"Wine rejoices the heart of Man and Joy is the Mother of all Virtues"
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Relax and unwind on a serene river cruise, where the gentle waters carry you through Italy’s stunning countryside and past its historic treasures. Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the calm, scenic beauty of the waterways.
Your vessel, La Bella Vita, is a stylish 20-passenger barge featuring a modern Italian interior with vibrant colours that create an atmosphere of casual elegance and relaxation. The inviting bar area and spacious dining room provide the perfect setting to enjoy delicious Italian specialities paired with fine local wines, all while gazing at the ever-changing landscape.
Accommodation includes two upper-deck junior suites and eight lower-deck staterooms, all air-conditioned with ensuite facilities. Above, a large sun deck with a canopy and comfortable loungers offers the ideal spot to soak up the sun, watch the world drift by, and enjoy unforgettable moments together. This experience is perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone seeking a luxurious, intimate escape on Italy’s waterways.
There are a series of itineraries from golf and opera cruises to wine appreciation and not forgetting the classic Italian cruise. It is also possible to take over the whole boat which would be perfect for a get-together.
An example of our Classic Cruise.... (other cruise options also available)
Sunday, Day 1 Venice: Guests meet in Mestre or Piazzale Roma in Venice** and are 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 Volta to Taglio di Po: After breakfast, we cruise to Chioggia, the 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. Afterward, we rejoin La Bella Vita moored at Zelo. Dinner on board.
Thursday, Day 5 Zelo to Governol: 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 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 Governolo and dinner on board.
Friday, Day 6 Governolo to Mantua: The 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: After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Mestre or Piazzale Roma in Venice.
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
