European Waterways is responding to an increase in solo travel demand, launching an exclusive ‘Solo Cruise’ on its largest luxury hotel barge, the 20-passenger La Bella Vita.
Sailing from Venice to the Renaissance city of Mantua, the six-night Solo Cruise offers guests exclusive extra surprises to complement the solo experience, including an after-dinner stroll through Venice, a visit to the iconic Florian Café where they will mingle with locals, and a visit to the Venetian Island of Pellestrina for an aperitif at a bacaro, a traditional corner bar frequented by locals and known for their cicchetti – Venetian-style tapas.
The luxury barge features a unique cruise route with a diverse itinerary that encompasses the Renaissance, Roman, Etruscan, and Byzantine cultures. Guests will cruise the Venetian Lagoon before sailing the River Po and Canal Bianco on their way to the city of Mantua, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a crown jewel in Italy’s Renaissance. Itinerary highlights include an exclusive dinner with a countess at her 17th-century riverside villa, a private wine tasting in the cellars of Villa Widmann-Borletti, interactive cooking demonstrations, and an onboard opera night.
Ending the journey, guests will visit the Mantua’s Ducal Palace, home to some 15 gardens and courtyards, a museum, 12,000 paintings and sculptures, a basilica, and theatre. It’s all capped with a festive Captain’s Dinner, where guests and crew can relive the week together.
“The Solo Cruise is one of our most exciting new offers for 2020. Every aspect has been carefully designed to promote a sense of camaraderie for both the seasoned solo traveller as well as those who are new to going it alone,” said Derek Banks, Managing Director of European Waterways.
“Special surprises also allow like-minded travellers to share in unique experiences and absorb Italy’s rich artistic and historical legacies – all while enjoying world-class wines and gastronomic meals together in complete luxury and comfort,” added Banks.
Departing on 11 October 2020, the all-inclusive cruise includes a special offer of 10% off per person. Cabins start at €4,356 (approximately AU$7,083) for single occupancy (including the promo), a saving of €560 (approximately AU$911). For friends sharing a cabin, double occupancy rates start at €3,141 (approximately AU$5,107) per person – a total saving of €349 (approximately AU$567) per person.
Holding a maximum of 20 guests, La Bella Vita is the ideal size for small groups and offers a guest-to-crew ratio of 2:1.
For more information or to book the Solo Cruise, call 1800 828 050 or visit europeanwaterways.com
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