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To truly experience and appreciate the delights of the country’s architecture, culture and history, an Italy river cruise is the perfect option. Particularly suited to the tranquil atmosphere of river sightseeing is Venice, with its winding waterways and glittering canals. The buildings reflect off the sparkling lagoons, providing an immersive encounter with this most romantic of destinations, and the inimitable city is displayed in all its splendour from the deck of a river cruise boat. It’s a unique and exciting way to explore Venice, bringing you the Veneto capital from the perspective it was intended - from the water. Bridging the Divide A city bereft of roads is in need of a comprehensive system of bridges to allow tourists and locals access to its breathtaking menu of palaces, basilicas and museums. Home to around 400 bridges, Venice is famed for its walkways, crafted mostly of stone, but with some wooden and iron crossings too. An Italy river cruise is the perfect way to meander below these pedestrians, and to appreciate some of the most famous bridges in the world. For the Romantics You’ll have the chance to become acquainted with the most famous bridge in Venice, the Bridge of Sighs. Connecting the prisons (prigioni) with the Doge’s Palace, the prominent crossover point has become associated with romance and love in recent years. It is named so because of the ‘sigh’ visitors often express at the beauty of the unique design. This amorous reputation, however, belies its haunting history; the bridge actually offered prisoners one final look at the city before they were led to their deaths, and was often a favoured location for the suicide of separated lovers. For the Photographers As your Italy river cruise continues to the sestiere of Santa Croce, the Scalzi Bridge will delight with its awe-inspiring views of the Grand Canal and the Ponte Della Paglia. Once visited by Napoleon Bonaparte as he journeyed to Milan, the Scalzi now provides a crossing in one of the city’s boutique regions, home to many restaurants and entertainment venues. For the Foodies The main pedestrian walkway across the Grand Canal is the Rialto Bridge, a huge arched crossing lined with rows of shops, used previously as a marketplace. An Italy river cruise may allow you to alight here to learn of the history of the Rialto, built first in 1173 and destroyed and rebuilt several times since. For the Intellectuals Noted for its wooden structure amongst its stone peers, the Ponte dell Accademia provides access to the Galleria dell Accademia, one of the most famous museums in Venice. After having been assessed for safety concerns, the current structure was constructed in 1985. So there you have it - if you want to experience Venice as the Venetians do, and have done for centuries, an Italy river cruise with a renowned company is the obvious choice. Offering luxury, a friendly atmosphere and delectable cuisine on board, and enveloping you in the charms of the city as you travel, it’s the perfect way for you to enjoy an unforgettable Italian experience. Author Plate Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive for European Waterways, the UK's most respected provider of all-inclusive, luxury Italy river cruise itineraries, as well as barge holidays in other great destinations. Part of a team of experienced barging aficionados, Paul is first in line to endorse the perks of a slow-paced barge cruise to anyone looking for a unique holiday experience.
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