How do different seasons affect river cruise experiences starting in Venice?

Venice river cruises run from March to November. Summer months of June through August are hot, with temperatures around 85°F (29°C) and bigger crowds. Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) are more comfortable at about 68°F (20°C) and less crowded. Many travelers say spring is especially nice when flowers bloom across the islands, while fall is perfect for exploring historic villas along the Brenta Canal.

What's the best time of year for river cruises starting in Venice?

Most travelers find April through October ideal for Venice river cruises, with temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C). While July and August are busiest, May, June, and September give you great weather without the crowds. Most cruise lines like CroisiEurope and Uniworld plan their trips during these months. One TourRadar traveler shared: "We went in September and had perfect weather for exploring both on and off the ship."

What's the typical length of river cruise tours starting in Venice?

Most Venice river cruises last between 5 and 9 days, with 8 days being most common. If you take a shorter cruise like CroisiEurope's Venetian Treasures, you'll explore the Venetian Lagoon and nearby islands like Burano and Murano. Longer trips, like Uniworld's Venice & the Jewels of Veneto, take you further to places like Chioggia and Padua. One TourRadar traveler noted: "The 8-day cruise was the perfect length to really experience Venice and surrounding areas without feeling rushed."

What are the typical boarding locations in Venice for river cruises?

You'll find three main boarding spots in Venice: the Maritime Station in western Venice, San Basilio pier in the Dorsoduro area, and Riva degli Schiavoni near St. Mark's Square. CroisiEurope boats usually dock at San Basilio, while Uniworld's S.S. La Venezia typically uses the Maritime Station. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Our ship was docked at San Basilio, which was perfect - just a 10-minute walk from the heart of Venice."

What type of ships are used for river cruises starting from Venice?

The ships used in Venice are smaller boats designed specially for the local waterways. Uniworld's S.S. La Venezia takes 158 passengers and has rooms with river views, while CroisiEurope's MS Michelangelo has 78 cabins with big windows. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The MS Michelangelo was like a floating boutique hotel - spacious enough to be comfortable but small enough to access all the charming ports and narrow canals."

What unique experiences are offered on river cruises starting from Venice?

On these cruises, you can join special events like private evening visits to St. Mark's Basilica when they turn on the lights, learn how to make traditional Venetian masks, or taste wine at the old Venissa Vineyard on Mazzorbo Island. Ships like the S.S. La Venezia take you to hidden spots in Venice, including local gondola workshops and authentic food stops along the Grand Canal. TourRadar travelers often mention how much they enjoy this mix of local culture and comfortable travel.

10 Best River Cruises from Venice

10 best River Cruise tour packages from Venice

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River Cruise
Italy, Africa & Iberia Discovery
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Italy Croatia Tunisia Spain
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Viking Cruises
From
US$10,832per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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River Cruise
Adriatic Jewels Venice → Athens (2026)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Italy Croatia Montenegro Greece
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Adriatic
Operated in
English
Operator
Travel Marvel
From
US$4,640per person
+$471 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Venice, the epicenter of art, and its famous lagoon (port-to-port package)
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Venice, Island of Mazzorbo, Burano, Chioggia
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ship
MS Michelangelo
Country Region
Northern ItalyVenetoProsecco+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
CroisiEurope River Cruises
From
US$1,995per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Venice & the Jewels of Veneto (2026) (Venice to Venice, 2026)
3.0 (2 traveler reviews)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Venice, Burano, Veneto, Vicenza, Padua, Chioggia, Torcello,Murano+1 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Ship
S.S. La Venezia
Country Region
Northern ItalyVenetoProsecco+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
25% Off
From $2,999
US$2,249per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Adriatic discovery: Venice, Istria & the Croatian archipelago
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Italy Slovenia Norway Croatia
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Adriatic
Operated in
English
Operator
Emerald Cruises
63% Off
From $12,790
US$4,790per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Rome, Venice & the Jewels of Veneto (2026) (Venice to Rome, 2026)
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Venice, Burano, Veneto, Vicenza, Padua, Chioggia, Torcello,Murano,Trevi,Vatican City,Rome+4 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Ship
S.S. La Venezia
Country Region
Northern ItalyVenetoProsecco+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
63% Off
From
US$5,299per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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$Advent Lights, a cruise through the heart of Venice\'s Christmas markets and its lagoon (port-to-port cruise) Tour$
$Advent Lights, a cruise through the heart of Venice\'s Christmas markets and its lagoon (port-to-port cruise) - 5 destinations$
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River Cruise
Advent Lights, a cruise through the heart of Venice's Christmas markets and its lagoon (port-to-port cruise)
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Venice, Island of Mazzorbo, Chioggia
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ship
MS Michelangelo
Country Region
Northern ItalyVenetoProsecco+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
CroisiEurope River Cruises
63% Off
From
US$1,389per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Rome, Venice & the Jewels of Veneto (2027) (Venice to Rome, 2027)
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Venice, Burano, Chioggia, Rome
Age Range
Ages 16+
Ship
S.S. La Venezia
Country Region
Northern ItalyVenetoProsecco+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
20% Off
From $5,999
US$4,799per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Venice & the Jewels of Veneto (2027) (Venice to Venice, 2027)
3.0 (2 traveler reviews)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Venice, Burano, Chioggia
Age Range
Ages 16+
Ship
S.S. La Venezia
Country Region
Northern ItalyVenetoProsecco+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
20% Off
From $3,499
US$2,799per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
New Year in Venice (port-to-port cruise)
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Venice, Chioggia, Burano, Murano
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ship
MS Michelangelo
Country Region
Northern ItalyVenetoProsecco+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
CroisiEurope River Cruises
20% Off
From
US$1,883per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Christmas in Venice (port-to-port cruise)
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Venice, Chioggia, Burano, Murano
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ship
MS Michelangelo
Country Region
Northern ItalyVenetoProsecco+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
CroisiEurope River Cruises
20% Off
From
US$1,389per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour