“In vino veritas” – in wine there is truth. The Roman author Pliny the Elder coined this phrase. My truth is, I’m in love. With the 2016 Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore wine from Verona I’m savoring. The deliciously tasty focaccia, topped with pepperoni and piccanti, that I’m nibbling on.

The infectiously lively chatter of local families and students as they enter the quaint Venetian cicchetti bar. Watching the water views and constant beehive traffic up and down the canal.

But mostly, I’m in love with the fact that I’m in Venice. Venice is one of those magical places that stirs your soul long before you arrive. The city beckons you to lose yourself, to dream and to wander beyond the ordinary.

This time, my adventure wouldn’t end at Piazza San Marco or with spritzes in a sun-dappled trattoria. Instead, I was embarking on something extraordinary: a river cruise built for the curious and the bold.

Forget giant ocean liners – they can’t get close to this floating masterpiece anymore. Instead, I’m aboard CroisiEurope’s MS Michelangelo, a boutique river ship docked just steps from the city’s heart. The 78-cabin, purpose-built Michelangelo has been plying these waters for a quarter of a century and remains as charming as ever, with polished wood, panoramic lounges and a top deck made for lingering sunsets and endless champagne toasts.

Venice up close

Venice greeted me in her signature style – a kaleidoscope of vaporettos, elegant gondolas and exuberant tourists all bustling by. Soaking it all in from the cobblestones of St Mark’s Square, I glanced at our sleek river ship. She looked perfectly at home moored so near the city’s grandeur that I almost expected a Venetian duke to stride aboard.

Over the next few days, Venice unfolded her treasures with a flourish. An exclusive guided tour of the Doge’s Palace, where local guides spun tales so vivid you could almost hear the footsteps of old Venetian rulers. Wandering Dorsoduro’s artsy backstreets, stumbling upon hidden galleries and quirky cafes, gazing at the majestic Santa Maria della Salute and marveling at whimsical homes perched on wooden stilts, defying both gravity and imagination.

But I was in search of my own secret spot: Harry’s Bar. I’d heard tales of its famous Bellinis and Hemingway’s lingering ghost, but nothing prepared me for the thrill of opening its understated door.

The polished wood and clinking glasses held a quiet glamour. My Bellini sparkled, the peachy fizz dancing on my tongue as I watched couples lean in close, sharing whispered dreams. For one golden hour, I was part of that timeless Venetian romance.

Across the lagoon

Other days brought playful detours across the lagoon. In Murano, we watched master glass-blowers turn molten magic into delicate, rainbow-hued creations.

In Burano, a wonderland of lace and candy-colored homes, canals shimmered with cheerful reflections. Alleys tempted with the scent of fresh bussolà biscuits.

In Chioggia – ‘Venice in miniature’  – I wandered through pastel-hued streets and a bustling fish market. I tasted sweet langoustines and swapped stories with cheerful locals as sunlight danced on the fishing boats.

Leaving Venice by water is an experience all its own. The domes and spires receded behind us, softening and becoming dreamlike as the city of fantasy soon gave way to the unspoiled banks of the Po River and her hidden secrets. These were places unreachable by bigger ships or tour buses.

Life on board

Onboard life revealed itself as a gentle rhythm. My cabin was a cocoon of comfort, with large windows framing ever-changing river views of sleepy fishing villages and ancient church towers. Michelangelo’s top deck became our floating playground – sun loungers for basking in the April sunshine, yoga sessions and laughter echoing into the breeze while watching the world float by.

The crew’s hospitality was boundless and every meal felt like a celebration. Lunches and dinners unfolded at a leisurely pace – fresh, seasonal French and Italian fare paired with local wines.

The Po River is a tapestry of poppy fields, silver willows, crumbling villas and fishermen tending their nets. At Porto Viro, the river split, with land and water merging in a labyrinth, rainbows over golden wheat and even a white horse galloping by the shore.

Journeys ashore

Each day brought a new adventure ashore. Padua, one of Italy’s oldest cities, charmed me with its blend of ancient history and vibrant modern life.

Founded by the Venetians, it boasts medieval arcades and bustling piazzas. But it’s best known for its university, where Galileo once lectured. I marveled at the grand frescoes of the Scrovegni Chapel and the lively atmosphere around Prato della Valle, Europe’s largest square.

Perhaps what I enjoyed most was Padua’s easygoing energy. Students cycling past centuries-old basilicas, locals sharing aperitivi in sunlit cafes and the sense that every corner held echoes of both innovation and tradition. It felt like the perfect place to experience both Italy’s storied past and its vibrant present.

While we explored Padua’s treasures, the ship sailed on to Porto Viro, where we reunited for a languid afternoon drifting toward Canda, golden light spilling across the water. Morning brought a tranquil cruise to Ostiglia, and soon after, we set off for Verona – the city of love.

Strolling through the ancient Roman amphitheater and gardens, every stone seemed to echo with stories. Gazing up at Juliet’s balcony, I felt a rush of romance that couldn’t be denied. Our local guide brought the city to life with tales of star-crossed lovers and fiery feuds.

I lingered in the sun-drenched piazza, savoring a champagne as the world rushed past, thinking this is how travel should feel – alive, joyous, bursting with possibility.

Mantua, our grand finale, was a jewel box of Renaissance art and tranquil lakes, wrapped in poetic history. The city’s palaces and gardens seemed untouched by time.

As I wandered the labyrinthine halls of Palazzo Ducale, marveling at frescoes and secret courtyards, I realized how rare it is to feel both a part of history and utterly present. The cruise had brought us to places I’d only dreamed of, with none of the usual rush or hassle.

There were moments along the river that will stay with me forever. A sunrise shared with new friends on the top deck, golden light sparkling on the water and the delicious hush that fell as we drifted past fields at dusk.

The art of living well

I found myself reflecting on the beauty of slow travel. I’d discovered not just the wonders of Venice and the Po River but also a deeper sense of joy, connection and wonder.

This CroisiEurope cruise isn’t merely a trip – it’s an ode to the art of living well. For anyone who dreams of seeing Italy as the locals do, with time to taste, linger and savor, this journey is a love letter to yourself. Let Venice sweep you off your feet. Let the river carry you to delight.

Sometimes, the best way to experience a country is to slow down and let the journey become the destination – one sparkling moment at a time.