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European Barge Cruises, Barging in England and Scotland at Cruise Tour Planners.com barge cruise, barge cruises
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European Barging
European barges are smaller: Expect between 6 and 50 passengers. Beyond mealtimes, entertainment onboard may be limited. These ships do not have casinos and ffer little in the way of evening entertainment.
See also River Cruising
Our barging vacations are all inclusive, which means: 6 Nights accommodation on board in an air-conditioned en-suite cabin All transfers, plus daily excursions by chauffeured barge mini van and inclusive entry fees to Castles, Exclusive Vineyards, Markets and local Historical and cultural places of interest. The services of our experienced Captain / Host, Chef, Housekeeper(s) Driver/Tour Guide. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner aboard. All lunch and evening meals aboard are a gastronomic adventure with local produce. Local lunch ashore, once per week on most barges. Depending on the route, this may well be in a Michelin restaurant. An excellent selection of fine regional and international wines and spirits, plus all day Open Bar, tea and coffee. Use of barge facilities such as bicycles, boules, barge library and on certain vessels, a spa pool
Cruise in Luxury and Style An increasingly popular vacation concept among travelers who have “seen” the world through traditional land tours, barge cruising offers more intimate views of the surrounding countryside from the deck of a luxury “hotel” barge – and gives travelers a hands-on opportunity to experience the local lifestyle, culture, and cuisine. Our leisurely cruises represent the ultimate in a luxury vacation, pampering guests on every vessel with regional cuisines created by master chefs, a knowledgeable tour guide, and an experienced, multilingual crew. An air-conditioned minivan follows the barge and takes guests in comfort to all sightseeing attractions on the itineraries; bicycles are also available to explore the region. Prices quoted are for cruise only and include all meals, wines with lunch and dinner, an open bar, and admission to daily excursions on the itineraries. Transfers to and from convenient pick-up locations are also included.
Barge Cruise England on the Upper Thames - British Isles barging
Barging in England Cruises include:
Fully air-conditioned suites, twin or
double staterooms with private bath in all accommodations, gourmet meals aboard
and ashore, fine wines and an open bar, fascinating daily excursions, local
transfers, full use of vessel facilities such as jacuzzi, bicycles and sauna.
Total 11 passengers.Cruising and Barging in England River and Canal Cruising
Barge Cruise England on the Magna Carta on the Middle Thames
The 8 Passenger Magna Carta is one of the finest, most luxurious vessels cruising the British Isles. The ambience created by combining a traditional barge hull (1936) and fine mahogany, teak and oak woods is outstanding The most sophisticated modern amenities include underfloor heating. Accommodation is comprised of four full width staterooms that offer color tv/dvd and exceptionally spacious private bathroom facilities.
The upper deck saloon and dining areas sport picture windows and stylish furnishings, and there is a jacuzzi on the upper sun-deck. Her experienced Captain knows the Thames well and your Master Chef will produce a range of mouth watering dishes, while you enjoy the sights of London and the home counties from your luxury floating hotel, navigating England's Royal River. Two housekeepers complete the crew of four.
Sunday, Magna Carta Day 1 LONDON – KINGSTON-ON-THAMES - HAMPTON COURT PALACE Meet the Captain at the Stafford Hotel in London at 3pm for afternoon English Cream Tea, before being transferred at 4pm to the Magna Carta. Champagne reception and welcome by the Captain. Early evening cruise to Hampton Court Palace, former Tudor Palace of Henry VIII, where we moor for the night. Dinner aboard.
Monday, Magna Carta Day 2 HAMPTON COURT PALACE - SHEPPERTON Morning excursion to visit the state apartments of Henry VIII, whose 5th wife Catherine Howard is said to haunt the Great Hall and Gallery of Hampton Court, the finest Tudor Palace in existence. Wander through the beautiful Royal gardens and maze. In the afternoon enjoy a meandering cruise upstream following the course of the Thames to Shepperton. Dinner aboard.
Tuesday, Magna Carta Day 3 SHEPPERTON - RUNNYMEDE Morning cruise to Runnymede. We moor at Bell Weir Lock adjacent to a luxury spa hotel. After lunch we have the opportunity to visit the spa and use the facilities including pool, sauna and steam room. Beauty therapies, massages and other treatments are available but are best booked in advance. Our tour for the afternoon takes us a short distance to the Magna Carta memorial. Here in 1215 King John was forced to meet the powerful barons and seal this historic document which took away absolute power from the King and later became the basis for the American Bill of Rights. We also visit the JFK Memorial and the Commonwealth Air Forces Memorial before moving on to Savill Gardens, part of Windsor Great Park and containing a wealth of diverse plants and shrubs. Dinner aboard.
