Our waterway cruises Italy

Waterway cruising : a more authentic form of tourism for an unforgettable holiday

Whether you depart from our Chioggia or Marano base, we’ll support you in meeting your needs and preferences. You’ll be able to choose your boat from a vast range designed to satisfy everyone’s desires. Before embarking on your houseboat, we’ll train you to captain it. You’ll then be able start your journey, with a wealth of waterways to choose from in this region. The Venice lagoon connects to innumerable canals and, whichever base you depart from, the Po Valley is a great place to aim for. You’ll now know how to manoeuvre your boat as you approach the locks and going through them will delight your whole crew, providing an opportunity to interact with the lock keeper.

A slow pace and ideal conditions for a relaxing holiday

There are, of course, certain historical sites that simply must be visited, even during a river cruise. Leave your houseboat and take one of the many gondolas on a tour around Venice — La Serenissima. Moor on the outskirts of Treviso so you can stroll through the streets of this historic city or head to nearby Adria, the historic heart of which features on the UNESCO world heritage list.

A waterway cruise is nevertheless also characterised by an alternative way of life – a slower pace that gives you the opportunity to admire all your surroundings. From Venice to Marano Lagoon, the landscapes in this region are indeed spectacular. This relaxed rhythm also invites you to meet new people and discover new things. Go on foot or by ATB bike to visit villages located away from the main roads and immerse yourself in the traditions of this Italian region. Local culinary specialities, folklore and customs will all be part of the magic of your Italian waterway cruise, so embrace these pleasures and start thinking about the itinerary for your next waterway cruise right now !

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One-way only Suitable for people with reduced mobility

Must-see places for a successful stay

Venice Lagoon and its unspoilt nature

Venice Lagoon is the largest lagoon in Europe with a surface area of 550 km 2. Like La Serenissima herself, it’s a must-see site, whether as part of a waterway cruise or a more traditional holiday in Italy. The 3 mouths of the river make this a unique ecosystem, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. To enjoy this unique setting to the full, you should prepare your excursion according to the tide times. You’ll then have the opportunity to discover more than 418 islands submerged by the waters, which emerge to the amazement of tourists. The canals make it possible to explore every detail, so head to Venice Lagoon and enjoy visiting the towns on its banks.

Venice Carnival

Venice Carnival was mentioned as far back as the 10th century and is now held during the 10 days preceding Ash Wednesday. During these 10 days, the city is decked out in all its finery, with shows and entertainment offered in all La Serenissima’s streets. Head for Saint Mark’s Square to admire jugglers and fire-eaters. The Carnival of Venice is also, and above all, about the costumes and masks. Wonder at the bautas, taborros and other Voltos, or you might prefer the traditional harlequin mask. There’ll be one highlight after another during the Venice Carnival – don’t miss the Flight of the Angel, which marks the beginning of the festivities, or the traditional Feast of Mary. The Venice Carnival is a real chance to get away from it all, so make the most of it!

Murano glass blowers

Murano, the biggest and best-known of the lagoon’s islands, is located to the North of Venice. You’ll marvel at the Grand Canal, which crosses Murano from one side to the other, allowing you to admire the palaces and glassmakers’ workshops. Indeed, Murano has, for centuries, been the realm of glassblowers and glassmakers, who have contributed to Venice’s renown. Don’t miss the chance to contemplate this unique know-how, still perpetuated in the workshops today. Discovering the Murano glassblowers will also give you the opportunity to admire a masterpiece of Venetian-Byzantine architecture: Saint Mary and Saint Donatus Church, with its 3-nave basilica layout.

Venetian Gastronomy

Whether on your houseboat or in one of the countless restaurants in Venice or Murano, the local gastronomy will take you on a real voyage of flavours. As with everywhere else in Italy, you can enjoy pizza and pasta, but the lagoon also has many other succulent discoveries in store. To whet your appetite, don’t resist the chance to indulge in cicchetti, the great little appetisers used to begin a meal in Venice and its surrounding region. You can savour the local shellfish or opt for the regional speciality of fritto misto, comprising fried squid, prawns and sardines. Bigoli is another Venetian dish – the traditional Italian pasta once again, served with an anchovy sauce.

Venice, one of the most romantic cities in Europe

Is it still valid to speak of Venice’s romanticism? As you take to a gondola along the canals winding through La Serenissima, or enjoy a stroll around Saint Mark’s Square, it still has a host of surprises in store for tourists. The city on the lagoon benefits from an enchanting climate and contains countless treasures to uncover, whether as a couple or indeed as a family. The Rialto Bridge will leave you with unforgettable memories, while the Doge's Palace will take you on a trip back in time. Every building in the city tells a story and transports you to another realm. The Campanile is another essential sight to take in during your visit to La Serenissima. For even more fun, organise your trip during the Venice Carnival, during when the city really comes alive.