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.
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.
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.
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*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 |
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
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