Wednesday, Magna Carta Day 4 RUNNYMEDE - WINDSOR This morning we cruise to Windsor before enjoying lunch on board. Afternoon excursion to Windsor Castle. Built by William the Conqueror in 1066 and inhabited for over 900 years by the Royal Family, this is the largest inhabited castle in the world. We explore the State Apartments, Queen Mary's Dolls House and St George's Chapel and enjoy the far-reaching views from its elevated fortress position. Late afternoon cruise to our private moorings. Dinner aboard.
Thursday, Magna Carta Day 5 WINDSOR - COOKHAM Leaving Royal Windsor behind us we cruise past fabulous waterside homes, through the spectacular Cliveden reach and the open English countryside. We moor in Cookham, once described as ‘Heaven on Earth’ by artist Stanley Spencer. One of England’s greatest and most eccentric painters, Spencer would transpose biblical scenes into his surroundings. We visit his gallery and take a walk around the village he loved so much and painted so frequently. Dinner aboard.
Friday, Magna Carta Day 6 COOKHAM – HENLEY ON THAMES A morning cruise to the village of Hurley where we have time to wander Peter Freebody’s boatyard where we can watch in wonder at the traditional craftsman at work. We have time to explore the ancient village including Ye Olde Belle, reputed to be the oldest inn in the country, before returning to the barge. After lunch we cruise to Henley on Thames, our final approach being along the famous Henley Regatta Course. Once we arrive in Henley we will visit the award winning River and Rowing museum. Afterwards there is plenty of time to explore the town for shopping opportunities and browse in antique shops before returning to Magna Carta for the Captain's Farewell Dinner aboard.
Saturday, Magna Carta Day 7 HENLEY-ON-THAMES - LONDON Following breakfast, disembark at 10 am and return to London. NOTE: On alternate weeks, cruise will be in reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
Magna Carta Meeting point: Sunday 3 pm, The Stafford Hotel, St James's Place, London,
Magna Carta England - Middle Thames Here are our 2008 US Dollar Prices
Rates are for six nights on either: A whole boat charter basis or per person based on double occupancy per cabin.
| England - The Royal River Thames - Hampton Court to Henley-on-Thames - Magna Carta | 2009 | |
| ACCOMMODATION | VALUE | REGULAR |
| SUITE | 3800 | 4500 |
| SINGLE SUPPLEMENT | 1200 | 1400 |
| 2009 RATES IN USD PER PERSON |
River Thames in England 2009 & 2010 cruises at 2005 prices! For 2009, the rate per person sharing a double cabin aboard Magna Carta will be $3,690 instead of $4,500, and $28,000 for an 8-person charter instead of $33,000. For 2010, bookings confirmed with a deposit by November 30th 2009 will also be at 2005 prices. What’s more, if you confirm your booking for 2009 or 2010 with a deposit by 31st March 2009, we will give a further discount of $250 per person ($500 discount for a single person occupying a double cabin).
| DEPARTURE DATES (SUNDAY) | ||
| APR 5.12.19.26 | VALUE | |
| MAY 3,10,17,24,31 | REGULAR | |
| JUNE 7,14,21,28 | REGULAR | |
| JULY 5,12,19,26 | REGULAR | |
| AUG 2,9,16,23,30 | REGULAR | |
| SEP 6,13,20,27 | REGULAR | |
| OCT 4,11,18,25 | VALUE | |
| NOV,DEC | VALUE | |
| CHARTER | VALUE | REGULAR |
| 6 PERSONS | 24900 | 28800 |
| 7 PERSONS | 26550 | 30900 |
| 8 PERSONS | 28200 | 33000 |
| 9 PERSONS | on request | on request |
| 10 PERSONS | on request | on request |
Cruising in Scotland - luxury cruise Scotland
The 8 passenger Scottish Highlander canal barge was commissioned in 1999 and is the premier vessel cruising in Scotland's dramatic Great Glen, deep in the Highlands. Whether your choice is our classic Highland Discovery Canal Cruise with fascinating daily minibus excursions or our Premier Golf Cruise featuring Gleneagles, Skibo, Nairn and Royal Dornoch, our Highland Cruise selection offers something for everyone. Observation deck, Central Heating, Fish finder, Generous cabins. Choice of twin or double suites for your European barge cruise vacation.
