La Dolce Vita, originally a Dutch vessel, gradually made her way through the canals of France and around Italy and up the Adriatic to the calm waters of the Venetian lagoon. Their unique cruise not only visits Venice's well known and lesser known attractions but also encompasses the outer islands of Torcello, Burano and Murano, as well as cruising the unknown and beautiful, canalised Brenta river.

La Dolce Vita is a charming 6 passenger vessel with a crew of three, and she is the only hotel barge cruising this unique route. The lagoon surrounding Venice, the Venice Lido beach, Hemingway's influence, the faboulous Villas on the River Brenta all compliment the attractions of Venice itself where one could spend at least 6 months enjoying the amazing Renaissance architecture before venturing inside some of the buildings to discover the works of Canaletto, Tintoretto, and many other Italian masters. Weeks of research into La Dolce Vita's itinerary promise a fantastic cruise aboard Italy's first hotel barge.

Venice of course is a jewel in the crown of the Venetian lagoon and La Dolce Vita's route is a mixture of canal and river following the ancient trade routes used by the Romans and the early Mediterranean settlers before them. As well as the incredible delights of Venice itself, where the history goes back over 2000 years with some architectural features dating back even to the Byzantenial era. The additional opportunity afforded by hotel barge travel becomes obvious as they create their own schedule oblivious to the hustle and bustle of other visitors to Venice.

The cruise around the Venetian lagoon and along the Brenta river is as unique as Venice herself. La Dolce Vita's itinerary combines four very different landscapes: from that of the picturesque islands of the northern lagoon to the charm of romantic Venice; and from the wilderness of the southern lagoon to the splendid architectures of the countryside villas along the Brenta river. This mixture of culture, art and nature is unparalleled in hotel barge cruising terms.

The Venetians have a very special way of life, transporting everything and everybody everywhere by water. To fully appreciate this aspect, our barge cruise mostly includes transportation on boats, but on some occasions it is possible to ride bicycles. In Venice it is possible to sample an Italian opera, a Vivaldi concert, and of course shopping for fine Italian clothes and the famous Murano glass objects.

This fairytale adventure allows time to explore the history and legend of the baroque, the renaissance , the middle ages and before. The islands of the northern Venetian lagoon, Murano, Burano and Torcello, exude a charm and intrigue of their own, surpassed only by the Old Lady of the Lagoon, who in her prime ruled much of the Mediterranean.

Delicious seafood, local culinary specialties, fine wines and attentive service complete the picture. La Dolce Vita is the only hotel barge cruising this exceptional region.

A crew of three, captain, chef and hostess,will be at the service of the six guests during the entire cruise, making La Dolce Vita a unique and more fulfilling experience of Venetian lifestyle.