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Venice and the Po River Cruises

Venice river Cruises and the Po River

Italy : the po and venice cruise.

Discover Venice and its lagoon in Italy! With CroisiEurope , pioneer of river cruises on the Po and in the lagoon of Venice, you will be moored a few hundred meters from the iconic St Mark's Square , to enjoy an unparalleled panorama of the city founded in the fifth century, and which extends over no less than 118 islets. Listed as UNESCO heritage since 1987, a trip to the heart of Venice, its lagoon is a feast for the eyes and taste buds.

Venice is an open air museum offering an extraordinary set of architectural masterpieces, and displaying creations from some of the greatest artists in the world. From the Doge's Palace , to  Burano and Murano islands in the Lagoon you are offered the best in the craftsman traditions, the gondola factory, mnaufacturing of the symbolic Venetain masks, to the delights of the Italian gastronomy. Strolling through the narrow streets and escaping on a gondola down the charming canals makes this Italian city so unique.

Timeless Venice

VENICE - MAZZORBO - VENICE - CHIOGGIA - VENICE

Set off to explore Venice's hidden treasures and its beautiful lagoon. As you roam through the narrow streets of La Serenissima , you'll discover its artwork, experience the local delicacies, and revel in its age-old architecture—especially Andrea Palladio's superb suburban villas dotting the Venetian hills.

Venetian Treasures

If you have dreamed of admiring Venice from a gondola, standing in Saint Mark’s Square, or indulging in the fine food found on almost every corner, join CroisiEurope for a cruise through the calm waters and enchanting panoramas in the Venetian Lagoon. This history-filled cruise includes a side trip to Padua.

Venice Carnival

VENICE - MAZZORBO - VENICE

Vacation at the center of the action during the Venice Carnival, where history and romance mingle within the labyrinth of canals and mysterious side streets. Follow Casanova's footsteps and discover the passionate, intriguing secrets within La Serenissima. During exclusive tours, discover the renowned Murano glassworks—as crystal elegance takes shape in the hands of master craftspeople—and the workshop of talented artists who sustain the Venetian identity by keeping traditional Carnival mask-making alive. Explore the La Fenice Opera House and learn about its fascinating history and splendid architecture. Round out your vacation with a private dinner accompanied by baroque music in a Venetian palace on the banks of the Grand Canal. Plunge into the carnival atmosphere at an elegant and intriguing soirée overflowing with Venetian glamor.

From the Canals of Venice to Renaissance-infused Mantua

VENICE - MAZZORBO - VENICE - CHIOGGIA - PORTO VIRO - Padua - CANDA - OSTIGLIA - Verona - MANTUA - Venice

From Venice to Mantua, enjoy a unique cruise. The region of Veneto opens its doors and invites you to discover Venice, famous Saint Mark's Square and Doge's Palace, the official residence of Venetian dukes. Lombardy welcomes you next with its breathtaking and varied panoramas. You'll visit unique cities such as romantic Mantua.

From Renaissance-infused Mantua to the Canals of Venice

Venice - MANTUA - VALDARO - Verona - OSTIGLIA - ROVIGO - PORTO VIRO - Padua - CHIOGGIA - VENICE - MAZZORBO - VENICE

From Mantua to Venice, enjoy a unique. Lombardy welcomes you next with its breathtaking and varied panoramas. You'll visit unique cities such as romantic Mantua. Finally, the region of Veneto opens its doors and invites you to discover Venice, famous Saint Mark's Square and Doge's Palace, the official residence of Venetian dukes.

From the Canals of Venice to Renaissance-infused Mantua & Milan and Lake Como Extended Stay

VENICE - MAZZORBO - VENICE - CHIOGGIA - PORTO VIRO - Padua - CANDA - OSTIGLIA - Verona - MANTUA - Milan - Lake Como - Milan

From Venice to Mantua, enjoy a unique cruise through the heart of three Italian regions. The region of Veneto opens its doors and invites you to discover Venice, famous Saint Mark's Square and Doge's Palace, the official residence of Venetian dukes. Lombardy welcomes you next with its breathtaking and varied panoramas. You'll visit unique cities such as romantic Mantua. Wrap up your Italian adventure with an enchanting stay in Milan and Lake Como.

Milan and Lake Como & cruise from Renaissance-infused Mantua to the Canals of Venice

Milan - Lake Como - Milan - MANTUA - VALDARO - Verona - OSTIGLIA - ROVIGO - PORTO VIRO - Padua - CHIOGGIA - VENICE - MAZZORBO - VENICE

Stop off in Milan, the fashion capital, to explore the city and nearby Lake Como before setting off on your cruise. From Mantua to Venice, enjoy a unique cruise through the heart of three Italian regions. Your trip starts with the region of Emilia-Romagna and its traditional cuisine. Lombardy welcomes you next with its breathtaking and varied panoramas. You'll visit unique cities such as romantic Mantua. Finally, the region of Veneto opens its doors and invites you to discover Venice, famous Saint Mark's Square and Doge's Palace, the official residence of Venetian dukes.

Venice River Cruises

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From the Canals of Venice to Renaissance-infused Mantua & Milan and Lake Como Extended Stay

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Venice and the Po River Cruises

Venice river Cruises and the Po River

Come on board a CroisiEurope river cruise to discover Venice and its lagoon in Italy. Listed as  UNESCO world heritage site since 1987 , your ship is docked walking distance from the famous and iconic  St Mark Square . Enjoy picturesque views of Venice and the lagoon islands, stroll through the narrow streets and escape on a gondola down the charming canals that make this Italian city so unique.

Let the dream begin: embark on a comfortable journey on board the MS Michelangelo to discover the  Po river in Italy . Explore  Venice  and its Lagoon, including the most renowned islands  Burano  and  Murano .

Browse CroisiEurope Po and Venice river cruises below by date, price and details.

Venetian Treasures (port-to-port cruise)

VENICE - MAZZORBO - VENICE - CHIOGGIA - VENICE

If you have dreamed of admiring Venice from a gondola, standing in Saint Mark’s Square, or indulging in the fine food found on almost every corner, join CroisiEurope for a cruise through the calm waters and enchanting panoramas in the Venetian Lagoon. This history-filled cruise includes a side trip to Padua.

Timeless Venice (port-to-port package)

Set off on a cruise to experience quintessential Venice. Dive into the art of gondola and mask making. Indulge in fine Venetian cuisine and enjoy authentic cicchetti at the edge of the Grand Canal . Find some respite from bustling Venetian life on the charming island of Burano. To top it all off, discover hillside villa masterpieces from the Renaissance.

From the Canals of Venice to Renaissance-infused Mantua

VENICE - MAZZORBO - VENICE - CHIOGGIA - PORTO VIRO - Padua(1) - CANDA - OSTIGLIA - Verona(1) - MANTUA - Venice

From Venice to Mantua, enjoy a unique cruise. The region of Veneto opens its doors and invites you to discover Venice, famous Saint Mark's Square and Doge's Palace, the official residence of Venetian dukes. Lombardy welcomes you next with its breathtaking and varied panoramas. You'll visit unique cities such as romantic Mantua.

From Renaissance-infused Mantua to the Canals of Venice

Venice - MANTUA - VALDARO - Verona(1) - OSTIGLIA - ROVIGO - PORTO VIRO - Padua(1) - CHIOGGIA - VENICE - MAZZORBO - VENICE

From Mantua to Venice, enjoy a unique cruise. Lombardy welcomes you with its breathtaking and varied panoramas. You'll visit unique cities such as romantic Mantua. Finally, the region of Veneto opens its doors and invites you to discover Venice, famous Saint Mark's Square and Doge's Palace, the official residence of Venetian dukes.

Venice Carnival (port-to-port cruise)

VENICE - MAZZORBO - VENICE

Vacation at the center of the action during the Venice Carnival, where history and romance mingle within the labyrinth of canals and mysterious side streets. Follow Casanova's footsteps and discover the passionate, intriguing secrets within La Serenissima. During exclusive tours, discover the renowned Murano glassworks—as crystal elegance takes shape in the hands of master craftspeople—and the workshop of talented artists who sustain the Venetian identity by keeping traditional Carnival mask-making alive. Explore the La Fenice Opera House and learn about its fascinating history and splendid architecture. Round out your vacation with a private dinner accompanied by baroque music in a Venetian palace on the banks of the Grand Canal. Plunge into the carnival atmosphere at an elegant and intriguing soirée overflowing with Venetian glamor.

From the Canals of Venice to Renaissance-infused Mantua & Milan and Lake Como Extended Stay (port-to-port cruise)

VENICE - MAZZORBO - VENICE - CHIOGGIA - PORTO VIRO - Padua(1) - CANDA - OSTIGLIA - Verona(1) - MANTUA - Milan - Lake Como - Milan

From Venice to Mantua, enjoy a unique cruise through the heart of three Italian regions. The region of Veneto opens its doors and invites you to discover Venice, famous Saint Mark's Square and Doge's Palace, the official residence of Venetian dukes. Lombardy welcomes you next with its breathtaking and varied panoramas. You'll visit unique cities such as romantic Mantua.  Wrap up your Italian adventure with an enchanting stay in Milan and Lake Como.

Milan and Lake Como & cruise from Renaissance-infused Mantua to the Canals of Venice (port-to-port cruise)

Milan - Lake Como - Milan - MANTUA - VALDARO - Verona(1) - OSTIGLIA - ROVIGO - PORTO VIRO - Padua(1) - CHIOGGIA - VENICE - MAZZORBO - VENICE

Stop off in Milan, the fashion capital, to explore the city and nearby Lake Como before setting off on your cruise. From Mantua to Venice, enjoy a unique cruise through the heart of three Italian regions. Your trip starts with the region of Emilia-Romagna and its traditional cuisine. Lombardy welcomes you next with its breathtaking and varied panoramas. You'll visit unique cities such as romantic Mantua. Finally, the region of Veneto opens its doors and invites you to discover Venice, famous Saint Mark's Square and Doge's Palace, the official residence of Venetian dukes.

