THE 6 PASSENGER
LA DOLCE VITA ....
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. Weeks of research into our itinerary promise
a fantastic cruise aboard Italy's first hotel barge.
La Dolce Vita has three comfortable cabins,
one twin, one twin/double and one double. All are en-suite,
the vessel is air-conditioned and there is a good sized
sundeck for outside dining or just watching all that
fantastic italian architecture floating 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 architecural
features dating back even to the Byzantenial 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 probably the most
exciting new addition to our fleet. The crew are led
by Massimiliano who is our skipper and your host, this
tall charming Venetian comes from a family of mariners
and will really look after you. He is assisted by a chef
and housekeeper and guided tours are taken along the
way.
ITINERARY
- Venice, the Islands of the Lagoon, the Brenta River,
Padua.
Venice - Padua
Sunday
Lido – Forte di Sant’Andrea
Guests are met at 5 PM at Hotel Villa Goetzen in Dolo,
just 20 minutes by taxi from Venice and Marco Polo
Airport. After a welcome drink of
Prosecco, La Dolce Vita cruises to the Fort of Sant’Andrea, the
ancient Venetian artillery defence base, where we moor for the night
and enjoy a superb fish dinner on board.
Monday
Torcello – Burano
In the morning La Dolce Vita hugs the coast of Sant’Erasmo with
its orchards and vegetable gardens and arrives in Torcello, the first
island of the lagoon to be colonised 2000 years ago. We see the Cathedral
of Santa Maria Assunta, a beautiful example of Veneto-Byzantine style.
We have lunch while cruising on the Siloncello canal and in the afternoon
we visit Burano, a picturesque fishermen’s island in the northern
lagoon. We walk through the colourful streets of Burano and visit the
Lace Museum. We moor for the night on the calm waters of Burano. Dinner
on board.
Tuesday
Burano – San Francesco – San Lazzaro – Murano
We start our cruise passing by San Francesco del Deserto Island, where
we can moor and visit the monastery. We then proceed to San Lazzaro
degli Armeni where we visit one of the most interesting libraries of
Venice with 150,000 volumes and more than 4,000 Armenian manuscripts,
some nearly 1,300 years old. The monks of the San Lazzaro monastery
have welcomed visitors for more than two centuries. In 1816, Lord Byron
visited the island twice a week for six months, studying Armenian and
envying the monks' comfortable academic lifestyle. A plaque quotes
Byron as saying, "The visitor will be convinced that there are
other and better things even in this life”. We end the day with
a short cruise around Venice to reach Murano and moor for the night
on the Grand Canal of the island of glass. Dinner on board.
Wednesday
Murano – Venice - San Giorgio
We visit a glass-blowing workshop in Murano. Then we move on for a
tour of the Grand Canal in Venice aboard a water taxi and reach San
Giorgio Island for our lunch facing Saint Mark. In the afternoon we
take you on a guided tour of the Doge’s Palace and Saint Mark
in Venice. Later you have some free time to visit Venice. We moor for
dinner on San Giorgio Island.
Thursday
San Giorgio - Brenta River to Dolo
This morning we cruise up River Brenta to Mira, passing by Villa Foscari
in Malcontenta, a masterpiece of the Renaissance architect Palladio.
We visit Villa Widmann, a typical Venetian luxurious villa with wonderful
frescos. In the afternoon we move on for 2 more hours to Dolo, where
we moor for the night. For those who like cycling, it is possible to
follow the barge on a bicycle today. Before dinner we take you for
a glass of wine at the old water mill of Dolo.
Friday
Dolo - Stra - Padova
Further ascent of river Brenta to Stra, where we visit Villa Pisani,
an 18th century masterpiece of Venetian architecture with frescos from
Tiepolo. Whilst we cruise you can follow the barge by bicycle along
the river and by the afternoon our cruise brings us in Padua, where
we moor at Portello gate, one of the best preserved parts of the ancient
city walls. We then visit Giotto’s Chapel and then we walk into
the centre, which is as full of history as Venice herself. The Farewell
Dinner will be at a restaurant in the centre of Padua.
