The Venetian Republic ruled Adriatic waves for a millennium. During the 8th century as the Roman Empire began to decline, many Europeans fled to Venice and its neighboring towns, including Chioggia. Merchants put their skills to use, and the city-state was soon thriving. The Venetian Lagoon’s canal banks feature 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.
Scenic Chioggia by Foot
Explore lively Chioggia, set at the southern end of the Venetian Lagoon, during a brief walking excursion.
At a Glance: St. Mark’s Square
View this fabled city from the Venice Lagoon’s languid, stunning waters and explore legendary St. Mark’s Square.
Venetian Islands, Murano & Burano
Discover two of Venice’s most beautiful outlying islands and linger in one of Europe’s most beautiful squares.
Hidden Venice On Foot
Explore Venice by foot and 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 to beautiful St. Markʹs Basilica on this walking tour 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.
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.
Murano, Burano & Venissa Vineyard
Witness a master glassmaker create beautiful objects and sample a unique vintage at a local vineyard.
A Taste of Chioggia
Immerse yourself in Venetian tradition as you sample delicious local fare.
Chioggia: The Land of Fishermen
Discover Chioggia’s rich fishing heritage during an informative walk and visit to the local fish market.
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.