The 8 passenger Scottish Highlander luxury cruise Scotlandwas fully refurbished in 2000 and has the atmosphere of a Scottish Country House, with subtle use of tartan furnishings and landscape paintings. At 117 feet she is spacious and has every comfort for year-round cruising. Her experienced crew of four ensure attention to your every need while you cruise the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness, arguably the finest inland cruising scenery in the world. The well planned accommodation offers a choice of one double suite and three twin/double staterooms with full private bath facilities.
Scottish Highlander Caledonian Canal Cruise Itinerary
Scottish Highlander Family Cruise Itinerary
Sunday At 4 p.m. we meet you at the Glen Morriston Hotel in Inverness and transfer to the Scottish Highlander moored at nearby Tomnahurich Bridge. Champagne welcome followed by a short cruise to the sleepy riverside village of Dochgarroch. Enjoy the trout leaping in the River Ness, a stone's throw from the Barge. Dinner aboard your luxury barge cruise.
Monday A morning visit to 14th Century Cawdor Castle, forever linked by Shakespeare with Macbeth. The Castle houses a superb collection of tapestries, pictures and furniture with beautiful gardens. Afternoon cruise across Loch Ness to Foyers with excellent nearby forest walks. During the evening the inspiring sound of bagpipes may fill the air as Scottish Highlander hosts our private piper.
Tuesday Breakfast while cruising the infamous Loch Ness. Since 565 AD, when St. Columbus saved a swimmer from a hungry but somewhat shy monster, regular sightings have been recorded. At Fort Augustus, we moor opposite the Abbey with time to wander the village and visit a glass blowing studio and craft shops. We also visit the Caledonian Canal Heritage Center and see an original 1930's film of the Gondolier passenger paddle steamer plying its way between Inverness and Fort William.
Wednesday Cruise via Lock Lochy to Banavie. A full day of myth and folklore visiting Bonnie Prince Charlie's landing site, the Witches Pool and Waterfall and Clan Cameron Museum where we may meet the Clan Chief.
Thursday Today we cruise beneath Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain and along exquisitely beautiful Lock Oich to Fort Augustus. We have a secluded mooring beneath the ruins of 15th century Invergarry Castle and lunch at the baronial Castle Hotel Mansion overlooking Loch Oich. Opportunity for tennis and trout fishing. Our evening mooring at Fort Augustus offers an opportunity for shopping.
Friday Morning cruise down the western shore of Loch Ness, past 13th Century Urquhart Castle. Fought over by Robert the Bruce and Edward I for its commanding position in the Great Glen. Time to capture the spirit of the Loch as we cruise to our home mooring beyond Loch Dochfour at Dochgarroch. We visit the battlefield of Culloden Moor before finishing the day with a whisky tasting at the Glen Morangie distillery. Captain's farewell dinner.
Saturday Passengers disembark for Inverness after a hearty Scottish breakfast.
Seven days/Six nights
Scottish Highlander 117 feet long - 8 passengers - 4 crew 3 TWINS/DOUBLE SUITES , 1 DOUBLE SUITE
2008 Departure Dates (Sunday)
Nov, Dec Value Caledonian Canal
Cruises the Hebrides of Scotland
| 2008 Caledonian Canal - Scottish Highlander | Value |
| Suite per person | $3,490 |
| Charter 8 passengers wholeboat | $24000 |
Cruises include: Fully air-conditioned suites, twin or double staterooms with private bath , gourmet meals aboard and ashore, fine wines and an open bar, fascinating daily excursions, local transfers. Cuisine is traditional Scottish fare - salmon, game, venison and seafood, prepared by your own Master Chef. The experienced crew of four ensure attention to your every need. A cruise along the Great Glen encounters some of Scotland's finest scenery
SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER-SCOTLAND
2009 PRICES IN US $
| 2009 Caledonian Canal - Scottish Highlander | Value | Regular |
| Stateroom | $3490 | $3990 |
| Suite per person | $3,990 | 4590 |
| Single supplement | $1200 | $1350 |
| CHARTER 6 PERSONS | $25200 | $28600 |
| CHARTER 7 PERSONS | $26200 | $29800 |
| Charter 8 passengers wholeboat | $27200 | $31000 |
Child Discount: $150 discount is offered to children aged 0-17 inclusive
| JAN,FEB,MAR | VALUE |
| APR 5.12.19.26 | VALUE |
| MAY 3,10,17,24,31 | REGULAR |
| JUNE 7,14,21,28 | REGULAR |
| JULY 5,12,19,26 | REGULAR |
| AUG 2,9,16,23,30 | REGULAR |
| SEP 6,13,20,27 | REGULAR |
| OCT 4,11,18,25 | VALUE |
| NOV,DEC | VALUE |
2 passengers required on all departures to guarantee the cruise except March and November when a minimum of 4 passengers is required.
