River Cruise Tours & Trips in Northern Italy
Explore a wide diversity of river cruises through Northern Italy. We have 16 cruises that vary from 5 days to 14 days. With the greatest number of departures in December, this is also the most popular time of the year.
10 best river cruise Northern Italy tours
Compiled by
MelissaNorthern Italy travel expert at TourRadar
- Timeless Venice and the Arena of Verona, the majestic stage for opera (port-to-port package)
- From the Canals of Venice to Renaissance-infused Mantua & Milan and Lake Como Extended Stay (port-to-port cruise)
- Cruise & Tour: Savor Northern Italy (2027) (Milan to Venice, 2027)
- Christmas in Venice (port-to-port cruise)
- Advent Lights and Winter Charm: Set Course for Venice and its Lagoon (port-to-port cruise)
- Venetian Treasures & Milan and Lake Como (port-to-port cruise)
- New Year in Venice (port-to-port cruise)
- Venetian Treasures (port-to-port cruise)
- Italy Bike & barge tour: cycle from Mantua to Venice
- Family Club: Venice and its Lagoon (port-to-port cruise)
A luxurious six-day sail awaits aboard MS Michelangelo, home to 158 passengers. The route stretches from Venice through the 30-mile Venetian Lagoon to Chioggia, with views of Palladian Villas along Brenta Canal. Passengers enjoy gourmet dining and premium cabin accommodation.
No departure dates availableDuration 6 days Destinations Venice, Verona, Island of Mazzorbo, Burano, Torcello, Chioggia, Padua Age Range All Ages Welcome Ship MS Michelangelo Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From the Canals of Venice to Renaissance-infused Mantua & Milan and Lake Como Extended Stay (port-to-port cruise)
The MS Michelangelo offers panoramic views from Venice's lagoon to Mantua's lakes. Passengers float through Chioggia's canals, dock at Porto Viro, and visit Canda's riverside charm. French cuisine with regional wines accompanies views of UNESCO-listed landmarks and Renaissance ports.
Duration 9 days Destinations Venice, Island of Mazzorbo, Burano, Murano, Chioggia, Padua, Porto Viro, Verona, Mantua, ModenaSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Ship MS Michelangelo River Po Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
- US$3,338
Duration 14 days Destinations Milan, Lake Como, Stresa, Lake Maggiore, Verona, Bolzano, Conegliano, Venice, Padua, Island of MazzorboSee all destinations Age Range Ages 16+ Ship S.S. La Venezia River Po Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From
- US$8,399
The MS Michelangelo sails through Northern Italy's waterways, from Venice's Grand Canal to Chioggia's port. Christmas traditions come alive with special dinners, midnight mass, and visits to Murano's glassworks. Full-board dining with wines and guided excursions enhance the voyage.
Duration 5 days Destinations Venice, Chioggia, Padua, Burano, Murano Age Range All Ages Welcome Ship MS Michelangelo Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
- US$1,503
Cruise the Venetian Lagoon on the MS Michelangelo, a 158-passenger ship with big panoramic windows that let you see across the 48km basin to the Adriatic Sea. You'll stop at the baroque Santa Maria della Salute Basilica, which sits on 100,000 wooden piles, then head to Chioggia and Burano.
Duration 5 days Destinations Venice, Island of Mazzorbo, Burano, Chioggia, Padua Age Range All Ages Welcome Ship MS Michelangelo Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
- US$1,445
Duration 7 days Destinations Venice, Island of Mazzorbo, Burano, Murano, Chioggia, Padua, Milan, Lake Maggiore, Como, Lake Como Age Range All Ages Welcome Ship MS Michelangelo Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
- US$2,182
The welcoming MS Michelangelo, with 78 cabins, cruises through Venice's lagoon to historic Chioggia. Visits to artisanal Murano and picturesque Burano precede New Year's Eve celebrations with gourmet dining among stunning Renaissance architecture.
Duration 5 days Destinations Venice, Chioggia, Padua, Burano, Murano Age Range All Ages Welcome Ship MS Michelangelo Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
- US$1,796
Venetian Treasures (port-to-port cruise)
“The food and wine were amazing, and the optional excursions were great.”
BarBara, traveled in February
The MS Michelangelo, boasting 78 climate-controlled cabins, weaves through Northern Italy's waters from Venice to Chioggia. Local delicacies await at Rialto Market, while Murano's glass workshops and Padua's medieval charm unfold over 5 immersive days.
No departure dates availableDuration 5 days Destinations Venice, Island of Mazzorbo, Burano, Murano, Chioggia, Padua Age Range All Ages Welcome Ship MS Michelangelo Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises Italy Bike & barge tour: cycle from Mantua to Venice
“The boat accomodations were good, small cabins but had everything I needed. Food was top notch.”
