Sensational Canal & River Cruises in Italy

Who hasn’t dreamed of a cruise holiday in Italy? The Italian food, the history, the art, the landscape… it truly is a country that has it all, and it’s there just waiting to be explored.

For travellers who want to take things slowly and really get to know the authentic heart and soul of this magical country, European Waterways has the perfect way to do it. On our wonderful river cruises in Italy the regions we pass through come alive in the most delightful and relaxing of ways.

On-board the gorgeous La Bella Vita you’ll be treated to an experience unlike any other, as you glide through the waterways and discover the charm, character and magical ambience of the country that’s on just about everybody’s holiday hit list.

Simply by flicking through one of our brochures and browsing our website it’s pretty easy to understand the appeal of a barge holiday. However, this wonderful short video we’ve put together is more than just pretty pictures (although it is that!), because there’s nothing quite like seeing it in action for yourself.

So sit back and relax for a couple of minutes and enjoy this tempting trailer of what you can expect to see, taste, experience and enjoy on one of our river cruises in Italy. This destination is a hugely popular choice with our clients and it’s not hard to see why…

The Experience

Our European Waterways itineraries take in the very best Italian highlights, introducing you to some of the most beautiful scenery, architecture and culture in the country. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy diverse landscapes and gorgeous nature settings as you meander along the waterways, from wild beach dunes and forests abundant with wildlife, to lagoon islands brimming with colour and local life. (Have a look at that scenery in the video!)

Travelling aboard the wonderful La Bella Vita is a fantastic introduction to one of our top canal and river cruises in Italy A country almost tailor-made for this kind of slow travel, our itineraries, which include the Venetian Lagoon, the Canal Bianco, the River Po and and the lakeside Renaissance city of Mantua, offer a truly unforgettable experience. With a wonderfully attentive crew and a small group of like-minded passengers there’s no better, or more enjoyable, way to cruise through the serene waterways.

Luxury hotel barge, La Bella Vita cruising Mantua

A Must for History and Culture Lovers

As well as being an incredibly relaxing holiday, our itineraries include a range of excellent guided tours that will be a joy for even the most amateur historian. (You can see some examples on the video.) Exploring places like Ferrara, Mantua and Chioggia with a knowledgeable guide offers a genuinely fascinating insight into the Etrucscan, Roman, Byzantine and Renaissance cultures that have influenced Italy over the past centuries and made it into the place it is today. Our excursions have been carefully planned to help you make the most of every region, but you’ll also have plenty of free time to get out and explore by yourself, as well.

Love history and culture? Then you’ll love our canal and river cruises in Italy! There is so much to offer and we’ll help you discover the amazing heritage in style!

The Vessel

So, just what is your home from home on La Bella Vita like? Well the video gives you a small insight into just how ambient your accommodation will be. A very elegant vessel that accommodates just 20 guests, it has a lovely Italian décor that instantly makes you feel relaxed and at home. There’s a lovely bar, where you can enjoy a drink with new friends, and the beautiful dining room opens out to tranquil views as you dine. The upper sun deck is a great place to catch some sun or just watch the world (or Italy, at least!) drift by. With a mixture of junior suites and staterooms, you really will want for nothing.

River Cruises in Italy aboard La Bell Vita

The Friendships

Because you’re travelling with an intimate group of just 20, barging is a wonderful way to make new friends and enjoy fine wine, food and conversation in the most beautiful of settings. Everyone is there for the same reasons: to relax, breathe and discover the delights of this incredible country in a slow and more meaningful way than can usually be achieved in such a short time. In fact, many of our clients say it’s just like hanging out with a group of friends or family and we have a large number of guests who come back time and time again to try a different itinerary (or country!). Read some guest comments here.

River Cruise in Italy Guests

Allow European Waterways to Show you the Real Italy

When you come on an Italian barging holiday with us, you can rest assured you’ll not only be taken care of beautifully by the booking staff and crew, but more than that, you’ll get to see the ‘real’ heart of the country – the way it should be seen, slow, relaxed and with plenty of food, wine and friendship.

Whether you’re a foodie, a wine aficionado, a history and culture buff, or someone who just wants to get away from the hustle and bustle of your life and experience genuine relaxation, you’ll find all of that and so much more on one of our river cruises in Italy. It’s all just waiting for you…

Speak to a member of our Cruise Teams via our Contact Form for more information, or order your free copy of our brochure.

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