Cruise the Venetian Lagoon and Italy’s Po Valley
aboard relaxing ‘La Bella Vita.’ Tour the Castello district
in Venice, dine ashore at romantic Villa Ca’ Zen, enjoy a
private wine tasting at Villa Widmann-Borletti and visit
the fascinating 14th-century Ducal Palace in Mantua.
Meet in Mestre and transfer to ‘La Bella Vita’ for a Prosecco welcome. Your first cruise this afternoon passes the Chiesa del Redentore, Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute and Punta della Dogana. Moor outside the Naval Museum, disembark, and visit St. Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace.
Day 2 - MONDAY
Take a guided walking tour of Venice’s Castello District, seeing the gardens at the Biennale Exhibition of Modern Arts; Palladio’s Church of San Pietro; and the Venetian Ships Pavilion. Cruise to Pellestrina, along the Canal of the Orphans.
Day 3 - TUESDAY
Cruise to Chioggia to visit the colorful fish market and tour the canals in a traditional, locally built boat. Back on board ‘La Bella Vita,’ pass through a nature reserve with flamingos, herons and snipes. Continue upriver to Taglio di Po for a private dinner ashore at Villa Ca’Zen — the private riverside home where Lord Byron courted Countess Guiccioli.
Day 4 - WEDNESDAY
Cruise to Adria and see the ancient relics at the Archaeological Museum. Drive to the Bagnoli Estate; tour the Renaissance gardens and wine cellars of Villa Widmann-Borletti, pausing for a private tasting. Rejoin the barge at Zelo, the overnight mooring.
Day 5 - THURSDAY
Take a guided tour of Ferrara, visiting Schifanoia Palace and the magnificent cathedral. Admire Estense Castle with its medieval moat. Return to your vessel and cruise to Governolo.
Day 6 - FRIDAY
Arrive in Mantua. Visit the 14th-century Ducal Palace with its intricate frescoes and Gallery of Mirrors. A gala Captain’s Farewell Dinner ends the cruise week.
Day 7 - SATURDAY
After breakfast, transfer to Mestre, where your program ends.