Po is the longest river in Italy, flowing 652 miles from the Cottian Alps into the Adriatic, south  of Venice.

Most river cruise vessels sail from Venice across the lagoon to Chioggia, where they enter a canal system and join the Po at Taglio di Po. The ships then sail to Polesella , a distance of around 60 miles, where they stay one or two nights before turning back to Venice.

The big attraction is that river cruises allow time in Venice at the start and end  or the trip – and because guests are staying on board they do not have the expense of a hotel.

VENICE

The only way to see the city is by foot, exploring  the  streets  and  alleys  around the canals. Highlights i nclude the Doge’s Palace, Rialto Bridge and  St Mark’s Square, as well as taking a gondola ride. There are tours to the islands of Murano and Burano, known respectively for glass and lace-making.

PADUA

One of the oldest cities in Italy, it was the setting for Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew and where astronomer and mathematician  Galileo studied.

BOLOGNA

Guided tours visit the historic centre; look out for the acclaimed porticos and do not miss the pasta-making workshop.

RAVENNA

An important seaport until the Middle Ages, the city is now landlocked but notable for 5th  and  6th-century  mosaics that adorn its churches and Basilicas.

FERRARA

A medieval town with ancient cobbled streets, a Gothic cathedral and story-book castle with towers, moat, and a drawbridge.

VERONA

The city of Romeo and Juliet is beautiful (yes, you can see the balcony, although it has nothing to do with the young lovers) but the highlight is the Roman amphitheatre, now a top opera venue.