David & Adina Lebor Present
Gems of Northern
Italy
On the SS La Venezia
October 27-november 3, 2025
Experience Venice like never before
The highlights
8 days, 7 nights
INCREDIBLE TOURS FEATURING:
- The Beauty and Breathtaking History of Venice and Northern Italy.
- Venice
- The Venetian Islands & Padua
- Chioggia
- Murano & Burano
- Mazzorbo
- Torcello
- In depth lectures on Italian Jewish History with Dr. Henry Abramson
- Italian Culinary Events with Malcolm Green and Naomi Nachman
Kosher River Cruises
Kosher River Cruises is a great company that has been running high-end cruises for many years. They offer spectacular interactive travel experiences, insightful Jewish history and heritage programming, delicious Glatt kosher cuisine, and first-class service every step of the way. We are very pleased that we will be bringing our groups to be part of these trips.
THE ship
The 130-passenger SS La Venezia, completely redesigned and renovated in 2020, is filled with light and color and is chartered just for this 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 ship features lavishly appointed river view staterooms and suites, enticing public areas, and luxurious amenities, including a lounge with a full-service bar, a well-equipped fitness center, Serenity River Spa, and a Sun Deck where you can relax and take in the ever-changing views.
All-Inclusive Luxury – This Cruise is all- inclusive: Unlike many large cruise programs with numerous add-on costs for excursions, amenities, activities, drinks, and Internet, we include everything on this cruise. From the minute you arrive to the minute you depart the ship, we will take care of you. The cruise includes specially developed shore excursions, exploring both Jewish and secular sites, open bar and mini bar, Internet, educational programming and lectures, special guests, and entertainment. This all-kosher ship is a luxury 5-star vessel complete with high-end amenities and accommodations, as well as exceptional service from the Kosher River Cruise management team.
THE TOURS
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 this Kosher River Cruise – “The Gems of Northern Italy.”
Daily Lectures on Italian Jewish History from Dr. Henry M. Abramson, Dean of Touro University in Brooklyn, New York
Even if you have been to Venice before, this cruise offers exclusive access to the sites and people of Italy and Jewish Italy that only this cruise can bring you!
THE Group Leaders
David and Adina Lebor will lead our tour with over two decades of experience leading Jewish groups all over the world.
We will have local guides in each venue, who are experts in their field.
THE ITINERARY
Day 1 - Monday, October 27
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, October 28
Venice and 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.
Day 3 - Wednesday, October 29
The Venetian Islands and 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.
Day 4 - Thursday, October 30
Chioggia (choice day)
Morning choice - Option 1: Chioggia market visit
Morning choice - Option 2: Light bicycle ride along the beaches of Chioggia
Afternoon Choice - Option 1: Bragozzo ride of the Po Delta and Tenuta Ca’ Zen
Afternoon Choice - Option 2: Castello del Catajo
Day 5 - Friday, October 31
Murano and Burano
Our 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.
Day 6 - Shabbat, November 1
Shabbat in Burano
Shabbat on-board with new and old friends
3 Gourmet Shabbat Meals
Zemirot, Divrei Torah, Shiurim
Afternoon guided historical walking tour of Burano
After a magical Havdalah we depart and set sail to Venice
Day 7 - Sunday November 2
Venice
Morning 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 Tour - Choice 1: 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.
Afternoon Tour - Choice 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.
Day 8 - Monday, November 3
Venice - Disembark
Morning departure and transfer to Venice Marco Polo International Airport for your flight home.
THE CUISINE
5***** Glatt Kosher Gourmet Meals prepared by Master Kosher Chef Malcolm Green
3 Meals a day. Plus afternoon tea and a 24-hour Coffee and Tea Corner.
Open Bar with complimentary drinks, cocktails, and wines all day.
Italian Culinary Events with Naomi Nachman
THE KASHRUT
The kashrut is Mehadrin min Hamehadrin, Glatt Kosher, Cholov Yisrael, and Pat Yisrael under the strictest rabbinical supervision.
Two Full-Time Mashgichim for the entire trip.
The kitchen and the entire cruise is Glatt Kosher and exclusive for this group.
Venice
Venice is a major seaport and the capital of the region of Veneto in northern Italy. An island city, it was once the center of a maritime republic. It was the greatest seaport in late medieval Europe and the continent’s commercial and cultural link to Asia. Environmentally, architecturally, and historically, Venice is unique among cities. There is no place like it. Facing the Adriatic Sea, Venice is one of the world’s oldest tourist and cultural centers.
In 1987 Venice and its lagoon were collectively designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What our guests say
From $5690
per person
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PRICE INCLUDES
- First-class accomodations on the SS La Venezia
- 3 Gourmet meals a day on the ship
- All-inclusive open bar and mini bar
- All the Tours & Excursions on the itinerary
- Comfortable and air-conditioned tourist bus
- English-speaking local guides
- Expert daily lectures on the area’s history and Jewish heritage
- Music performances and on-board entertainment
- Airport Transfers on the day of cruise and day of cruise departure
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- International Flights to and from Venice, Italy
- Travel Insurance
- Health Insurance
- Tips - $200 per person
- Port Fees - $185 per person
THE ITINERARY
Day 1 - Monday, October 27
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 3 - Wednesday, October 29
The Venetian Islands and 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.
Day 5 - Friday, October 31
Murano and Burano
Our 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.
Day 7 - Sunday November 2
Venice
Morning 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 Tour - Choice 1: 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.
Afternoon Tour - Choice 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.
Day 2 - Tuesday, October 28
Venice and 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.
Day 4 - Thursday, October 30
Chioggia (choice day)
Morning choice - Option 1: Chioggia market visit
Morning choice - Option 2: Light bicycle ride along the beaches of Chioggia
Afternoon Choice - Option 1: Bragozzo ride of the Po Delta and Tenuta Ca’ Zen
Afternoon Choice - Option 2: Castello del Catajo
Day 6 - Shabbat, November 1
Shabbat in Burano
Shabbat on-board with new and old friends
3 Gourmet Shabbat Meals
Zemirot, Divrei Torah, Shiurim
Afternoon guided historical walking tour of Burano
After a magical Havdalah we depart and set sail to Venice
Day 8 - Monday, November 3
Venice - Disembark
Morning departure and transfer to Venice Marco Polo International Airport for your flight home.
