Italy is a major exporter of wine, with a heritage dating back to Roman times more than 2,000 years ago. Experience the fine wines of Italy with La Bella Vita’s new Wine Appreciation cruise on the waterways of Venice and the Po Valley.
The Region and The Wine
With regards to wine, Italy is one of the few nations that comes close to rivaling France in terms of production and variety. In Veneto there are two distinctive geographical areas for the vineyards; the eastern part, between the hills of Treviso and the Atlantic coast which typically produces the likes of Glera (Prosecco) & Merlot, and the western part near Verona which makes Garganega & Corvina. On this wine-themed cruise, however, you’ll sample fine wines from all over Italy.
The Veneto region and the Po Valley offer some of the most dynamic
scenery in all of Europe. To start with, Venice is an architecture
lover’s haven, and due to the city’s bloody past, there is a wide array of
influences, Byzantine, Roman, Moorish, Gothic and Renaissance to name
but a few. In addition to this, the climate of the Po Valley and its
various nature reserves makes it a stellar spot for wildlife, and it is
not unusual to see pink flamingos and wild peacocks.
Excursion Highlights
- A ride on a private boat to the island of Sant’Erasmo, where guests will enjoy an exclusive tasting at the domain of Orto di Venezia, Venice’s only winery – famous for the production of Casanova’s favourite wine
- Guests will also tour the Renaissance gardens of the 17th-century wine estate of Villa Widmann Borletti, followed by a tasting.
- The crisp, dry wines grown from the Garganega grape are on the itinerary during a visit to medieval town of Soave, origin of the world-famous white wine of the same name. This wine can be paired with “almost anything” and is one of the most popular in Italy
- In addition to the various wine-related excursions, there are plenty of other activities on the itinerary, such as a visit to the fishing port of Chioggia, and a guided tour of the beautiful 14th century Estense Castle in the Renaissance city of Ferrara.
- Route: Between Venice and Mantua (Mantova)
- Up to 20 guests
- 6-10 crew
- Private Charter and Individual Cabin cruises
- Itineraries: Standard classic, Opera
- Other possible itineraries for private charters: Family, Golf, Wine appreciation
- Learn More: Online Brochure
La Bella Vita
La Bella Vita is a stylish 20-passenger vessel offering comfortable, fully air-conditioned accommodations with a choice of single or double beds. She has two upper-deck junior suites and eight lower-deck staterooms, all with en-suite facilities; and a bright, spacious dining room/bar area. Louvred doors open to the side decks to give a perfect viewing platform. Above, there is a huge sun deck with an awning and comfortable loungers to relax on with a drink and a good book, or just watch the world go by.
The variety of charming waterways between Venice and Mantua (Mantova) promises a unique and magical cruising experience. The itinerary includes fascinating excursions that offer a real insight into the many cultures — Roman, Etruscan, Istrian, Byzantine and, of course, Renaissance — that have influenced the arts, architecture and history of the region over many centuries. Enjoy the 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; from the charming Venetian port of Chioggia via the River Po and Bianca Canal to the captivating lakeside setting of the Renaissance city, Mantua.
View La Bella Vita’s‘s online brochure
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