|
If you’re already a convert to the gentle art of river cruising, you’ll know that embarking aboard a luxury hotel barge and meandering through the tranquil waterways of Europe is one of the most fulfilling and relaxing ways to enjoy the landscape, art, history and cuisine of a huge range of destinations. If you’ve never considered this wonderful holiday option before, perhaps it’s time you did! Explore on a River Cruise in Italy Italy is a popular choice for this style of travel and it’s no secret that the country has some of the most picturesque landscapes in the world. Known in its entirety as Tartaro-Canalbianco-Po di Levante, the waterway in the north-east of the country that includes the Bianco Canal cuts inland through the iconic Po Valley and the provinces of Verona, Mantua and Rovigo. Fast Facts A river cruise in Italy that takes in the Bianco Canal introduces you to a part of the world that is rich in scenery, history and culture. Here are some fast facts to take with you! The entire Tartaro-Canalbianco-Po di Levante encompasses 147kms in three sections: the first (Tartaro) running through the provinces of Verona and Mantua, and the second and third (Canal Bianco and Po di Levante) running through Rovigo. The name (it’s also known as Canalbianco) translates to “White Canal”. The canal is the manmade middle section of the longer waterway and stretches 78 kilometres from the town of Torretta to the Volta Grimana basin. It was dug out and constructed in 1604, for the purposes of being able to conduct trade along the entire length of the waterways that connect the city of Mantua to the Adriatic Sea. The ancient Etruscan town of Adria is one of the highlights of a river cruise in Italy along this renowned waterway. Steeped in history, this bustling port is home to a superb archaeological museum that tells the story of its Etruscan, Venetian and Roman heritage. A must visit! This part of the country is also home to the famous Bagnoli Estate winery, which has a long heritage of producing wines for the Venetian elite throughout history. While it dates back thousands of years, the 600-hectare estate has been in the hands of the Borletti family for more than a century. The canal is popular not only with luxury barge companies offering it as part of a longer itinerary, but also with smaller leisure vessels including yachts and motor boats. It’s not accessible to large cruise vessels, so it provides a much more relaxing experience than some other places on the water. See the Best of the Country on a River Cruise in Italy Travelling by barge is a way to see the country from a very different perspective. It allows you to take in the scenery in a much more laidback and relaxed way, without the hustle and bustle of having to navigate busy roads or hop on and off tour buses. With plenty of opportunities to go ashore on excursions, you’ll be able to soak up the art, culture, history and cuisine of a host of smaller places that aren’t on the usual beaten track. Author Plate Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive for European Waterways, the UK's most respected provider of all-inclusive luxury barge holidays. If you're looking for a fantastic river cruise in Italy, or cruises to other great destinations, they are the go-to experts. 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.
Related Articles -
River, cruise, in, Italy,
| 
