Returning to La Bella Vita and following lunch onboard, we say goodbye to Venice and set off along the Venice lagoon to the pretty town of Pellestrina our mooring for the night. Before dinner we work off a few calories with a bike ride along the footpath near the sea wall, there’s very little traffic to worry about. Next up its pre-dinner drinks at a local restaurant and bar. Dinner that night was another masterpiece by Andrea, asparagus carbonara, braised quail with sultana spinach, an Italian cheese and a selection of white and red wines.
This cruise is already full of amazing experiences and Tuesday is no exception as we sail into Chiogga, transfer to a small traditional boat for a tour of Chioggia’s pretty canals. We catch up with Andrea at the colourful fish market and our group happily helps him choose fresh fish and seafood. On our return to La Bella Vita we start cruising along the River Po.
If I asked where would you find a flock of pink flamingo’s I doubt if Italywould feature very highly in the answers, but pink flamingo’swe certainly found aswe cruised near a nature reserve. Captain Roger stopped for us to take photos as we head up river to Taglio di Po enjoying sensational views on the way. Here we stop for the night and a special dinner has been arranged ashore at the beautiful 17th Century Villa Ca’Zen, a huge private stately home close to the river where Lord Byron courted the Countess Giuccioli and wrote some of his best poetry. We were hosted by the owners of
this magnificent building
welcomed with prosecco and canapés, a tour of the gardens and chapel followed by a wonderful dinner.
Cruising along the River Po
17th Century Bagnoli estate where a private tour of the Renaissance gardens and wine cellars has been arranged. Wine tasting of the renowned estate-grown vintages goes down well. Following dinner that night there’s a lively and very funny surprise show laid on and a delightful night is enjoyed by all.
There’s a saying,when you are enjoying life time races by and thiswas certainly the case on La Bella Vita. Already it’s Thursday and we visit the Renaissance city of Ferrara where a guided tour has been arranged including a view of the 14th Century Estense Castle with its moat, marble balconies and the fabulous 15th Century frescoes at Schifanoia Palace. After lunch onboardwe cruise again past lovely villages and farmsteads arriving at Governolo for the night. The dinner menu is Lasagne alla Bolognese, grilled beef, oregano potato puree, buttered baby carrots followed by Goloxessi cookies and a superb selection of wines…Andrea has again excelled himself.
“we wouldn’t hesitate to
recommend La Bella Vita … this is luxury cruising at its best!”
Dinner at the Villa Ca’Zen
Nowit’sWednesday, backwhere I started, cruising the River Po and it’s truly spectacular. Later that morning we leave the Po and enter the Bianco canal via a lock where a friendly herd of goats come run- ning to greet us! After a fabulous morning of cruising and lunch featuring the fish we chose at the market, we head off to the
The weather has been wonderful all week and Friday is the same, a beautiful day for our final cruise. There are several low bridges on our route and the crew has to dismantle the sun deck canopy. Andrea the 2nd captain makes sure we all keep our heads down and then we arrive at the captivating lakeside setting of Mantua. We have free time and a guided tour of the 14th Century Ducal Palace. Tonight it’s the Captain’s farewell party where the crew
MAIDSTONE & MID KENT ADVERTISER
join us for a fabulous night; we all agree what a super cruise this has been.
Conclusion This was truly a unique and fabulous experience cruising the Italian Renaissance fromVenice through the waterways to the lakes surrounding Mantua. Highlights include the breathtaking landscapes, experiencing the history and local culture, outstanding food andwine and exceptional friendly service from all of the wonderful crew from start to finish. My wife and I loved every minute and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend La Bella Vita…this is luxury cruising at its best!
More Information European Waterways offer luxury hotel
barging along the canals and waterways of Europe. Prices for a 6 night cruise aboard the 20 passenger La Bella Vita start at £2,890 per person and include all gourmet meals, fine wines, an open bar for the du- ration of the cruise, daily escorted excur- sions, admissions, and private transfers at either end of the cruise. Full barge charters are also available for families and groups.
EuropeanWaterways are currently offering 10% off charters on a number of departures in 2020, valid when booked before 13th September 2019. Tel: 01753 598555
Website:
europeanwaterways.com
David has also produced a video slideshow of his cruise experience and this can be viewed at:
www.YourHolidayTV.com
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