It’s not hard to see why Venice attracts so many travelers each year—those romantic, twisting alleyways, the glittering lagoon, its pivotal role in Renaissance history, delicious cuisine … we could go on forever about this destination.
With all those visitors, however, comes an undeniable human impact to the environment, particularly the protected area of the Northern Venetian Lagoon. Our preferred partners at Uniworld think it is vitally important to do our best to travel in a way that benefits everyone, from Uniworld guests to the communities who welcome them. That’s why Uniworld is proud to announce a new partnership with Venice’s Barena Association.
“We at Uniworld have always understood our role as stewards of European riverways, we have a great responsibility to protect Venice’s wetlands and waterways, in addition to showcasing the one-of-a-kind beauty of Venice to our guests. Barena’s initiative is crucial to the health of the Venetian ecosystems and aligns with Uniworld’s long-standing commitment to sustainability.”
- Uniworld Sustainability Officer, Julie Higgins
The Barena Association is dedicated to preserving the fragile ecosystem of the Northern Venetian Lagoon, including its unique wetland environment, fauna and flora, and the culture and traditions surrounding the lagoons. Their flagship project, “SOS Barena,” aims to protect and restore sections of the intertidal salt marshes in this region. A grant from TreadRight, our joint not-for-profit organization within The Travel Corporation, will be instrumental in constructing new barriers made with biodegradable material, to be installed with the support of local fishermen. Once installed, sediment will be pumped between these barriers and the marshes’ edges, creating a shield to protect the marshes from waves and help root systems develop in the mud, thereby safeguarding the marsh soil from further erosion.
Other ways Uniworld prioritizes sustainable travel in Venice:
SMALL SHIP TRAVEL
In recent years, Venice has decided to ban ocean liner vessels. Carrying several thousand people each, these massive ships had an outsized impact on the environment of the lagoon, and the hordes of tourists they dropped in Venice overwhelmed the island more than they supported its culture and economy.
As a small cruise line with a maximum capacity of 126 guests, Uniworld is the exception. Our trips bring a much more sustainable number of visitors to Venice, while allowing them to spend more time in the area than ocean ships would and enabling them to explore nearby towns in the lagoon as well.
LOCALLY SOURCED CUISINE
The S.S. La Venezia serves delicious Italian fare with ingredients sourced from local farmers, markets, and fishermen. Guests can even visit the Rialto farmer’s market with the ship’s chef, and feast on the day’s finds later for lunch and dinner.
MEANINGFUL LOCAL EXPERIENCES
We give our guests ample opportunity to really interact with the culture, businesses, and artisans of Venice and its nearby towns. We head to St. Mark’s after hours on a visit led by an art historian so that our guests can appreciate this important monument to its fullest. The same art historian also takes guests to a lesser visited—but still highly significant—mural on Torcello island.
A MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience allows guests to try their hand a Venice’s unique style of rowing with a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the tradition and empowering female rowers, who are significantly underrepresented. On this itinerary, you’ll also get to meet the renowned lacemakers of Burano, gondola carvers, Venetian mask artisans, and more.
VENICE TRAVEL TIPS
When to go: April to September for sunny skies and less rain, March or October for more temperate weather and quieter streets.
How to pack: We suggest comfortable, sporty, smart-casual daywear both onshore and onboard. Depending on your travel season, the weather can range from cool to quite hot. Check the weather before you go and pack accordingly. Layering clothing items is always your best bet, allowing you to adjust to most temperatures. Pack a lightweight waterproof jacket (preferably hooded) in case of rain, though we will also have umbrellas onboard. You will participate in a significant amount of walking over uneven terrain during your time ashore, so please bring comfortable walking shoes with good ankle support. Sturdy sandals are another good option.
Work with our TRAVELINK advisors to plan your European river cruise with Uniworld: