River Cruising,Barging
Today, 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 followed by a late afternoon cruise along the Giudecca Canal past some of Venice’s most famous monuments including the Chiesa del Santissimo Redentore, the impressive Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute and the Punta della Dogana. We will moor outside the Naval Museum before enjoying dinner onboard. Meals: Prosecco Welcome, Dinner
Today, embark on a guided visit to Doge's Palace, also known as the Palazzo Ducale, which is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and once the political and judicial heart of the Venetian Republic. Today, it stands as a Museum showcasing ornate Chambers, Grand Staircases and priceless works of art. After lunch, enjoy some free time for perhaps take a guided walking tour to the quiet Castello District and the Naval History Museum, which houses Vessels of historical importance including Ceremonial Barges and Warships, or head to Murano Island, which is known as ‘The Island of Glass’ to visit the famed Glass Factory. In the late afternoon, we 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. Perhaps, enjoy some time for a walk or cycle along the 18th Century Istrian Sea wall before dinner onboard. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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After breakfast, we cruise to Chioggia, a City of Goldoni's plays. Here, we visit the 18th Century Church of San Domenico, which is set on its own Island, to see Carpaccio’s St. Paul, his last recorded painting as well as other works of art by Tintoretto and Bassano. We will 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 18th 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. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, we join the Bianco Canal and cruise to Adria, an Ancient Etruscan Town where we visit the Archaeological Museum. After lunch onboard, we drive to 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 re-join La Bella Vita moored at Zelo. Dinner onboard. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, enjoy a morning excursions with a guided tour of the Renaissance City of Ferrara to admire the beautiful exterior of the Estense Castle and its Moat, as well as the magnificent Cathedral with its façade of sculpted images described as an 'illustrated Bible'. Afterwards, we return to the barge, which is moored in Trevenzuolo, for an afternoon Canal Cruise past villages and farmsteads to Vallazza. Dinner onboard. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, 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 Neoclassical and Baroque architecture, portrayed in the 14th Century Ducal Palace, the former residence of the Gonzaga Family, which houses 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. Enjoy a Captain's Farewell Dinner onboard. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to the Best Western Hotel Bologna in Mestre for their onward journey. Meals: Breakfast
River Cruise Prices are per person twin share in Australian Dollars. Conditions apply and group tours are subject to change and availability. Prices are subject to currency fluctuations. (ew)