Saturday
Padua - Venice
After breakfast at 9 am you are transferred to Hotel Villa Goetzen
in Dolo, Marco Polo. If you have an early flight or if you are staying
at a hotel in Venice, we can make custom arrangements for you at your
expense
This
itinerary is in reverse direction on alternative weeks
On alternate weeks,
cruise will be in reverse
ITINERARY
- Venice, the Islands of the Lagoon, the Brenta River,
Padua.
Padua - Venice
Sunday
Padua and the Piovego Canal
Guests are met at 5 PM at Hotel Villa Goetzen in Dolo, just 20 minutes
by taxi from Venice and Marco Polo Airport. 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 at Portello gate, one of the best preserved
gates of the ancient city walls.
Monday
Padua - Noventa
In the morning we take a tour of the Botanical Garden, the oldest in
the world. In the afternoon we visit Giotto’s Chapel and we walk
into the centre, which is as full of history as Venice herself. Our
afternoon cruise brings us to Noventa along river Brenta, where we
moor for dinner on board.
Tuesday
Noventa – Stra – Dolo
Further descent of River Brenta to Stra, where we visit Villa Pisani,
an 18th century masterpiece of Venetian architecture with frescos from
Tiepolo. In the afternoon we move on for 2 more hours to Dolo, where
we moor for the night. For those who enjoy cycling, it is possible
to follow the barge on a bicycle. Before our superb fish dinner at
Villa Goetzen restaurant, we take you for a glass of wine at the old
water mill of Dolo.
Wednesday
Dolo – Malcontenta - Venice - 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 have a guided tour of the Doge’s
Palace and Saint Mark in Venice. A water taxi will then take you through
the Grand Canal to Murano, where La Dolce Vita is moored for the night.
Dinner on board
Thursday
San Giorgio - Brenta River to Dolo
We visit a glass-blowing workshop in Murano. Our cruise then takes
us to Torcello, the first island of the lagoon to be colonised 2000
years ago. We see the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, a beautiful
example of Veneto-Byzantine style. We have lunch while cruising on
Siloncello Canal and in the afternoon we visit Burano, a picturesque
fishermen’s island in the northern lagoon. We walk through the
colourful streets of Burano and visit the Lace Museum. We moor for
the night on the calm waters of Burano and enjoy dinner on board.
Friday
Burano – San Francesco – Venezia – San
Giorgio
We start our cruise today by passing by San Francesco del Deserto Island,
where we can moor and visit the monastery. We then proceed to San Lazzaro
degli Armeni where we visit one of the most interesting libraries of
Venice with 150,000 volumes and more than 4,000 Armenian manuscripts,
some nearly 1,300 years old. The monks of the San Lazzaro monastery
have welcomed visitors for more than two centuries. In 1816, Lord Byron
visited the island twice a week for six months, studying Armenian and
envying the monks' comfortable academic lifestyle. A plaque quotes
Byron as saying, "The visitor will be convinced that there are
other and better things even in this life.”
In the late afternoon we moor in San Giorgio, just in front of Saint
Mark, from where you can reach Venice in 5 minutes by boat and spend
some more free time in the city until the Captain’s Farewell
Dinner on board.
Saturday
San Giorgio - Fusina
After breakfast we cruise to Fusina, where we arrive at 11 am. You
are then transferred to Hotel Villa Goetzen in Dolo or Marco Polo airport.
If you have an early flight or if you are staying at a hotel in Venice,
we can make custom arrangement at your expense.
