MS Michelangelo serve breakfast buffets multi-course lunches and special dinner events featuring local dishes such as risotto al nero di seppia and fresh seafood from nearby waters. Many trips include food-focused excursions to places like Venice's Rialto Market or wine tastings at Venissa Vineyard on Mazzorbo Island. According to a TourRadar traveler: "The onboard dining exceeded our expectations with authentic Italian cuisine and regional wines included at every meal."
What's the best time of year for a Northern Italy river cruise?
The main sailing season runs April through October with May and September offering mild weather and lighter tourist crowds. During peak months temperatures in Venice and the Po Delta stay around 20-25°C (68-77°F). Spring brings flowering landscapes across the Veneto while fall features wine harvest celebrations. A TourRadar traveler noted: "We chose September for our cruise on the S.S. La Venezia and found perfect weather for exploring both on and off the ship."
What are the main differences between various river cruise lines in Northern Italy?
Each cruise line brings its own character to the waterways. Uniworld's S.S. La Venezia offers upscale boutique cruising with detailed decor and included premium tours. CroisiEurope runs the MS Michelangelo with a relaxed French-influenced atmosphere and flexible excursion options. Both vessels host under 160 passengers for a personal experience. One TourRadar traveler shared: "We chose Uniworld for their luxury approach and weren't disappointed with the exceptional service and attention to detail."
Which Northern Italy river cruise itinerary is best for first-time visitors?
A 7-8 day Venice-based route like "Venice & the Jewels of Veneto" works well for newcomers. These trips cover essential sites including Venice's St. Mark's Square and Doge's Palace plus visits to Burano Murano and Chioggia. The single-unpack format allows time to see major landmarks and local spots. A TourRadar traveler advised: "The 8-day Venice-based cruise gave us the perfect introduction to Northern Italy's highlights without feeling rushed."