Venice River Cruises

The unique city of Venice is spread across 117 islands connected by 409 bridges, a fascinating maze of canals, narrow streets and small squares bordered by beautiful churches and ancient palaces.

The heart of Venice is St Mark's Square, with its famous Cathedral. Wander through the many narrow alleyways, visit the famous Rialto Bridge, perhaps take a waterbus on the Grand Canal, or maybe a gondola trip. Discover some of Venice's incredible Gothic palaces - most notably the Palace of the Doges, who ruled the republic, and the infamous Bridge of Sighs.

From Venice, cruise the beautiful River Po through Northern Italy. Discover pretty Taglio de Po and picturesque Polesella, gateway to Bologna, the culinary capital of the region, and UNESCO-listed Ferrara.

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About Venice River Cruises

Highlights of a venice cruise, venice river cruise ports, customer reviews, cruise collection 2024/ 2025.

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Our short Venice cruise breaks give ample time to enjoy Venice, and also include a trip across the Venice lagoon. Optional excursions include the famous Venice lagoon islands of Murano and Burano with their specialist shops and glass workshops. Your floating hotel Michelangelo is a superb base for exploring Venice and the islands of the lagoon - and with all meals included, plus unlimited complimentary house wine, beer, mineral water and soft drinks on board between April and October, is excellent value!

Our superb cruise along the Bianco Canal to Mantua calls at beautiful Torretta where there is an optional excursion to Verona, home to an impressive amphitheatre and the colourful Giusti Gardens. The cruise can be extended with stays in the fashionable capital of Milan and stunning Lake Como.

Please note that due to Italian regulations these ships cannot take passengers when sailing the Adriatic Sea between the Venice lagoon and the mouth of the River Po.

Here are a few highlights of a cruise around Venice:

• Venice, home to iconic sights including St Mark’s Square and the Grand Canal
• UNESCO-listed city of Verona, the setting for Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’
• Colourful island of Burano, renowned for its lace making
• Art galleries of Murano, a centre of glass-making
• Pretty island of Chioggia in the Venetian Lagoon
• Renaissance buildings and grand squares of Mantua
• The ornate Scrovegni Chapel in the walled city of Padua
• The small island of Torcello in the Venetian Lagoon
• Polesella, gateway to the cities of Bologna and Ferrara
• Luxury boutiques in the fashion capital of Milan

The Venice cruise was a wonderful few days and I would certainly recommend it.

Some highlights:

1.The excursions which were very good value. I particularly liked Burano - a very pretty little island. The morning in Chioggia was very enjoyable. The market was great fun and the Church of St Dominic had some lovely pictures including a Tintoretto. The visit to Padua was made special by our English speaking guide who was very informative, never boring and had a wonderful sense of humour! She showed us round St Anthonys Basilica, a fascinating and beautiful church, and pointed out the famous Cafe Pedrucci whose speciality is a creamy mint coffee - highly recommended! (Tip - its cheaper if you drink it standing at the bar!)

2.Exploring Venice. Lovely little shops -especially for leather, Murano glass, and paper. Beautiful everywhere you look especially the glimpses down the little canals- we even saw a bride and groom going to church in a gondola! The Rialto area was very crowded but we found a lovely quiet campo where we sat in the sun for lunch and a much -needed rest before going to the Accademia. (Tip- if over 65 take your passport and get in free.) Although we saw some lovely pictures I was a bit disappointed in this gallery as a lot of the rooms were closed and there were no explanations and the attendants were very unhelpful. Our spirits were unexpectedly restored in the nearby Guggenheim Collection which has some amazing modern sculptures set in a beautiful garden and a very good collection of pictures. A quiet green haven and a good cafe - not to be missed!

3.The meals on board were superb and they were very generous with the free wine! In fact every one took wonderful care of us and made sure we understood all the arrangements which were often explained to us at our table in English by our English-speaking stewardess. The cabins were very comfortable and I had a beautiful view of the lagoon and Venice. We were very conveniently situated with just a short walk along the quay to St Marks square.

As you can see from the pics you even organised the weather for us! Many thanks to everyone at Blue Water Holidays for an excellent holiday.

Thank you, Blue Water, you arranged everything very well from start to finish. Venice was magical.

We stayed on the Michelangelo in Venice from 5th to 9th March and had a wonderful experience. The staff and crew were efficient, courteous and friendly. The cabins were roomy and kept spotlessly clean. After the embarkation at the St. Basilio Quay the ship was moored for the rest of the trip just a 15 minute walk along the lovely quayside from Giardini to St. Marks Square. This central location was vital for me as I use a wheeled walking aid and my husband was able to carry it over the bridges where necessary and we could then use the vaporetti to tour the Grand Canal. The food was of outstanding quality served by professional, friendly staff. Each meal was superb and inventive and the vegetarian dishes served to my daughter were imaginative and of equal standard to the non vegetarian - often vegetarians are fobbed off with omelettes! We were even lucky enough to have dry, sunny weather (if a bit chilly!). The lounge, deck and dining room were beautiful and the lounge had a selection of board games for those needing a rest from the touring and eating!

As a disabled traveller using a wheeled walking aid (and having a fit husband) I found Venice an excellent location but I would think for a wheelchair user the stepped bridges, with very few of them having an electric lift and none ever seeming to be in use, would be rather challenging.

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Italy River Cruises

The magic of Italy extends all the way to the rivers of this beautiful country, creating the perfect vantage point for splendour. Choose from a number of river cruise deals that match all budgets and holiday preferences, while also visiting differing ports of call. Find here the best 7 day Italy travel itineraries .

42 river cruises through Italy with 68 reviews

• River Cruise

Venetian Treasures (port-to-port cruise) (8 destinations)

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.

MIlan, Venice & the Jewels of Veneto (2024) (Milan to Venice, 2024)

From the Canals of Venice to Renaissance-infused Mantua

• Sightseeing

Milan, Venice & the Jewels of Veneto (2025) (Milan to Venice, 2025)

From Renaissance-infused Mantua to the Canals of Venice

From the Canals of Venice to Renaissance-infused Mantua & Milan and Lake Como Extended Stay (port-to-port cruise)

• Wine tasting

Timeless Venice (port-to-port package)

From Venice to Mantua

Venetian Artwork (port-to-port package)

• Ocean Cruise

New Year in Venice

• Christmas & New Year

Christmas in Venice

Christmas in Venice (port-to-port cruise)

New Year in Venice (port-to-port cruise)

Venice Carnival (port-to-port cruise)

La Dolce Vita along the Italian coastline (port-to-port package)

River cruises in italy reviews.

Excellent service from all of the Croisi crew. First class food. Very relaxing. Would definitely cruise with CroisiEurope again and would book with Tour Radar.

Regions in Italy

• Northern Italy (40)
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Popular Cruise Ships

• MS Michelangelo from CroisiEurope River Cruises
• S.S. La Venezia from Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
• S.S. La Venezia(duplicate) from Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
• MS Mistral from CroisiEurope River Cruises
• River Countess from Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
• MS Camargue II from CroisiEurope River Cruises
• MS Loire Princesse from CroisiEurope River Cruises
• MV La Belle des Océans from CroisiEurope River Cruises
• MS Monet from CroisiEurope River Cruises

Travel Styles

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• Best 7 Day Italy Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
• Discover the Best Italy Vacation Packages 2024/2025
• What is the best time to visit Italy in 2024/2025?

International Versions

• Deutsch: Flusskreuzfahrt Italien
• Français: Italie : Croisières fluviales
• Español: Crucero fluvial Circuitos en Italia
• Nederlands: Riviercruise Rondreizen in Italië

The Better Way to Cruise in Venice

Large ocean cruise ships are banned from the city’s historic center but smaller, more environmentally friendly ships can still sail in the venetian lagoon..

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A meal with a view onboard Uniworld’s newly remodeled S.S. “La Venezia.”

Courtesy of Uniworld

When I arrived in Venice to board the first European river cruise to host Americans since the start of the pandemic, I got that coveted and rare look at what this popular destination feels like without any ocean liners in port and minus the thousands of day-trippers they once dropped here on a regular basis.

Before the week was out, a few big ships had come and gone through the heart of the Venetian Lagoon, although those sailings would be short-lived. As of August 1, large ocean liners are banned from the city’s historic center .

But that doesn’t mean you can’t—and shouldn’t—still sail in the Venetian Lagoon.

My weeklong late June sailing on Uniworld Boutique River Cruises ’ new 126-passenger S.S. La Venezia offered a preview of what a unique treat it is to be able to explore Venice and beyond from the luxurious and slow-paced vantage point of one of the few, more environmentally friendly small ships (Uniworld is committed to at least 50 percent of its electricity being renewable by 2025 and banning single-use plastics by 2022, among other sustainability measures ) that will be able to continue to sail past the city’s landmarks and dock just steps away from St. Mark’s Square.

Imagine having your own floating boutique hotel in the heart of Venice.

It wasn’t only the ease of having a floating luxury boutique hotel within walking distance of key attractions that made the cruise so enjoyable, it was also the relaxed nature of Uniworld’s Venice itinerary, which affords a much deeper dive into the destination than the typical, whirlwind day tours that conventional cruise ships and group tour companies offer.

Unlike most European river cruises that depart from one port and end in another, the Venetian Lagoon cruises by Uniworld and one other line, the more economical CroisiEurope, sail roundtrip from Venice. While we made a two-day jaunt up the Po River, the bulk of our cruise was spent in the lagoon, allowing plenty of time to explore Venice and nearby islands during off hours when you can better avoid the day-trippers who will no doubt be back in droves as larger ocean liners carry out plans to return to nearby ports.

I arrived by train from Rome late on a Sunday afternoon, in time to have dinner and take in sunset views of Venice’s waterways and skyline from the top deck.

