Cruising through the authentic villages and historic cities between Venice and the Po River Valley, La Bella Vita lives up to her name of “the beautiful life”.
Guests will tour magnificent palaces in Venice and Mantua, delight in Renaissance art masterpieces, and enjoy an onboard opera performance, all offering insight into the history and culture of this delightful region.
Local personalities are introduced ashore during a hosted dinner in a romantic 17th century villa and a winetasting at a private estate. Guided excursions to a fishing port, a charming small museum, and the exquisite Renaissance frescos at Palazzo Schifanoia round out the sightseeing program.
Back onboard, ten cozy cabins are decorated in lush shades of Venetian red and Byzantine blue, with clever storage space throughout. Pampered passengers can lounge on the spacious deck, admiring the tranquil islands and colorful villages as they float by. The inviting salon provides a convivial ambiance during cocktail hour, at which delicious hors d’oeuvres and a different mixed drink is served each night.
La Bella Vita’s comfortable dining room ensures festive onboard dining. Seasonally inspired cuisine includes classic dishes and regional recipes, while wine pairings highlight Italian vineyards both established and emerging.
Most memorable is the live “Opera Evening” featuring arias by Rossini, Puccini, and Verdi. Brava to “the beautiful life” aboard La Bella Vita!
Note that La Bella Vita cruises on a petite river as opposed to a man-made canal, so biking opportunities are not as plentiful compared to traditional canal cruising in France.
Last visited in 2019