By sea

The sea route would be much faster, and time could be of the essence. Despite the risks, you will rent a fleet for your forces.

Arriving at the port of Venezia, you begins searching for a fleet. Both Venezians and Genuans seem ready to come to blows over the right to rent you ships. Though it is a significant financial risk for them, they know that the potential gain is great. The main trouble is finding enough ships appropriate for your army's horses, invaluable for the shock cavalry that makes up the true strength of your army. After much looking and bartering, you eventually settle with an experienced Genuan mercenary commander, who throws in a company of fine Genuan crossbowmen, the best in the world. They should prove useful, as the eastern hordes lack their armor-piercing capability.

This will be the first time in your life you've ever been on a sea-faring vessel. Shakily, you walk up the ramp to the wooden galley that will be your home for the next few weeks, if everything goes to plan. While the top deck is fine, the interior is damp and smells of sweat from the rowers. Probably unavoidable, no matter what ships you rented. You settle into one of the few cabins, which is pitifully small compared to your normal bedchamber but way better than the simple berths for the other passengers.