This
itinerary is in reverse direction on alternative weeks
LA DOCE VITA BARGE
INFORMATIONS
THE
BARGE HERSELF
FORMER
PURPOSE: Cargo barge in Holland
YEAR OF CONSTRUCTION: 1897
DIMENSIONS: Length
21 metres; width 4.9 metres
YEAR CONVERTED INTO A HOTEL
BARGE: 2004
LAST REFIT: Spring
2006
GENERATORS: 2
MAIN ENGINE: Deutz,
6000 cc 150 Hp
MAXIMUM SPEED: 5
knots
WATER AND FUEL CAPACITY: 6,000
litres water; 3,000 litres fuel
PERSONNEL
CREW
: 3: Captain, Chef, Tour guide/deck-hand Our
crew are generally Italian with one crew-member who speaks
English.
ACCOMMODATION:
CAPACITY
FOR ACCOMMODATION: Up to 6 passengers
NUMBER AND TYPES OF CABINS: 1
double-bedded Suite at the bow, 1 twin
Stateroom (beds in L shape) and one twin/double-bedded
Stateroom. Equipped with en-suite facilities,
mirror, drawer, closet space and reading
lights.
SIZES
OF THE CABINS
Pisani Suite: 2.60 metres x 4.60 metres + bathroom about 1.90 metres
x 1.00 metres
Foscari Stateroom: 2.80 x 1.90 metres + bathroom about 1.90 metres
x1.00 metres
Val Marana Stateroom: 2.70 metres x 1.90 metres + bathroom about 1.90
metres x 1.00 metres
Note: The
measurements above are approximate
BATHROOMS:
All cabins have showers, WC and hand basin. Tiled floors
Supplied with: hand soap and towels
CLOSET
SPACE: Yes
HAIRDRYERS: Yes
SIZE OF THE BEDS: 190
cms x 75 cms
CLIMATE
CONTROL & ELECTRICITY
AIR
CONDITIONING: Yes (individual units in all cabins)
CENTRAL HEATING: Yes (individual
units in all cabins)
ELECTRICITY SUPPLY: All
our barges are wired for 220 volts. We
suggest you bring an adapter for your
particular appliance, which corresponds
to the standard Italian 220 volt two
pin plugs. If you wish to use an electrical
appliance on board, please ask one of
the crew when you arrive on board to
ensure that it is suitable to the barge’s
electrical system. European Waterways
cannot be held responsible for unforeseen
voltage fluctuations which sometimes
occur when swapping from one voltage
system to another.
PUBLIC
ROOMS:
SALOON/DINING
ROOM DIMENSIONS & DESCRIPTION: About 4.5
metres x 4.6 metres
Dining area: 1 table for 8 with bench for 3 and 5 chairs. The living
area has 1 sofa for 3, 3 armchairs and 4 large windows. There are 2
steps to cabins without handrail and 7 steps to deck with handrail.
There is a hardwood floor throughout and lights for reading and typical
Venetian pictures on the walls
SUNDECK: Size –7 metres x 4.6 metres with
handrail around. 2 wood reclining chairs, 1 wood table with 8 chairs
and parasols.
GASTRONOMY
There
is no assigned seating for meals and the dining room
on board ‘La Dolce Vita’ accommodates all
guests at a single sitting. Italian cuisine is featured.
BREAKFAST:
Continental style breakfast: cereals, fresh fruit, yoghurts, cheese,
ham, freshly squeezed fruit juices, fresh bread and jams. Eggs can
be cooked on request.
LUNCH:
Buffets of colourful salads, cold meats that may be accompanied by
hot soup or entrée, delectable desserts and a different
selection of regional cheeses and wines daily.
DINNER:
Always a gastronomic adventure by our talented chef. A taste of regional
cuisine by candlelight. Harmonising food and good wines from the
best vineyards. Followed by a selection of regional cheeses. Coffee
and liqueurs served in the saloon.
CAPTAIN’S
DINNER:
Captain’s dinner on the last night. Dress slightly formal.
SPECIAL
FOOD REQUIREMENTS:
Special food requirements (such as vegetarian or allergies) are catered
for if requested in advance. Please ensure our Reservations Manager
has been notified at least 8 weeks prior to your cruise departure.
