La Bella Vita - Venetian Lagoon & Canal Bianco Cruise

Overview

The itinerary includes fascinating guided tours of Ferrara, Mantua and Chioggia which give a real insight into the many cultures – Renaissance, Roman, Etruscan, Byzantine – that have influenced this region of Italy for centuries. There is the opportunity to enjoy diverse landscapes and nature en-route, from colorful lagoon islands to wild beach dunes and pine woods full of birdlife.

La Bella Vita is a stylish 20 passenger vessel with a typically modern Italian interior, reflected in the use of vibrant colours throughout to create an atmosphere of casual relaxation. There is an inviting bar area in which to enjoy a glass of Prosecco and a spacious dining room with louvre doors that open to give a perfect view as you are served delicious Italian specialities and wines.

She has two upper deck junior suites and eight lower deck staterooms, all air-conditioned and with en-suite facilities, while above there is a huge sun deck with a large canopy and comfortable loungers to relax on and watch the world drift by.

Inclusions

6 nights onboard the Hotel Barge La Bella Vita in a Stateroom

Crew of 6-10 (Captain, tour guide, chef and hostesses)

Transfers by an air-conditioned minivan

Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily prepared by your chef

Captains farewell dinner on your last night

Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

Excursions as per itinerary

Use of barge facilities

Itinerary

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Day 1 Venice

You are met in Mestre or Piazzale Roma in Venice and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to La Bella Vita for a Prosecco welcome. An afternoon cruise takes you 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.

Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge La Bella Vita in a Stateroom.

Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.

Dinner

Doge’s Palace

Day 2 Venice San Pietro in Volta

First stop is a 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 18^th century Istrian sea wall. Dinner on board.

Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge La Bella Vita in a Stateroom.

Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Castello District

Day 3 San Pietro in Volta Taglio di Po

After breakfast, cruise to Chioggia, city of Goldoni’s plays. Here you will visit the 18^th 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. You will 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, travel upriver to Taglio di Po for dinner ashore hosted by the owners at the beautiful 17^thC Villa Ca’Zen, a private stately home by the river where Lord Byron courted the Countess Giuccioli and wrote some of his best poetry.

Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge La Bella Vita in a Stateroom.

Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

La Bella Vita cruising to Chioggia

Day 4 Taglio di Po Zelo

This morning you will join the Bianco canal and cruise to Adria, an ancient Etruscan town where we visit the Archaeological Museum. After lunch on board, 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, rejoin La Bella Vita moored at Zelo. Dinner on board.

Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge La Bella Vita in a Stateroom.

Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Villa Widmann Borletti

Day 5 Zelo Governolo

You will start with a morning excursion with a guided tour of the Renaissance city of Ferrara, including the Schifanoia Palace, renowned for its fabulous 15thC frescoes. You will also admire the exterior of the Estense Castle and its moat and visit the magnificent cathedral with its facade 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.

Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge La Bella Vita in a Stateroom.

Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Ferrara Street Scene

Day 6 Governolo Mantua

Your 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.

Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge La Bella Vita in a Stateroom.

Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Ducal Palace

Day 7 Mantua Venice

After breakfast, you are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Mestre or Piazzale Roma in Venice.

Breakfast

Additional information

Departure Dates and Pricing:

2024 Cruise Rates
Rates are for 6 nights either: per person based on double occupancy per cabin or on a whole barge charter basis. Prices below are in Euros.
Accommodation	Value	Regular
Stateroom	€4,250	€4,790
Junior Suite	€5,190	€5,790
Single Supplement	€1,600	€1,800
Charter (Whole Barge)
Charter 10 passengers	€67,000	€75,000
Charter 12 passengers	€69,400	€77,800
Charter 14 passengers	€71,800	€80,600
Charter 16 passengers	€74,200	€83,400
Charter 18 passengers	€76,600	€86,200
Charter 20 passengers	€79,000	€89,000
Departure Dates (Sunday)	Rates	Cruise Region
Mar 31; Apr 7, 14	Value	Italy - Venice & the Po Valley
Apr 21, 28; May 5, 12, 19, 26; Jun 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Jul 7, 14	Regular	Italy - Venice & the Po Valley
Jul 21, 28; Aug 4, 11, 18	Value	Italy - Venice & the Po Valley
Aug 25; Sep 1, 8, 15, 22, 29	Regular	Italy - Venice & the Po Valley
Oct 6, 13, 20	Value	Italy - Venice & the Po Valley

This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks, the cruise will be in the reverse direction. Some cruises may be on the River Po, depending on the water level.
This barge is available for charter bookings and theme cruises. Contact us for more details.

