La Dolce Vita, originally a Dutch vessel which has gradually made her way through the canals of France and around Italy and up the Adriatic to the calm waters of the Venetian lagoon. Our unique cruise not only visits Venice's well known and lesser known attractions but also encompasses the outer islands of Torcello, Burano and Murano, as well as cruising the unknown and beautiful, canalized Brenta river.
La Dolce Vita is a charming 6 passenger vessel with a crew of three, and she is the only hotel barge cruising our unique route. The lagoon surrounding Venice, the Venice Lido beach, Hemingway's influence, the fabulous Villas on the River Brenta all compliment the attractions of Venice itself where one could spend at least 6 months enjoying the amazing Renaissance architecture before venturing inside some of the buildings to discover the works of Canaletto, Tintoretto, and many other Italian masters. Weeks of research into our itinerary promise a fantastic cruise aboard Italy's first hotel barge. La Dolce Vita has three comfortable cabins, one twin, one twin/double and one double. All are en-suite, the vessel is air-conditioned and there is a good sized sundeck for outside dining or just watching all that fantastic Italian architecture floating past.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Guests are met at 5 pm at Best Western Hotel Villa Mabapa, where the barge is moored and the crew is ready to serve you a welcome drink of Prosecco. Sailing past the Fort of Sant Andrea, the ancient Venetian artillery defense base, La Dolce Vita hugs the coast of Sant Erasmo, Venice orchard and vegetable garden and then arrives in Burano, a fishermen’s island in the northern lagoon, where we moor for a superb fish dinner.
Day 2: In the morning we walk through the colourful streets of Burano and visit the Lace Museum. We have lunch while cruising on Siloncello canal and in the afternoon we visit Torcello, the first island of the lagoon to be colonized 2000 years ago. We see the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, a beautiful example of Veneto-Byzantine style. We finally cruise to Murano passing by San Francesco Monastery island. We moor on the Grand Canal of the island of glass, where we have dinner on board and spend the night.
Day 3: We visit a glass-blowing workshop in Murano. Then we move on for a tour of the Grand Canal in Venice aboard a water taxi and reach San Giorgio island for our lunch facing Saint Mark. In the afternoon you have some free time to visit Venice. We moor for dinner on Lido island at Villa Laguna hotel.
Day 4: This morning we take you on a guided tour of the Doge’s Palace and Saint Mark in Venice. In the afternoon we have a relaxed and flexible program. We can spend a couple of hours in Venice, then ride the bicycle or navigate along Lido island to reach our evening mooring at Alberoni or Pellestrina.
Day 5: This morning we cruise up river Brenta to Mira, passing by Villa Foscari in Malcontenta, a masterpiece of the Renaissance architect Palladio. Short after lunch we visit Villa Widmann, a typical Venetian luxurious villa with wonderful frescoes. Before dinner we move on for 2 more hours to Dolo, where we moor for the night. For those who like cycling, it is possible to follow the barge on a bicycle Before dinner we take you for a glass of wine at the old water mill of Dolo.
Day 6: Further ascent of river Brenta to Stra, where we visit Villa Pisani, an 18th century masterpiece of Venetian architecture with frescoes from Tiepolo. During most of the day it is possible to follow the barge by bicycle along the river. A short afternoon cruise brings us back to Dolo for the Farewell Dinner at Villa Goetzen restaurant.
Day 7: After breakfast you are transferred to Venice or to Marco Polo airport. By that time you will be able to say if you truly appreciated the Venetian style of living and of barging!
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Open bar
- Free wines
- Gourmet cuisine
- Entry fees to excursions
Stateroom per person $2,850
Suite per person $3,690
Single supplement $1,250
Charter 2 passengers (Honeymoon) $13,000
Charter 4 passengers whole boat $15,000
Charter 5 passengers whole boat $16,000
Charter 6 passengers whole boat $17,000
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Italy
Barging
Cultural Journey
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