Italian River Cruise – Between Venice & Mantua

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, followed by a late afternoon 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, before dinner on board.

This morning, guests embark on a guided visit to the Doge’s Palace. Also known as the Palazzo Ducale, it’s a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, once the political and judicial heart of the Venetian Republic. Today, it stands as a museum showcasing ornate chambers, grand staircases, and priceless works of art. After lunch, enjoy free time for perhaps a guided walking tour to the quiet Castello District and the Naval History Museum – housing vessels of historical importance including ceremonial barges and warships, or head to Murano island, known as ‘The Island of Glass’ to visit the famed glass factory. 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 18 th century Istrian Sea wall before dinner on board.

After breakfast, we cruise to Chioggia, city of Goldoni’s plays. Here we visit the 18 th 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 17 th C Villa Ca’Zen, a private stately home by the river where Lord Byron courted the Countess Giuccioli and wrote some of his best poetry.

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 17th century 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 re-join La Bella Vita moored at Zelo. Dinner on board.

Morning excursion with a guided tour of the Renaissance city of Ferrara to 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.

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 14th century Ducal Palace, the former residence of the Gonzaga family, 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.

After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to the Best Western Hotel Bologna in Mestre**.
*This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change
On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction
Some cruises may be on the River Po, depending on the water level
** Alternative locations possible for private Charter bookings