Opera Barge Cruise Itinerary

La Bella Vita’s 6-night opera adventure perfectly blends Italy’s famous food, wine, and Renaissance architecture with world-class opera. This Opera-Themed Barge Cruise includes premium seat tickets at the magnificent Roman amphitheatre, the Arena di Verona.

Sunday, Day 1 – Venice, Verona

Guests are met at the designated meeting point in Venice and transferred to La Bella Vita for a Prosecco Welcome.

Our late afternoon cruise along the Giudecca Canal takes us past some of Venice’s most famous monuments. You will see the Chiesa del Redentore, the impressive Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, and the Punta della Dogana. La Bella Vita moors outside the Naval Museum. We then take a spectacular tour of the famous Doge’s Palace before your first dinner aboard. Afterwards, you may take an evening stroll in St Mark’s Square.

Monday, Day 2 – Venice to San Pietro in Volta

After breakfast, we visit the magnificent Teatro La Fenice, where legendary composers like Rossini and Verdi premiered their masterpieces. A devastating fire destroyed the opera house in 1996, but after completely refurbishing its spectacular interior, the venue reopened in 2004.

After lunch on board, we cruise to Pellestrina where we have the chance to take a sunset stroll or cycle along the 18th-century Istrian Sea wall. Dinner on board.

Tuesday, Day 3 – San Pietro in Volta to Taglio di Po

This morning we cruise to Chioggia. We visit the picturesque town center and colorful fish market, as well as take a stroll through the beautiful Piazzetta Vigo and admire the beautiful cathedral.

Enjoy lunch on board, then cruise through a nature reserve where you may spot flamingos, herons, snipe, and other wildfowl. A Countess welcomes us to Tenuta Ca’ Zen, a beautiful 17th-century private estate, for an unforgettable evening of dinner and conversation. This is where Lord Byron courted the Countess Giuccioli and wrote some of his best poetry.

Wednesday, Day 4 – Taglio di Po to Zelo

This morning we drive to the Bagnoli Estate where we tour the Renaissance gardens and wine cellars of the 17th-century Villa Widmann Borletti. Enjoy a private tasting of their renowned estate grown vintages. This winery has been supplying Venetian society for centuries.

After the tasting we return to the barge and cruise downstream, entering the Po River and mooring at Levante. Then we head to Verona for a delicious al fresco dinner at a local restaurant, followed by a night at the opera at the magnificent Roman amphitheatre, the Arena di Verona.

Thursday, Day 5 – Zelo to Governolo

Our morning cruise to Zelo takes us past some delightful villages, farmsteads and quintessential Italian countryside.

After lunch on board, we take a guided tour of the Renaissance city of Ferrara, including the 14th-century Estense Castle with its moat, drawbridges & marble balconies, along with the Palazzo Municipale where we can see the very pretty Camerino delle Duchesse. Yet another highlight is our visit to Teatro Comunale, a distinct opera house, opened in 1798 that is now a cultural hub for present day Ferrara. Dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6 – Governolo to Mantua

Our final cruise offers a dramatic approach to Mantua, a Renaissance city with a captivating lakeside setting and home to Verdi’s opera Rigoletto. Mantua displays extraordinary neoclassical and baroque architecture, portrayed in the 14th-century Ducal Palace. The Palace encompasses some 15 gardens and courtyards, a museum, basilica, intricate frescoes, the Gallery of Mirrors, and the exquisite Rivers Room.

We explore the city further, finding “Rigoletto’s House” near the cathedral, then finally, we visit the intimate Teatro Bibiena. A delightful baroque theatre with a bell-shaped interior that opened with a concert by a 13-year-old Mozart in 1770. A wonderful finale to our Italian opera adventure. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.

Saturday, Day 7 – Mantua, Venice

After breakfast, disembark La Bella Vita and transfer to your drop-off point in Mestre or Venice.

Note:

• This is a sample itinerary and subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise is in reverse direction.
• Opera cruise supplement: $800/person. Includes ticket for premium seating.
• Opera cruises are available throughout July and August, subject to ticket availability. Opera cruises include premium seat tickets at the magnificent Roman amphitheatre, the Arena di Verona, and other Opera inspired activities.

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