For booking information:
330 Rayford Rd #704 / Spring TX 77386
713.240.6753 / 888.869.7907
or E-mail: jan@europeanbarging.com

LA BELLA VITA

Venice to Mantua

ITINERARY

 

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.

 

 

Sunday, Day 1 Venice

Guests are met in Mestre or Piazzale Roma in Venice** and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to La Bella Vita for a Prosecco welcome. An afternoon cruise takes us 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 parts of the city of Venice: 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. 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 Colta 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 Governolo

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 facade 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 Governolo and dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6 Governolo 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 to Venice

After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Mestre or Piazzale Roma in Venice.

Year 2025 Rates in US Dollars

ACCOMODATION	VALUE	REGULAR
Charter 10 passengers	$86,500	$96,000
Charter 12 passengers	$89,400	$99,300
Charter 14 passengers	$92,300	$102,600
Charter 16 passengers	$95,200	$105,900
Charter 18 passengers	$98,100	$109,200
Charter 20 passengers	$101,000	$112,500
Double bedded Suite  per person	$6,750	$7,450
Stateroom per person	$5,490	$6,090
Single supplement	$2,100	$2,300

DEPARTURE DATES	RATE
Apr 27; May 4, 11, 18, 25; Jun 1, 8, 15, 22, 29	Regular
July 6, 13	Regular
July 20, 27	Value
Aug 31; Sep 7 14, 21, 28; Oct 5, 12	Regular
October 19, 26	Value

ACCOMODATION	VALUE	REGULAR
Charter 10 passengers	$86,500	$96,000
Charter 12 passengers	$89,400	$99,300
Charter 14 passengers	$92,300	$102,600
Charter 16 passengers	$95,200	$105,900
Charter 18 passengers	$98,100	$109,200
Charter 20 passengers	$101,000	$112,500
Double bedded Suite  per person	$6,750	$7,450
Stateroom per person	$5,490	$6,090
Single supplement	$2,100	$2,300

DEPARTURE DATES	RATE
April 5, 12, 19	Value
Apr 26; May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31	Regular
June 7, 14, 21, 28; July 5	Regular
July 19, 26	Value
Aug 23, 30; Sep 6, 13, 20, 27; Oct 4, 11	Regular
October 18, 25	Value