2012
BARGING IN ITALY
CANAL
BARGE SPECIAL OFFERS: Click Here
THE
20 PASSENGER LA BELLA VITA
La Bella Vita is a stylish 20 passenger vessel that was newly refitted
in 2010 . There are two upper-deck junior suites and eight staterooms,
each with en-suite facilities. The dining room, bar and saloon areas
are bight and spacious and the entire barge is air conditioned. Louvred
doors open to the side decks to give a perfect viewing platform, whilst
above is a huge sun deck with comfortable sun loungers. For those
who wish to explore the area further there are bikes available on
board and an expert tour guide to recommend the best routes to take.
Delicious regional cuisine, fine Italian wines and the services of
an attentive crew of seven will make this an unforgettable cruise.
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One
week cruise in Italy from 2557 Euros
Photo
Gallery - Itinerary
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Tariff
LA
BELLA VITA - CLASSIC ITALY CRUISE
Venice to Mantua
Sunday, Day 1 Venice
Guests are met at the designated meeting point on Sunday
afternoon and transferred to La Bella Vita for a Prosecco welcome.
A late 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 Madonna della Salute and the
Punta della Dogana to our mooring outside the Naval Museum. Dinner
on board, followed perhaps by an evening stroll to St Mark’s
Square.
Monday, Day 2 Venice to San Pietro in Volta
Guided tour to the centre of Venice. We visit the gardens
of the Biennale Exhibition of Modern Arts, Palladio’s Church
of San Pietro in Castello, the Naval Museum with a model of the Bucintoro
(Doge’s Boat) and the Pavilion of Gondolas housing Peggy Guggenheim’s
own vessel. Late afternoon cruise to Pellestrina separating the Venetian
Lagoon from the Adriatic Sea, along the Canal of the Orphans passing
lagoon islands with their brightly coloured houses, painted fishing
boats and tiny churches. We moor in San Pietro in Volta for a Venetian
aperitif in a typical local ‘bacaro’. Dinner on board.
Tuesday, Day 3 San Pietro in Volta to Taglio
Di Po
After a stroll or cycle along the 18thC Istrian sea wall, we cruise
to Chioggia, city of Goldoni’s plays. Here we visit the colourful
fish market with the chef to choose seafood for our evening meal.
We also see the Cathedral and the Piazzetta Vigo before cruising on
to the River Po delta. Passing through a nature reserve with flocks
of flamingos and other wildlife, 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 Rovigo
Morning cruise leaving the river and entering the Canal Bianco,
to Rovigo. After lunch, we visit the magnificent Renaissance gardens
and wine cellars of the17thC Villa Widmann Borletti for a private
tasting of their renowned estate grown vintages. This winery has been
supplying Venetian society for centuries. Dinner on board.
Thursday, Day 5 Rovigo to Trevenzuolo
Morning excursion with guided tour of the Renaissance city of
Ferrara, including the14thC Estense Castle with its moat, drawbridges,
marble balconies and sumptuous apartments, and the Schifanoia Palace
with its fabulous 15thC frescoes. We also see the cathedral façade
with its sculpted images described as an Illustrated Bible. Return
to the barge for an afternoon canal cruise past villages and farmsteads
to Trevenzuolo for dinner on board, accompanied by live piano music.
Friday, Day 6 Trevenzuolo to Mantua
Our final cruise has a dramatic approach to Mantua, home of the
poet Virgil, artists Mantegna and Donatello and 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, passengers disembark for transfers
back to the designated drop off point.
On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse
direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
