Verona and Venice Excursions with Uniworld River Po Cruise
Visiting Verona in Italy with Uniworld River Cruises
Verona and Venice Excursions with Uniworld River Po Cruise
WJ Tested: Uniworld Po River Cruise Day 6 – Verona full-day included excursion, and private visit to St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice
The morning started with a delicious buffet breakfast onboard Uniworld River Countess while docked in Polesella. At 8:15 am the passenger buses departed for Verona; an included full-day excursion to the city made famous by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliette.
Verona, Italy
Upon arriving in Verona at 10 am, local guides boarded each bus for a short driving tour around the outskirts of the city. Then it was time for the included 75-minute walking tour; crossing the Roman bridge and into the heart of the old city.
Walking tour of Verona, Italy with Uniworld River Cruises
Verona – Did You Know?
- Verona is in the Veneto region; a rich area due to industries such as Benetton, Diesel, and other famous brands from the region
- Ruled by republic of Venice
- Verona’s local population speaks their own dialect first – Italian second
- Valpolicella is the wine from this region
- Local aperitif is a spritzer – 1/3 Prosecco, 2/3 Aperot or Campari
- Verona is the second biggest city in Veneto region after Venice
- The city walls were first built in the fourth century and have been rebuilt various times
- Verona is home to the oldest Palio in Italy
- Verona was under the sea 60 million years ago
Uniworld Po River Cruise in Italy – Verona
Uniworld Po River Cruise in Italy – Verona
Uniworld Po River Cruise in Italy – Verona
Uniworld Po River Cruise in Italy – Verona
Once the walking tour was complete, passengers could take advantage of a free unaccompanied visit to the famous Roman arena; Arena di Verona.
Arena di Verona is a Roman amphitheatre in Verona, Italy
The next couple of hours in the city were spent on our own; exploring, shopping and finding a quaint local restaurant for lunch.
At 2:45 pm our groups met near the arena and strolled to where the buses waited outside of the pedestrian area. The two-hour drive to rejoin River Countess in Venice passed through very green and lush scenery and was broken up by a 15-minute break at an AutoGrille. Arriving at the ship by 5:10 pm we just had enough time (an hour) to freshen up, grab a bite to eat (serving Merenda in the Savoy restaurant) and meet the groups departing for the evening excursion.
St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, Italy
St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, Italy
Reflections in the water in St. Mark’s Square, Venice, Italy
Reflections in the water in St. Mark’s Square, Venice, Italy
The evening in Venice was highlighted by a private tour inside St. Mark’s Basilica. This was definitely an excursion not to be missed and all passengers that attended agreed that this event alone was worth the price of the entire cruise. We were first picked up by water taxis from near the River Countess and whisked away to a water taxi area close to the Doges Palace.
Uniworld Private Tour of St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice
Uniworld Private Tour of St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice
Once seated in St. Mark’s, we were treated to an experience of a lifetime as we sat inside the dark basilica and watched in amazement and awe as the lights were raised – an absolutely incredible sight. The local guide was even able to escort us into the crypt where we could view ancient tombs.
Crypt under St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice
Crypt under St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice
At 8:30 pm we were back aboard River Countess and went straight into the Castillo Lounge for the Grande Snack – the second meal of the evening.
Grande Snack on Uniworld River Countess
Grande Snack on Uniworld River Countess
We had enjoyed yet another incredible day exploring Italy with Uniworld!
Next… Venice – Coming Soon!
Previously:
- WAVEJourney’s Uniworld Po River and Venetian Lagoon Review
- Uniworld River Countess Ship Facts: Ship Features and Amenities
- Embarkation in Venice – Day 1
- Explore Venice on Foot
- Padua & Scrovegni Chapel
- Venice to Chioggia
- Ravenna and Po River Cruising to Polesella
- Visiting Bologna
- Bologna Pasta-Making Demonstration
If You Go:
- Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
- Uniworld Po River & the Venetian Lagoon
- Uniworld River Countess
- Scrovengi Chapel
