Do cruises go into Venice?

Yes, some cruises to Italy do go to Venice. However, in 2023, the city banned cruise liners over 25,000 GRT from entering the port. This means many big cruise ships have to stop in ports some distance from the city. La Bella Vita is well within the range to dock directly in Venice, however, so you can hop on and off the ship as you please.

What is the best time of year to go to Italy?

May to October is considered the best time of year for cruises in Italy. These months see glorious weather so you can expect a pleasant, sunny trip. Furthermore, attractions, sights, landmarks, and so on are all open during this season but may not be in the winter months.

What is the most scenic route in Italy?

There are many scenic routes in this stunning country. We chose the Venetian canals and Po Valley, however, as this journey features many picturesque towns and villages in which you can stop and explore on cruises of Italy such as the historic Adria, Ferrara, and Mantua. For more information on our luxury cruises from Italy, contact our friendly team or request a brochure you can peruse at your leisure.

River Cruises in Italy: Discover the Beauty of Venice

Italian River Cruises in Venice & Beyond

Undoubtedly, Italy may be one of the most beautiful locations in the world that can host a river cruise. Italy’s breathtaking landscape, along with its enchanting rivers and canals, means that the country was almost tailor-made for these cruises. When thinking about Italian cruises, it is impossible to forget the world-famous Venice and the wider Veneto region.

The majestic waterways we journey along on our Northern Italy river cruises were once trade routes used by the Romans and the settlers before them. The journey between Venice and the lakeside city of Mantua is a truly magical experience and will allow an insight into the history and cultures that the waters La Bella Vita cruises on represent, like Renaissance, Roman, Etruscan and Byzantine eras.

Aboard La Bella Vita, our Italian cruise, we will visit some of the 177 glorious canals and historic locations that Venice is famous for, such as the Rialto bridge, St. Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace. You might also like to jump aboard a gondola – an icon of Venice, for a short tour around the waters. Following on from Venice, the charming rivers and waterways will lead to the final destination of Mantua, one of the true gems of northern Italy.

Italy River Cruise Highlights

Stunning and diverse landscapes, the breathtakingly colourful Venetian lagoon, and incredible nature to sightsee.
Cruise Northern Italy’s waterways in luxury and style aboard the 20-passenger La Bella Vita.
Embrace the history and culture of the very waters that you are cruising.

We offer luxury river cruises through Venice, the River Po, and Canal Bianco that navigate the majestic waterways of the historic city of Venice and Mantua.

Along the voyage, we will stop along the route to visit the region’s most beautiful and historic locations. We also stop at the stunning renaissance city of Ferrara. Here you will get the opportunity to take in the exterior of the magical moated Estense Castle and the magnificent cathedral with its façade of sculpted images described as an ‘illustrated Bible’.

On our cruises in Italy, you will choose to embark or disembark at the city of Mantua, situated on the Canal Bianco, which runs alongside the Po River. Due to the smaller size of La Bella Vita, she is able to cruise much further up to river than most of the larger riverboats can go. As you join the breathtaking Canal Bianco, you will be met by the stunning countryside and neo-classical architecture, which includes the world heritage site of Ducal Palace and its many courtyards and gardens.

Another popular stop on our Italy river cruise is the seventeenth-century Villa Ca’Zen. It is located in the vast Delta Nature Reserve, Italy’s largest natural park. Its long and illustrious history is inextricably linked to Lord Byron, one of Britain’s greatest poets.

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La Bella Vita

First Class 20 Passengers 6-10 Crew

La Bella Vita is a first-class, 20 passenger river cruiser that cruises the Venetian Lagoon and Po Valley in Northern Italy between Venice and Mantua from March to October

Itinerary

Classic Cruise – Italy (Between Venice & Mantua)
Classic Cruise – Italy (Venetian Lagoon)

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European Waterways offers a cruising experience that’s miles apart from the traditional larger river cruise lines. Go off the beaten track and experience the delights of this country at your own pace on an Italian river cruise.

Our luxury hotel barges have a plethora of amenities to make your stay comfortable. La Bella Vita is air-conditioned and heated. You’ll find access to a music system and WiFi. You can take our on-board bicycles out, relax in the deck-top spa pool and so much more.

Our luxury Italy river cruise tours are excellent value, with en suite cabins, 2:1 passenger to crew ratio, an open bar, gourmet meals and wine pairings, guided tours, admissions, and transfers included.

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Why Choose European Waterways for Your Italy River Cruise?

Over 50 Years’ Experience
Established in 1974 and operating hotel barge cruises since the early 1980s, European Waterways has a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with our clients.

The Largest River Cruise Company in Europe
Still in the same private ownership of the Directors who run the company, our guests can be assured of consistently high standards of personal service and vast experience of the beautiful, smaller canals and rivers we cruise on.

A Superb Fleet of 18 Vessels
We have hotel barges available for up to 20 passengers, with cabin sizes varying from cozy and compact staterooms to ultra-deluxe junior suites – all of which are comparable to top hotel rooms.

