Gems of Northern Italy 2025
Venice – Padua – Chioggia – Murano – Burano - Torcello & The Venice LagoonUncover the Beauty and Breathtaking History of Venice and Northern Italy.
A Tour Experience Like No Other as We Explore Northern Italy & Its Jewish Heritage Off-The-Beaten Path with Exclusive Access to Sites & People of Italy & Jewish Italy
Only We Can Bring you! All in Luxurious Comfort & Ease!
Special – Italian Culinary Event with Master Kosher Chef Malcolm Green
Featuring Special Guest Lecturers:
Dr. Henry M. Abramson, Dean of Touro University in Brooklyn, New York
Italian Culinary Events with Naomi Nachman
This ultimate Venetian vacation is perfected by one unique quality: your stay onboard our floating boutique luxury hotel. Not only will you benefit from an enviable location in Venice, but you’ll also find that your hotel transports you to hidden gem towns nearby. Explore the waterfront shops, colorful facades, and peaceful canals unique to Burano, Mazzorbo and Torcello. Farther south, discover Chioggia—a charming southern port loved by fishermen and the picturesque ancient city of Padua with its wonderfully preserved Jewish sites and still active Jewish community.
With Kosher River Cruises savor spectacular interactive travel experiences, insightful Jewish history and heritage programming, delicious Glatt kosher cuisine, and first-class service every step of the way.
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 Jewish history & heritage. Unlike any other tour vacation, you will be treated to exclusive tours and in-depth interaction with local Jewish communities. Each of our enchanting locales is yours to uncover filled with over 2000 years of Jewish history and heritage brought to life on the Kosher River Cruises the “Gems of Northern Italy.”
Even if you have been to Venice before, experience exclusive access to sites & people of Italy & Jewish Italy that Only KRC Can Bring you!
Jewish Italy
The presence of Jews on the Italian peninsula can be traced back as far as 200 BCE during the late Roman Republican period. Italian Jewry is especially diverse, comprising a mix of Italian, Sephardic, Ashkenazic, Persian and Libyan Jews.
Ashkenazi Jews have lived in northern Italy since at least the late Middle Ages. In Venice, they formed the oldest Jewish community, predating both the Sephardic and the Italian congregations. Following the invention of printing, Venice became a major publishing center for Hebrew and Yiddish books for Jews across Europe.
The Spanish Synagogue of Venice was originally regarded as the “mother synagogue” of the Spanish and Portuguese Jewish community world-wide. It was among the earliest to be built, and the first prayer book was published there. Later communities, such as Amsterdam, followed its lead on questions of ritual. With the decline in the importance of Venice in the 18th century, the leading role passed to the Jewish community of Leghorn (Livorno), which acted as a link between the Spanish and the Portuguese.
Italian Jews began to be discriminated against in the 16th century. In 1516, the Jews of Venice were forced to live in an enclosed area known as the “ghetto” which was locked at night. In 1555, Pope Paul IV, who had overseen the burning of the Talmud two years before, issued a decree similarly requiring the Jews of the Papal States, including Rome, to live in isolation from their Christian neighbors in ghettos. Pope Paul IV also decreed that Jews had to wear signs to distinguish them, which meant yellow hats for men and veils or shawls for women. Such Jewish ghettos existed for over three centuries thereafter until Pope Pius IV decided to ban Jews from all his dominions and expel them from all the Papal states except Rome and the port city of Ancona.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, many Italian Jews maintained a trading and residential presence in both Italy and the territories of the Ottoman Empire, and even those Italian Jews who settled permanently in the Ottoman Empire kept their Tuscan or Italian nationality. In the late 19th century, with the establishment of the new unified Italian state, Italy’s Jews obtained full equality. Today over 30,000 Jews live in Italy forming thriving community, which are concentrated in the major cities.
Join Kosher River Cruises as we explore over 2000 years of Northern Italy’s rich Jewish history and heritage aboard our floating all-kosher, all-inclusive floating luxury boutique hotel!
THE SHIP
The 130-passenger SS La Venezia is filled with light and color and like all Kosher River 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 – Kosher River 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 Kosher River 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, exploring both Jewish and secular sites, open bar and mini bar, Internet, educational programming and lectures, special guests and entertainment. Every all-kosher ship is a luxury 5-star vessel complete with high-end amenities and accommodations, as well as exceptional service from your Kosher River Cruise management team.
Ciao, bella!
Day 1 Monday: Venice Embarkation
Arrive Venice and board the luxurious La Venezia. Afternoon welcome reception, orientation, and a welcome cruise along Venice’s magical Giudecca Canal to San Marco, enjoy a welcome cocktail on the top deck with Saint Mark’s Basilica and the Canal Grande as your backdrop followed by dinner.
