Call Special Places Travel 1-877-64-BARGE (1-877-642-2743)
Outside US: 001.443.321.3614, email: info@specialplacestravel.com
Barges In Italy: La Dolce Vita
Special Places Travel 
Logo.  EMAIL: info@specialplacestravel.com or PHONE: 1-877-642-2743 (001.443.321.3614 outside US/Canada). Click here to contact Barges in France, Barges in Europe

Cruise in Italy on the Venetian Lagoon and the Brenta River on the First Class Hotel-Barge LA DOLCE VITA

SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS

The 6-passenger La Dolce Vita, originally a Dutch vessel which has gradually made her way through the canals of France and around Italy and up the Adriatic to the calm waters of the Venetian lagoon. Our unique cruise not only visits Venice's well known and lesser known attractions but also encompasses the outer islands of Torcello, Burano and Murano, as well as cruising the unknown and beautiful, canalised Brenta river.

La Dolce Vita is a charming 6 passenger vessel with a crew of three, and she is the only hotel barge cruising our unique route. The lagoon surrounding Venice, the Venice Lido beach, Hemingway's influence, the fabulous 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.

La Dolce Vita has one bow suite with double bed, and two staterooms -- one with two twin beds and the other with two twins or one double bed. All have private bath, there is air conditioning throughout and there is a good sized sundeck for outside dining or just watching all that fantastic Italian architecture as you cruise past.

Venice, of course, is a jewel in the crown of the Venetian lagoon and our route is a mixture of canal and river following the ancient trade routes used by the Romans and the early Mediterranean settlers before them. As well as the incredible delights of Venice itself, where the history goes back over 2000 years with some architectural features dating back to the Byzantine era, the additional opportunity afforded by hotel barge travel becomes obvious as we create our own schedule oblivious to the hustle and bustle of other visitors to Venice.

La Dolce Vita and Venice represent an exciting addition to the world of hotel barges. The Italian crew of captain, chef and tour guide will look after your every need. The tour guide will share his extensive knowledge of the area.

Features

  • Size of barge: 68.9 by 16.1 ft
  • Number of Passengers: 6
  • Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 3
  • Crew: 3
  • Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Individual heating and air-conditioning units in cabins and salon.
  • Salon: The salon has sofa and armchair seating, dining table and 4 large windows.
  • Bar: Open bar
  • Deck: Sundeck with reclining wood chairs, table and chairs and large parasol.
  • Spa Tub: No
  • Cabin Features: Pisani suite at the bow: approx 129 sq ft with double bed. Foscari stateroom: approx 57 sq ft with twins or double bed. Val Marana stateroom: approx 55 sq ft with twin beds. All include ensuite bathroom with shower.
  • Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Water taxi or vaporetto
  • Accessibility: Steps to salon and cabins. Steps to deck.
  • Bicycles: 6 touring bikes available upon request.

    La Dolce Vita's Deck Plan
    La Dolce Vita's Deck Plan



    Passenger Comments:

    Every meal was fabulous. Eros is such a talented chef. You can tell he loves his work. The wine and cheese with meals was also great and varied. In addition, Leon took us for a flight of reds at a local wine bar...terrific local wines and sausage of duck and goose. That's pretty hard to top!
    -- A.B., NY.


    Venice is a colourful canvas of masterpiece art and architecture, Byzantine and baroque churches, carnivals, regattas, and milky green canals engraved with the slender silhouettes of gondolas. This is my eighth visit, but in some ways it's my first. This time I am seeing Venice as she should be seen: from water level and not from a gondola, water taxi, vaporetto (waterbus) or cruise ship.
    -- M.O., Australia

    The cruise on La Dolce Vita was absolute perfection. Exactly what we wanted and we will recommend it enthusiastically. The barge overall was above and beyond our expectations. Regarding the itinerary we loved the "floating" from point to point, never needing a car to reach the destinations. The quality of the pre-trip information provided was excellent, the accommodations and the service were very good, meals and wines outststanding, and excursions were superb.
    -- C.E.

    The crew is fantastic and the food is unbelievably great! Captain Gian Paolo, chef Massimiliano, and Leonardo, who handles everything else! We arrived on Sunday afternoon and were driven to the barge, which was in the middle of the Brenta River surrounded by gloriously decorated boats which were taking part in the local regatta. Many of the passengers in the boats were dressed in period costumes from the 1800s, and their oarsmen were pressing hard to get the most applause from the crowds that lined the river. Boat after boat passed us, with much waving and shouting. A thrilling event! The food is out of this world. Last night we were treated to a seafood dinner of mussels, clam risotto, and a whitefish plate. Dessert was an awesome blueberry mousse. The wines that were selected were agreeable to all, and we turned in early after this exciting day.
    -- C.T.