Cruises in 9 Countries Across Europe
We offer the widest choice of destinations of any hotel barge company. Cruising areas range from the Canal du Midi in Southern France to the Scottish Highlands, and from the lush green landscapes of Ireland to romantic waterways in Venice.

Book Your Luxury River Cruise in Italy

Our exceptional crew can’t wait to welcome you onto your dream river cruise in Italy, contact us today to secure your ideal dates!

Additional Information

Specialist Themed Italy River Cruises

Golf Cruises

On our Golf Cruise, you will play at 4 of the region’s and country’s most exclusive courses, such as Verona Golf Club, Frassanelle Golf Club, Golf Club Albarella, and Circolo Golf Venezia. You will have the ability to choose your tee times so that you can experience the tremendous golf that Italy has to offer, as well as enjoy a relaxing holiday on board your luxury river cruise around Italy.

Garden Cruises

We also offer a relaxed Gardens Cruise, to visit numerous spectacular gardens that you can explore and admire throughout your cruise in Italy. You will be taken to the breathtaking 16th-century botanical gardens of Padua, the famous Giardino di Valsanzibio, the ancient Parco Giardino Sigurta and any other gardens in the region that you may want to visit.

All of these magical gardens are steeped in history and have so many beautiful features that give them their character and charm.

Wining & Dining

Much like its stunning scenery, Italy is also renowned for its phenomenal produce. You will experience the local Venetian cuisine on your cruise from Italy, which varies significantly from the traditional recipes from northern Italy. Being a mountain region, Venetian dishes typically use pork, beef and chicken and are often served with polenta. However, as we journey closer to the coast, seafood is the cuisine of choice.

On board La Bella Vita we have our own master chef who, over the course of the cruise will prepare a series of regional and national dishes that are sure to satisfy even the most critical of pallets. Gourmet meals that you can expect on your cruise to Italy include Fegato Alla Veneziana, La Polenta, and freshly-caught lagoon seafood. Each breathtaking creation is paired with a hand-selected Italian wine such as Chianti Classico Castello d’Albola, Rose Blanc Brut Sanfeletto and Rosso d Montepulciano la Bracesca.

A four-course meal is never complete without a mouth-watering selection of Italian cheeses from all different regions such as Parma, Florence, Bologna, Chioggia, Ferrara, Torcello and many more. Mozzarella d Bufala, Pecorino, Grana Padano, Provolone and Bagos are among our favourite cuts. Italian cruises are supposed to be filled with divine dining opportunities and as you will soon see, fine dining is a true experience of its own aboard hotel barge La Bella Vita.

Ports on Our Italian Cruises

Our standard Italy cruises dock at some of northern Italy’s most intriguing inland ports. Ports may vary slightly on our themed cruises through Italy.

Venice – The jump-off point for our Italy cruise, meander through this city of romance, visit famous historical sights, cruise crystal clear lagoons, and take an unforgettable trip to Murano Island.
Pellestrina – As you cruise from Venice to the island of Pellestrina you pass by picturesque scenes of tiny churches, ancient monasteries, and painted fishing boats.
Chioggia – Visit this city of huge cultural significance, the home of Godoni. Take in the stunning churches and explore the bustling fish market.
Taglio di Po – This province just south of Venice is a must-see on cruises to Italy. Enjoy a private dinner in a 17th century villa where Lord Byron wrote his poems.
Adria – Ancient history buffs will be enamoured with this Etruscan town. Pay a visit to the fascinating Archaeological Museum at Adria during your cruise to Italy.
Trevenzuolo – Journey from Trevenzuolo to Mantua past the farmsteads of Vallazza to experience authentic Italian life.
Mantua – Another possible starting point for a cruise around Italy, Mantua is a renaissance dream. There are thousands of paintings and sculptures to discover across the region along with neo-classical and baroque architecture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do Italy river cruises take place?

Our Italy river cruises explore the Venetian Lagoon, the River Po and the Canal Bianco, travelling between Venice and the historic city of Mantua. Along the way, you’ll visit picturesque towns, cultural landmarks and scenic countryside.

What is included in a luxury Italy river cruise?

European Waterways’ Italy cruises are all-inclusive, with en suite cabins, gourmet meals, wine pairings, an open bar, guided excursions, admissions, and private transfers all included in the price.

How much is an Italian river cruise?

A river cruise from Italy may initially seem expensive. However, you must consider the fact that many luxury river cruises are all-inclusive. European Waterways’ luxury barge cruises, for example, include daily private (and often exclusive) excursions, an open bar, gourmet meals with wine pairings, private air-conditioned transfers, and more.

When is the best time to take a river cruise in Italy?

The best time to cruise is from spring to autumn. Many travellers prefer the shoulder seasons of April–May and September–October for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

What makes a hotel barge cruise different from a large river ship?

Hotel barge cruises offer a more intimate experience with small passenger numbers, a high crew-to-guest ratio, personalised service, and access to smaller canals and off-the-beaten-track locations.