Day 2: Tuesday: Venice & Jewish Venice
Today you will embark on your own personal voyage of discovery through this enchanting city. Our expert guides will show you iconic sites as well as quiet lanes and secret spots only known to locals. Begin with a walking discovery tour with morning private tour at Doge’s Palace. Then afternoon we continue our exploration of the rich Jewish history & heritage of Venice including meeting with the local Jewish community.
Featured Excursions & Highlights
- Venice walking discovery tour beginning with morning private tour at the Doge’s Palace
- Afternoon Jewish Venice
- Afternoon lectures & programming
- Evening entertainment
Day 3: Wednesday: The Venetian Islands & Padua
Your morning begins with a leisurely onboard cruising with guided commentary on the upper outdoor deck exploring the northern lagoon of Venice and its captivating islands.
After lunch we depart to explore the picturesque ancient city of Padua including its wonderfully preserved Jewish sites and still active Jewish community. Experience a walking discovery tour of the old town & Jewish quarter. The city is a dense network of arcaded streets opening into large communal piazza, and many bridges crossing the various branches of the Bacchiglione, which once surrounded the ancient walls like a moat. The Jewish community of Padova belongs to one of the oldest in Italy with the Sinagoga Tedesca (now the Museum of Jewish Padova) dedicated in 1525 in the heart of the Jewish quarter, and the 16th century Italian Rite Synagogue, which is still used by the small 170 members of the Jewish community, and a Jewish cemetery dating from the 16th century.
Featured Excursions & Highlights
- Morning guided cruise of the Northern Lagoon
- Morning lecture & culinary program
- Afternoon Padua tour
- Evening entertainment
Day 4: Thursday: Chioggia (choice day)
Chioggia: This morning, you’ll admire the greatest sites of charming and coastal Chioggia; sometimes called “Little Venice” at the southern end of the lagoon. This picturesque fishing village is a popular place for artists where the seaside air and sweeping views are simply spectacular. From here you will have a number of morning & afternoon tour options to choose from:
Morning choice:
Option 1: Chioggia market visit:
Chioggia is the quintessential Venetian Lagoon fishing village. Founded in the fifth century, it was known as the pantry of Venice because of its many small truck farms, which supplied Venetian households with produce until just a few decades ago. It is still a thriving fishing port; its wholesale fish market is one of the largest in Italy. On Thursdays, Chioggia also hosts Corso del Popolo—a dynamic outdoor market along its main thoroughfare where stands sell everything from clothes, shoes, purses, gadgets and “every-day” domestic items. Locals usually do their shopping here as prices are more affordable than retail shopping. We join our resident foodie Naomi as we join the locals for a morning excursion through these beautiful local markets.
Option 2: Let’s Go: Biking Chioggia:
Set off on a light bicycle ride along the beaches of Chioggia, an island often described as a second Venice in miniature. Head to Lusenzo Lagoon, break to see the fishing boats, and then continue to Isola dell’Unione.
Afternoon Choice
Option 1: Bragozzo ride of the Po Delta & Tenuta Ca’ Zen
Board a genuine Adriatic wooden sailing boat, a bragozzo, to take in the island of Chioggia from the clear blue waters of the lagoon. Experience a ride through the canals for a guided exploration of the Islands and wildlife of the Po Delta. After your sailing, return to shore for a visit to Tenuta Ca’ Zen, a beautiful Venetian villa with a fascinating story. Here, you can explore the expansive grounds, antique stable, and more.
Option 2: Castello del Catajo
Set off for the Euganean hills to discover one of Europe’s most majestic castles the Castello del Catajo. Here, enjoy a guided tour of a palace so beautiful that it became a resort for the Habsburg Dynasty before being returned to Italy following the first world war. After marveling at its frescoed walls, continue for a guided walk around its beautiful gardens or take some free time for yourself to explore as you please before returning to the ship.
Featured Excursions:
- Morning choice tour
- Afternoon choice tour
- Lecture program
- Evening entertainment
Day 5: Friday: Murano & Burano
Your morning begins with an excursion to the famous Island of Murano for a glass blowing demonstration. Murano’s glassblowers are renowned for being amongst the best in the world—and how could they not be, with a tradition of craftsmanship dating back eight centuries? Watch a glass-master shape beautiful works of art in their Murano workshop. Before you leave, take some time to roam around the factory’s gallery to view works in a wide variety of styles—from tableware to sculptural, traditional to modern. You can even purchase some for yourself to bring a piece of Murano to your home. Explore more of the Island on your own before returning to the ship for lunch.
