Mail on Sunday reader offer: Cruise the quaint islands of Venice with celebrity chef Rick Stein 

The Veneto region of Italy has quaint and colourful islands, extraordinary architecture, magnificent displays of art and a deeply rooted history. And with canals and waterways separating these highlights, a cruise is a wonderful way to explore Venice and beyond.

On this trip you’ll spend seven days getting to know the Venetian Lagoon – and celebrity chef Rick Stein – aboard an elegant river ship, SS La Venezia. Hosting just 126 guests, it promises excellent and attentive service. It was fully transformed in 2020 with opulent furnishings that reflect the classic style of Venice.

You’ll have exclusive access to famous locations while they’re closed to the public and the opportunity to see them when they’re free from crowds. Step inside St Mark’s Basilica after nightfall to witness an atmospheric lighting ceremony, and venture inside the church on Torcello before it opens to the public to appreciate its tranquillity.

You will also have VIP access to the Doge’s Palace during an early morning visit. There’s an impressive choice of other excursions too, all included, whether you want to join walking history tours or bike along the beaches of Chioggia to see the Lusenzo Lagoon.

At the end of days exploring the islands, SS La Venezia warmly welcomes you back, transporting you in style through the Venetian Lagoon. Special guest Rick Stein joins the trip for its final few days, accompanying a tour to the Rialto food market in Venice, as well as hosting a cooking demonstration on SS La Venezia and taking questions from guests.

During the trip, you’ll have plenty of time to visit all the unmissable sights of Venice and get to know Burano, Mazzorbo, Torcello, Chioggia and Murano, painting a complete picture of life in the Lagoon.

Reasons to book

Sail in style: SS La Venezia is the perfect ship to explore the Venetian Lagoon. It is specifically designed to sail these waters and the interior is a nod to its locale, with Venetian-style decor and Murano glass.

Meet Rick Stein: Celebrity chef Rick Stein joins the cruise for three days. He’ll accompany a visit to the Rialto market and host a cooking demonstration on board. There’s also the chance to ask Rick questions after he hosts a talk about his life and work.

Exclusive after-hours access: Explore famous sights when they’re closed to the public, including the chance to witness a special lighting ceremony at St Mark’s Basilica after dark and venture inside Torcello’s church for a moment of quiet appreciation of an 11th Century mosaic.

Plenty of inclusions: Exceptional meals are included while aboard SS La Venezia, with the chefs creating excellent dishes using the freshest ingredients. A choice of tours and excursions is also included, with a variety of selections available on some islands.

Meet the craftspeople: Some excursions give you a chance to meet the local craftspeople. Watch glass-blowers in Murano demonstrating an 800-year-old skill and visit an atelier that creates masks for the Carnival of Venice.

Enjoy Italian food and wine: The dining on board SS La Venezia is created using fine ingredients. Away from the ship, there’s the opportunity to join a sommelier on a tour of Dominio di Bagnoli, one of the oldest wine producers in Europe.