La Bella Vita is a stylish 20 passenger vessel that cruises the beautiful canals and rivers of Italy. There are two upper-deck suites and eight staterooms, each with en-suite facilities. The dining room, bar and salon areas are bright and spacious and the entire barge is air conditioned. French doors open to the side decks to give a perfect viewing platform, and above is a large sundeck with comfortable sun loungers to relax and enjoy the passing scenery. 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.
Itinerary
Sunday, Day 1 MANTUA
Guests are met at Villa Laguna Hotel in Venice on Sunday afternoon at 5pm and transferred to La Bella Vita. A Prosecco welcome gives you a chance to meet the crew. Dinner aboard, followed perhaps by an evening stroll around the captivating lakeside setting of Mantua.
Monday, Day 2
MANTUA TO TREVENZUOLO This morning we enjoy a visit of Mantua. 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. This afternoon we cruise to Trenzuolo. Captain’s Dinner aboard
Tuesday, Day 3
CANDA/TREVENZUOLO TO BUSSARI This morning we enjoy a guided tour of Ferrara’s 14th century Estense Castle and Renaissance surroundings. This ancient ducal fortress with moat, drawbridges, unusual battlements and towers, houses marble balconies and sumptuous apartments. We see the Cathedral façade with its sculpted images, described as an Illustrated Bible. Ferrara has a lively commercial center 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. The locals move around the city on bicycles and it is a fun way to see the city. We enjoy delicious local dishes during lunch ashore, with further time to wander Ferrara’s Renaissance-inspired setting and perhaps visit the university which was founded in 1391 by the Marquis of Este, before rejoining La Bella Vita and our evening dinner cruise to Bussari to the accompaniment of live piano music. Dinner aboard.
Wednesday, Day 4
BUSSARI TO ADRIA Superb visit this morning to the Manor House gardens and wine cellars of 17th century Villa Widmann-Borletti. For over 1000 years wine, balsamic vinegar, organic Carnaroli rice, grape seed oil and truffles have been farmed in the Dominio di Bagnoli estate, which has also been famed for its exclusive D.O.C. Friularo vintages since the 17th century. Concerts, opera and art exhibitions are regular features in this magnificent property. Return to La Bella Vita and cruise to Adria where we have a short walk to Adria’s Archaeological Museum. The Greeks, Etruscans, Gauls and Romans left a precious historical insight, with earlier artefacts dating back to the Iron Age. We stroll through ancient Adria and see the 6th century Basilica Santa Maria Assunta, the Opera House and Cathedral of Saints Pietro and Paolo. Dinner aboard
Thursday, Day 5
ADRIA/CHIOGGIA/PELLESTRINA Morning stroll or cycle along the 18th century Istrian sea wall looking out over the mighty Adriatic Sea or back to the Venetian lagoon. We cruise past wild beach dunes and pinewoods and may spot Kingfishers, Cuckoos, Little Terns and Kentish Plovers. Entering Chioggia, city of Goldoni’s plays with ancient origins dating back over 2000 years to Roman, Etruscan and Byzantine links, we visit the Piazzatta Vigo, Vigo bridge and 12th century Vigo column. At the Chiesa di San Domenico, set on its own island, we see Carpaccio’s St Paul, his last recorded painting together with works of art by Tintoretto and Bassano. Chioggia’s cathedral beckons with works by Tiepolo, Giovane, Piazzetta and Diziani. A visit to the colorful fresh fish market with your own Chef choosing tonight’s seafood delights, completes the picture. After lunch we cruise Bianca Canal which follows the Po River and cruise the Po Delta towards Pellestrina where we moor for the night. Dinner aboard.
Friday, Day 6
PELLESTRINA/SAN PIETRO IN VOLTA TO VENICE This morning we cruise to Venice to St. Mark’s Basin 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 colored houses, painted fishing boats and tiny churches. Guided tour to the center 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. Captain Farewell Dinner on board and perhaps an evening stroll to the magnificent St Marks Square.
Saturday, Day 7
VENICE After breakfast, passengers disembark for transfers to the Villa Laguna hotel in Venice by 11am.
This is a sample itinerary and subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise is in reverse direction.
Pricing
LA BELLA VITA 2024- Italy
Stateroom starting from per person $4,500.00
Junior Suite starting from per person $5,399.00
Single supplement $1,989.00
Charter Rates for 12 — 20 passengers utilizing the whole boat on Request
Price includes: Transfer to the barge from the meeting point on Sunday, 6 night cruise, all meals on board catered for by the on board Master Chef, open bar 24/7 with a large range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, all wines served throughout the cruise, excursions and admittance fees as per the itinerary, use of barge facilities, which includes bicycles, and transfer back to the drop off point the following Saturday morning. THIS TOUR IS SUBJECT TO VARIOUS OPERATIONAL CHANGES AND CANCELLATIONS DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS AND WATER LEVELS ON THE RIVER PO
Departure Dates (Sundays) 2025
March — October 2025
Package Includes
La Bella Vita Cruise Highlights
- Tour of historical Venice, including hidden gardens, The Naval Museum and the Pavilion of Gondolas
- Cruise on the Canal of the Orphans past picturesque lagoon islands
- Tour of Chioggia with its Roman, Etruscan and Byzantine history. Wonder at works of art by Carpaccio, Tintoretto, Tiepolo and Bassano
- Visit Chioggia’s colorful fish market with your chef
- Tour of ancient Adria, including the archeological museum, 6th century basilica, opera house and cathedral
- Private visit to the wine cellars of Villa Widmann-Borletti, renowned for its Friularo vintages since the 17th century
- Visit to the Ducal Place in Mantua, with its 15 gardens, 500 rooms and its 12,000 paintings and sculptures
Package Does Not Include
- Tips
- Beverages and meals not mentioned in the program
- Travel Insurance
- Optional Excursions
- City tax to be paid in hotel
- Airfare, airport taxes and security fees
Cancellation Policy
- 60/45 days before departure: 25%
- 45/30 days before departure: 50%
- 30 days before departure: 100%