The Po River and Venetian Lagoon

The heart of Venice is St. Mark’s Square, with its famous St. Mark’s Basilica, a sublime piece of architecture that has stood the test of time since its creation in 1092. Wander through the piazza, marveling at its ornate buildings with arched walkways as you make your way to other historical buildings such as St. Mark’s Campanile, St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace and Torre dell’Orologio.

Go back in time as you walk the Rialto Bridge which was originally made of wood until it collapsed and was rebuilt in 1524 and now dazzles with its ornate stone perfection. From its top, take in the iconic view of the city and be mesmerized watching gondolas float down the Grand Canal. The Bridge of Sighs, another favorite landmark, is steeped in legend and conjures ancient images of criminals being hauled away over the bridge uttering sighs as they glance back at Venice for the last time. Another must-do when in Venice is shopping for Italian classics such as leather goods (especially shoes and handbags) and cashmere, available at many different shops throughout the city. Wind down your day with a traditional aperitivo at one of Venice’s rooftop bars or cafes and be sure to relish in the Venetian cuisine, which is known around Italy, especially because of the high quality of seafood that is served in the area.

A delightful fishing port on the southern side of the Venetian lagoon, Chioggia is often referred to as ‘Little Venice.’ Known for its harbor and fish markets, it also has its own identity with its mansions, churches and monuments that preserve traces of its fascinating past. Long arcades, low pretty houses, and the beautiful Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta give the town a very special atmosphere. A mecca for artists because of its beautiful, natural lighting, you can admire local works as you stroll along Corso del Popolo, the wide main street through the heart of the historic center. Wander its charming narrow streets, known as calli, and be transported back in time. Duck into quaint shops or enjoy a drink at an outdoor café where you can soak in the local ambiance of this charming town.

Take a guided walking tour through Vicenza, a fantastic city famed for its iconic architecture designed by celebrated 16th century architect Andrea Palladio. The most beautiful buildings are found around the city center, Piazza dei Signori, where you can take in the gorgeous facade of the Teatro Olimpico, known as Palladio’s last work and Basilica Palladiana, a structure featuring one of the first examples of Palladian window design. This UNESCO World Heritage Site contains the oldest standing stage set still in existence as well as atmospheric taverns, quaint shady streets, and delicious food.

Located in the center of the Po delta, Porto Viro gets its name from where the river was cut. On these dunes the first populations (the Venetians) probably settled around 1000 BC. Originally intended to divert the waters of the Po delle Fornaci river, today the Po of Venice, in order to preserve the Venetian lagoon from burial, this marshy landscape is what brings tourists from all over the world to admire and enjoy.  From bird watching, to admiring the age old Bronze statue “Eracle of Contarina” dating back too 500 B.C. we invite you to step back in time and explore and experience Porto Viro’s past.

Rovigo captivates visitors with its Renaissance and neo-classical elegance as seen in its piazzas, castles, and churches. Lying within the Po Valley, it is a modern city steeped in age-old customs and traditions that still flourish today. The castle of Rovigo dates back to the 10th century and has two fascinating towers — Donà and Mozza, which serve as symbols of the city. If a cool drink and a relaxing atmosphere seem appealing, head to a shaded piazza to soak up the peaceful surroundings and local charm. And just a short distance from the city, time seems to have stopped at the uncontaminated natural landscapes of the Po Delta Biosphere Reserve. Brimming with birds, wildlife, and dunes and lagoons, it has been proclaimed a MAB UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Torretta-Legnago is a town in Italy’s Verona province. Landmarks you won’t want to miss include the 19th-century cathedral San Martino Vescovo Duomo, the 17th-century Campanile di San Rocco, the early-20th-century Chiesa dell’Assunta (Assumption Church), the 12th-century church Chiesa di San Salvaro, the 18th-century church Santuario della Madonna della Salute (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Health) and city walls from the early-16th-century.

Stroll along the cobblestone streets of this romantic city that inspired Shakespeare to write Romeo and Juliet, resulting in Verona forever being known as The City of Love. Immerse yourself in the laid-back charm of unique houses and romantic hideaways where you will come upon Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta) where Romeo and Juliet declared their love for each another. Verona impressively encapsulates 2,000 years of history from an architectural, urban, and artistic point of view. The amphitheater, the historic symbol of the city, is a fantastic example of longevity and influence. We will also visit the Giusti Gardens, one of the city’s marvels. This magnificent Italian garden contains age-old trees, gargoyles, fountains, and grottoes with ancient inscriptions.

The little village of Valdaro is in the northern region of Lombardy. Two human skeletons from the Neolithic Age that have been locked in an eternal embrace for the past 6,000 years, were discovered at a Neolithic tomb within the city in 2007.  This find has had an impact on the collective imagination beyond the Italian borders leading many to refer to the remains as the star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet. Interestingly enough, Valdaro, is closely situated to Verona, which is the site of Shakespeare’s play, Romeo and Juliet. The eternal lovers locked in a hug, can be seen at the Archaeological Museum in Mantua, near where they were found.

The splendid skyline of Mantua, etched by ancient domes, cupolas and turrets, rises between two spectacular man-made lakes created during the 12th century. These lakes have helped create a medieval time capsule that is noted for its architectural treasures and artifacts, elegant palaces, Renaissance cityscape and delicious cuisine. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, much of Mantua’s culture and beauty come from the days when it was ruled by the Gonzaga family, one of the most powerful families in Europe during the Middle Ages. Overlooking the cobbled Piazza Sordello in the city’s historic city center, their primary residence, Palazzo Ducale di Mantova (Ducal Palace), includes some 500 rooms and is famous for frescos and other significant architectural and painted elements. Stroll further and you’ll encounter the medieval squares with sights that will bring Mantua’s past to life such as the Basilica di Sant’Andrea (Basilica of St. Andrew) an absolute masterwork and the Rotonda of San Lorenzo.

The history of Cremona is inexorably intertwined with violins and boasts a museum that takes visitors through its five-century history of violin making. A stroll through the historical center of Cremona reveals its hidden artistic and architectural treasures. Within the charming medieval square, we’ll take in the immensity of the duomo and tower before visiting a violinmaker’s workshop. We’ll then head to Polesine Parmense and stop at Fratelli Spigaroli to visit the cellars where they cure the famous Culatelllo Ham and Parmigiana cheese.

Parma is particularly famous for its prosciutto ham and parmesan cheese but there are plenty of cultural offerings too, with amazing architecture, fine opera houses and outstanding museums to indulge the senses. As we explore one of Italy’s most emblematic areas, we will feast our eyes on the sublime frescoes in the Cathedral of Parma’s cupola, the pink-marble Baptistery and other medieval wonders in one of the largest cities in the Emilia-Romagna region.

Guests must disembark by 9:00 AM. The day is yours; the choice is yours.  While this is the end of your adventure, your memories will live on from your Po River and Venetian Lagoon Cruise. Thank you for cruising with Teeming River Cruises, where vacations come first and memories last.