Overview
The itinerary includes fascinating guided tours of Ferrara, Mantua and Chioggia which give a real insight into the many cultures – Renaissance, Roman, Etruscan, Byzantine – that have influenced this region of Italy for centuries. There is the opportunity to enjoy diverse landscapes and nature en-route, from colorful lagoon islands to wild beach dunes and pine woods full of birdlife.
La Bella Vita is a stylish 20 passenger vessel with a typically modern Italian interior, reflected in the use of vibrant colours throughout to create an atmosphere of casual relaxation. There is an inviting bar area in which to enjoy a glass of Prosecco and a spacious dining room with louvre doors that open to give a perfect view as you are served delicious Italian specialities and wines.
She has two upper deck junior suites and eight lower deck staterooms, all air-conditioned and with en-suite facilities, while above there is a huge sun deck with a large canopy and comfortable loungers to relax on and watch the world drift by.
Itinerary
Deck Hotel Barge La Bella Vita
First Class | 20 Passengers | 6-10 Crew
- First Class | 20 Passengers | 6-10 Crew
- 148 Feet long
- 2 Twin/Double Junior Suites (130sq ft. incl. en suite)
- 8 Twin/Double Staterooms (105sq ft. incl. en suite)
- Air-Conditioned
- Centrally Heated
- Piano
Day 1 Mestre (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, 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.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge La Bella Vita in a Stateroom.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 3 San Pietro in Volta Taglio di Po
After breakfast, cruise to Chioggia, city of Goldoni’s plays. Here you will 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. You will 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, 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.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge La Bella Vita in a Stateroom.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 2 Venice San Pietro in Volta
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.
In the 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 before dinner on board.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge La Bella Vita in a Stateroom.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 4 Taglio di Po Zelo
This morning you will join the Bianco canal and cruise to Adria, an ancient Etruscan town where we visit the Archaeological Museum. After lunch on board, 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, rejoin La Bella Vita moored at Zelo. Dinner on board.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge La Bella Vita in a Stateroom.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 5 Zelo Vallazza
You will start with a morning excursion with a guided tour of the Renaissance city of Ferrara, including the Schifanoia Palace, renowned for its fabulous 15thC frescoes. You will 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.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge La Bella Vita in a Stateroom.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 6 Vallazza Mantua
Your 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.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge La Bella Vita in a Stateroom.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 7 Mantua Venice
After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to the Best Western Hotel Bologna in Mestre**.
