Venice & The Gems of Northern Italy
Gay Vegan Departure With Special Guest and Group Leader Sean O’Callaghan (aka Fat Gay Vegan)!
Uncover the extraordinary hidden treasures of Venice and Northern Italy. Soak up the enchantment of “The City of Water” and three outer-lying Venetian islands, Burano, Mazzorbo and Torcello. Be treated to an exclusive evening opening and lighting ceremony at St. Mark’s Basilica. Discover the charm of seaside Chioggia loved by fishermen and artists alike. Explore medieval Padua, once home to Galileo and Copernicus; “bountiful” Bologna; and UNESCO-designated Ferrara. Each of these enchanting locales is yours to uncover on Vegan Culinary Cruises “Venice & the Gems of Northern Italy.”
The Journey
Encounter unforgettable sights on this odyssey through Northern Italy that begins and ends in legendary Venice, the “Queen of the Adriatic.” Our exploration of Northern Italy rewards the curious traveler with amazing experiences rich in history & heritage. Unlike any other tour vacation, you will be treated to exclusive tours and in-depth interaction with local communities. Discover the charm of seaside Chioggia loved by fishermen and artists alike. Explore medieval Bologna and Ferrara, once home to Galileo and Copernicus; Verona, the famed city of Romeo and Juliet and magical Venice. Each of these enchanting locales is yours to uncover filled with over thousands of years of history and heritage brought to life on our Vegan Culinary River Cruises the “Gems of Northern Italy.”
Who will enjoy this cruise & tour
Romantics, connoisseurs of fine vegan food and wine and lovers of art and architecture. Experienced travelers looking to explore the hidden gems of Northern Italy.
The Ship
The 130-passenger River Countess is filled with light and color and like all Vegan Culinary Cruise expeditions is chartered just for our group! Muted shades of turquoise complemented by soothing cream, taupe, and white accents create a luxurious and sophisticated environment for your up-close, unsurpassed and unforgettable Italian adventure.
This meticulously designed ships feature lavishly appointed river view staterooms and suites, enticing public areas and luxurious amenities, including a lounge with full-service bar, well-equipped fitness center, restaurant, Serenity River Spa, and a Sun Deck where you can relax and take in the ever-changing views.
All-Inclusive Luxury – Vegan Culinary Cruises includes it all: Unlike many large cruise programs with numerous add-on costs for excursions, amenities, activities, drinks and Internet, we include everything on a Vegan Culinary Cruise. From the minute you arrive to the minute you depart the ship; we will take care of you. All of our cruises include our own specially developed shore excursions, open bar and mini bar, Internet, educational programming and lectures, special guests and entertainment. Every all-vegan ship is a luxury 5-star vessel complete with high-end amenities and accommodations, as well as exceptional service from your Vegan Culinary Cruise management team.
Ciao, bella!
Pricing from: $5790pp/dbl
Dates: 7/2/20 to 7/11/20
Optional Pre -Tour Siem Reap Cambodia – 3 Days
SCHEDULE – Cruise Tour
Optional Siem Reap Cambodia Pre-Tour
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- Day 1 – Thursday July 2 – Siem Reap – Arrive transfer to hotel
- Day 2 – Friday July 3 – Siem Reap area tour
- Day 3 – Saturday July 4 – Siem Reap morning area tour, afternoon transfer to ship at Kampong Cham
Cruise
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- Day 1 – Saturday July 4 –Afternoon transfer Siem Reap to ship at Kampong Cham
- Day 2 – Sunday July 5 – Kampong Cham, Angkor Ban, Wat Hanchey – Cambodia
- Day 3 – Monday July 6 – Kampong Tralach, Kampong Chhnang – Cambodia
- Day 4 – Tuesday July 7 – Phnom Penh – Cambodia
- Day 5 – Wednesday July 8 – Tan-Chau, My An Hung – Border crossing Vietnam
- Day 6 – Thursday July 9 – Sa Dec, Binh Thanh Island – Vietnam
- Day 7 – Friday July 10 –- Cai Be, My Tho – Vietnam
- Day 8 – Saturday July 12: Ho Chi Min City / Saigon – Vietnam – Disembark
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* Please note mooring and casting off times are only guidelines. We reserve the right to make changes to the itineraries and excursion programs. If due to low or high water or a defective ship a section of the river is closed to travel, the ship-owner reserves the right to transport guests along this section by bus, accommodate them in hotels and /or change the course of this part of the journey. In certain circumstances it may be necessary to transfer to another ship. These situations are rare but do happen from time to time and are all part of riverboat vacations. There’s nothing anyone can do to control mother nature.
Our luxury Mekong river cruise combines places rarely visited with opulent world heritage sites exploring the wonders and culture of Vietnam and Cambodia
“The Only All Gay – All Vegan Cruise Experience” – all are welcome
Only 25 Cabins – Exclusive Cruising For Only 50 Guests
All Inclusive: Cruise, Delicious Vegan Cuisine, Open Bar, Tours & So Much More!
