Undoubtedly, Italy may be one of the most beautiful locations in the world that can host a river cruise. Its breathtaking landscape, along with its magical rivers and canals means that the country was almost tailor-made for these cruises. When thinking about the Italian waterways, it is impossible to forget the infamous Venice and the wider Veneto regions.
The majestic waterways that are today full of beauty were once trade routes used by the Romans and the settlers before them. The journey between Venice and the Lakeside Renaissance city of Mantua is a truly magical experience and will allow you an insight into the history and cultures that the waters that you cruise in represent, like Renaissance, Roman, Etruscan and Byzantine.
We will visit some of the 177 glorious canals and historic locations that Venice has to offer such as the Rialto bridge, St. Marks square and Doge’s palace. You can also jump aboard an icon of Venice, the gondola for a small tour around the waters. Following on from Venice, the charming rivers and waterways will lead to the final destination of Mantua, one of the true gems of northern Italy.
Italian River Cruise Highlights
La Bella Vita hotel barge navigates the majestic waterways of the historic city of Venice and the mediaeval city of Mantua. Along the voyage, we will make countless tops at the route’s most beautiful and historic locations. One of the most popular stops on our journey is the coastal town of Chioggia. The town is a stunning hidden gem, south of the popular Venice. It is often referred to as ‘The Venice without tourists’ letting you enjoy the stunning canals in a much more peaceful location.
Along the way, we stop at the stunning renaissance city of Ferrara. Here you will get the opportunity to take in the exterior of the magical moated Este Castle, as well as the Schifanoia Palace. The palace is renowned for its stunning fifteenth-century frescoes and the magnificent cathedral with its facade of the magnificent cathedral with its stunning facade of magnificent sculptured images.
You will even embark or disembark at the city of Mantua. Situated on the Canal Bianco that runs alongside the Po River. It is much further than most of the larger riverboats can go. As you join the breathtaking Canal Bianco you will be met by the stunning countryside and neo-classical architecture which includes the world heritage site of Ducal Palace and its many courtyards and gardens.
Another popular stop along the journey is the seventeenth-century Villa Ca’Zen. It is located in the vast Delta Nature Reserve, Italy’s biggest regional; park. Its long and illustrious history is inextricably linked to Lord Byron, one of Britain’s greatest poets.
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 centre and visit the magnificent 14thC 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.
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, guest 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.
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 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.
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. Afterwards, we rejoin La Bella Vita moored at Zelo. Dinner on board.
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 Vallazza. Dinner on board.
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 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.
After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to the Best Western Hotel Bologna in Mestre.
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.
06 April, 2025 to 12 April, 2025
 La Bella Vita
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La Bella Vita 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.
13 April, 2025 to 19 April, 2025
La Bella Vita
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Book now
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La Bella Vita 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.
20 April, 2025 to 26 April, 2025
La Bella Vita
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Book now
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La Bella Vita 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.
27 April, 2025 to 03 May, 2025
La Bella Vita
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Book now
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La Bella Vita 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.
04 May, 2025 to 10 May, 2025
La Bella Vita
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Book now
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La Bella Vita 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.
11 May, 2025 to 17 May, 2025
La Bella Vita
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Book now
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La Bella Vita 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.
18 May, 2025 to 24 May, 2025
La Bella Vita
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Book now
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La Bella Vita 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.
25 May, 2025 to 31 May, 2025
La Bella Vita
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Book now
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La Bella Vita 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.
01 June, 2025 to 07 June, 2025
La Bella Vita
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Book now
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La Bella Vita 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.
08 June, 2025 to 14 June, 2025
La Bella Vita
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Book now
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La Bella Vita 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.
15 June, 2025 to 21 June, 2025
La Bella Vita
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Book now
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La Bella Vita 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.
22 June, 2025 to 28 June, 2025
La Bella Vita
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Book now
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La Bella Vita 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.
29 June, 2025 to 05 July, 2025
La Bella Vita
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Book now
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La Bella Vita 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.
06 July, 2025 to 12 July, 2025
La Bella Vita
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Book now
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La Bella Vita 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.
13 July, 2025 to 19 July, 2025
La Bella Vita
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Book now
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La Bella Vita 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.
20 July, 2025 to 26 July, 2025
La Bella Vita
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Book now
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La Bella Vita 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.
27 July, 2025 to 02 August, 2025
La Bella Vita
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Book now
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La Bella Vita 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.
03 August, 2025 to 09 August, 2025
La Bella Vita
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Book now
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La Bella Vita 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.
10 August, 2025 to 16 August, 2025
La Bella Vita
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Book now
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La Bella Vita 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.
17 August, 2025 to 23 August, 2025
La Bella Vita
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Book now
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La Bella Vita 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.
24 August, 2025 to 30 August, 2025
La Bella Vita
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Book now
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La Bella Vita 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.
31 August, 2025 to 06 September, 2025
La Bella Vita
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Book now
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La Bella Vita 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.
07 September, 2025 to 13 September, 2025
La Bella Vita
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Book now
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La Bella Vita 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.
14 September, 2025 to 20 September, 2025
La Bella Vita
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Book now
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La Bella Vita 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.
21 September, 2025 to 27 September, 2025
La Bella Vita
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Book now
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La Bella Vita 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.
28 September, 2025 to 04 October, 2025
La Bella Vita
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Book now
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La Bella Vita 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.
05 October, 2025 to 11 October, 2025
La Bella Vita
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Book now
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La Bella Vita 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.
12 October, 2025 to 18 October, 2025
La Bella Vita
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Book now
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La Bella Vita 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.
19 October, 2025 to 25 October, 2025
La Bella Vita
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Book now
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La Bella Vita 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.
26 October, 2025 to 01 November, 2025
La Bella Vita
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Book now
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La Bella Vita 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.
Inclusions
• All meals catered for by our on board Master Chef, good regional wines served throughout the cruise, an open bar with a large selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
• Chauffeured and guided sightseeing and use of all barge facilities such as bicycles
• Some barges also have an on-deck jacuzzi
• Local transfers to your barge are included and we will advise you of your meeting point at time of booking
• On our Family Charter Cruises equipment for babies and children will be included on most vessels; cribs, travel cot, high chair, car seats, toys, children bicycles and baby bicycle seats
Exclusions
• Gratuities are not included in the cruise fare. Tipping is entirely discretionary but is greatly appreciated by the crew if you are fully satisfied with the level of service on board. As a guidance our passengers on average tip approximately 5% of the cruise fare. All tips should be given to the Captain on board and are shared between the whole crew. Gratuities can only be made on board by cash payment.
• Optional hot air ballooning. Medical Cancellation Insurance: We strongly recommend the purchase of medical cancellation insurance within 14 days of submitting deposit for your cruise.
