7 day locally hosted
6 passenger hotel barge

The lagoon surrounding Venice, the Venice Lido beach, Hemingway's influence, the faboulous Villas on the River Brenta all compliment the attractions of Venice itself where one could spend at least 6 months enjoying the amazing Renaissance architecture before venturing inside some of the buildings to discover the works of Canaletto, Tintoretto, and many other Italian masters. Weeks of research into our itinerary promise a fantastic cruise aboard Italy's first hotel barge.

Day 1,  Sunday
Malcontenta - Casone Zappa, South Lagoon
Guests are met by the Captain in Mira at 4pm and escorted to La Dolce Vita for a Prosecco welcome. Enjoy an early evening cruise along the delightful Brenta river as La Dolce Vita descends into the peaceful Venetian lagoon where you dine in front of Casone Zappa, a masterpiece of early 20th century Italian Liberty style architecture.

Day 2,  Monday    BLD
Casone Zappa - Venice Lido
This morning we visit the hunting and fishing resorts in the wilderness of the Southern Venetian Lagoon. After lunch we sail to Pellestrina island and then onto Venice Lido, where we moor in front of Villa Laguna Hotel, with a breath taking view of the Giudecca Canal and across to Saint Mark's Square and Cathedral. Whilst cruising beside the Lido Island you can also take a barge bicycle for about 10 km along the island. It is also possible to go to the beach, shop or visit the famous historical Excelsior and Des Bains Hotels, where movie stars stay during the Venetian Film Festival. Dinner ashore at Villa Laguna Restaurant.

Day 3,  Tuesday    BLD
Venice - Torcello
Short cruise around San Giorgio Island before arriving in Venice. Guided tour to historical Venice: Saint Mark's Cathedral and the Doge's Palace. An optional Gondola tour through the inner canals and under the Bridge of Sighs is possible for an additional charge. Time for shopping or further visits in the early afternoon. Return to La Dolce Vita for an afternoon cruise past the ancient Venetian, defensive artillery Fort of Sant Andrea, La Dolce Vita hugs the coast of Sant Erasmo, the Venetian orchards and vegetable gardens, to reach Torcello island in the North Lagoon, where we moor for dinner.

Day 4,  Wednesday    BLD
Torcello - Murano
In the morning we explore Torcello, the first island of the lagoon to be colonised 2000 years ago. We see the Veneto Byzantine styled Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. We cruise onto Burano for a walk through the colourful streets of the island and a visit to the Museum of Lace. In the afternoon we slowly sail on to Murano, Dinner aboard.

Day 5,  Thursday    BLD
Murano - Venice
We visit a Glass workshop to see the glass blowing process, which made Murano famous worldwide. Later in the morning La Dolce Vita sails further on to Venice, where a boat taxi takes us for a tour of the deeply historic and picturesque Grand Canal. In the early afternoon you can choose between a guided tour of art museums or free time shopping or just wandering the labyrinth of narrow streets, before leaving the lagoon to start the ascent of the river Brenta. Dinner moored in Mira village on the Brenta.

Day 6,  Friday    BLD
Mira - Stra
Further ascent of the Brenta River to Stra, where we take a guided tour of Villa Pisani, an 18th century masterpiece of Venetian architecture with frescos from Tiepolo. A short afternoon cruise closes the week for the Captain's farewell dinner aboard moored in Dolo.

Day 7,  Saturday    B
Dolo - Mira
After breakfast we transfer you to Mira

Note: Itinerary operates in reverse on alternate weeks. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. Itineraries are subject to change due to canal/river conditions and are at the sole discretion of the captain.