DRINKS
WHICH ARE INCLUDED IN THE CRUISE PRICE:
There is an open bar on board which you can help yourself from non-alcoholic
and alcoholic beverages. Regular or decaffeinated tea and coffee, whole
or low fat milk, are offered with all meals. During lunch and dinner
wine is offered and also available at other times.
TAP
WATER
Tap water in and on board ‘La Dolce Vita’ is potable and
bottled water is available on board.
LEISURE & ENTERTAINMENT
ON
BOARD - Hi-fi system and compact discs. Guests
are welcome to bring their favourite compact discs from
home 6 touring bikes – these are not kept on board
at all times, therefore please advise at least 3 weeks
prior to departure if you would like the use of bikes.
Children’s bikes and child bike seats can be arranged
if required. Please let us know at least 8 weeks prior
to departure. Chess, cards, backgammon A small library
of books on the area Binoculars for watching the bird
life
CYCLING
Passengers are welcome to walk or cycle using the on board bicycles
on certain days. Your captain will keep you up to date about this.
CANAL,
RIVER AND LAGOON CRUISING
25% of your cruise is on the River Brenta and Brenta Canal and 75%
is on canal passages within the lagoon, cruising around Venice and
cruising around the islands
EXCURSIONS
AND TRANSFERS
Excursion transport is either water-taxi or vaporetto. An air-conditioned
minibus is used for transfers to the airport.
EXCURSIONS
FOR CHARTER GROUPS
If you are chartering, the itinerary can be adapted to suit your group’s
particular needs. If the excursion is within a reasonable distance
of the barge we will do everything we can to arrange it. Please advise
our office in advance and the Captain can be informed.
CHARTER
GROUPS FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN
This cruise is great for families with children and the crew adapt
the itinerary to make the cruise fun and interesting for all ages.
In the summer time we suggest spending half a day at one of the lido’s
beaches. Venice has some interesting museums for children including
the Naval Museum. There are wonderful cycling opportunities along the
Lido and the river Brenta and children’s bikes can be arranged
to be on board.
FOR
THOSE NOT WISHING TO ATTEND EXCURSIONS
You are welcome to stay behind on the barge, do a spot of independent
sightseeing, walking or cycling.
THEMED
CRUISES
At
certain times of the year we offer itineraries based
around opera performances and regattas. There are also
opportunities during the week to play golf (green fees
and transfer costs are payable in addition to the cruise
cost) – please advise our Sales Manager in advance
of your cruise if you wish to play golf.
PASSENGERS WITH MOBILITY RESTRICTIONS
La
Dolce Vita has restricted facilities for passengers
with mobility issues. If you would like more information
on the barge layout, it is advisable to discuss the
matter on the phone with our Sales Manager.
CLOTHES,
LUGGAGE
There
is a casual dress code on board and it is very much up
to the individual what they bring to wear. The only evening
you may want to dress up a little is the Captain’s
Dinner but this is completely up to you. The weather
in the lagoon is generally warm. June, July, August is
usually the warmest with little rain so we suggest shorts
and tee shirts with a thin rain mackintosh just in case
of a light shower and some slightly warmer clothes for
enjoying those drinks on the deck in the evening. Do
not forget your sun hat for a relaxing time on deck with
a glass of wine.
Once
you have unpacked your cases will be safely stored
elsewhere on the barge. Please try and fit everything
for your cruise into one reasonably sized suitcase
per person. Soft bags are preferable.
LAUNDRY
FACILITIES
Laundry facilities are limited. It is advisable to bring sufficient
clean clothing for your cruise.
SMOKING
Our
barges have a strict non-smoking policy. We ask smokers
not to smoke inside the barge as this may create an offence
to your shipmates. We categorically do not permit smoking
in the cabins for safety reasons. If you would like to
smoke we request that you smoke outside on deck away
from fellow passengers.
FACILITIES
Passenger
telephones and internet access are not available aboard ‘La
Dolce Vita.’
