Luxury Barge Tour from Venice to Mantua

Venice

Guests are met at the designated meeting point in Mestre or Venice and transferred to the barge 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 St Mark's Square. Tour of the Doge's palace before dinner on board.

Venice to San Pietro in Volta.

A guided walking tour to the Castello district of Venice, 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, the Naval Museum with a model of the Bucinto (Doge's Boat) and the Pavilion of Gondolas housing Peggy Guggenheim's own vessel. 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. Dinner on board.

San Pietro in Volta to Taglio di Po

After a stroll or cycle ride along the 18th century sea wall, a cruise takes us to Chioggia, city of Goldoni's plays, for a visit to the town centre and fish market, cathedral and the Piazzetta Vigo before rejoining the barge. Passing through a nature reserve with flamingos, heron, snipe and other wetland wildfowl, the barge heads upriver to Taglio di Po for dinner ashore, hosted by the owners at the beautiful 17th century Villa Ca'Zen, a private stately home by the river where Lord Byron courted the Countess Giuccioli and wrote some of his best poetry.

Taglio di Po to Bosaro

A morning cruise takes us to Adria where we visit this ancient Etruscan town and visit the Archeological Museum. After lunch on board, a drive to the Bagnoli Estate where we tour the Renaissance gardens and wine cellars of the 17th century Villa Wildman Borletti, for a stroll in the gardens and a private wine-tasting. Afternoon cruise to Bosaro. Dinner on board.

Bosaro to Tevenzuolo

A morning excursion and guided tour with highlights of the Renaissance city of Ferrara and its castle, cathedral and Schifanoia palace, renowned for its 15th century frescoes. We also admire the 14th century Estense Castle and it smoat and the magnificent cathedral facade with its sculpted images described as an illustrated Bible. . Return to the barge for an afternoon cruise to Trevenzuolo and dinner on board.

Trevenzuolo to Mantua

The final cruise has a dramatic approach to Mantua, home of the poet Virgil, artists Mantegna and Donatello and its captivating lakeside setting. Mantua displays extraordinary neo-classical and baroque architecture, portrayed in the 14th century 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.

Mantua.

After breakfast, passengers disembark and transfer to the drop off point at Venice or Mestre.

This is a sample tour and subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.