Featuring Back-Roads Touring and Luxury Hotel Barge La Bella Vita
An intoxicating mix of ancient cities and imagination-firing landscapes, Italy is a land where unforgettable experiences lie around every corner. Savour every moment of this Back-Roads adventure as you journey from enchanting Tuscan villages to tranquil lake-side retreats – sampling an abundance of tantalising flavours and local wines along the way.
And after 15 days of sightseeing on your own, private tour, it will be time to board your exclusive Luxury Hotel Barge for a magical 7-day cruise onboard La Bella Vita. Italy is a country seemingly designed to host river cruising. Its beautiful canals and rivers pass through diverse landscapes and nature en route, from picturesque lagoon islands with their colourful houses to wild beach dunes and pine woods with an abundance of birdlife. Relax, and take in all the sights, sounds, smell and tastes that is uniquely Italy.
Tour Highlights:
- Learn to cook a delicious Tuscan meal in a traditional countryside villa
- Join a truffle hunt with a local farmer and his dog amongst the scenic hills of Alba
- Bask in the wonders of Lake Maggiore on a scenic boat tour of the Borromean Islands
- Take in the exquisite scenery and opulent atmosphere of Lake Como
CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS:
Tour of historic Venice, 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 | Dinner ashore at the 17thC stately home Villa Ca’Zen | Private visit to the wine cellars of Villa Widmann-Borletti | Visit Mantua’s Ducal Palace and gardens, or the Doge’s Palace in Venice
CRUISE INCLUDES:
• 6 Nights’ accommodation in airconditioned, en suite cabins
• All gourmet meals aboard and ashore
• Selected regional wines
• Champagne welcome
• Open bar
• All excursions and admittance fees
• Use of bicycles
ITINERARY
Saturday, Day 1: Rome
They say all roads lead to Rome – and that is where we’ll begin our delightful Italian adventure. After meeting the group, we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Accommodation: The Guardian Hotel (or similar) D
Sunday, Day 2: Rome to Assisi to Perugia
After breakfast, our route will whisk us away to awe-inspiring Assisi, the birthplace of St Francis. After getting to know the famous hilltop town a little better on an orientation tour, we’ll move on to Perugia – the medieval capital of the Umbria region. Accommodation: Hotel Fortuna (or similar) B
Monday, Day 3: Perugia to Siena to Rural Tuscany
Introducing Siena: a magnificent Gothic city bursting with fabulous architecture. After exploring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town centre with our Tour Leader, we’ll make tracks for tonight’s idyllic accommodation: a country villa hotel set amidst the rolling Tuscan countryside. For dinner this evening, we’ll come together to indulge in some superb local cuisine. Accommodation: Tenuta di Artimino (or similar) B, D
Tuesday, Day 4: Rural Tuscany
Interested in learning a few Italian culinary secrets? You’re in luck! Today our friendly hosts will help us to prepare a classic Tuscan lunch. After indulging in our creations, the afternoon will be ours to take in the panoramic countryside views or take a dip in the pool. Accommodation: Tenuta di Artimino (or similar) B, L
Wednesday, Day 5: Rural Tuscany to Florence to Lucca
Today we’ll turn our attention to Florence: the birthplace of the Renaissance and home of some of the world’s most treasured masterpieces. A local guide will bring the city alive as we stroll by the likes of the Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio on a walking tour. Then, as the afternoon turns to dusk, we’ll press on to lovely Lucca. Accommodation: Hotel Alla Corte degli Angeli (or similar) B
Thursday, Day 6: Lucca to Pisa to Lucca
Prepare to see an Italian icon up close today – we’ll pay a visit to the Campo Dei Miracoli: home to the legendary Leaning Tower of Pisa. There will be plenty of time for photographing this iconic landmark and uncovering the acoustic wonders of the Baptistry of St John before returning to Lucca. This afternoon, we’ll have the rest of the day to explore the cobblestone streets at our own pace. Accommodation: Hotel Alla Corte degli Angeli (or similar) B
Friday, Day 7: Lucca to Camogli to Portofino to Santa Margherita Ligure
It’s time to experience the glitz and glamour of the Italian Riviera! Today we’ll make stops at romantic Camogli and glittering Portofino before settling in at Santa Margherita Ligure. This evening, take some time to wander along the beautiful beachfront – taking in the pastel-coloured houses, elegant hotels and sparkling sea. Accommodation: Hotel Jolanda (or similar) B
Saturday, Day 8: Santa Margherita Ligure to Barolo to Asti to Cherasco
Away from the coast and onwards to Barolo, in Piedmont: a region of rich red wines and luxurious cuisine. This afternoon there’s a treat in store for the bon vivants among us – we’ll be visiting a local distillery near Asti to taste some local liquors. After, we’ll move on to quaint Cherasco where a group dinner awaits. Accommodation: Hotel Somaschi (or similar) B, D
Sunday, Day 9: Cherasco to Alba to Lake Orta to Lake Maggiore
Rise and shine – this morning we’ll be heading out into the hills of Alba to join a truffle hunt with a local farmer and his dog. Later, we’ll hit the road to the captivating Lake Orta – a tranquil retreat sitting pretty at the bottom of the imposing Monte Mottarone. Then: from one blissful Italian lake to another! Lake Maggiore will be the final stop on today’s scenic journey. Accommodation: Grand Hotel Majestic (or similar) B
Monday, Day 10: Lake Maggiore
