6 Night Cruise sailing from Venice to Mantua aboard La Bella Vita.

La Bella Vita is a stylish 20 passenger vessel that was newly refitted in 2010 to high the standards of the European Waterways fleet. There are two upper-deck suites and eight cabin staterooms, each with en-suite facilities. The dining room, bar and saloon areas are bight and spacious and the entire barge is air conditioned. Louvred doors open to the side decks to give a perfect viewing platform, whilst above is a huge sun deck with comfortable sun loungers. For those who wish to explore the area further there are bikes available on board and an expert tour guide to recommend the best routes to take.

Delicious regional cuisine, fine Italian wines and the services of an attentive crew of seven will make this an unforgettable cruise.

***NOTE: On alternate weeks the cruise is in reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and subject to change. Please check at time of enquiry/booking ***

Sunday, Day 1 Venice

Embark La Bella Vita for a Prosecco welcome. A late afternoon cruise takes us along the Giudecca Canal past some of Venice's most famous monuments: the Chiesa del Redentore, the impressive Basilica di Santa Maria Madonna della Salute and the Punta della Dogana to our mooring outside the Naval Museum. Dinner on board, followed perhaps by an evening stroll to St Mark's Square.

Monday, Day 2 Venice to San Pietro in Volta

Guided walking tour to Castello District, perhaps discovering some hidden parts of the city of Veniza: the gardens of the Biennale Exhibition of Modern Arts, Palladio's Church of San Pietro in Castello, the Naval Museum with a model of the Bucintoro (Doge's Boat) and the Pavilion of Gondolas housing Peggy Guggenheim's own vessel. Late afternoon cruise to Pellestrina separating the Venetian Lagoon from the Adriatic Sea, along the Canal of the Orphans passing lagoon islands with their brightly coloured houses, painted fishing boats and tiny churches. We moor in Alberoni for dinner on board.

Tuesday, Day 3 San Pietro in Volta to Taglio Di Po

After a stroll or cycle along the 18thC Istrian sea wall in Pellestrina, we cruise to Chioggia, city of Goldoni's plays. Here we visit the picturesque town centre and colourful fish market. We also see the Cathedral and 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 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.

Wednesday, Day 4 Taglio Di Po to Bosaro

After breakfast we transfer you to the Bagnoli Estate where we visit the magnificent Renaissance gardens and wine cellars of the17thC Villa Widmann Borletti for a private tasting of their renowned estate grown vintages. This winery has been supplying Venetian society for centuries. Afternoon cruise from Adria to Bosaro. Dinner on board.

Thursday, Day 5 Bosaro to Trevenzuolo

Morning excursion with guided tour of the Renaissance city of Ferrara, including the14thC Estense Castle with its moat, drawbridges, marble balconies and sumptuous apartments, and the Schifanoia Palace with its fabulous 15thC frescoes. We also see the cathedral façade with its sculpted images described as an Illustrated Bible. Return to the barge for an afternoon canal cruise past villages and farmsteads to Trevenzuolo for dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6 Trevenzuolo to Mantua

Our final cruise has a dramatic approach to Mantua, home of the poet Virgil, artists Mantegna and Donatello and 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.

Saturday, Day 7 Mantua

After breakfast, passengers disembark.