Your G&T is served to the backdrop of views of Venice and the Italian countryside at the S.S. “La Venezia” bar and lounge.

Pandemic-related protocols

At that time, Italian regulations required a COVID test upon embarkation or within 24 hours of boarding, as well as a second test midweek and another before disembarking. Regulations can change on a dime during the pandemic, however, so travelers should verify what the latest rules are for U.S. cruise passengers in Italy at the time of travel.

Otherwise, protocols were no more intrusive than what most of us have come to expect in the age of COVID. Onboard, masks were required while walking the halls, but could be removed while outside or while seated in the dining and lounge areas.

Off the ship, Italy was still requiring masks both indoors and outside, although the outdoor mask requirement has since been dropped. And as of August 6, tourists and locals alike are required to have Italy’s so-called green pass , showing proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test result in the last 48 hours to visit restaurants and many indoor venues.

Tests are readily available for free at train stations and pop-up clinics across the country and for about $25 at most pharmacies. This makes getting tested while in Italy easy, including for Americans needing the test required by the U.S. government for all international travelers entering the U.S. (including Americans returning home from abroad).

With larger cruise ships banned and fewer tourists due to the pandemic, for the time being you can visit Venice with fewer crowds.

Photo by Gur Tatiana/Shutterstock

Venice minus the masses

While the pandemic-related rules and restrictions can and have changed often in Italy and throughout Europe , I found navigating them well worth the opportunity to explore Venice without the typical tourist crowds.

On Uniworld’s inaugural sailing, there were fewer than 50 people on board, making for a private-yacht-like experience complete with butlers, farm-to-table dining, and small group excursions to some of the region’s most famous sites.

On our first full day in Venice, excursion options included a morning walk in Venice with a tour of the Doge’s Palace, as well as a private evening tour of St. Mark’s Basilica. I spent much of the day wandering the streets of Venice, which were delightfully void of the throngs of cruise passengers I encountered on my last trip here in 2019.

The city’s famed and formerly tourist-clogged canals were practically empty, although gondola captains stood at the ready. Street vendors, restaurants, and shops were mostly open, and there were enough tourists and locals on the streets and the waterfront to create the lively vibe one expects to find in any globally renowned city such as Venice.

The next afternoon we set out toward the Po River, sailing just inside the lagoon, past numerous colorful fishing villages on the barrier islands that separate the lagoon from the Adriatic Sea.

Uniworld’s Venice sailings also take passengers to more remote stretches along Italy’s Po River.

Stops included Chioggia, known as little Venice, where I joined a cycling excursion that took us on a relaxing 90-minute ride across two islands and to the channel that connects the lagoon to the Adriatic Sea.

The next day’s included excursion was a day trip to Bologna, complete with a pasta-making class.

The following day it was back to Chioggia, where we spent the morning wandering the village’s weekly street market before setting sail into the lagoon for an overnight stop at Uniworld’s new, private dock on Burano, which offers easy on-and-off walking access to the island best-known for its colorful houses and lacemakers.

The final two days allowed for leisurely sailing and solo or group exploration around Venice and the lagoon. Excursion options included a trip to one of Murano’s famed glass-blowing centers.

The entire experience reminded me what is so wonderful about small-ship cruising (the great service, the carefree nature of not having to pack and unpack more than once, the slower pace), and what I don’t miss about larger ships, especially in a place as magical and threatened as Venice.

Perhaps somewhat ironically, the S.S. La Venezia is Uniworld’s top-to-bottom overhaul of the River Countess , which made headlines when it was rammed by a cruise ship in 2019 as it sat docked in the heat of Venice. That accident renewed years-long calls for the recently enacted ban on large ships.

Many of the guests on my cruise had originally been scheduled to sail just after that collision, which took the ship out of service for a few months before its already planned upgrade. Instead, they got to sail on the newly refurbished ship with a perhaps once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the region at its uncrowded best.

>> Next: 4 Ways to Explore Venice Responsibly

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RIVER CRUISING IN ITALY Your Italian fantasies are sure to come true on one of these river cruises.

River cruising in Italy. Not exactly the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of visiting Italy, but it should be! Why? Uniworld's 134-guest river ship, River Countess has been sailing the Po River roundtrip from Venice for a few years now, and it is simply magnifico! A river cruise along the placid, little known Po River is, in fact, an ideal way to see this tourist paradise in depth, at leisure and hassle-free. In addition, given the very high cost of hotels in Italy, it’s a very cost effective way to tour and now that Uniworld is "all inclusive," (Everything is included in your cruise price!), you’ll never feel like you’re being “nickled and dimed to death.” Enjoy all meals, all sightseeing, all gratuities and even fine wines, beers and spirits aboard the elegant, completely refurbished River Countess. Touring Italy and a Po river cruise should be on your very short “bucket list.” Anyone who has traveled in Italy knows there really is no other place on earth quite like this magical country. It’s truly a traveler’s dream destination with something to delight everyone. For those who enjoy archaeology, there are some of the world’s most fascinating and best-preserved ruins and monuments to explore. Her key cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice are in and of themselves like living museums. For those who enjoy exceptional culinary treats, Italy has some of the world’s finest food and wines to taste and savor. For art lovers, need we say more than Michelangelo, Leonardo d’Vinci, and Raphael? It’s also the cradle of the Christian faith and home of the Vatican. In addition, the climate is ideal; the people are warm, fun-loving and friendly. Italy truly is an ideal destination for anyone. Gelato! There is one other very sought after Italian treasure… its ice cream, called gelato. Where can you find this delectable treasure... everywhere! But... well, if you’ve never been to Tres Scalini on the Piazza Navona on a mild evening, you just have not lived. There’s just no way to describe the fresh gelato flavors they prepare fresh daily. In our opinion as “ice cream junkies,” Tres Scalini makes the silkiest, deepest, darkest and richest chocolate gelato you will ever have the pleasure of enjoying. (FYI... when you book your river cruise with Premier, we’ll also provide you a customized list of some of the most interesting, scrumptious local (non-touristy) restaurants in Italy. We’ll even tell you which outdoor piazzas are best to stroll through on a balmy evening in Rome, Florence and Venice) . Uniworld is the only U.S.-based cruise line currently offering cruises on the Po. To create this unique itinerary experience they actually ferried the 361-foot-long River Countess from her previous venue on the Danube to Italy. That would have been a sight to behold! Uniworld is offering two Italian river cruise vacations. The first one is the Venice and Gems of Northern Italy , a 7-night cruise sailing roundtrip from Venice for guests who don’t have time for a longer trip. It’s very cool the way they’ve created the itinerary — your elegant cruise ship will be your hotel while in Venice for two nights at the beginning and end of the cruise. Talk about comfort and convenience! During the cruise, you’ll sail the Po into both the Umbrian and Tuscany regions visiting Padua, Ravenna, Bologna (where you’ll actually get your hands dirty during a pasta-making workshop), and Verona — home to literature’s most famous lovers, Romeo and Juliet.

While onboard you’ll enjoy and savor Uniworld’s gastronomic delights and delight in the complimentary, small group guided sightseeing in each port, including extensive touring in Venice. Using the ship as your hotel is a novel idea for Venice, especially when you consider that a deluxe hotel commensurate with Uniworld’s amenities can be as much as $800 per night, and that’s without a view. Again... talk about comfort and value! The second Italy experience is the preferred way to maximize (in our opinion) your time in Italy and on the river cruise. This itinerary is called the Splendors of Italy , because it provides guests with an overall in-depth look at the key attractions in this spectacular country. Your 12-night cruise/tour program consists of the same 7-night river cruise and a remarkable, well thought out land program. Click on the cruise name links in the previous paragraphs to see each respective itinerary's full day-by-day details, deck plan, ship photo gallery, route map and more! In addition to the delightful river cruise on the River Countess, you’ll be able to experience Florence and Rome in depth with Uniworld’s deluxe post-cruise land program. You’ll enjoy three nights in these two dynamic cities which includes your deluxe hotel, all meals, all sightseeing, and just enough free time to explore on your own. Prices for the 7 and 13 night river cruise and cruise/tour are very reasonable. These incredibly low, value-packed prices include deluxe accommodations on the River Countess and on land, comprehensive sightseeing in each city visited, complimentary fine wines and beers at dinner, all transfers and much, much more.

LA BELLA VITA, a 20-passenger first class river barge, cruises between Venice and Mantua, Italy

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LA BELLA VITA Cruise Stops

Cruise highlights.

• Tour of historical Venice, including hidden gardens, The Naval Museum and the Pavilion of Gondolas
• Cruise on the Canal of the Orphans past picturesque lagoon islands
• Tour of Chioggia with its Roman, Etruscan and Byzantine history. Wonder at works of art by Carpaccio, Tintoretto, Tiepolo and Bassano
• Visit Chioggia’s colourful fish market with your chef
• Dinner ashore at the 17thC stately home Villa Ca’Zen
• Private visit to the gardens and wine cellars of Villa Widmann-Borletti
• Tour of the 14thC Estense Castle in Ferrara
• Visit to the Ducal Palace and gardens in Mantua

Cruise Features

Video to welcome you aboard LA BELL​A VITA

Owner Operated: Yes - Captain Rudy Toninato and Family Number of Passengers: 20 Category: First Class Cabin Bookings: Yes Charter Bookings: Yes Cruising Region : Venice to Mantua, along the River Po delta Length of Cruise : 6 nights - Sunday to Saturday Cruising Season : March - October Theme Cruises: Family, Groups Meeting Location : Hotel Laguna Palace in Mestre near Venice or Piazzale Roma in Venice

Cruise Rates 2025

Included in cruise price.

• Transportation between designated meeting point near Venice and the barge
• Six nights accommodation in private stateroom with ensuite bath
• All meals, wine and drinks on board
• Daily escorted excursions by air-conditioned van
• All barge amenities including bicycles, music system, piano, library, etc.