For 2020 Vegan Culinary Cruises brings to you our luxury-all-inclusive Vietnam & Cambodia Mekong River Expedition. The ultimate, most in-depth and relaxing way of experiencing this part of the world!
Sample Itinerary
DAY 1: Venice (Embark)
Arrive at Venice Marco Polo International Airport, where you will be transferred to the ship. Unpack, relax and enjoy your first evening on the Venetian Lagoon.
DAY 2: Venice
Hoping to escape marauding Huns, Goths and Vandals as the Roman Empire collapsed in the fifth century, refugees built a little settlement they called Venice on tiny islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. By the 12th century, Venice was the wealthiest and most powerful city-state in Europe, controlling the Mediterranean and all European trade with the East. Its merchant-aristocrats lavished their wealth on palaces and churches, art and music, creating a city that is truly like no other. Now, seawater laps at the foot of thousand-year-old houses— and sometimes rises above the doorsteps—but the glorious palaces and romantic canals enchant visitors just as they have for centuries. Today you will embark on your own personal voyage of discovery through this entrancing city. An expert guide will show you iconic sites as well as quiet lanes and secret spots known only to locals (shhhh….). Also on deck today: a scenic cruise around the Venetian Lagoon.
Tonight, features a private after-hours visit to Saint Mark’s Basilica and a special Captain’s welcome reception and dinner will be prepared for you this evening.
DAY 3: Chioggia
The River Countess sails from Venice, cruising through the lagoon, past the Lido, the colorful fishermen’s houses of Pellestrina and the huge ongoing flood-control project called MOSE (which is designed to protect Venice from rising seawater), before docking in Chioggia, sometimes called “Little Venice,” at the southern end of the lagoon. Join a local expert for a stroll around this picturesque fishing village, a popular place for artists, or “Let’s Go” with a bike ride along the beaches lining the lagoon, or, for something really unique, hop aboard a small boat to go mussel harvesting with local fishermen out in the lagoon. The seaside air and sweeping views are simply spectacular.
Choice of Padua morning walk and market visit or “Let’s Go” biking Chioggia or Bragozzo ride.
DAY 4: Polesella (Bologna or Ferrara)
Today you face a tough decision: Do you spend a full day in Bologna, the culinary capital of Northern Italy, or visit UNESCO-designated Ferrara, a beautifully preserved Renaissance city? Let your passions be your guide today. If you have an appetite for pasta, head to Bologna—the heart of Italian culinary traditions—and learn how to make (and eat!) your own lunch. Or indulge your appetite for art with an excursion to Ferrara, an ancient center for the arts that once rivaled Medici Florence.
Choice of private vegan pasta-making and Italian lunch in Bologna or Ferrera: Renaissance, elegance and Italian lifestyle town discovery walk
DAY 5: Porto Viro, Chioggia
Chioggia is such a delight that we’ll return there today to experience something completely different. You can visit the village’s bustling once-a-week market—a colorful and boisterous scene, and quintessentially Italian. You’ll sail back to Venice this evening.
DAY 6: Venice Islands (Burano, Mazzorbo, Torcello)
Venice is an island surrounded by hundreds of smaller islands, three of which you’ll visit today—Burano, famous for its lace-makers and houses painted in eye-popping colors; Mazzorbo, where you’ll taste a historic golden-hued wine; and Torcello, home to beautiful Byzantine mosaics.
DAY 7: Venice
Lovers of food and wine flock to Italy to immerse themselves in a true farm-to-table epicurean experience. If that sounds like you, you’ll love today’s walking tour to the famous produce market next to the Rialto Bridge. Prefer a more visual feast? Join an art historian for a highlights tour of the Accademia gallery.
A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.
DAY 8: Venice (Disembark)
Disembark the ship. If your cruise/tour package includes a group departure transfer or if you purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Venice Marco Polo International Airport for your flight home.
Mekong Cruise Pricing
Superior Stateroom – 11 Cabins
Located on the main deck, the 12 Superior Staterooms (4 twin, 8 double). The large floor to ceiling panoramic glass doors open to the balcony. Measuring a total space of 21sqm / 227 sq ft plus balcony 5 sqm / 54 sq ft with 2 chairs and table, the superiors are appointed with wooden, white furniture supported complemented with Asian ornaments and fine-art paintings on the walls and ceilings.
Price: $5790 pp/dbl
Single Supplement: + 50% of cruise cost
Boa Dai – Signature State Room – 1 Cabin
The Bao Dai – Signature Stateroom is 27sqm / 300 sq ft in total plus a “private” bow balcony 5 sqm / 54 sq ft with 2 chairs and table. A large royal dark wood king bed dominates the room. Walls come in a soft saffron tone and are decorated with Vietnamese designed artifacts.
Price: $7990 pp/dbl
No Single Supplement available
Deluxe Stateroom – 11 Cabins
Located on the upper deck and with a floor space of 24sqm/ 260 sq ft plus balcony 5 sqm / 54 sq ft with 2 chairs and table, the 11 Deluxe Staterooms (3 twin, 8 double, 1 connecting) with its own balcony. The very warm tone of the cabin designed with dark weighty antique furniture or the handmade, rustic copper sink in the bathroom, bring back the feeling of the 1930s Indochine lifestyle.
