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This new river-to-sea journey from Venice to the Greek Isles is the ultimate summer upgrade

Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
Seabourn and Uniworld have joined forces to sail you from Venice to the Greek Isles aboard two elegant ships.

There’s nothing quite like spending summer in the Mediterranean, swimming in turquoise waters, admiring the cinematic coastline, and basking in the effortless allure of life lived under the sun. A new way to make the most of summer in the region is now possible thanks to an exciting partnership between Seabourn and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises – sailing from Venice to the Greek Isles on not one, but two luxury ships.

A luxury yacht sailing on the water
Explore Croatia, Montenegro and the Greek Isles aboard the luxurious Seabourn Quest.

The first collaboration between luxury ocean and river cruise lines, the new Venice & Mediterranean Sea journey offers a combined itinerary across 15 days of pure luxury and immaculate summer vibes. The collaboration is a no-brainer, with both brands offering all-inclusive luxury, small-ship intimacy, high-end service and rich cultural depth. 

This partnership offers travellers a unique opportunity to experience the best of both worlds: the intimate nature of river cruising with the expansive journey of ocean cruising – because why not have both? The adventure also includes exclusive experiences such as a private after-hours visit to St Mark’s Basilica and a wine tasting at Domenico di Baglio, one of Europe’s oldest wine estates.

A lavishly decorated living room in a boat
The ornately adorned ‘S.S. La Venezia’.

Your journey begins with eight days aboard the 126-capacity S.S. La Venezia, which sails directly through the romantic Venetian Lagoon. Along the way, you’ll visit iconic landmarks such as the Doge’s Palace and the Rialto Bridge. Chanelling the grandeur of early 20th-century Venice, this dreamy vessel is outfitted with opulent Murano glass, sumptuous Fortuny fabrics, gilded accents and intricate mosaics. Expect elegant staterooms and French balconies to watch the world go by from.

Colourful buildings in Burano
Land excursions include stunning locations like Burano. (Image: Getty Images/Gargolas)

You’ll then sail to the scintillating Italian islands of Burano, Mazzorbo and Torcello, exploring canals and Renaissance cities, savouring regional dishes and enjoying curated excursions in elevated Uniworld style. 

Next, head to the open sea and step aboard the yacht-like Seabourn Quest with its luxurious oceanfront suites and open bars. The seven-day adventure to Greece includes mesmerising stops in Croatia’s historic towns of Vodice and Primošten, as well as Montenegro’s idyllic Bay of Kotor. Arriving in Greece, you’ll explore the sun-drenched islands of Corfu and Cephalonia, and meander around the historical streets of Nafplion and Piraeus. Summer has never looked so good. 

View of Cape Drastis in the island of Corfu in Greece
Corfu is the ultimate summer destination. (Image: Getty Images/ Aleh Varanishcha)

Dates for this 15-day combo are 5 July and 30 August 2026.

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Rachael Thompson
Rachael Thompson is a freelance travel journalist, editor and hotel addict based in the UK. She was formerly International Traveller's Evergreen Editor and was responsible for the foundational content ahead of its website relaunch, as well as managing and growing the brand’s destination guides. With a background in design and travel media, Rachael is dedicated to creating content that is as much informational as it is beautiful. She began her career at Belle magazine, before taking up editorial roles at Homes to Love and Bed Threads. Next on her travel wish list is Malta.
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What the European heatwave means for your summer travel plans

    Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
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    Temperatures are soaring this summer, breaking records across Europe and the UK. 

    Euro summer is a feeling like no other. But when a heatwave hits? The dream trip quickly turns into a sweaty mess. Extreme heat is sweeping Europe and the UK this week, with record-high temperatures impacting travel plans across the continent.

    And while Australian summers are typically hotter in absolute temperature, many European cities aren’t equipped for high temperatures, resulting in unbearable weather.

    Why is it so hot in Europe?

    Signs of a hot summer loomed in May, when the mercury hit unprecedented spring highs. Now, extreme high temperature warning alerts have been issued in countries such as Spain, Italy, France, England, the Netherlands and Germany.

    France saw its hottest day on record on Wednesday, with an average temperature of 30°C across the day and night. This surpasses the average temperature for June, which is 15°C to 25°C. Dozens of people have died, including 40 from drowning.

    In Spain, 212 deaths have been linked to the heatwave.

    The UK recorded its hottest June day ever on Wednesday with temperatures soaring to 36.1°C. In an article published by the Met Office – the UK’s national meteorological service – Professor Stephen Belcher CBE, Met Office Chief Scientist, shared his concerns about June’s heat. “To see temperatures like this in the UK in June is sobering. Events like this bring home the implications of climate change, with very high temperatures and humidity bringing significant health implications from heat stress, as well as impacts to a range of sectors such as transport, energy and water supply,” he said.

    Heatwaves are becoming increasingly common in Europe and the UK, neither of which is prepared for such extremes. The World Meteorological Organization reported that in 2025, at least 95% of Europe experienced above-average annual temperatures and that the continent was heating up twice as fast as the global average.

    How travel is impacted

    A pharmacy sign displaying 40 degrees Celcius
    A pharmacy broadcasting local weather data. (Credit: Getty/Dragoncello)

    During a heatwave, power grids, water systems and transport networks can be affected, resulting in disrupted itineraries for travellers. In France, power outages have left thousands without electricity and early closures have been implemented for two of Paris’s biggest attractions, the Eiffel Tower (early afternoon rather than late at night) and the Louvre (two hours early). Eurostar cancelled its London to Paris and Paris to London services from the 22nd to the 25th, and major UK rail companies have been advising travellers to avoid using trains where possible, or to travel during early hours.

    If a heatwave is predicted, being flexible with your itinerary and having fully refundable/changeable tickets is key, as extreme heat can force the cancellation of outdoor activities, impact rail and flight services and change the opening hours of sites and eateries.

    Why does summer in Europe often feel hotter than summer in Australia?

    people swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris
    People swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris to cool off. (Credit: Rachael Thompson)

    With some of the highest UV levels in the world, Australians are no strangers to the heat, adapting well to intense weather. But our infrastructure is largely equipped to withstand soaring temperatures with climate-responsive passive design, refrigerated air conditioning or evaporative coolers, as well as swimming spots aplenty.

    Buildings in Northern and Western Europe and the UK, however, are constructed to retain heat and handle frosty winters. The lack of universal air conditioning means it generally feels hotter even though the temperature on your app might not look it. During a heatwave, it can feel like you’re in a sauna as cities act like heat traps.

    How to stay cool and prepare for another heatwave

    Relief is expected across Europe and the UK later this week, but more heatwaves are still possible in the coming months. Summer heat typically peaks in July and August.

    Public transport often doesn’t have air conditioning, and buses in particular can be swelteringly hot. If you’re heading outside or your accommodation has no air conditioning, it’s worth buying a spray bottle and a handheld fan from a pharmacy or tourist stand. Check ahead of time if restaurants and cafes have air conditioning and make a booking in advance. The highest temperatures typically hit between 3pm and 6pm, so aim to head outdoors outside of these hours.

    Rising temperatures invite travellers to enter a more intentional era of seeing the world. Now more than ever is the time to embrace lower-impact “coolcations” and off-season getaways.