European Waterways offers one-way Italian river cruises on luxury barges for six or 20 passengers. Twenty-passenger cruises start at the Venetian Lagoon and sail to Po Valley and Mantua. Six-passenger cruises begin in Venice proceeding to Murano, Torcello, Burano and the Brenta River. Tours include guides who lead land excursions and explain history and culture of the region. Barges are fully air-conditioned with upper deck rooms and cabins, dining room and viewing platforms. All meals are included.
European Waterways Ltd
35 Wharf Road, Wraysbury, Middlesex
TW19 5JQ, England
800-394 8630
gobarging.com/
Boating Europe offers one-way self-drive barge tours in Italy. Guests choose from one-week, 10-day or two-week itineraries starting in Chiogga, a small fishing village near Venice. Tours include a training course in barge handling and maintenance as well as arranged timelines. Barges have viewing platforms, state rooms with shared bath and sufficient fuel to complete the course. Main tour stops include Pellestrina, Venice, Murano, Burano, Torcello and Marano. Guests are responsible for their own meals.
Boating Europe
Bridge House, Brook Street
Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 1PP
United Kingdom
+44-0-1756-701200
cruiseinitaly.com/barge-holidays.htm
Barge Connection offers a six-night, one-way cruise on the Brenta River aboard a luxury cruiser. The tour starts in Padua and ends in Venice, with stops and guided excursions at churches, museums and shopping districts. Barge amenities include a double suite and two staterooms, heat and air-conditioning, hotel transfers and all meals. Tours are held from April to October.
The Barge Connection
2036 Nevada City Highway #311
Grass Valley, CA 95945
888-550-8580
bargeconnection.com/
Special Places Travel offers seven-day, six-night one-way barge cruises starting in Venice or Padua. Tours include an Italian crew, fine dining chef and tour guide. With capacity for six passengers, the barge has staterooms with private bath, open deck area, dining room and bar. All meals and drinks are included. The tour stops at historical attractions on the itinerary and guests are treated to private guided excursions.
Special Places Travel
877-642-2743
bargesineurope.com/
4 Wind Tours offers a unique eight-day Bike and Barge excursion in Italy. Starting in Mantova or Venice, guests sail one-way along the Mincio and Po Valleys, stopping at various points. Guests then take bike excursions through the Italian countryside with guides who explains the wildlife, flora and history of the region. Barge amenities include lower staterooms, private baths and all meals including packed lunches for biking trips. Tours are held from March to October only.
4 Winds Specialty Tours
612 The Parkway
Richland, WA 99352
509.943.4686
4windstours.com/