    THANKS FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE IN THIS EXCITING TRIP OF A LIFETIME! The cruise was well put together, allowing us freedom to choose activity (or not), to choose our manner of activity - shopping, walking, biking. Meals were at a specified time, but never seemed rushed to meet a "deadline". Food was fabulous throughout, as though we had our own gourmand on hand.
    -- K.A.

    SAMPLE ITINERARY*
    Italy
    Brenta River, the Venetian Lagoon
    Padua to Venice

    Our cruise around the Venetian lagoon and along Brenta river is as unique as Venice herself. Our itinerary combines 4 very different landscapes: from that of the picturesque islands of the northern lagoon to the charm of romantic Venice, from the beaches of Lido and Pellestrina to the splendid architectures of the countryside villas along the Brenta. This mixture of culture, art and nature is unparalleled in hotel barge cruising terms.

    The Venetians have a very special way of life, transporting everything and everybody everywhere by water. To fully appreciate this aspect, our barge cruise mostly includes transportation on boats, but on some occasions it is possible to ride bicycles.

    This fairytale adventure allows time to explore the history and legend of the baroque, the renaissance, the middle ages and before. The islands of the northern Venetian lagoon, Murano, Burano and Torcello, exude a charm and intrigue of their own, surpassed only by the Old Lady of the Lagoon, who in her prime ruled much of the Mediterranean.

    Delicious seafood, local culinary specialties, fine wines and attentive service complete the picture. La Dolce Vita is the only hotel barge cruising this exceptional region.

    Sunday - Padua and the Piovego Canal
    Guests are met at 5pm at Hotel Villa Goetzen in Dolo, just 20 minutes by taxi from Venice. We transfer you to Padua by car, where the crew is eager to welcome you on board with a Prosecco drink. We have dinner in Padua along the Piovego canal facing directly the well preserved, ancient city walls.

    Monday - Padua to Noventa
    In Padua we take a walking or bicycle tour passing by Saint Anthony's Cathedral and the Prato della Valle. We visit the Botanical Garden, the oldest in the world. A walk in the city centre completes the visit of Padova with a quick look at the Old University, the historical Caffe Pedroccchi and the marketplace. Our late afternoon cruise brings us to Noventa along river Brenta, where we moor for dinner.

    Tuesday - Noventa to Stra to Dolo
    Further descent of river Brenta to Stra, where we visit Villa Pisani, an 18th century masterpiece of Venetian architecture with frescos from Tiepolo and a marvelous garden. In the afternoon we cruise to Dolo, where we moor for the night. For those who like cycling, it is possible to follow the barge on a bicycle. Before our superb fish dinner at the Villa Goetzen Hotel restaurant, we take you for a glass of wine at the old Water Mill in Dolo, a picturesque 1500's building on the canal.

    Wednesday - Dolo to Malcontenta, Venice and Murano
    This morning we cruise down river Brenta into the lagoon, passing by Villa Foscari in Malcontenta, a masterpiece of the Renaissance architect Palladio. In the afternoon we take you on a guided tour of the Doge's Palace and Saint Mark's in Venice. In the early evening we cruise all around Venice to Murano, where La Dolce Vita is moored for the night. Dinner on board.

    Thursday - Murano to Torcello and Burano

    We visit a glass-blowing workshop in Murano. Should you be interested in learning more about the history of glass blowing we can offer the visit to the Glass Museum later in the morning. Our cruise then takes us to Torcello, the first island of the lagoon to be colonized 2000 years ago. We have lunch while cruising on Siloncello canal and in the afternoon we can see the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, a beautiful example of Veneto-Byzantine style in Torcello. Later we move to Burano, a picturesque fisherman's island in the northern lagoon. You'll discover the island's colorful streets and lace making workshops. We stay on the calm waters of Burano for dinner and for the night.

    Friday - Burano to San Francesco, Venezia, and San Giorgio

    We start our cruise passing by San Francesco del Deserto Island, where we can moor and visit the monastery. We then proceed to San Giorgio to have lunch on this island facing the Doge's Palace of Venice. In the afternoon you have free time in Venice, where you can shop or visit the Clock Tour or the Correr Museum of Venetian Art and History. If you feel like it, we suggest walking to Rialto Bridge to see the Grand Canal. For the night we stay moored in San Giorgio for the captain's farewell dinner.

