Embark on a 7-day cruise aboard the La Bella Vita. Explore northern Italy from Venice to Mantua. Begin with a scenic cruise along the Giudecca Canal, followed by guided visits to the Doge’s Palace and Venice’s Naval History Museum or Murano’s famed glass factory. Continue through Chioggia to see works by Carpaccio, Tintoretto, and Bassano, with time to explore the fish market and canals. Enjoy dinner ashore at Villa Ca’Zen, once frequented by Lord Byron. Visit Adria’s Archaeological Museum and enjoy a wine tasting at Villa Widmann Borletti. Discover Ferrara’s Renaissance architecture and Mantua’s Ducal Palace, home to thousands of artworks. This itinerary offers a curated mix of history, art, cuisine, and heritage through Italy’s Venetian Lagoon and Po River Valley.
Highlights
Admire Venice’s grand Basilica and historic Punta della Dogana at sunset
Explore Doge’s Palace in Venice with its chambers, stairs and fine art
Visit Murano’s glass factory and discover the island’s artisan legacy
Discover Chioggia’s art-filled church and vibrant local fish market
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Guests are met at the Best Western Hotel Bologna in Mestre and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to La Bella Vita, where a Prosecco welcome awaits. Later, enjoy a scenic late-afternoon cruise along the Giudecca Canal, passing iconic landmarks such as the Chiesa del Redentore, the striking Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, and the historic Punta della Dogana. The vessel moors near the Naval Museum, followed by dinner on board.
This morning, guests enjoy a guided tour of the Doge’s Palace, or Palazzo Ducale—an iconic example of Gothic architecture that once served as the political and judicial center of the Venetian Republic. Now a museum, it features grand staircases, ornate chambers, and significant works of art. After lunch, guests may choose a guided walking tour through the tranquil Castello District and a visit to the Naval History Museum, which is home to historic vessels, including ceremonial barges and warships. Alternatively, travel to Murano, the renowned “Island of Glass,” for a visit to its celebrated glassmaking factory. In the late afternoon, cruise to Pellestrina, which separates the Venetian Lagoon from the Adriatic Sea, navigating the Canal of the Orphans past lagoon islands dotted with ancient monasteries, painted fishing boats, and small churches. There may be time for a walk or bike ride along the 18th-century Istrian Sea Wall before dinner on board.
After breakfast, cruise to Chioggia, the city of Goldoni’s plays. Here, 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. You can 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, travel upriver to Taglio di Po for dinner ashore hosted by the owners at the beautiful 17th C 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, join the Bianco Canal and cruise to Adria, an ancient Etruscan town where you can visit the Archaeological Museum. After lunch on board, 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, re-join La Bella Vita moored at Zelo. Dinner on board.
Morning excursion with a guided tour of the Renaissance city of Ferrara to admire the exterior of the Estense Castle and its moat, and visit the magnificent cathedral with its facade 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.
Your 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, the former residence of the Gonzaga family, housing some 15 gardens and courtyards, a museum, basilica, and theater. The intricate frescoes, the Gallery of Mirrors, the exquisite Rivers Room, and 12,000 paintings and sculptures all create a Grand Finale to your Italian Renaissance adventure. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
Day 7: Mantua | Disembark
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to the Best Western Hotel Bologna in Mestre.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$5,490
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
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Stateroom
105 sq. ft. twin/double stateroom including en suite facilities. Private bathroom, shower, wardrobe, small tables, desk and a chair. Located at the Lower Deck
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Junior Suite
110 sq. ft. twin/double junior suites including en suite facilities. Private bathroom, shower, wardrobe, small tables, single couch, desk and a chair. Located at the Upper Deck
Notes
- All children under the age of 18 years accepted onboard qualify for a discount of $300 per child per week.
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Credit card, check, and bank transfer. All final payments by credit card subject to a surcharge of 2.5% and maximum of $20,000 charge
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
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