Today we’ll leave dry land behind us and set sail for the Borromean Islands, a charming collection of islets located in the western corner of the lake. We’ll have plenty of time to explore Isola Madre, wander the terraces of the ornate baroque garden on Isola Bella and discover the pretty harbour of Isola dei Pescatori before we return to shore. After a light lunch, we’ll have some free time to spend at our leisure. Accommodation: Grand Hotel Majestic (or similar) B, L
Tuesday, Day 11: Lake Maggiore to Lake Como to Sondrio
After bidding a fond farewell to Lake Maggiore we will venture along the shores of stunning Lake Como. Passing lakeside villages draped in opulence; here we’ll receive a rare insight into how the rich and famous live. Continuing our journey, we’ll stop to taste some local wine before arriving at Sondrio – our home for the night. Accommodation: Grand Hotel della Posta (or similar) B
Wednesday, Day 12: Sondrio to Lake Molveno to Trento
Today we’ll shine the spotlight on one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy: the spectacular Lake Molveno, a swathe of iridescent blue that lies at the foot of the Brenta Dolomites. Then, our Tour Leader will take us on a leisurely stroll around the mountain city of Trento before we settle in for tonight’s farewell dinner. Accommodation: Hotel America (or similar) B, D
Thursday, Day 13: Trento to Verona to Venice
Filled with impressive ruins and romantic hotspots, fair Verona beckons today. After taking in the city highlights on an orientation tour, we’ll board the mini-coach one last time for the journey to our home for the next few nights – the floating city of Venice. Accommodation: Hotel Ca’ dei Conti (or similar) B
Friday, Day 14: Venice
Today you can choose one of our optional activities or simply enjoy the day at leisure. Accommodation: Hotel Ca’ dei Conti (or similar) B
Saturday, Day 15: Venice
Today you can choose one of our optional activities or simply enjoy the day at leisure. Accommodation: Hotel Ca’ dei Conti (or similar) B
Sunday, Day 16: Board La Bella Vita
After a relaxing morning at leisure, we are transferred to our Luxury Hotel Barge, La Bella Vita, for a Prosecco welcome. An afternoon cruise takes us along the Giudecca Canal past some of Venice’s most famous monuments: the Chiesa del Redentore, the impressive Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute and the Punta della Dogana to our mooring outside the Naval Museum. Then time for a stroll to St Mark’s Square and a guided tour of the Doge’s Palace before dinner on board.
MONDAY, DAY 17: VENICE TO SAN PIETRO IN VOLTA
Guided walking tour to Castello District, perhaps discovering some hidden parts of the city of Venice: the gardens of the Biennale Exhibition of Modern Arts, Palladio’s Church of San Pietro in Castello and the Venetian Ships Pavilion, an annex of the Naval History Museum Venice, housing vessels of historical importance including ceremonial barges and warships. Late afternoon cruise to Pellestrina which separates the Venetian Lagoon from the Adriatic Sea, along the Canal of the Orphans passing lagoon islands with their ancient monasteries, painted fishing boats and tiny churches. Time perhaps for a walk or cycle ride along the 18th century Istrian Sea wall. Dinner on board.
TUESDAY, DAY 18: SAN PIETRO IN VOLTA TO TAGLIO DI PO
After breakfast, we cruise to Chioggia, city of Goldoni’s plays. Here we visit the 18th century Church of San Domenico set on its own island, to see Carpaccio’s St Paul, his last recorded painting and other works of art by Tintoretto and Bassano. We also admire the Piazzetta Vigo and visit the colourful fish market. There will also be the opportunity to enjoy a short tour of Chioggia’s pretty canals in a traditional locally-built boat, before re-joining La Bella Vita. Passing through a nature reserve with flamingos and occasional heron, snipe and other wildfowl, we travel upriver to Taglio di Po for dinner ashore hosted by the owners at the beautiful 17thC Villa Ca’Zen, a private stately home by the river where Lord Byron courted the Countess Giuccioli and wrote some of his best poetry.
WEDNESDAY, DAY 19: TAGLIO DI PO TO ZELO
This morning we join the Bianco canal and cruise to Adria, an ancient Etruscan town where we visit the Archaeological Museum. After lunch on board, we drive to the Bagnoli Estate to tour the Renaissance gardens and wine cellars of the 17thC Villa Widmann Borletti to enjoy a private tasting of their renowned estate-grown vintages. This winery has been supplying Venetian society for centuries. Afterwards, we rejoin La Bella Vita moored at Zelo. Dinner on board.
THURSDAY, DAY 20: ZELO TO GOVERNOLO
Morning excursion with a guided tour of the Renaissance city of Ferrara, including the Schifanoia Palace, renowned for its fabulous 15thC frescoes. We also admire the exterior of the Estense Castle and its moat and visit the magnificent cathedral with its façade of sculpted images described as an illustrated Bible. Return to the hotel barge moored in Trevenzuolo for an afternoon canal cruise past villages and farmsteads to Governolo and dinner on board.
FRIDAY, DAY 21: GOVERNOLO TO MANTUA
Our final cruise has a dramatic approach to Mantua, home of the poet Virgil, artists Mantegna and Donatello and a captivating lakeside setting. Mantua displays extraordinary neo-classical and baroque architecture, portrayed in the 14thC Ducal Palace housing some 15 gardens and courtyards, a museum, basilica and theatre. The intricate frescoes, Gallery of Mirrors and exquisite Rivers Room and 12,000 paintings and sculptures all create a Grand Finale to our Italian Renaissance adventure. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
SATURDAY, DAY 22: MANTUA
After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Mestre or Piazzale Roma in Venice.
Note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. Some cruises may be on the River Po, depending on the water level.
Please contact us for more information, dates and pricing
