If you like the idea of river cruises, Italy should be a
destination at the top of your list to research and consider. It's true
that might be a surprise to some. The country tends to conjure up images
of heat, history, fine food and friendly people - but rivers and
cruising? Not so much.In fact, parts of the country are very fortunate in having all of the above, plus some magnificent rivers running through them as well. One such area is that stretching between Venice and the great northern Italian cultural centres of Mantua and Ferrara.
Routes in this area traverse a combination of the River Po, its subsidiaries and canals.
So much to see from the water
When it comes to river cruises, Italy puts on its very best face. To begin with, you have the incomparable beauty of Venice - once a great independent maritime republic and world power in its own right. It is one of the world's great treasure houses of art and culture, which, unfortunately, sometimes slightly overshadows its neighbouring Italian cities.
Mantua, for example was arguably as famous as Venice in many respects during the late medieval and early modern periods. A great centre of music and architecture, today the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's certainly not difficult to get there from Venice, but is there a better way than on a luxury cruise? If there is, it's hard to imagine it.
Then there is Ferrara. Yet again, today not as well-known as its nearby neighbour Venice, during the Renaissance this was a major centre of learning and a significant power in Italian affairs. It has some of the best-preserved Renaissance city walls in the country, and boasts many impressive early buildings and piazzas that have made it, too, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Of course, when cruising through these ancient Italian lands, it's not all about old buildings and famous people from history. This part of Italy, for example, boasts some of the best cuisine you'll find anywhere - and of course one can't forget the wines!
Then there is the countryside and the smaller villages and towns passed en-route between the major centres. Granted, they may lack the grandeur of their larger neighbours but they're charming and authentic, often surrounded by some very beautiful countryside.
So why see all this on river cruises? Italy is blessed with trains, planes and autostradas that do a great job of getting you from 'A' to 'B' quickly, but is that really the best way to see this marvellous countryside and rich tapestry of art and history? You may think not and if so, a cruise in this area will be a holiday you'll cherish in your memory for a long time. So it's clear that river cruises, Italy and fine holidays do go hand on hand. Try it and you'll see for yourself.
Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive for European
Waterways, a provider of luxury, all-inclusive barge holidays. If
you're looking for river cruises, Italy has some of the world's most picturesque waterways. We also offer experiences in France, Holland and the UK.
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