Standard Classic Barge Cruise : Venice to Mantua
Enjoy a barge charter aboard the Italian Hotel Barge La Bella Vita and cruise a variety of charming waterways between Venice and Mantua promising a unique and magical cruising experience. The itinerary includes fascinating excursions that offer a real insight into the many cultures that have influenced the arts, architecture ,and history of the region over many centuries.
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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 center and visit the magnificent 14th century 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, guests 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 colorful 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 17th century 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 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 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 15th century 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 14th century Ducal Palace housing some 15 gardens and courtyards, a museum, basilica and theater. 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.
Note: This is a sample itinerary and subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise is in reverse direction. Some cruises may be on the River Po, depending on the water level. Alternative locations possible for Private Charter bookings.
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