Booking / Payment Process

On our website the Barge Cruise prices are show in Euros
All payments will be made to us in Australian Dollars
The current exchange rate will be used at the time of deposit and balance
Our invoice will make this clear and our team is here to assist you

Supplier Booking Conditions Apply

Due to the boutique nature and limited capacity of this travel experience, under our Bookings Conditions this package classifies as “Booking Type 2 – Travel Experience where we act as agent only”. Your contract for the delivery of travel arrangements will be with the principal supplier and will be subject to their Booking Conditions. We will advise you prior to confirming your booking the full details and Booking Conditions of the principal supplier. Our responsibility to you where we sell travel arrangements as agent for the supplier is specified in the ‘Responsibility’ section of our Booking Conditions.

Blackout dates may apply during festive season.

Excluded

International airfares and taxes
Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
Visa expenses, processing and issuance fees
Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.),
Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, hotel, restaurant or boat staff, etc.
Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package

FAQs

Who are Entire Travel Group?

Welcome to Entire Travel Group. We offer exceptional travel experiences across our extensive range of Entire Holiday Packages, Entire Group Journeys, Entire Rail Journeys, and Entire Cruise Journeys. With our industry-leading Peace of Mind Booking Plan, you can Book Now with flexibility and confidence.

Entire Travel Group is celebrating over 50 years of passionately delivering unique and memorable travel experiences. We are an Australian, family-owned, award-winning business with a friendly team ready to match your expectations to the perfect holiday experience.

Entire Travel Group used to be known by the individual brands shown in the footer of the website. The company has not changed, but we have amalgamated under one brand - Entire Travel Group.

For more details please visit - About Us | Entire Travel Group

Is Entire Travel Group Australian owned and operated?

Entire Travel Group is proudly Australian family owned and operated and as it stands today represents 50 years of experience, progress, and evolution. We proudly support the community with our long-term commitment to many important charity organisations. We were awarded the best operator in our class at the most recent National Travel Industry Awards.

Is Entire Travel Group industry accredited?

Entire Travel Group is both ATAS and CATO Accredited. ATAS is actively administered by the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA). The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) is the trade association representing the land supply sector of the Australian Travel Industry.

Does Entire Travel Group have industry awards?

Entire Travel Group was honoured at the 2023 National Travel Industry Awards with Most Oustanding Wholesaler - Product / Service.

As our team works tirelessly to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, it was exciting to have this acknowledged with the highest recognition. The award is also a testament to the quality of our partners around the globe, and we take this opportunity to thank them for their tremendous support of our customers.

Are the Entire Travel Group holiday packages exclusive?

In some cases, we are the sole representative in Australia for the overseas travel operator. In other circumstances the product developed has been exclusively built for Entire Travel Group and can’t be found elsewhere.

What’s unique about Entire Travel Group Holiday Packages?

They are not group tours with set departures - they are pre-designed, purpose built, independent holiday packages full of unique and memorable experiences.
Our holiday packages have been exclusively built for us in collaboration with our handpicked suppliers, who also offer full on-ground support for the clients.
We are offering unique travel experiences which cannot be found elsewhere.
Many packages include our “Freedom of Choice” options which allow you to tailor the holiday experience. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.
They include our Peace of Mind Booking Plan.
A wide selection of our packages are compliant with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Covid Safe Travels.

Our motto for Independent Holiday Packages is start your holiday when and with who you want!

Our Independent Holiday Packages are NOT group tours with set departure dates. Group Tours have specific set departure dates, and of course, you are travelling with unknown passengers in a coach. These tours are great for certain travellers and there are many reputable tour operators providing a wide range of options around the world.

At Entire Travel Group, our focus is Independent Holiday Packages. Available daily, they are pre-designed, purpose built, packaged itineraries full of memorable experiences delivered by our hand-picked local partners.

Our holidays suit every demographic, from couples to singles, to retirees to families and everyone else in between.

Why travel with Entire Travel Group?

