Venice, the Venetian Lagoon, the Canal Bianco and the Po Valley to Mantua
First class barge LA BELLA VITA 20 passengers / 2 junior suites of approx. 13 sqm each with Juliette balcony and 8 cabins of approx. 10 sqm each, all with shower/WC en-suite / 6 - 10 crew members / sun deck with spa pool / upper deck with sun terrace with canopy and comfortable deck chairs / indoor dining area with 2 tables / saloon with seating area / Opben bar / piano / 10 bicycles
7 days / 6 nights
Highlights: * Historic Venice, the Naval Museum and the Pavilion of Gondolas * Cruise on the renowned Canal of the Orphans past picturesque lagoon islands * Chioggia with its Roman, Etruscan and Byzantine history * Dinner ashore at the 17th century stately home Villa Ca’Zen * Private visit of wine cellars of Villa Widmann-Borletti * Visit Mantua’s 14th century Ducal Palace and gardens * Renaissance city Ferrara, including beautiful Estense Castle
Itinerary*: Sunday, Day 1 Venice Guests are met at the Best Western Hotel Bologna in Mestre and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to La Bella Vita for a Prosecco welcome. Then we stroll through the historic city centre and visit the magnificent 14thC Ducal Palace, before perhaps a short cruise along the Giudecca Canal past some of Venice’s most famous monuments – the Chiesa del Redentore, the impressive Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute and the Punta della Dogana – to our mooring outside the Naval Museum. Then time for a stroll to St Mark’s Square and a guided tour of the Doge’s Palace before dinner on board.
Monday, Day 2 Venice to San Pietro in Volta Guided walking tour to Castello District, perhaps discovering some hidden historical parts of the city of Venice such as the gardens of the Biennale Exhibition of Modern Arts, Palladio’s Church of San Pietro in Castello and the Venetian Ships Pavilion, an annex of the Naval History Museum Venice, housing vessels of historical importance including ceremonial barges and warships. Alternatively, guest may wish to embark on a private water taxi excursion to Murano Island, known as ‘The Island of Glass’. Late afternoon cruise to Pellestrina which separates the Venetian Lagoon from the Adriatic Sea, along the Canal of the Orphans passing lagoon islands with their ancient monasteries, painted fishing boats and tiny churches. Time perhaps for a walk or cycle ride along the 18th century Istrian Sea wall. Dinner on board.
Tuesday, Day 3 San Pietro in Volta to Taglio di Po After breakfast, we cruise to Chioggia, city of Goldoni’s plays. Here we visit the 18th century Church of San Domenico set on its own island, to see Carpaccio’s St Paul, his last recorded painting and other works of art by Tintoretto and Bassano. We also admire the Piazzetta Vigo and visit the colourful fish market. There will also be the opportunity to enjoy a short tour of Chioggia’s pretty canals in a traditional locally-built boat, before re-joining La Bella Vita. Passing through a nature reserve with flamingos and occasional heron, snipe and other wildfowl, we travel upriver to Taglio di Po for dinner ashore hosted by the owners at the beautiful 17thC Villa Ca’Zen, a private stately home by the river where Lord Byron courted the Countess Giuccioli and wrote some of his best poetry.
Wednesday, Day 4 Taglio di Po to Zelo This morning we join the Bianco canal and cruise to Adria, an ancient Etruscan town where we visit the Archaeological Museum. After lunch on board, we drive to the Bagnoli Estate to tour the Renaissance gardens and wine cellars of the 17thC Villa Widmann Borletti to enjoy a private tasting of their renowned estate-grown vintages. This winery has been supplying Venetian society for centuries. Afterwards, we rejoin La Bella Vita moored at Zelo. Dinner on board.
Thursday, Day 5 Zelo to Vallazza Morning excursion with a guided tour of the Renaissance city of Ferrara, including the Schifanoia Palace, renowned for its fabulous 15thC frescoes. We also admire the exterior of the Estense Castle and its moat and visit the magnificent cathedral with its façade of sculpted images described as an illustrated Bible. Return to the hotel barge moored in Trevenzuolo for an afternoon canal cruise past villages and farmsteads to Vallazza. Dinner on board.
Friday, Day 6 Vallazza to Mantua Our final cruise has a dramatic approach to Mantua, home of the poet Virgil, artists Mantegna and Donatello, and a captivating lakeside setting. Mantua displays extraordinary neo-classical and baroque architecture, portrayed in the 14thC Ducal Palace housing some 15 gardens and courtyards, a museum, basilica and theatre. The intricate frescoes, Gallery of Mirrors and exquisite Rivers Room and 12,000 paintings and sculptures all create a Grand Finale to our Italian Renaissance adventure. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
Saturday, Day 7 Mantua After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to the Best Western Hotel Bologna in Mestre.
*The itinerary is a suggested route and can be changed at any time due to local conditions. Depending on the departure date, the tour may run in the opposite direction from Mantua to Venice.
Dates 2024: Departure weekly on Sundays between March 24 and October 27, 2024 On July 7, opera cruise with visit AIDA in Arena di Verona. HERE you can find details. Dates 2025: Departure weekly on Sundays between March 30 and October 26, 2025
Rates per week 2024: per person from 4,250 EUR to 4,790 EUR in Double stateroom per person from 5,190 EUR to 5,790 EUR in Junior Suite Rates per week 2025: per person from 4,790 EUR to 5,350 EUR in Double stateroom per person from 5,890 EUR to 6,550 EUR in Junior Suite Please contact us at +49 (0)89 / 833084 for an offer for an exclusive charter of the La Bella Vita
The rate includes: - local transfers to and from the hotel barge - 6-nights cruise - all gourmet meals on board, prepared by the ship's chef and meals as per itinerary - all drinks/wines throughout the cruise - an open bar with a large selection of drinks - daily interesting excursions with entrance fees according to the itinerary - attentive service from the crew of 6 - bikes, spa pool, WiFi (if available)
We will be happy to inform you about further tour details. Please send us your ENQUIRY
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Would you like an
individual guidance?
Our experienced team will be happy to provide you with detailed
and personalised advice. We look forward to hearing from you!