Not Included in Cruise Price

• Air or other transportation to the meeting location
• Trip cancellation or medical insurance (available when booking)
• Personal expenses
• A discretionary gratuity for the crew (suggested 5-10% of the cruise price)

LA BELLA VITA Features

Cruising on la bella vita, venice and the river po venice to mantua (or reverse).

Sunday - Transfer to Barge in Venice Guests are met at the designated meeting point on Sunday afternoon and transferred to La Bella Vita for a Prosecco welcome. A late afternoon cruise takes us along the Giudecca Canal past some of Venice’s most famous monuments: the Chiesa del Redentore, the impressive Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute and the Punta della Dogana to our mooring outside the Naval Museum. Then time for a stroll to St Mark’s Square and a brief tour of the Doge’s Palace before dinner on board. Monday - Venice to San Pietro in Volta Guided walking tour to Castello District, perhaps discovering some hidden parts of the city of Venice: the gardens of the Biennale Exhibition of Modern Arts, Palladio’s Church of San Pietro in Castello, the Naval Museum with a model of the Bucintoro (Doge’s Boat) and the Pavilion of Gondolas housing Peggy Guggenheim’s own vessel. Late afternoon cruise to Pellestrina which separates the Venetian Lagoon from the Adriatic Sea, along the Canal of the Orphans, passing lagoon islands with their ancient monasteries, painted fishing boats and tiny churches. Dinner on board. Tuesday - San Pietro in Volta to Taglio di Po After a stroll or cycle along the 18th century Istrian sea wall in Pellestrina, we cruise to Chioggia, city of Goldoni’s plays. Here we visit the picturesque town centre and colourful fish market. We also see the Cathedral and the Piazzetta Vigo before cruising on to the River Po delta. Passing through a nature reserve with flamingos and occasional heron, snipe and other wildfowl, we travel upriver to Taglio di Po for dinner ashore hosted by the owners at the beautiful 17th century Villa Ca’Zen, a private stately home by the river where Lord Byron courted the Countess Giuccioli and wrote some of his best poetry. Wednesday - Taglio di Po to Bosaro This morning we cruise to Adria, an ancient Etruscan town and visit the Archaeological Museum. After lunch on board, we drive to the Bagnoli Estate where we tour the Renaissance gardens and wine cellars of the 17th century Villa Widmann Borletti, for a private tasting of their renowned estate grown vintages. This winery has been supplying Venetian society for centuries. Afternoon cruise to Bosaro. Dinner on board. Thursday - Bosaro to Trevenzuolo Morning excursion with guided tour of the Renaissance city of Ferrara, including the 14th century Estense Castle with its moat, drawbridges, marble balconies and sumptuous apartments, and the Schifanoia Palace with its fabulous 15th century frescoes. We also see the cathedral façade with its sculpted images described as an illustrated Bible. Return to the hotel barge for an afternoon canal cruise past villages and farmsteads to Trevenzuolo and dinner on board. Friday - Trevenzuolo to Mantua Our final cruise has a dramatic approach to Mantua, home of the poet Virgil, artists Mantegna and Donatello and a captivating lakeside setting. Mantua displays extraordinary neo-classical and baroque architecture, portrayed in the 14th century Ducal Palace housing some 15 gardens and courtyards, a museum, basilica and theatre. The intricate frescoes, Gallery of Mirrors and exquisite Rivers Room and 12,000 paintings and sculptures all create a Grand Finale to our Italian Renaissance adventure. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board. Saturday - Mantua After breakfast, disembark La Bella Vita and transfer to the designated drop-off point. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. The itinerary is in reverse direction on alternate weeks.

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Italy Surround yourself with greatness.

Walking amongst Classical architecture mingled with Renaissance art, you'll explore the same beautiful cities that inspired Dante, Da Vinci, and even Shakespeare. While you're soaking in the rich history of Italy, dive into local culture as you learn to make pasta in Bologna, browse Milanese high-fashion, and sip golden wine on a Venetian Island.

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Venice & the Jewels of Veneto

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Begin your journey in stunning Milan and disembark in romantic Venice. These two legendary cities will bookend unforgettable experiences throughout the Veneto region.

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Venice Boat Tours – Which one to Choose?

Historically known for its architecture and artwork, Venice is a city built on water, composed of 117 islands and more than 400 bridges. It is known for being a major traveling spot for a lot of tourists all over the world.

So, what better way to visit this amazing city than by taking a boat tour? Indeed, boat tours are one of the best ways to admire Venice’s countless charms!

If you want to know more about Venice boat tours and how to purchase your ticket, this article is for you!

Don’t feel like reading ahead? Book your tickets now.

• Compare Venice boat tours

Which boat tour should I choose?

Whether you’re looking for a complete 4 hours tour of the city or a quick 30 minutes tour, there is several options for you to choose from. To know more about what type of boat tour are there in Venice, please read our top 8 best boat tour here below.

1. Grand Canal boat tour

This tour is the standard way to visit Venice by boat in a short amount of time, while crossing the Grand Canal, the biggest channel of the city.

You can share (or not) the boat with other tourists and enjoying the view of the city, be it by morning or night. A private motorboat could also be a great choice if you want to have more privacy.

Price range : from €30 to €300 approximately

Duration : 1 to 4 hours

• Compare Grand Canal tours prices

2. Cruise tour

If you’re looking for a complete tour, you can choose a cruise tour, that can last from 2 to 4 hours, depending on your preferences. A tour can include a visit of the Burano and Murano islands, or simply a Grand Canal, the Venice’s main channel, tour.

Price range : from €20 to €100

Duration : 25 minutes to 1 day

• Compare Cruise tours prices

3. Hop on Hop off boat tour

Choose this option if you want to enjoy a boat tour, all while hopping on and off to visit the major spots in Venice at your convenience.

Price range : from €18 to €70

Duration : 2 hours to 2 day

• Compare Hop On Hop Off prices

4. Gondola ride

A gondola is a traditional Venetian boat drove by a Gondoliere, who gives a fairly quick tour of the city by passing through the bridges of Venice. Although it is a very authentic (and romantic!) way of visiting Venice, it might be an expensive option, so we advice you to book your ticket online for more chances to find discounts.

Price range : from €19 to €100 (up to €200 if dinner is included)

Hot tip: Check out our complete guide Gondola Rides in Venice Price – How Much Does it Cost?

Duration : 30 minutes to 3 hours

• Compare Gondola rides

Read more: The 13 Best Gondola Rides in Venice

5. Galleon dinner cruise

If you want a romantic activity in Venice , we advice you to choose this ticket. It includes a tour by galleon , a traditional Venetian cruise, and dinner. This way you’ll be able to discover the City of Love at night.

Price range : approximately €100

Duration : usually 3 hours

• Compare Galleon dinner deals

6. Venetian Lagoon boat tour

Get a full tour including Venice and the islands of the Venetian lagoon, part of the Unesco World Heritage. Visit Murano, Burano and Torcello and see their charms, traditions and history.

Price range: from €20 to €500 (for a private boat)

Duration: 2 to 6 hours

• Compare Venetian Lagoon tours

See also: Best City Tours in Venice

7. Brenta river boat tour from Venice to Padua 

Thanks to this ticket, you’ll be able to admire the beautiful Venetian landscape in a Brenta river cruise tour. You’ll also visit Padua, a charming and underrated city in the Veneto’s region.

Price range : from €98 to €300

Duration : 6 hours to 1 day

• Compare Padua boat tours

8. Waterbus tour

Waterbuses (or vaporetti in Italian) are the public transportation of Venice held by ACTV. It allows you to move freely and visit the city at your own pace. To skip lines and save time, we advice to book your tickets in advance online and choose a pass!

Price range : from €8 to €20

Duration : a pass can last 1 to 7 days

• Compare ACTV passes prices

The price for a boat tour depends on the duration of the tour, but also the route chosen. That might mean a simple 30 minutes motorboat tour of Venice, a 4-hour cruise tour or a Hop on Hop off tour! Choose what is more convenient for you and don’t be afraid to explore the city and its surroundings.

How to book your boat tour ticket online?

Purchasing tickets online allows you to avoid long waits, but also to save some coins and benefit from discounts and advantages.

For tickets, passes and discounts you can look at websites such as GetYourGuide, Viator or Musement. To simplify your research, we suggest you to use Tourscanner, that gathers all the websites’ offers for attractions, boat tours, guided visits and more, all in one place.

Are boat tours included in some Venice passes?

There are several Venice’s passes that can allow you to have some discounts and entry for both boat tours and attractions, all included in one pass card.

Venezia Unica city pass

You can choose three major options for this pass: Silver, Gold and Platinum city pass. All three offer a ticket for ACTV public transportation in the vaporetto and/or a lagoon tour. Moreover, they offer a number of entries to selected museums and tourist attractions in Venice (such as the St. Mark museum).

Venezia turbo pass

It offers you free entry to the best attractions, such as Doge’s Palace and Leonardo Da Vinci Museum. Also, it offers a tour on the Grand Canal, or a Gondola Ride, and skip the line priorities for the Doge’s Palace. To get around the city and islands, you can take an optional travel card.

• Venice Attractions Pass

Are there any combined tickets?

Venice is a city rich of history and traditions, so if you want a complete tour you should definitely opt for a combined ticket! It allows you to save time and money and combines the best places to visit in Venice in one ticket.

Some examples could be:

• Boat tour + Doge’s Palace 

Don’t miss on the Doge’s Palace history and architecture and choose this ticket to get a boat tour and Doge’s Palace entry!

• Boat tour + Glass factory tour

Enjoy a boat tour and a visit of a glass factory in Murano, known for its traditional glass production. You’ll see a “glass blowing” demonstration, a traditional glass making technique of the city of Murano.

• Boat tour + Tower climb 

This ticket is a great combo to visit the city by boat through the Grand Canal and also the St. Mark Basilica’s Tower and Bell ( Campanile ).