Of Entire Travel Group's attributes, we have settled on "When Experience Matters" as the quality we believe adds the most value to our customers. We have the experience to ensure your itinerary makes the dream holiday possible. Our continually enhanced technology allows our team to provide a quality customer service experience, and our partnerships with outstanding operators ensure we are confident of the on-ground experience for our customers.

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How does the Peace of Mind Booking Plan work?

Our Peace of Mind Booking Plan allows you to book with confidence in the new international travel environment. With low deposits, a cooling off period and a flexibility period where you can cancel and rebook later, we really do have you covered.

For more details please visit - Peace of Mind Booking Plan | Entire Travel Group

Is there a cooling-off period?

Look for packages with our Peace of Mind Booking Plan logo on the website.

We understand that occasionally plans may change, so we give you the confidence to proceed with a cooling off period.
You may cancel for any reason within 7 days, where you will receive a 100% refund of your $100 per person deposit.

For more details please visit - Peace of Mind Booking Plan | Entire Travel Group

What is Freedom of Choice?

At Entire Travel Group we understand that our customers have their own personal tastes and interests - so throughout our packages look for “Freedom of Choice” which gives you the ability to tailor your holiday from the various experiences offered on selected days. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.

The Freedom of Choice options are included in the package price, and the price remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

Our Freedom of Choice program offers flexibility, by allowing you to choose from different options on pre-selected days in the itinerary.

Our per person price includes one tour on each Freedom of Choice day in the itinerary.
The price of the package remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

For more details please visit - Freedom of Choice | Entire Travel Group

What is Book Now?

Book Now offers you the ability to make a reservation on our website for Holiday Packages that include our Peace of Mind Booking Plan. But it’s not just a static offer – you have complete flexibility from travel dates, passenger numbers, single supplements, room upgrades, optional extras, flexible booking terms and more.

Our team will contact our overseas suppliers and confirm all arrangements.
A Confirmation from our reservation system will be sent in the coming days.
The Booking Number on this confirmation supersedes the website reference.

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To confirm a booking using our on-line Book Now process, a credit card must be used to pay the refundable deposit.
For additional payments on the booking, Entire Travel Group supports bank transfer, credit card, TravelPay B2B, PaymentGate.
For further details please visit our Payments page.

How secure is the Entire Travel Group's on-line payment portal?

Entire Travel Group have partnered with TravelPay to ensure secure on-line credit card payments.
TravelPay is a level 1 PCI DSS compliant, which gives you peace of mind that your payment card data is in safe hands.
Entire Travel Group does not store any credit card information.

For more details please visit - Security and Compliance - TravelPay

Can you book my international airfares?

On some Islands Holiday Packages (e.g. Fiji), it is practical to include flights, so where we have done this it is indicated by the plane icon.

However, on the majority of our Holiday Packages, we do not include international flights.

We found that many customers may prefer to:

Travel on a specific airline of their choice
Have the flexibility to book flights with Frequent Flyer points
Select flight dates that may be different to our Holiday Package start/end dates
Use a Travel Credit already held with the airline
Use their travel agent for this service

We are able to assist with flights on any Holiday Package, so please just notify us during the Book Now process or contact our team.

Should I take travel insurance?

Travel insurance is strongly recommended. During the Book Now process please confirm you require assistance, and our team will be in contact with you.

What should I do before travelling?

Before you travel it is your responsibility to ensure you have the appropriate documentation including visas. If you are travelling on a passport other than Australian or New Zealand, you will require a permit to re-enter Australia. It is your responsibility as the traveller and/or travel booker to meet all government entry requirements.

For more information please visit - Before you travel | Entire Travel Group

How does a Travel Agent make a booking?

Please visit the Entire Travel Group's Agent Portal. We are here to support our industry partners with a range of informative updates, marketing collateral for campaigns and a reward & recognition program.

How do I start a Booking?

On any page that has Book Now simply follow the booking process.
You must select the Travel Agent tick box and provide correct details.
To confirm a booking only the refundable deposit is required.
An agency credit card must be used for this initial payment.

How do I contact Entire Travel Group?

For more information please visit - Contact us | Entire Travel Group

La Bella Vita - Venetian Lagoon & Canal Bianco Cruise (Tour code: 11839)

Highlights

Overview

Inclusions