This afternoon we sail to the magical Island of Burano where we will dock for Shabbat. Hot pink, chartreuse, orange, lemon yellow—Burano’s brightly painted fishermen’s cottages are an artist’s dream. Burano is known for its lace-making tradition, handed down from mother to daughter since the first workshop was set up at the end of the 16th century. After lunch we stroll into town to appreciate this charming island for an afternoon of exploring and what we consider to be the best shopping in all the lagoon. While you’re here, you’ll visit a historic lace-making atelier to see some of their delicate work and shop for some of the world’s most stunning linen and lace.
Friday evening prepare for a magical Shabbat on-board as Venice glitters in the background.
Featured Excursions:
- Morning tour Murano
- Afternoon tour Burano
- Lecture program
- Shabbat
Day 6: Shabbat Burano
Shabbat on-board with new and old friends.
Afternoon optional guided historical walking tour of Burano.
After a magical Havdalah we depart and set sail to Venice.
Day 7: Sunday: Venice
We return to Venice this morning to experience a bit more of this magical city for our final day of the tour.
Venice Walk with Gondola Artisans Visit: Get an early morning start to see a side of Venice most of the tourists miss—The Dorsoduro. One of Venice’s six main sestieri, or districts, The Dorsoduro is quieter than some of the more popular districts and thus has an authentic, easygoing atmosphere. Enjoy a walking tour around this picturesque side of town before moving on to visit a gondola artisan. See the craftwork that goes into Venice’s iconic sailing vessels and meet some local masters at work.
Afternoon Choice tour:
Option 1: Do as the locals do – Venice walking tour:
Back when Venice was at the height of its power, only the Rialto Bridge spanned the Grand Canal—and the city’s famous Rialto markets for fish and produce have sprawled at its feet as long as the bridge has arched over the water. Here you’ll find violet artichokes from the nearby island of Sant’Erasmo, honey from the salt marshes, white asparagus from Giare—and Venetians shopping for their dinners in the historic heart of the city. Join them as you explore the colorful, noisy, and fun arcades with your guide (the ship’s chef and our resident foodie will accompany us on this expedition), who knows Venice’s culinary arts intimately. Freshly caught local fish is sold to knowledgeable customers under the Gothic arches of the covered fish market, which was probably originally built in the 11th century. At the end of the tour, you should have plenty of time for some last minute shopping or even a gondola ride.
Option 2: Ca’ Macana Mask Atelier
An integral feature of the Carnival of Venice, masks are known for their intricate beauty and wide variety of styles. See for yourself how these masks are created at one of the top handmade mask ateliers in town.
Featured Excursions:
- Morning tour
- Afternoon choice tour
- Farewell program & dinner
- Evening entertainment
Day 8: Monday: Disembark
Morning departure and transfer to Venice Marco Polo International Airport for your flight home.
*Please note itinerary, mooring, and casting off times are subject to change. It may be necessary to make changes due to climatic conditions, alterations to cruise schedules, or other operational factors.
from $5690 pp | 8 |
days |
October 27 to November 3, 2025
CRUISE RATES
Air Booking
For those who need assistance with booking your air please call us and we can supply you the contact information for an outside air agent. Please note there will be a ticket issue fee of $50 per person for this service. See pricing page for details and contact information.
Schedule
Cruise Tour
- Day 1 Mo: Arrive Venice, embarkation 4:00pm
- Day 2 Tu: Venice
- Day 3 We: The Venetian Islands & Padua
- Day 4 Th: Chioggia
- Day 5 Fr: Murano & Burano
- Day 6: Shabbat Burano
- Day 7 Su: Venice
- Day 8 Mo: Venice: Disembark
*Please note mooring and casting off times are guides. We reserve the right to make changes to itineraries and excursion programs. If a section of the river is closed to traffic because of high or low water, or a disabled ship, the ship-owner reserves the right to transport guests along that section by bus, accommodate them in hotels and /or change the course of this part of the journey. These situations are rare but do happen from time to time and are part of riverboat cruising. There just isn’t anything that can be done about Mother Nature.
Embarkation & Disembarkation
Embarkation (Monday Oct 27): Clients will be able to check-in and board in Venice beginning at 15:30. Guest who arrive earlier may leave their luggage at reception beginning at 12:00 but will not be able to check-in or receive their cabin until 15:30. Venice Airport (VCE) is a 30-minute transfer to the pier, airport meet & transfers on day of arrival and departure are included.
Disembarkation (Monday Nov 3): Clients will be required to disembark by 9:30am. Airport transfers are included on day of departure: Venice Airport is a 30-minute transit.
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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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