Italy is a wonderful destination for a canal cruising holiday. The very popular tourist destination has a network of picturesque rivers and canals to explore, and some of the best are found around the Venice area.
One of the most popular options for Italian river cruises is to travel from Venice to Mantua, which will take you through stunning scenery and a number of interesting towns along the way. Here are some of the highlights you may be able to see.
Venice
Venice is the ideal starting point for the itinerary of Italian river cruises, so if you embark from here make sure you spend some time exploring this unique city. The canals and attractions of Venice are truly spectacular and there really is nowhere else quite like it.
Explore the Grand Canal from a traditional gondola, eat in the excellent restaurants, and take in the myriad famous sights, which include the Chiesa del Redentore, the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, the Punta della Dogana and St Mark’s Square. Many of these are visible from the canals. Venice is also the perfect city for getting lost. As you wander through the ancient streets you’ll come across a host of off the beaten track attractions that you may otherwise have missed.
Choggia
Choggia is one of the first places you’ll pass as you leave Venice cruising on your way to Mantua. It is famous for its fish market, which is one of the most important in Italy, so it’s well worth taking the time to explore if your itinerary allows it. It is also a very picturesque town with sights including the impressive cathedral and Piazzetta Vigo.
Taglio di Po
This is another town along the route of Italian river cruises in this area. One of the main highlights is the Villa Ca’Zen, a 17th-century villa where Lord Byron wrote some of his best poetry. In addition, you can visit Villa Widmann Borletti, where you can enjoy some wine tasting.
Ferrara
This delightful Renaissance city has many attractions, and is a worthwhile place to alight from the vessel for a few hours if you get the chance. You can see Estense Castle with its moat and drawbridges, and visit Schifanoia Palace to see its impressive frescoes dating back to the 15th century.
Mantua
Mantua was home to artists Donatello and Mantegna, as well as the poet Virgil. It is in a stunning lakeside setting, with buildings displaying both Baroque and Neo-classical architecture. You can visit the Ducal Palace and explore its many courtyards and gardens, as well as enjoy the many paintings and sculptures inside.
Discover Italy ‘s Waterways
Italian river cruises are the perfect way to discover this wonderfully historical and culturally blessed country. The area around Venice and Mantua is incredibly beautiful, and travelling by boat is the perfect way to experience the very best of the landscape, with a host of interesting places to stop off.
