River Cruise in Italy including the Venetian Lagoon & the Po Valley aboard the 20 passenger La Bella Vita
When it comes to river cruises, Italy is a country seemingly designed to host them. Its beautiful canals and rivers pass through diverse landscapes and nature en route, from picturesque lagoon islands with their colourful houses, to wild beach dunes and pine woods with an abundance of birdlife. These waterways were once the ancient trade routes used by the Romans and the early Mediterranean settlers before them, and cruises around Italy are perfect for gaining a real insight into the many cultures - including Roman, Etruscan, Istrian, Byzantine and of course Renaissance - which have influenced the arts, architecture and history of the region over many centuries.
Throughout the season the 20 passenger La Bella Vita provides Italian river cruises that encompass the romance and architecture of Venice as well as the captivating lakeside setting of the Renaissance city of Mantua. Venice is, of course, the crowning jewel of most Italian river cruises, but Mantua, in central northern Italy, has also been (and still is) a hub of art, culture and music for centuries. The route inland takes you along the River Po and the Bianco Canal through the Po Valley.
Delicious seafood, local culinary specialities, fine wines and attentive service complete the experience of this fairytale adventure, and explain the appeal of our boutique Italian river cruises. Luxuriating in a friendly and relaxing boat environment, travellers have an opportunity for a unique perspective on some magnificent Italian cities.
Cruise Highlights
• Tour of historic Venice, The Naval Museum and the Pavilion of Gondolas
• Cruise on the Canal of the Orphans past picturesque lagoon islands
• Tour of Chioggia with its Roman, Etruscan and Byzantine history
• Visit to Chioggia’s colourful fish market
• Dinner ashore at the 17thC stately home Villa Ca’Zen
• Private visit to the wine cellars of Villa Widmann-Borletti
• Tour of the 14thC Estense Castle in Ferrara
• Visit Mantua’s Ducal Palace and gardens or the Doge’s Palace in Venice
La Bella Vita is the perfect vessel aboard which to embark in one of our cruises around Italy and to immerse yourself in Italian Renaissance culture. When it comes to river cruises, Italy is indeed hard to beat!
What is hotel barging?
Despite the growing popularity of cruising, especially on large river vessels, hotel barging is still a little known niche concept. Most hotel barges started life as cargo vessels but have since been painstakingly converted to offer luxury boutique accommodation for small groups of up to 20 passengers.
This is cruising, but in a very different style to ships plying the big rivers or oceans. The pace is slow, with a 6 day cruise covering maybe just 50 miles along a rural canal. Passengers can walk or bike the towpaths as their floating hotel glides gently along. Guests enjoy an intimate atmosphere, high levels of personal service and immersion into the culture, history and gastronomy of regions of Europe such as Burgundy, the Midi, or the Italian Veneto.
Every day there is an excursion, perhaps to a chateau, a vineyard for a wine tasting, or some other ‘off the beaten track’ location. About half of European Waterways’ bookings are for whole boat charters, ideal for families. Otherwise, clients book a cabin to join other like-minded people. A ‘slow boat’ European Waterways barge cruise offers the ultimate in experiential travel. A truly unique experience!
European Waterways offer luxury hotel barge cruises on the beautiful canals and rivers of Europe, such as through Burgundy, the Midi, Alsace, the Po Valley, Holland and the Scottish Highlands.
The exclusive collection of hotel barges accommodate up to 20 passengers who may charter a whole barge with family or friends, or join a small group of like-minded travellers on an individual cabin basis. Each barge is fully crewed with a Captain, chef, hostesses, deck-hand and tour guide.
The 6-night cruises include gourmet meals, fine wines, open bar, excursions and the use of facilities such as bicycles and spa pools.
http://www.europeanwaterways.com/
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