THEME CRUISES AVAILABLE FOR CHARTER GROUPS Golf Cruise - $800 supplement per golfer - Available for Charter Groups or minimum of 4 passengers.
Shannon Princess II Ireland CRUISING ON THE LOWER SHANNON
THE 10 PASSENGER SHANNON PRINCESS II is the largest luxury hotel barge cruising the Lower Shannon. Newly commissioned in 2003, her thoughtfully designed interior includes twin or double beds with Lough views, a comfortable saloon, dining area and full length sun deck. Her experienced Captain and crew go out of their way to ensure your every need is accommodated. Your chef was trained at the Ballymaloe School and distinguishes herself at every meal with signature dishes such as parcels of wild salmon, roast of spring lamb, variations of shellfish stew with fresh herbs and of course a grand selection of desserts.
FEATURES 107' long 5 Twin/Double Suites Centrally Heated Panoramic Windows Beautiful Sundeck
click for picture
SAMPLE ITINERARY
DAY 1 - Sunday: Athlone Guests shall be met at 3.00pm at Dublin city centre hotel and transferred by coach to the Shannon Princess at her charming Castleside mooring in the heart of Athlone. Athlone is a flourishing riverside and garrison town dating from the 13th. Century. Your Captain and his crew welcome you onboard the delightful Shannon Princess with Champagne, Black Velvets or Irish Coffees!
DAY 2 - Monday: Athlone to Banagher The Shannon Princess descends through Athlone Lock and heads south through Europe¹s richest example of Callow landscape. Countryside little changed in over 1000 years. This is one of Ireland's premier Wildfowl Reserves. We moor at Clonmacnoise ruins, a famed 6th.Century University and early Christian settlement. After a visit to the interpretive centre we lunch onboard enroute to Banagher arriving mid-afternoon to this typical Irish riverside town. A short bus ride to the narrow gauge bog railway where you will get a fascinating insight to the unique boglands of Ireland. Dinner onboard.
DAY 3 - Tuesday: Banagher to Terryglass We travel a very pretty stretch of the Shannon with an ever-changing landscape slipping by. Travelling down through Meelick lock, pausing as Portumna swing bridge is opened to allow the Shannon Princess passage onto idyllic Lough Derg. We moor at Terryglass Harbour. Time to explore this charming Hamlet before an afternoon excursion to Birr Castle with its glorious landscaped gardens dating from 17th. Century and family seat of the Earls of Ross Lunch in The Derg Inn in the village.
DAY 4 - Wednesday: Terryglass to Galway A full day excursion to Galway City A lively University City and cultural centre for Irish speaking regions in Western Ireland. Visit Galway crystal and a profusion of craft and linen shops. Lunch at a Traditional Guinness & Oyster pub. Return to Shannon Princess for Dinner.
DAY 5 - Thursday: Terryglass to MountShannon We sail south through the especially beautiful Lough Derg passing Forrest park and ancient mountains as we set our course for Mountshannon a lovely lakeside village perched above the Lough. The afternoon excursion is to a unique project set in the grounds of Craggaunowen Castle, designed to bring Bronze Age & Celtic culture to life. Also on display is a reconstructed hide boat used by Irish Monks to sail to North America in the 5th Century. Dinner onboard.
DAY 6 - Friday: MountShannon to Killaloe This morning we cruise through south Lough Derg and her many Islands rejoining the River Shannon and entering Killaloe, once home to the court of the greatest High King of Ireland Brian Boru. We moor on the Tipperary side of this elegant little town. A visit that afternoon to the famous Hunt Museum housed in Limerick City. This is a fascinating collection donated to the state by the Hunt Family Extra optional activities in the afternoon include a visit to Tinaranna House Spa where you can pamper yourself with Sauna, Massage, Aromatherapy and other Spa Services. Alternatively your Captain can hire a private fishing boat and guide. Farewell dinner ends your cruise in style.