Mary, traveled in July
Northern Italy's waterways unfold from Mantua to Venice aboard Ave Maria 4* or Vita Pugna 3*. The Po River system leads to medieval towns and nature reserves, while passengers savor regional cuisine and sundeck views from comfortable air-conditioned cabins.
No departure dates availableDuration 8 days Destinations Mantua, Bergantino, Zelo, Ferrara, Adria, Chioggia, Pellestrina, Venice Age Range All Ages Welcome River Po Operator Girolibero - Cycling holidays Family Club: Venice and its Lagoon (port-to-port cruise)
“Overall the experience was great. The cleanliness of the room was almost nonexistent.”
Ghalib, traveled in August
MS Michelangelo's 78 well-appointed cabins provide comfort along Northern Italy's Po River. The route through the Venetian Lagoon showcases Ferrara's Este Castle and Padua's medieval squares, while local artisans demonstrate traditions at Murano's glass workshops and Burano's lace houses.
No departure dates availableDuration 6 days Destinations Venice, Chioggia, Padua, Arqua Petrarca, Taglio di Po, Polesella, Ferrara, Verona, Murano, Burano Age Range All Ages Welcome Ship MS Michelangelo River Po Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises
What people love about River Cruise Tours in Northern Italy
- Venetian Treasures (port-to-port cruise)
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.
What our customers ask about River Cruise Tours & Trips in Northern Italy
What unique destinations and experiences can I expect on a Northern Italy river cruise?
Northern Italy river cruises center on the Venetian Lagoon and Po River Delta where grand cities meet quiet waterways. The routes pass through Venice with stops at St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace then continue to the islands of Murano where glass artisans work and Burano with its traditional lace makers. Less visited ports like Chioggia and Polesella offer a quieter look at local life while UNESCO sites such as Padua and Ferrara showcase Italy's rich history. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "River cruising is the only way to see Venice - seeing parts of Venice that most tourists don't see. The excursions were great with wonderful intelligent passionate tour guides."
What are the most popular river cruise routes in Northern Italy?
The main routes follow the Venetian Lagoon and Po River Delta networks with Venice as the primary starting point. Key journeys run from Venice to Chioggia then through the island communities of Burano and Murano before reaching historic Mantua. Vessels like the S.S. La Venezia and MS Michelangelo take guests to major sites including Doge's Palace St. Mark's Basilica and the Rialto Bridge. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The route through the Venetian lagoon offered breathtaking views and access to hidden gems you wouldn't see otherwise."
What type of cabins are available on Northern Italy river cruise ships?
Accommodations range from standard rooms to luxury suites across different price points. The S.S. La Venezia offers five categories: Classic Deluxe French Balcony Suite and Grand Suite all featuring Savoir® Beds with Egyptian cotton linens. On the MS Michelangelo guests choose between upper and main deck rooms including Category A and B staterooms plus premium suites. A TourRadar reviewer noted: "Our French Balcony cabin on the S.S. La Venezia provided stunning views of the Venetian Lagoon and was surprisingly spacious."
What kind of culinary experiences are offered on Northern Italy river cruises?
The food programming celebrates regional specialties from Venice and the Po Valley. Ships like MS Michelangelo serve breakfast buffets multi-course lunches and special dinner events featuring local dishes such as risotto al nero di seppia and fresh seafood from nearby waters. Many trips include food-focused excursions to places like Venice's Rialto Market or wine tastings at Venissa Vineyard on Mazzorbo Island. According to a TourRadar traveler: "The onboard dining exceeded our expectations with authentic Italian cuisine and regional wines included at every meal."
What's the best time of year for a Northern Italy river cruise?
The main sailing season runs April through October with May and September offering mild weather and lighter tourist crowds. During peak months temperatures in Venice and the Po Delta stay around 20-25°C (68-77°F). Spring brings flowering landscapes across the Veneto while fall features wine harvest celebrations. A TourRadar traveler noted: "We chose September for our cruise on the S.S. La Venezia and found perfect weather for exploring both on and off the ship."
What are the main differences between various river cruise lines in Northern Italy?
Each cruise line brings its own character to the waterways. Uniworld's S.S. La Venezia offers upscale boutique cruising with detailed decor and included premium tours. CroisiEurope runs the MS Michelangelo with a relaxed French-influenced atmosphere and flexible excursion options. Both vessels host under 160 passengers for a personal experience. One TourRadar traveler shared: "We chose Uniworld for their luxury approach and weren't disappointed with the exceptional service and attention to detail."
Which Northern Italy river cruise itinerary is best for first-time visitors?
A 7-8 day Venice-based route like "Venice & the Jewels of Veneto" works well for newcomers. These trips cover essential sites including Venice's St. Mark's Square and Doge's Palace plus visits to Burano Murano and Chioggia. The single-unpack format allows time to see major landmarks and local spots. A TourRadar traveler advised: "The 8-day Venice-based cruise gave us the perfect introduction to Northern Italy's highlights without feeling rushed."