• Boat tour + Leonardo Da Vinci Museum 

To benefit from a complete tour and a visit of the famous Leonardo Da Vinci Museum, this combo could be a very great deal.

What will I see in Venice?

We have listed below some of the best things to see in Venice.

Rialto Bridge and Bridge of Sighs 

As you already know, Venice is made of islands connected by bridges. Some of them are very well known, as for example the Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto), one of the oldest bridges of the Grand Canal. Another iconic bridge would be the Bridge of Sighs (Ponte Dei Sospiri) that connects the New Prisons to the Doge’s Palace. While visiting the city by boat, you’ll surely to pass under one of those!

Doge’s Palace

One of the most iconic architecture of the city is the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale), a Venetian Gothic style palace. It was the residence of the Doge of Venice during the Venetian Republic. It is now a symbol of Venice and a must-see for visitors.

St. Mark Basilica

Another famous building in Venice is the St. Mark cathedral basilica, an example of Italo-Byzantine and Gothic architecture. This church and its square are one of the most visited places in Venice. During the Carnival of Venice, the square becomes a colorful and festive place, where you’ll see people wearing traditional Venice’s Carnival masks and costumes.

The Carnival of Venice

3 million people attend this festival each year to witness the colorful parades and traditional masks and costumes. It’s a tradition that has been perpetuated for years and is now one of the best period of the year in Venice.

Burano, Murano, Torcello

While there, it might be interesting to visit the nearby islands of Venice, in the Venetian lagoon, known as Burano, Murano and Torcello. Burano is known for its colorful houses and lace work, whereas Murano is known for traditional glass making. Moreover, Torcello is one of the first settled island from which Venice was populated.

La Fenice Theatre

One of the most famous theatre in the history of opera and known for its annual Venice New Year’s Concert.

For more tours and attractions to see in Venice, please check Tourscanner .

When to visit Venice

Because of its popularity, tourists are present all year round in Venice. However, because of the unpleasant cold weather,  the city tend to be less crowded and more quiet during the winter season. We advice you then to avoid cold seasons and the aqua alta (flooding caused by high water) that usually takes place during the autumn and winter season.

The best time to visit is during the start of spring, when the weather is warm (or at least pleasant enough).

If you are not able to visit the city during mid-spring, you can always choose to go in September, when the summer heat is gone, the weather is more bearable and the tourists are less.

If your goal is to experience the Carnival of Venice, then book your tickets for February and check the Carnival’s date (it changes every year). It may be full of tourists, but we promise, it will be worth it!

Venice travel tips

• Be sure to not be seasick or have any medical conditions that will not let you enjoy your boat tour.
• Don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes ! Venice has very narrow streets and taxis are not present within the historical center of the city. You will need to walk a lot, so make sure to wear good shoes.
• Don’t be afraid to get lost while exploring the city by foot . You will be surprised how enjoyable it is to get lost and how you’ll easily find your way. This way, you’ll also be sure to see the real city’s charm.
• If you are planning to go to St. Mark cathedral, make sure to wear modest clothes. To skip lines and avoid waiting for long periods, we suggest you to book your tickets online .
• To experience Venice like a local, try Venetian food and typical regional dishes. In order to try authentic food, you might want to look for restaurants where locals usually go. You’ll be less likely to encounter tourists and you’ll avoid tourist-directed scams.  Also, you’ll be sure to taste original Venetian dishes, as for example the risotto, pasta e faxioi, fegato alla veneziana or the famous fritole, typical Carnival desserts.

Blog Venice and Veneto Venice boats: Nine ways to ride a boat in Venice

Venice boats: Nine ways to ride a boat in Venice

When planning an Italy itinerary that includes Venice , there are three things I always recommend: spend some time getting good and lost; s ee Venice from above, and s ee Venice from the water.  Since Venice is built on 117 islands – connected by 400 bridges – there are lots of ways to see Venice from the water. Note: swimming is not one of them unless you go to one of the public beaches . Here are some great Venice boats:

The short, inexpensive  Traghetto

Photo by zenm via Flickr, licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

  Although the word traghetto means ferry everywhere else in Italy, in Venice, it’s a specific type of boat as pictured above that only goes back and forth and back and forth across the Grand Canal at seven designated points (here’s a  map of traghetto crossings ). Since the Grand Canal is not that wide, the ride takes only a few minutes. It’s inexpensive, and if you don’t want to spend the money on a gondola but want get your photo taken on a gondola-like boat, a traghetto is not a bad substitute. Or, if you want to cross the Canal and there isn’t a bridge, take a traghetto .

Public boat or vaporetto

“The Grand Canal at Dusk” by Marco licensed under (CC BY-ND 2.0)

Those big boats in the foreground that look like ferries are vaporetti .  They are Venice’s public transportation: you buy a ticket, you get on, there are different routes, designated stops, and you get off where you need to. Even though it’s touristy, I do recommend taking a boat down (or up) the entire length of the Grand Canal. You can even download a free audio tour . But, the vaporetti are crowded. They are full of people with luggage, confused tourists, excited tourists, and are usually packed to the gills. It’s not a quiet cruise where you can sit and enjoy the sights and listen to your audio tour. Luckily, however, There’s A Boat For That.

The Hop On Hop Off Boat, aka the Vaporetto dell’Arte (UPDATE: This boat, as of 2014, is not currently running. Service may resume but I don’t know when)

This boat is exclusively for tourists, but given that there are more than 60,000 visitors to Venice per day – more than the number of residents – Venice is not a place you need to worry about looking like a tourist. Everyone is a tourist, and for good reason: The city is fantastic and you should feel good about supporting it with your tourist dollars. So get on the tourist boat, relax in comfort, peace and quiet. Put on the headset, pick your language, and enjoy the tour on the Vaporetto Dell’Arte .

A Dinner Cruise

Why not kill three birds with one stone? See the sights of Venice, ride a boat, and eat dinner on the Galleon Dinner Cruise .  It’s a candlelit aristocratic Venetian feast that travels past the famous islands of Burano, Torcello, and Murano in addition to the main islands of Venice.  The only limitation? It’s just on Wednesdays.

Hotel, shmotel: do a boat and breakfast

Stay on the Boat and Breakfast Sarah Sun Island yacht, moored near Piazza San Marco in the heart of Venice. It has air conditioning / heat, includes breakfast, and even though it’s a fancy yacht, it’s in the budget accommodation category – at least for Venice.  Or, stay on a houseboat .

Paddle a Kayak through the canals

Explore the canals of Venice on your own power by paddling with Venice Kayak on a half-day, full day, multi-day, or evening tour. If you’ve been following the news on  the damage cruise ships are doing to Venice , you’ll love this no-motor alternative. And because you’re not on a boat with a motor, you’re not restricted the same way as other boats – in a kayak you can go practically anywhere you want, but not completely on your own: kayak rental comes with a guide.

Get to or from Venice on a historic Burchiello boat, instead of taking the train

Instead of arriving or departing Venice on the train, take a river cruise down the Brenta on a Burchiello . They’ve been modernized since the images above were done, and they’re comfortable boats. Take a full day to get from Venice to the gorgeous and underrated city of Padova , and you’ll learn a lot from the guide about the villas along this historical waterway, even stopping to visit some of the frescoed summer dwellings of Venetian aristocrats from 3 centuries ago.

A historic Topetta 

A topetta is a historic Venetian wooden boat, though these days it usually has a motor attached. It holds up to 6 people and is what the locals use to get around and to transport goods. If you’d like to book a private boat tour in Venice that is longer than a 40 minute gondola ride and more reasonably priced, you should  book a tour through the canals on a topetta .

And finally, the Gondola: some beyond the obvious tips

On my first trip to Venice, as a high school student, I had no money so I didn’t ride a gondola but I really wanted to; I thought it was a romantic must-do. Then later, when I was working in Italy as a tour guide (but still poor) and spent quite a bit of time in Venice, I turned up my nose at this only-for-tourists activity. A few years later, when I was living in Milan and had a decent salary as a corporate expat, I finally rode a gondola. And you know what? I really enjoyed it. Yes, it’s for tourists. But it’s a historical, romantic way to see the canals. It’s not at all beyond the obvious, but if it’s on your bucket list, go ahead and do it. You may have heard that gondola rates are fixed : you can not negotiate the cost, but make sure you get your full 40 minutes and know that the rates buy you the entire boat. It’s worth spending the extra money to go after 7 pm, when the rates go up but the light is nice and the water traffic has died down.

A lot of people don’t realize that gondola routes are not up to the gondolier:  you can decide where you want to go. I recommend having a look at these six great gondola routes . The website is in Italian but the six routes are highlighted on the map when you click the links on the left side of the screen. Decide which one you want to do, and find a gondolier at one end of the route. Tell the gondolier the itinerary you’d like him ( or her ) to follow and if they try to convince you the route needs to end where it begins, insist on your route. Be firm but polite, and if they aren’t flexible, go talk to another gondolier.

  Venice traghetto from foto silenziose ; Vaporetto from Raison Descartier .

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The 9 top river cruise lines for 2024.

Sail through Europe, Asia, the U.S. and more on one of these exquisite river cruise lines.

The Top River Cruise Lines

Courtesy of Viking River Cruises

Not one for the high seas? Explore the world along its rivers instead.

If you'd like to take a cruise but aren't interested in the hustle and bustle of a massive ocean liner, consider a river cruise. River cruises offer the chance to visit lesser-known ports around the world, thanks to the small size and maneuverability of the vessels. These sailings are known to provide exceptional, personalized service, as most welcome fewer than 200 guests at a time. On top of that, you'll spend the majority of your trip exploring a different port each day, as most destinations along the waterways are fairly close together.

Read on to discover the best river cruise lines around the world, with details about where they sail, the number of passengers you can expect onboard, a snapshot of amenities and experiences, and sentiment from recent travelers.

Viking River Cruises

Uniworld boutique river cruises, american cruise lines, amawaterways, avalon waterways, emerald cruises.

• Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours

CroisiEurope Cruises

Number of passengers: 75 to 250 Sails to:  Europe, Asia, Africa, U.S.

Viking's 60-plus ships – known as longships – traverse major rivers across Europe, including the Danube , the Rhine, the Douro and more. Other popular routes sail Egypt's Nile River as well as the Mississippi River , and newer options include a series of Great Lakes itineraries.

What to expect: Travelers may be familiar with Viking Ocean Cruises , which operates larger ocean voyages with an emphasis on opulent accommodations and diverse enrichment activities. Viking's river cruises follow a similar road map, with meals, daily walking tours and Wi-Fi access (where applicable) included in the base fare. Other amenities and activities span guest lectures, cooking demonstrations, musical performances, libraries, outdoor decks and more. Select Viking riverboats are also equipped with swimming pools, while cabins feature minibars, premium toiletries, purified water and TVs.

On board, you can expect to find mostly English-speaking passengers. Viking's price point generally attracts older crowds in the 55-plus age group, and travelers must be at least 18 years old to cruise on the line.

What travelers say: Recent cruisers thoroughly enjoyed their experience with Viking, praising the scenic shore excursions, top-notch service and comfortable rooms. Some, however, expressed disappointment with the service as well as the food.

Book a Viking River Cruise on GoToSea, a service of U.S. News.

Courtesy of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Number of passengers: 32 to 159 Sails to:  Europe, Asia, Africa, South America

Uniworld offers luxurious sailings in historic cities across central Europe, France , Italy , Portugal , India, Egypt and Peru.

What to expect: Its 17 ships aim to create the feel of a boutique hotel with stylish decor, antique artwork and specialty restaurants. The ships hold an average capacity of 120 cruisers, and the company boasts one of the highest staff-to-guest ratios in the industry: about one crew member for every two travelers.

Stateroom amenities vary by vessel but may include marble bathrooms, Egyptian cotton linens, French balconies, iPod docking stations, Nespresso coffee machines, rainfall showers and more. The line's all-inclusive rates cover meals, alcoholic beverages, select excursions, gratuities, onboard fitness classes and Wi-Fi access, on top of entertainment and enrichment classes. Uniworld prides itself on its top-notch cuisine, which is made with local ingredients sourced from the ports on your itinerary and also includes vegetarian and vegan options.

Uniworld's typical clientele tend to be in their 50s or 60s and reside in North America, the U.K. and Australia . The river cruise line has select itineraries aimed at families, LGBTQ cruisers and solo travelers.

What travelers say: Recent cruisers offered abundant praise for Uniworld's voyages, complimenting the stylish accommodations, attentive staff and fascinating excursions. Though complaints were few and far between, a handful of past travelers felt the experience was not worth the high price point.

Compare Uniworld Boutique River Cruises on GoToSea.

Courtesy of American Cruise Lines

Number of passengers: 90 to 180 Sails to:  U.S.

As the name suggests, American Cruise Lines sails exclusively on the rivers and coastlines of the United States. Popular cruises visit destinations along the Mississippi River, on the Hudson River, throughout New England , and lining the Columbia and Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest. The line also tours Alaska , the Southeast coast including Florida , and the Puget Sound between Washington state and the Canadian border.

What to expect: American Cruise Lines operates 19 relatively new small ships and river vessels (the average ship is about 5 years old), ranging from modern riverboats to small coastal ships to authentic paddlewheelers. Comfortable cabins can accommodate up to three people per room, and all ships offer single staterooms designed exclusively for solo travelers . Each room boasts picture windows, a spacious bathroom and – in some cases – a private balcony. In the ships' public spaces, cruisers can enjoy daily onboard entertainment like jazz and blues performances, as well as presentations by historians and area experts.

The line promises an all-American experience. As such, you can expect to find American staff aboard the American-built ships as well as food that pays homage to the destinations you will visit, from New Orleans -style andouille sausage gumbo to New England-inspired seafood boils. Complimentary cocktails and hors d'oeuvres are served every night prior to dinner; all meals, snacks, and wine and beer are included in the base fare. Shore excursions are not typically included in the rate.

Passengers on American Cruise Lines tend to lean North American and are typically mature retired travelers.

What travelers say: Recent cruisers enjoyed their experience, particularly on the line's themed cruises.

Read:  Cruise Packing List: Essentials for Your Next Cruise

Courtesy of AmaWaterways

Number of passengers: 28 to 196 Sails to:  Europe, Asia, Africa, South America  

Consider a river cruise with AmaWaterways, whether you're looking to sail through the heart of Europe or seeking a once-in-a-lifetime adventure touring destinations like Vietnam, Egypt, South Africa or (beginning in 2024) Colombia. A family-owned business founded in 2002, AmaWaterways operates 29 river cruise boats that welcome 150 passengers on average.

The cruise line aims to provide excursion-rich experiences and offers unique themed sailings for passengers with certain interests. Wine-themed voyages are perfect for oenophiles wishing to explore some of Europe's most popular wine regions, while a concierge golf program will transport passengers from one famous golf course to the next. Or, opt for a holiday river cruise to visit magical Christmas markets around Europe. In 2024, AmaWaterways will offer three new Black history-themed itineraries.

What to expect: On board, guests can expect cabins suitable for couples or single travelers, as well as a set amount of connectible rooms designed for multigenerational families. Staterooms are spacious, with perks like bathrobes, slippers and plush bedding. Cabins can feature up to two balconies with AmaWaterways' twin balcony design, which allows for a full, step-out balcony alongside a French balcony with sliding glass doors. In-room Wi-Fi is complimentary, and guests will have access to movies and music on demand.

Outside of their cabins, passengers can enjoy amenities spanning small pools, sun decks, fitness equipment, a hair salon, massage services and more.

AmaWaterways primarily attracts North American travelers in their 50s who enjoy taking part in active shore excursions that involve walking or cycling. Passengers from the U.K. and Australia sail on this river cruise line as well. You can expect to find a mix of couples, families and solo cruisers – including a growing number of millennial travelers – on your vessel, thanks to AmaWaterways' diverse cabin offerings. Adventures by Disney charters AmaWaterways ships for select sailings each year as well.

What travelers say: Recent travelers say AmaWaterways exceeded their expectations, with many noting it was especially enjoyable for families. Still, some were disappointed, particularly with the food.

Find AmaWaterways cruises on GoToSea.

Courtesy of Avalon Waterways

Number of passengers: 16 to 166 Sails to:  Europe, Asia, Africa, South America

Avalon Waterways sails 19 riverboats along popular thoroughfares like the Danube, the Rhone, the Seine, the Nile, the Rhine, the Moselle, the Mekong, the Ganges and more. In 2024, it will also sail the Douro River in Portugal.

What to expect: Launched in 2004, Avalon stands out for its spacious vessels – known as Suite Ships – which feature some of the largest rooms in the river cruise industry and beds that face wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows, providing panoramic views. Additional stateroom perks include complimentary breakfast in bed, L'Occitane toiletries, sitting areas, ample storage space and mattress toppers.

Across the ship, passengers can enjoy amenities like a sun deck with lounge chairs, whirlpools and a game area, in addition to numerous restaurants and bars and a 24-hour self-serve coffee station. You will also have your pick of Classic, Active or Discovery shore excursions – ranging from standard tours with a local guide to hiking outings along a hilltop castle – depending on your interests and physical abilities.

Avalon Waterways attracts English-speaking cruisers from a variety of countries, typically in their 50s and 60s. However, children ages 8 and older are welcome on board (though there are no designated kids clubs), and some voyages draw younger or older passengers.

What travelers say: Most recent reviews are positive, with travelers highlighting the friendly, knowledgeable staff and tasty food.

Explore Avalon Waterways cruise deals on GoToSea.

Courtesy of Tauck

Number of passengers: 84 to 130 Sails to:  Europe

Travel company Tauck wears multiple hats: It operates small-ship voyages around the world, land tours across seven continents, small group journeys for an average of 24 travelers at a time, family tours and – finally – European river cruises. Six new river itineraries in Europe are on the docket for 2024. Take your pick from nine river vessels to explore popular waterways like the Douro, the Moselle, the Rhine, the Danube and the Rhone.

What to expect: All-inclusive fares cover shore excursions, onboard activities and entertainment, gratuities, beverages and more. Plus, Tauck offers exclusive access to unforgettable experiences like wine tastings at private vineyards and gala dinners in historic castles.

More than 80% of the staterooms feature French balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing for excellent views. Other in-room amenities may include adjustable climate controls, satin linens, pillow-top mattresses, terry cloth robes and more. Outside of your cabin, you'll find perks such as a sun deck, a putting green, enrichment programs like cooking demonstrations, a fitness center and complimentary bikes for onshore exploring.

Tauck caters to affluent, English-speaking cruisers – primarily Americans in the 55-and-older age group – though you may also find families with adult children on board. The line appeals most to travelers who prefer all the details of their trip to be taken care of for them, versus those who like to plan activities independent of the cruise line.

What travelers say: Recent passengers generally speak highly of their Tauck river cruise experiences, pointing to the exceptional level of organization and spacious, luxurious accommodations. Others said they were underwhelmed for the price.

Getty Images

Number of passengers: 84 to 180 Sails to:  Europe, Asia

Previously known as Emerald Waterways, Emerald Cruises transports travelers across some of the most popular rivers in Europe and Asia, including the Danube, the Rhine, the Douro and the Mekong.

What to expect: The cruise fare covers all meals, beverages with lunch and dinner, daily shore excursions − which include more physically rigorous options called EmeraldACTIVE – Wi-Fi access and gratuities.