Price $6690 pp/dbl
Single Supplement: + 50% of cruise cost
The Jayavarman – Signature Stateroom – 1 Cabin
The Jayavarman – Signature Stateroom is a 30sqm / 323 sq ft large cabin including a “private” bow balcony 5 sqm / 54 sq ft with 2 chairs and table. This Signature cabin is dedicated to the Khmer culture. The most stunning facility is the solid-wood and king-size four-poster bed with an impressive olive colored gypsum artwork at the bed-head displaying an Apsara Dancer.
Price: $7990 pp/dbl
No Single Supplement available
Siem Reap Pre-Tour Extension – The Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor
Set across from the Royal Palace, is one of the landmark historic hotels of the legendary Grand Tour of Indochina. Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor first opened its doors in 1932 but the legend lives on today after careful restoration. The hotel is rich in Cambodia history and full of original treasures, right down to the original working cage elevator in the lobby. Our doorman still welcomes everyone in a uniform inspired by the Royal Palace.
With the privilege of over 15 acres of beautifully landscaped French gardens and built around the country’s largest swimming pool, the hotel is a peaceful oasis to which to retreat after exploring the temples in the UNESCO World Heritage site only 10 minutes from the hotel. Relax and revitalize under the fragrant frangipani trees beside the magnificent pool inspired by Angkorian architecture or enjoy a massage in the spa to ease away the travel.
State Room
Room Size: 344 Sqft / 32 Sqm – $1490 pp/dbl
Single Supplement: $290
State Rooms offer a blend of colonial charm and modern comfort. With a choice of king or twin beds, all rooms are beautifully appointed with air-conditioning, overhead fans and windows that open for fresh air. Some State Rooms have balconies overlooking our gardens or swimming pool, whilst others have a daybed for relaxation. All State Rooms feature a separate bathtub and shower.
Landmark Room
Room Size: 388 Sqft / 36 Sqm – $1790 pp/dbl
Single Supplement: $390
Landmark Rooms, first designed in 1932, are decorated with memorabilia and artifacts reminiscent of the Golden Age of Travel. With a choice of king or twin beds, the Angkorian ambience is completed with high ceilings, wooden floors, historic marble bathrooms with shower/bath and hand-crafted four-poster beds. Rooms feature a balcony with table and chairs that look out onto the pool, the Royal Gardens, or the hotel’s lush, landscaped gardens.
*Suite & Villas available upon request
Booking: To make a reservation please click on the registration buttons below and fill out the on-line tour registration forms. Once we receive your initial electronic registration, we will send via email or post mail your final registration forms to printed, filled out and signed then retuned via fax, email scan or post mail with your initial deposit. If you need assistance with your reservation, please call us and we can do so over the phone.
Due to limited space on our cruises, reservations can only be guaranteed with a deposit of $1000 upon. Final payment must be received no later than 120 days prior to departure or booking is subject to cancellation and payments forfeited and non-transferable. Deposit may be made with credit card, check, wire, or bank transfer. Final payments can only be made by check, wire or bank transfer. We highly recommend all passengers take out travel insurance at time of initial booking.
What’s included?
Your Vegan Culinary Cruise Bonus:
- One all-inclusive price, including tax and touring
- Experience: Over 30 years of running memorable all-inclusive, activity-oriented culinary travel programs and cruises
- Expert daily lectures on area history and heritage
- Guided touring at our ports of call
Included features:
- Delicious All-Vegan dining, with all meals included (buffet breakfast, lunch, afternoon coffee, cakes & tea, dinner and midnight snack) in the elegant Panorama-Restaurant, which accommodates all guests in one seating
- Touring: Guided touring at our ports of call with our Vegan Culinary Cruise leaders
- Use of all ship-board amenities and programming (some for an additional fee)
- Music performances and on-board entertainment
- Included features as specified in the itinerary (incl.)
- Services of experienced cruise directors and Vegan Culinary Cruise staff throughout the cruise
- $150 per person ship credit
- 8-night / 9-day cruise accommodation in outside balcony stateroom,
- Airport transfers
- Meet & greet arrival Siem Reap Airport, Cambodia Pre-Tour program July 2 or cruise Departure July 4
- Airport return Ho Chin Min City, Vietnam airport July 11
- Siem Reap Extension: 2-nights’ accommodation at the world-famous Raffles Grand Hotel, all activities, touring and all meals
What’s not included?
- Airfare: Group air departing and arriving from the same gateway can be arranged through our air desk, please call for details.
- Gratuities ($150 per person will be invoiced and given directly to the crew and guides), tour extension gratuities $40pp per extension
- Optional guided tours
- Miscellaneous on-board services and amenities
- Pre / post cruise tours
- Port fees $65 pp
- Visas – will help all guests obtain please call for details.
Connect With Us
Call Us: USA +1 310-237-0122
Call Us Toll Free USA: 800-923-2645
WhatsApp SMS: +1 (206)-536-3150
Office hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm PST
Israel: 052 836 2661
United Kingdom: 020 3393 6823
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