Sunday, Day - 1 VENICE Guests are met at a designated meeting point in Venice on Sunday afternoon and transferred to La Bella Vita.  A Prosecco welcome gives you a chance to meet the crew, followed by a late afternoon cruise along the Giudecca Canal were we admire some of the most famous monuments of Venice: the Stucky Mill, Chiesa del Redentore, the impressive Basilica della Madonna della Salute, the Punta della Dogana dividing the Giudecca Canal from the Grand Canal and the ancient Benedictine monastery of San Giorgio. Dinner aboard, followed perhaps by an evening stroll to the magnificent St Mark’s square. We moor overnight in the Riva Sette Martiri by the Naval Museum.

(Click map to enlarge )

Monday, Day 2 - VENICE TO PELLESTRINA/SAN PIETRO IN VOLTA
Guided tour to the centre of Venice, experiencing the unique atmosphere of this magical city and perhaps discovering some hidden parts of it: the gardens of the Biennale Exhibition of Modern Arts, the Church of San Pietro in Castello planned by Palladio, the impressive surrounding walls of the Arsenal with its magnificent Renaissance main gate and the Naval Museum hosting a model of the Bucintoro (Doge’s Boat) and the Pavilion of Gondolas housing Peggy Guggenheim’s own vessel.  After lunch, relax aboard or wander. In the late afternoon we cruise to Pellestrina, which separates the Venetian Lagoon from the Adriatic Sea. We leave St. Mark’s Basin and continue on the Canal of the Orphans passing several lagoon islands: San Sevolo, once a hospital for the Crusaders, San Lazzaro degli Armeni, an early 18th century Armenian monastery, San Clemente, a luxury hotel and poetical Poveglia. These islands sport brightly coloured houses, painted fishing boats and tiny churches. We moor in San Pietro in Volta for a Venetian aperitif in a typically local bacaro. Dinner aboard.

Tuesday, Day 3 - PELLESTRINA/CHIOGGIA/TAGLIO DI PO
After a morning chance to stroll or cycle along the 18th century Istrian sea wall looking out over the mighty Adriatic or back to the Venetian lagoon, we cruise to Chioggia, city of Goldoni’s plays with ancient origins dating back over 2000 years to Roman, Etruscan and Byzantine links. Here we visit the colourful fish market with the chef to choose seafood for our evening meal. Chioggia’s cathedral beckons with works by Tiepolo, Giovane, Piazzetta and Diziani. We can also see the Piazzetta Vigo before cruising on to the River Po delta. Passing through a nature reserve with flocks of flamingos and other wildlife, we travel upriver to Taglio di Po for dinner ashore hosted by the owners at the beautiful 17th 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.

Wednesday, Day 4 - TAGLIO DI PO TO ROVIGO
Our morning cruise leaves the river and enters the Canal Bianco to Rovigo. After lunch, we visit the magnificent Renaissance gardens and wine cellars of the 17th century Villa Widmann Borletti for a private tasting of their renowned estate grown vintages. This winery has been supplying Venetian society for centuries. Dinner aboard.

Thursday, Day 5 - ROVIGO TO TREVENZUOLO
This morning we offer a guided tour of the Renaissance city of Ferrara, including its 14th century Estense Castle and Renaissance surroundings. This ancient ducal fortress with moat, drawbridges, unusual battlements and towers, houses marble balconies and sumptuous apartments, and the Schifanoia Palace with its fabulous 15th century frescoes. We see the Cathedral façade with its sculpted images, described as an Illustrated Bible. Ferrara has a lively commercial centre in what was originally the medieval Jewish Ghetto and over the centuries has absorbed a rich cultural life, with renowned artists, writers, musicians, scientists and intellectuals all leaving their mark.  Return to the barge for an afternoon canal cruise past villages and farmsteads to Trevenzuolo for dinner aboard, accompanied by live piano music.

Friday, Day 6 - TREVENZUOLO TO MANTUA
Our final cruise takes us to Mantua with its captivating lakeside setting.  Dramatically approached by water, this imposing city was home to the poet Virgil, artists Mantegna and Donatello and is the capital of Lombardy. Mantua has early Etruscan origins but today demonstrates extraordinary neo-classical and baroque architecture, perhaps best portrayed in the 14th century Ducal Palace housing some 15 gardens and courtyards, a museum, basilica, theatre and some 500 rooms.  The sight of precious wooden ceilings, intricate frescoes, the Gallery of Mirrors and exquisite Rivers Room, some 12,000 paintings and sculptures, create an extraordinary Grand Finale to our Italian adventure. Captain’s Farewell Dinner aboard

Saturday, Day 7 - MANTUA
After breakfast, passengers disembark for transfers to Venice or Verona airport or a local hotel.

Note: This is a sample itinerary and subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise is in reverse direction.

LA BELLA VITA HOME > Standard itinerary