Emerald operates nine river vessels, all of which boast luxurious public spaces and accommodations with en suite bathrooms and flat-screen TVs. Common-area amenities span heated indoor pools, sun decks, spa and wellness facilities, and a variety of eateries. Onboard fitness classes are available, as are other forms of entertainment. On shore, cruisers can borrow bicycles to explore historic city centers.

Typical clientele aboard Emerald Cruises' voyages includes American and British passengers around retirement age, though some younger travelers may make an appearance as well. Children 12 and older are permitted on board and on tours, but there are no kids clubs or designated activities for younger cruisers. Special rooms and dinner reservations are available for solo travelers.

What travelers say: Cruisers on recent sailings – especially first-time sailors – enjoyed their experiences on Emerald Cruises. High points included the attentive crew members and the stress-free booking and planning process. However, some felt that customer service and communication were subpar.

Gillies Zaiser | Courtesy of Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours

Number of passengers: 68 to 163 Sails to: Europe, Asia

From the Danube to the Mekong, Australian travel company Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours offers lavish, all-inclusive river sailings with an emphasis on customization. The more upscale sister brand of Emerald Cruises, Scenic affords travelers the opportunity to do as much or as little as they want while on board and ashore.

What to expect: Enrichment activities are hand-picked by the line's "Journey Designers," and vessels provide a top-notch level of service thanks to their high crew-to-passenger ratios. In fact, each passenger receives a designated butler who can complete nightly turndowns and make laundry arrangements, among other tasks.

Spacious suites on board are larger than those on most other riverboats (ranging from 160 to 510 square feet). High-tech balcony controls allow lodgers to let in as much air as they'd like with the touch of a button. Cruisers will also enjoy special in-room touches like pillow menus, slippers and robes.

When it comes to dining, Scenic sources local ingredients and culinary inspiration from the ports visited on the itinerary to provide an authentic experience. All meals are included in the base cruise fare, along with beverages, gratuities, Wi-Fi access, shore excursions and electric bicycle usage in select destinations.

What travelers say: Recent cruisers were pleased with their experiences aboard Scenic's vessels, praising the spacious cabins, pampering butler service, and knowledgeable crew members and tour guides. However, some travelers were particularly disappointed with the food.

Helwin Goetzinger | Courtesy of CroisiEurope

Number of passengers: 22 to 200 Sails to:  Europe, Asia, Africa

CroisiEurope is a family-run French cruise line that has been in business since 1976. This line has more than 50 ships and barges that sail to countries around the world, including Egypt, Cambodia and Spain . Unusual in river cruising, the line operates two custom-built ships that sail on Lake Kariba in southern Africa. Additionally, CroisiEurope has a division that sells barge cruises throughout France on six different canals, such as Burgundy or Provence.

What to expect: CroisiEurope is known for its wide range of destinations and is one of the only river cruise lines that operates custom-built ships on Germany 's Elbe river, the Guadalquivir and Guadiana rivers in Spain and Portugal, and Venice 's canals. Onboard accommodations are relatively basic, which keeps the cruise fare to a budget-friendly minimum. The cruise line aims to provide the best value for money in the cruise industry. Cuisine is focused on French food with some local flair in the main dining room, which is included in the cruise fare.

The passenger mix on a CroisiEurope cruise is relatively international, featuring large contingencies from France, Germany, the U.K. and North America. Announcements are typically given in both French and English. The cruise line sees a mix of older couples and groups as well as younger families, depending on the itinerary and time of year.

What travelers say: Several cruisers echoed that some of CroisiEurope's river ships are due for a refurbishment and that internet connectivity leaves a lot to be desired, while others maintain that the experience was superb.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Size: River cruise ships are smaller in size and the number of passengers they can accommodate, with one lounge and one main dining room being a typical setup.
• Atmosphere: The overall vibe on a river cruise is more relaxed and far less busy than that of an ocean liner.
• Onboard entertainment: River cruising is notoriously sleepy at night, with a focus instead on local enrichment like cooking demonstrations or liqueur tastings. Due to the busy schedule of port calls and excursions, most passengers are tired after a long day of sightseeing and don't mind a lack of nightlife.
• Excursions: Most of your time on a river cruise is spent out exploring the destinations, which can sometimes be two stops in a single day. Passengers can choose from a variety of activities in port – including biking, kayaking and hiking – or explore the destination at a leisurely pace.
• Cuisine: Cuisine tends to be focused on local specialties but is prepared to accommodate predominantly American tastes. Not every river cruise line offers unlimited drinks, but the majority include beer and wine at lunch and dinner, often showcasing regional varieties.
• Price: River cruising typically comes at a much higher price point than ocean-based itineraries.
• American Queen

Note that inclusions can vary by cruise line. For example, Viking rates – while not fully all-inclusive – cover beer and wine at meals and one tour per day, while gratuities and other drink packages are left to the discretion of the guest.

Avalon Waterways, on the other hand, offers a number of included tours in every port on select itineraries that range from cultural or culinary-focused to active.

In terms of inclusions and service ratios (the number of crew on board to guests), the following river cruise lines are considered the most luxurious:

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Cruises on Small Ships
• The Top Adults-Only Cruises
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans
• The Best Annual Travel Insurance Plans
• The Best Travel Insurance for Seniors and Retirees

Vacation Ideas for Every Traveler

Tags: Travel , Cruises

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Home » LIST of WOODEN BOAT PLANS – By Michael Storer » A Canal and River boat for Venice – 27ft trailerable boat for overnight

A Canal and River boat for Venice – 27ft trailerable boat for overnight

Length – 26ft 10″ (8.2m) Beam – 6ft 8″ (2.05m) Hull Weight (approx) – 850lbs (400kg) – Gaboon (Okoume) Ply Displacement (people/equipment approx) – 1600lbs (720kg) Power – shortshaft high thrust 4-stroke outboard 10-15hp

• Simple to Build
• Economical Performance – Good speed with small outboards
• Light enough to be trailered
• Easy building method
• Flexible Interior

Plans $150 delivered by email includes plan for the 23ft Dayboat/Launch but customer can only build one of the two (plans on paper may attract extra charges from agents)

The smaller 23ft Dayboat/Launch was expanded to create more space in the 27ft Venezia Riverboat .  And it is more portable than the 35ft Riverboat .

A Request from Italy

Pierangelo contacted me earlier this year (2008).  He liked the strong aesthetics of my dayboat design – below, but wanted more space.

He was attracted by the look and simple construction of my 23ft Dayboat/Launch Design but wanted something a bit more “live aboard”.

He contributed a sketch of what he wanted and it looked quite sensible.

When I say “sensible” I mean that the boat has a chance of having a quite wide appeal to lots of different people. This makes a big difference as to whether I think it is worth my time to develop the boat or not.

If a plan has a wide appeal I am sometimes happy to charge around the price of the normal stock plan which is a small proportion of the cost to develop the full instructions – and I can recoup the cost of development over a larger number of plan sales.

If a boat has limited appeal then then the customer would be up for the complete development cost of the plan and materials – in effect a custom boat. And it is very expensive if I’m interested at all.

An additional fillip is that to have a boat being built to be used in Venice is a very useful marketing tool!!!

Building Models makes Everything Clearer

There were a wonderful series of models made of the boat.

Initial assembly of bulkheads and external hull.

Roofline gives a sense of the volume.

Can also get a strong sense of the aesthetics.

Simply printed scale person makes the spaces more understandable. The headroom is a little over 6ft and can be increased for taller people,so this model is not as tall as some.

This style of very shallow boat has a lot of advantages in thin water like the Venice Lagoon. But they also can blow around. A leeboard is integrated into the interior layout. It folds up automatically if there is an obstruction and drops down again after the obstruction is passed.

Hull Design – not quite a narrowboat

The design is derived from my slightly shorter Dayboat/Launch – another version below.

Not only does the new boat have more room at very little extra cost but it will have better rough water handling.  Not that these boats are meant to be taken offshore – their natural environments are rivers and calmer days on lakes.

The fine bow will cut any chop nicely and the boat will cover distance without bouncing around – providing she spans two or three waves within her length.  But if the seas are big enough for the boat to climb up the faces and drop down the backs of the waves she will break – it would be a foolish person who had her out on such a day.

But any day that it is nice to be out there – a wonderful boat.  And on normal rivers, lakes and canals – no problem at all.

The original Dayboat has the fine bow of the original “Phil Bolger style” riverboats but has a cut off stern to keep the length down.  This is the stern of the 23 footer.

This can result in an unbalanced hullshape which can be a bit wild in a following sea ( there is a full explanation on the Dayboat page ) because the bow is so fine and the stern so wide.

“Venezia” however has her stern restored to her so will be a much easier boat to drive in following seas than the smaller version – she will tend to track straight rather than changing course as waves catch up with her from behind.

Construction

Construction is by a prefabrication method where the sides and bottom of the boat are built first along with the bulkheads.

The bottom is fully fabricated right through to being finished on the outside with the skeg and bottom runners fitted, fibreglassing and right through to painting.

It is then turned upright and propped into the required curve and the rest of the boat built on top of it.

This building method means that there is no requirement for a strongback frame to build the boat over and doesn’t require that the whole boat be turned over at any stage.

Just like a house – you build the foundation and then build up from there – with the difference that most major components can be prefabricated on the flat.

Hull Interior Options

While a certain amount of the internal furniture and structure is required for the strength of the hull there are certain options as far as changing the position of the various parts of the interior.

For example in Pierangelo’s version I think he may have put too much area into the head (toilet and shower).   I would tend to move the front bulkhead of that section back quite a long way to fit some extra seating inside the main cabin..

Another possibility would be to have the back section of the boat open if the general use was more for daytrips.

As with the smaller Dayboat there are a number of rules for modifications – mostly oriented toward keeping the centre of gravity low for stability (the cabinsides are quite lightweight and the roof is not meant to be walked on) and ensuring structural integrity (the furniture provides a lot of strength to the hull).