    Saturday - Farewell and Transfer to Venice Airport

    After breakfast we cruise from San Giorgio to Fusina, where we arrive at 11 AM. You are then transferred to Villa Goetzen Hotel in Dolo or to Marco Polo airport. If you have an early flight or are staying at a hotel in Venice, we can make custom arrangements, like booking a water taxi to your destination at your expense.

    Note: This itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions, navigation regulations, etc. On alternate weeks, the cruise will be in reverse with minor changes.



    La Dolce Vita
    2009 Season Cruise Schedule*
    Week Route Season
    Apr 5 Venice Lido-Padua Low
    Apr 12 Padua-Venice Lido Low
    Apr 19 Venice Lido-Padua Low
    Apr 26 Padua-Venice Lido Low
    May 3 Venice Lido-Padua Regular
    May 10 Padua-Venice Lido Regular
    May 17 Venice Lido-Padua Regular
    May 24 Padua-Venice Lido Regular
    May 31 Venice Lido-Padua Regular
    Jun 7 Padua-Venice Lido Regular
    Jun 14 Venice Lido-Padua Regular
    Jun 21 Padua-Venice Lido Regular
    Jun 28 Venice Lido-Padua Regular
    Jul 5 Padua-Venice Lido Regular
    Jul 12 Venice Lido-Padua Regular
    Cruise Schedule* ... continued
    Week Route Season
    Jul 19 Padua-Venice Lido Regular
    Jul 26 Venice Lido-Padua Regular
    Aug 2 Padua-Venice Lido Regular
    Aug 9 Venice Lido-Padua Regular
    Aug 16 Padua-Venice Lido Regular
    Aug 23 Venice Lido-Padua Regular
    Aug 30 Padua-Venice Lido Regular
    Sep 6 Venice Lido-Padua Regular
    Sep 13 Padua-Venice Lido Regular
    Sep 20 Venice Lido-Padua Regular
    Sep 27 Padua-Venice Lido Regular
    Oct 4 Venice Lido-Padua Low
    Oct 11 Padua-Venice Lido Low
    Oct 18 Venice Lido-Padua Low
    Oct 25 Padua-Venice Lido Low


    NOTE: Special rates may apply for the Regatta cruise weeks. Please contact us for further information.

    *Note: Cruise directions and sample itineraries may be in reverse and are subject to change and may depend on bookings and local navigation conditions. Alternate excursions of equal appeal are substituted when needed. For charter cruises special itineraries can be arranged.


    LA DOLCE VITA
    2009 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS
    ACCOMMODATION VALUE
    Apr 5 thru May 2
    Oct 4 thru Oct 31
    REGULAR
    May 3 thru Oct 3
    Cabin (per person, double occupancy)
    $3,100
    $3,500
    Suite (per person, double occupancy)
    $3,600
    $4,000
    Single Occupancy Supplement
    $1,350
    $1,550
    Charter for 4
    $16,200
    $18,000
    Charter for 5
    $17,200
    $19,000
    Charter for 6
    $18,200
    $20,000
    Honeymoon Charter for 2
    $14,000
    $15,000



    NOTE: Rates for three night cruises available upon request.
    Please call or email us for more details.

    What's Included

    - 7 days and 6 nights on the barge, all cabins with private bath
    - transfers from Venice to the barge and return
    - all meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday
    - all wines with lunches and dinners
    - open bar
    - all escorted side-excursions
    - use of bicycles

    What's Not Included

    - overseas air transportation to Venice and return
    - suggested 5-7% gratuity for the crew, to be paid in equivalent Euros to the captain

    Special Places Travel, LLC
    "Barges in France (and the rest of Europe) ... for the experience of a lifetime!" ™

    For booking information,
    Phone (toll-free): 1-877-64-BARGE (1-877-642-2743)
    Outside of the U.S.: 001.443.321.3614
    or E-mail: info@specialplacestravel.com



    Return to TOP of PAGE
    Text and images Copyright © 2004-2007, 2008 by Special Places Travel, and others. All rights reserved worldwide. No use or adaptation in any form without written permission. Contact Special Places Travel for further information. Web design by Special Places Travel, LLC., Edgewater, Maryland USA. All rights reserved.
    Last Update: February 4, 2009

    Barges in France, A Division of Special Places Travel, LLC.
    Barges in Europe, A Division of Special Places Travel, LLC.

    Member: American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), Outside Sales Support Network (OSSN). Bonded. Founded 1997. American Express, Visa, Mastercard, Discover accepted.