|
|
|
Italy Canal &
Waterway Cruises
Venice and the
Italian Renaissance Cruise
Venice to Mantua 6 Nights aboard La Bella Vita
Dates:
April through Sept 2011
Cruising Dates: May
15 - 21, Jun 5 - 11, Jun 12 - 18, Sep 25 - Oct 1
Price from $3490 and with Air from London Gatwick is
$4375 |
This very special cruise
takes you on a voyage along some of the most beautiful
waterways in Italy, between Venice and the Renaissance
city of Mantua, and provides a real insight into the
contrasting cultures, canals and waterways, landscapes and architecture of the
region. You will tour the 14th century Estense Castel
and visit the Ducal Palace and gardens.
La Bella Vita is a luxurious 20 passenger newly refitted
in 2010. There are two upper-deck suites and eight cabin
staterooms, each with en-suite facilities. The 3 deck
hotel barge has been completely refurbished with opulent
decor, the dining room, bar and saloon areas are bight
and spacious and the entire barge is air conditioned.
Doors open to the side decks and above is a huge
sundeck. A stunning ship perfectly placed for cruising
some of Italy’s most charming waterways between Venice
and Mantua. Wonderful Italian gourmet cuisine taken al
fresco on the sundeck, or spacious dining room, fine
wines and comfortable air conditioned cabins, this barge
is an ideal choice for your Italian cruise.
Tour historical Venice, including hidden gardens, The
Naval Museum and the Pavilion of Gondolas. Cruise on the
Canal of the Orphans past picturesque lagoon islands.
Tour Chioggia with its Roman, Etruscan and Byzantine
history. Wonder at works of art by Carpaccio,
Tintoretto, Tiepolo and Bassano. Dinner ashore at the
17th century stately home Villa Ca'Zen. Private visit to
the gardens and wine cellars of Villa Widmann-Borletti.
|
ITINERARY
La Bella Vita
Suite
Chioggia Canal
Chioggia
Port
Mantua
Castle Ferrara
|
|
Day 1: Venice
Arrive at your meeting point in Venice and await
transfer to La Bella Vita, where you will
receive a welcome drink from the crew. There
will be a late afternoon cruise today, along the
Giudecca Canal, past some of the most iconic
monuments of Venice. Take in the splendour of
the Chiesa del Redentore, the imposing Basilica
della Madonna della Salute and the Punta della
Dogana, which separates the Giudecca Canal from
the Grand Canal. Enjoy dinner on board and some
free time afterwards to stroll through the
romantic streets of Venice.
Day 2: Venice - Pellestrina - San Pietro In
Volta
Today there is a guided tour taking in the
centre of Venice, where you will experience its
special atmosphere and discover some of its
secrets, including the gardens of the Biennale
Exhibition of Modern Arts, the Naval Museum,
Palladio’s Church of San Pietro in Castello and
the Pavilion of Gondolas, which is home to Peggy
Guggenheim’s own vessel. In the afternoon the
ship will sail towards Pellestrina, which
separates the Venetian Lagoon from the Adriatic
Sea, and to the Canal of the Orphans, passing by
some stunning lagoon islands on the way. These
islands feature painted fishing boats, tiny
churches and brightly coloured houses, dotted
along the coast. The ship moors in San Pietro
where you may sample a local Venetian aperitif
in a traditional “bacaro”. Enjoy dinner back on
board.
Day 3: Pellestrina - Chioggia - Adria
This morning, why not take a stroll or a bicycle
ride along the 18th Century Istrian sea wall,
overlooking the Adriatic? Afterwards, back on
board, cruise past pine woods and wild dunes and
you may even spot some kingfishers, cuckoos or
little terns. After arriving at Chioggia, the
city of Goldoni’s plays, you will have the
opportunity to visit the Piazzetta Vigo, Vigo
Bridge and Vigo Column, which dates back to the
12th Century. At the Chiesa di San Domenico you
will see Carpaccio’s St Paul, which was his last
recorded painting. Also, marvel at the works by
Tintoretto and Bassano. Head to Chioggia’s
cathedral which has some stunning works on show,
including those by Tiepolo. Pay a visit to a
vibrant fish market with your chef, to choose
the seafood offerings that will be served for
your dinner tonight. The cruise then heads to
the Bianca Canal, which follows the Po River and
on towards Adria. Dinner is served on board.
Day 4: Adria - Bussari
The day begins with a stroll to Adria’s
Archaeological Museum, where you will gain a
real insight into the history surrounding the
Greeks, Etruscans, Gauls and Romans and will see
some artefacts dating back to the Iron Age. Walk
through ancient Adria and see the impressive 6th
Century Basilica Santa Maria Assunta, the
cathedral of Saints Pietro and Paolo and the
imposing Opera House. Enjoy the afternoon cruise
to Bussari and visit the wine cellars and
gardens of a 17th Century Villa,
Widmann-Borletti. Wine, balsamic vinegar and
truffles have been farmed in the Dominio di
Bagnoli estate for over 1000 years and the
estate is noted for its exclusive D.O.C.
Friularo vintages. Enjoy dinner back on board.
Day 5: Bussari - Canda - Trevenzuolo
Take a morning cruise to Canda, followed by a
guided tour of Ferrara’s 14th Century Estense
Castle and Renaissance surroundings. This
ancient fortress, with its moat, drawbridges,
marble balconies and elegant apartments, is sure
to impress. Ferrara is rich in history and
culture and countless writers, musicians,
scientists and artists have left an impression
here. Enjoy lunch ashore and some free time to
wander around before your evening cruise to
Trevenzuolo, against a musical backdrop of live
piano music. Dinner is served on board.
Day 6: Trevenzuolo - Mantua
Your final cruise is sure to be memorable, with
a dramatic approach to Mantua, the imposing
capital of Lombardy, which was once home to the
poet Virgil and the artists Donatello and
Mantenga. The neo-classical and baroque
architectural examples visible today in Mantua
are far removed from its early Etruscan origins.
The 14th Century Ducal Palace is breathtaking,
housing 15 gardens and courtyards, a basilica,
museum, theatre and no fewer than 500 rooms. The
stunning River Room, Gallery of Mirrors and
impressive collection of 12,000 paintings and
sculptures will tantalise, providing a perfect
end to your cruise. This evening there is a
Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
Day 7: Mantua
Disembark in Mantua this morning, after
breakfast on board.
Details to be provided upon confirmation. At the
end of your cruise you will transfer to the
Hotel Laguna Palace at approximately 11:00
hours, regardless of cruise direction.
Includes
6 Nights' accommodation on board la Bella Vita.
Full Board including fine local wines with lunch
and dinner.
Open Bar serving soft drinks and a range of
spirits.
Sightseeing, excursions and all entrance fees as
detailed in the itinerary.
Transfer from Venice to Mantua or from Mantua to
Venice, depending on the direction of the
cruise.
Excludes
Insurance.
International and domestic transportation
(except transfer from Mantua to Venice or vice
versa). |
|
|
|
|
Pricing from $3490 per passenger includes 6 Nights'
accommodation on board La Bella Vita. Full Board
including fine local wines with lunch and dinner. Open
bar serving soft drinks and a range of spirits.
Sightseeing, excursions and all entrance fees as
detailed in the itinerary. Transfer from Venice to
Mantua or from Mantua to Venice, depending on the
direction of the cruise. Available in May, June, and
September. |
|
|
|