The basic rules are: 1/ You cannot add weight up high.  So if adding cabin sides it is recommended that you do it in 6mm plywood. 2/ You should be careful about adding weight to the back of the boat – otherwise the stern will start to drag and the performance and fuel economy will suffer. 3/ The simplicity of construction is largely possible because the hull sides and bottom are supported by the furniture.  There needs to be furniture effectively glued to the inside of both side panels as well as the bottom panel (the original function was carried out by the seats and seat webs).  It is particularly good if the furniture extends far enough in from the hull sides to meet the location of the bottom skids under the boat.

Performance

This is a very light boat and is relatively narrow.  This is excellent for good cruising speeds in displacement mode – gentle holiday motorboating.  Average speeds without any significant help from the river current are likely to be around the 6 to 8 knot range.

The best motors are the “high thrust” four strokes like the 15hp in the Yamaha range.  It weighs almost the same as the 10hp of a few years ago so will boost performance considerably.

The 4-strokes are to be preferred because they have a wider power band so will run at a wide range of different speeds without any problems.

The high thrust variants are good for punching along in adverse conditions and are generally more suitable for bigger craft like this.

As to speed… I would expect that the boat without too much gear aboard would hit a top speed of around 8 knots and a crusing speed of around 6.  I wouldn’t be surprised if the 15hp could add a couple of knots to both those figures without making too much noise and fuss, but the most economical cruising speed will probably be around 6.

I don’t expect her to make many waves so probably will not be responsible for the settling of Venice any faster into the mud!

I’ve made a bit of a career out of square and almost square boats.  The trick is to get them to look good in the water.  This boat has a lively traditional sheerline and a nice “in proportion” cabin.

As well it is a very practical boat – reasonably easy to build, small enough to not be too big a worry to own, economical to run and capable of covering ground at good average speeds.

It can be trailered and has a big enough roof to take a couple of solar panels if required.

For the cost of hiring a narrowboat or a canal boat over a few years a Venezia might just do the same job but leave the family with a real saleable asset.

The only question is how to get the airfair to Italy for the boatlaunching.  What a holiday that would be!

You can see full information including prices on my website plans page .

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5 great Hulu movies you need to watch instead of the 2024 Oscars

Let’s face it: the Oscars aren’t for everyone. Even some movie fans can’t stand all the superficial pageantry, the endless thanking of people you haven’t heard of, and the inane interviews that occur on a red carpet that’s probably more expensive than your house.

The Post (2017)

A haunting in venice (2023).

• Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood (2019)

The Lost City (2022)

• Willy’s Wonderland (2021)

Want some alternatives? You can do worse than watch some movies on Hulu . In fact, you should watch the five movies on the list below. Some are past Oscar nominees, some were box office hits, and all of them are a guaranteed fun time.

Need more Oscar recommendations? Check out how to watch the 2024 Oscars for free , 2024 Oscar predictions , 10 biggest Oscar snubs ever , 10 best Oscar-winning movies ever , 10 most Oscar-nominated movies ever , and 5 great Oscar-winning movies on Amazon Prime Video .

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• Like free movies? Then watch these 3 great films this weekend (March 15-17)

Need more suggestions? We also have guides to the best movies on Netflix , the best movies on Hulu , the best movies on Amazon Prime Video , and the best movies on HBO

Who knew a good thriller could be made out of the simple fact that you must meet a deadline? Steven Spielberg’s The Post is more than that, of course, but that’s what it essentially boils down to. It’s 1971, and the Pentagon Papers, a scandalous expose about the United States’ involvement in the still-ongoing Vietnam War, has been published by The New York Times, who are immediately sued by the U.S. government to stop exposing any more secrets. Katharine Graham, the owner of The Washington Post, and Ben Bradlee, the paper’s Executive Editor, have a copy of the Pentagon Papers and are faced with a dilemma: publish and potentially go to jail, or do nothing and go against what the paper, and the freedom of the press, stands for.

It’s an intriguing premise and one that is just as relevant today as it was over 50 years ago. Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks play Graham and Bradlee, respectively, and they have good chemistry; prickly but respectful, they’re the crusaders of the Constitution you’d want on your side. Spielberg directs with a breathlessness that’s uncharacteristic of him, and he has a great eye for the early ’70s time period (dig all that awful plaid!) and Washington D.C. locale.

Kenneth Branagh’s Hercule Poirot is normally found on trains stuck in snowy mountain passages or riverboats in the Nile, so it’s a bit odd that when we first meet him in A Haunting in Venice , he’s trying to track down a ghost in gloomy, rain-drenched Venice. Why? Well, Poirot just can’t resist the opportunity to attend a séance held by Joyce Reynolds (a campy Michelle Yeoh), who claims she can contact the spirit of a dead child. Sure, Jan.

A suspicious group is assembled, of course, and on a dark and stormy night, someone is not-so-shockingly murdered. What makes A Haunting in Venice so intriguing is that it really does appear to be a ghost stalking the ancient building Poirot and his fellow guests are stuck in. The movie isn’t as clever as it thinks, but Branagh’s directorial tricks work, so you don’t care. It’s good fun, and less expensive than actually going to Italy.

Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood (2019)

What better way to celebrate Hollywood’s biggest night than watching a movie that’s a valentine to cinema itself? Quentin Tarantino ‘s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is fun romp through 1969 Hollywood, and while it deals with real-life people, this is most definitely a fictional story. Leonardo DiCaprio’s Rick Dalton is a past-his-prime Hollywood star, and his best friend and bodyguard, Brad Pitt’s roguish Cliff Booth, is a stuntman with a shady past. Together, they try to kickstart both of their careers and fend off overeager groupies, hateful co-stars, and a ticked-off Bruce Lee.

Somewhere else in the city, Sharon Tate ( Barbie ‘s Margot Robbie) is on the rise as a prominent actress, but a strange man named Charles Manson and his weird hippie “family” may threaten her ambitions. If you think you know how this turns out, you don’t know Tarantino, who likes to remix history to his own liking. You can’t blame him because the result is so much fun to watch.

Last year’s Anyone But You brought rom-coms back into the spotlight, but it was The Lost City that first revived the genre as everyone was emerging from their post-pandemic slumber in early 2022. The movie stars Sandra Bullock as Loretta, a successful romance novelist who is still mourning her late husband. After being pushed into going on a book tour with her cover model, Alan (Channing Tatum), Loretta is kidnapped by an eccentric billionaire, Abigail Fairfax (Daniel Radcliffe), who is convinced that the research of Loretta’s husband can lead him to a hidden treasure. It’s up to Alan to save her, but first, he’ll have to stay alive himself.

The Lost City plays a bit like a mixture of Argylle and Uncharted , only much more charming and coherent. Bullock is an old pro at this kind of genre silliness, and her chemistry with Tatum is what makes the movie so watchable. It’s not as good as Romancing the Stone , but The Lost City is a decent rom-com action adventure that’s good to watch as the weekend winds down.

Willy’s Wonderland (2021)

Were you disappointed by last year’s Five Nights at Freddy’s ? Sure, it was a box office smash, but it wasn’t actually any good. Well, if you want a good horror-comedy set in a kid’s amusement park, you should watch Willy’s Wonderland.

Nicolas Cage stars as a down-on-his-luck average dude who agrees to take a job as a janitor at a Chuck E. Cheese-like entertainment center, Willy’s Wonderland, for one night to pay for some badly needed car repairs. But what he doesn’t see coming is an army of odd animatronic foes who decide to attack him one night. Armed with whatever he can find (including a plunger), Cage must fight for his life until the sun rises. The movie is unhinged and ridiculous, and Cage is totally in tune with the movie’s anarchic spirit.

Editors' Recommendations

• Don’t let these 3 March hidden streaming movie gems fly under your radar
• 3 great Hulu movies you need to stream this weekend (March 15-17)
• 3 underrated Netflix movies you should watch this weekend (March 15-17)
• 3 underrated shows on Hulu you need to watch in March
• The best movies on Amazon Prime Video (March 2024)

It's an unusual week for movies on Netflix. Last week's major addition, Damsel, is still topping the list of the most popular movies on Netflix, but it's been joined in the top five by two unheralded thrillers: Your Lucky Day and Alone. They're also flanked by The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which is parked at No. 3 and still incredibly popular over four months after making its Netflix debut.

Lindsay Lohan is also starring in a new rom-com, Irish Wish, but the jury's not in on that one yet. So for now, it's not on our list of the best movies on Netflix right now. Keep checking back every Friday morning as we update your options. That way, you'll always have something new to watch for the weekend.

Oscar season may be over, but Hulu is adding two of 2023's top nominees to this month's movie lineup. Poor Things is already available to stream, and on March 22, it will be joined by the French legal thriller Anatomy of a Fall. As you can also see by looking over the new titles on Hulu, March is a very strong month for movie lovers. But for this list, we're throwing the spotlight on Christopher Nolan's Inception and Ang Lee's Life of Pi.

That's just the beginning of the best movies on Hulu right now. Keep reading for more of our picks, which feature a great lineup of Hulu originals mixed in with acclaimed films from all over the world.

In 1995, a psychological thriller premiered that would unexpectedly become a massive hit and change horror movies forever. Se7en followed two detectives (Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman) as they tracked down a serial killer who murders people in ways that mirror the seven deadly sins like lust, greed, and gluttony.

Though Se7en was intended to be more of a crime thriller, its grotesque and morbid deaths combined with its sadistic killer placed it firmly in the horror genre -- and it even served as a precursor to the "torture porn" craze that horror experienced in the 2000s. But what separates Se7en from many of the horror films it inspired is its focus on character and suspense rather than gore and the macabre. If you loved Se7en, check out these three other serial killer movies that are guaranteed to make your skin crawl. Saw (2004)

In Pictures

Week in pictures: From wildfires in Colombia to the Venice Carnival

A photo roundup of some of last week’s events..

From farmer’s protests in France to the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, here is the week in photos.