The Mail on Sunday

Cruise the Venice Lagoon and join chef James Martin for a gala dinner

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ACRUISE is the perfect way to discover all that the Venetian Lagoon has to offer. With its enchanting islands, colourful towns, cities lined with elegant architectu­re and museums full of world-famous art, you’re sure of an unforgetta­ble trip.

Spend eight days getting to know the waterways aboard the elegant SS La Venezia. Hosting just 126 guests, it’s a small vessel that promises excellent and attentive service. It was fully transforme­d a few years ago with opulent furnishing­s that reflect the classic style of Venice.

On this trip, you’ll also have exclusive access to historic locations while they’re closed to the public – a unique opportunit­y to see them free from crowds. For example, step inside St Mark’s Basilica after nightfall to witness an atmospheri­c lighting ceremony, and venture inside the church on Torcello before it opens to the public.

You’ll also have exclusive access to Doge’s Palace during an early morning visit and you can cycle along the beaches of Chioggia to see the Lusenzo Lagoon.

Making this trip even more special is the company of chef James Martin, who will join you on board for one day to give a talk and Q&A, host a book-signing session and craft a mouthwater­ing gala dinner.

During this trip, you’ll have plenty of time to take in Burano, Mazzorbo, Torcello, Chioggia and Murano, painting a complete picture of life in the Venetian Lagoon.

REASONS TO BOOK

Sail in style: The SS La Venezia is the perfect ship to explore the Lagoon. Specifical­ly designed to sail these waters, the interior is a nod to its locale, with Venetian-style decor and Murano glass.

Events with James Martin: The celebrity chef joins you on board for a talk about his career, and you’ll get the chance to ask him questions as he hosts a Q&A.

James will also cook an unforgetta­ble gala dinner.

Exclusive after-hours access: Explore famous sights when they are closed to the public, including the chance to witness a special lighting ceremony at St Mark’s Basilica after dark and venture inside the church on Torcello for a moment of quiet appreciati­on of an 11th Century mosaic free from crowds.

Plenty of inclusions: Exceptiona­l meals are included while on board SS La Venezia, with the ship’s chefs creating excellent dishes using the freshest of ingredient­s. A choice of tours and excursions are also included across the islands.

Meet the craftspeop­le: Among the outings, you have a chance to watch glass-blowers in Murano demonstrat­ing an 800-year-old skill, and visit an atelier who creates many of the beautiful and extravagan­t masks used in the Carnival of Venice.

Enjoy Italian food and wine:

Meals on board SS La Venezia are created using the best ingredient­s. Away from the ship, there’s the opportunit­y to join a sommelier on a wine tour of Dominio di Bagnoli – one of the oldest wine producers in Europe.

 ?? ?? YOUR ITINERARY
DAY 1 London to Venice DAY 2 Venice DAY 3 Mazzorbo, Burano DAY 4 Mazzorbo, Burano, Chioggia DAY 5 Chioggia DAY 6 Po Delta DAY 7 Venice DAY 8 Venice to London
ISLAND OF MANY COLOURS: The simple waterside houses on Burano in the Venetian Lagoon
YOUR ITINERARY DAY 1 London to Venice DAY 2 Venice DAY 3 Mazzorbo, Burano DAY 4 Mazzorbo, Burano, Chioggia DAY 5 Chioggia DAY 6 Po Delta DAY 7 Venice DAY 8 Venice to London ISLAND OF MANY COLOURS: The simple waterside houses on Burano in the Venetian Lagoon

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