Sample La Belle Vita With European Waterways

We are big fans of European river-cruising for the chance to really get under the skin of the destinations you visit, and here is a great opportunity for a taste of Italy, sailing in style through the Venetian Lagoon and the Po Valley to the Renaissance City of Mantua.

This special cruise route can be found with European Waterways’ 20-passenger La Bella Vita, giving passengers the opportunity to enjoy the diverse cultures and landscapes en route, from picturesque lagoon islands with their colourful houses, to wild beach dunes and pine woods with an abundance of birdlife; and from the charming Venetian port of Chioggia via the River Po and Bianco Canal to the captivating lakeside setting of the Renaissance city of Mantua.

Cruise highlights include:

• Guided tour of historic Venice – hidden gardens, Pavilion of the Gondolas, Naval Museum
• Cruise the Canal of the Orphans past picturesque lagoon islands
• Tour of the colourful port of Chioggia and its famous red fish market
• Private wine tastings at Villa Widmann-Borletti
• Visit to the 17th Century private stately home, Villa Ca’Zen
• Tours of historic Mantua and Ferrara

Like all the hotel barges in the European Waterways fleet, La Bella Vita will be fully crewed with a captain, gourmet chef, hostesses and a tour guide. Every 6-night cruise includes comfortable accommodation in air-conditioned, en suite cabins, gourmet meals, open bar, fine wines, daily escorted excursions, entrance fees, local transfers and the use of barge facilities such as bicycles to explore the towpaths and a large sundeck to relax on from which to enjoy the Venetian Lagoon and River Po.

This summer, booking by 19 July, a 6-night all-inclusive Venice and Po Valley cruise aboard La Bella Vita departing on August 25, starts from just £1,890pp, including a £500 per person discount (based on double occupancy).

For bookings visit www.gobarging.com, or see more ideas on this link to The Cruise Line, the UK's luxury river-cruise specialists.

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