DAY 7 - SATURDAY: Killaloe to Dublin Airport/City
Meeting Point: Ireland - Dublin Aberdeen Lodge Hotel,- Sunday 3 pm
Shannon Princess II Ireland - the lower Shannon River
Here are our 2009 US Dollar Prices
Rates are for six nights on either: A whole boat charter basis or per person based on double occupancy per cabin.
Ireland - Lower Shannon River - Shannon Princess II Accommodation
| Ireland - Lower Shannon River - Shannon Princess II | ||
| ACCOMMODATION | VALUE | REGULAR |
| SUITE | 3700 | 4200 |
| SINGLE SUPPLEMENT | 1200 | 1200 |
| 2009 RATES IN USD PER PERSON |
SPECIALS: River Shannon in Ireland $1,000 discount per cabin: US$1,000 discount per cabin on all May & June 2009 departures aboard Shannon Princess in Ireland.
All cabins are suites.
| 2009 | RATES |
| APR 5.12.19.26 | VALUE |
| MAY 3,10,17,24,31 | REGULAR |
| JUNE 7,14,21,28 | REGULAR |
| JULY 5,12,19,26 | REGULAR |
| AUG 2,9,16,23,30 | REGULAR |
| SEP 6,13,20,27 | REGULAR |
| CHARTER USD | VALUE | REGULAR |
| 10 PERSONS | 35000 | 39000 |
| 10 PERSONS GOLF | 42000 | 46000 |
Luxury Barge Cruises in Italy
Venice, the River Brenta & the Veneto Our cruise along the Brenta river and around the Venetian lagoon is as unique as Venice herself. Venice holds a romantic charm which has remained largely unaltered for centuries, boasting splendid architecture, elaborate palaces and a sense of culture and mystique unparalleled in hotel barge cruising terms. The Venetians have a very special way of life, transporting everything and everybody, everywhere by water with a variety of adapted watercraft. This extraordinarily special voyage allows time for fascinating excursions, perhaps sampling Venetian Opera, Theatre and of course shopping for fine Italian clothes, local crystal and brassware.
La Dolce Vita is a charming 6
passenger vessel with a crew of three, and she is the only hotel barge cruising
our unique route. The lagoon surrounding Venice, the Venice Lido beach,
Hemingway's influence, the fabulous 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 our itinerary promise a fantastic
cruise aboard Italy's first hotel barge. La Dolce Vita has three comfortable cabins, one twin, one twin/double and one double. All are en-suite, the vessel is air-conditioned and there is a good sized sundeck for outside dining or just watching all that fantastic italian architecture floating past. Venice of course is a jewel in the crown of the Venetian lagoon and our 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 architecural features dating back even to the Byzantenial era, the additional opportunity afforded by hotel barge travel becomes obvious as we create our own schedule oblivious to the hustle and bustle of other visitors to Venice.
| Italy - Venice and the Veneto - La Dolce Vita | ||
| Accommodation | value | regular |
| Stateroom per person | 3100 | 3500 |
| Suite per person | 3600 | 4000 |
| Single supplement | 1350 | 1550 |
| USD | ||
| Charter 2 passengers (Honeymoon) | 14000 | 15000 |
| Charter 4 passengers whole boat | 16200 | 18000 |
| Charter 5 passengers whole boat | 17200 | 19000 |
| Charter 6 passengers whole boat | 18200 | 20000 |
| 3-night Charter Cruises available throughout the season on request. |
April 5,12,19,26 Value Venice & the Veneto
May 3,10,17,24,31 Regular Venice & the Veneto
June 7,14,21,28 Regular Venice & the Veneto
July 5,12,19,26 Regular Venice & the Veneto
August 2,9,16,23,30 Regular Venice & the Veneto
September 6,13,20,27 Regular Venice & the Veneto
October 4,11,18,25 Value Venice & the Veneto Availability:
| Apr | Apr | May | May | May | May | Jun | Jun | Jun | Jul | Jul | Jul | Jul | Aug | Aug | Aug | Aug | Aug | Sep |
| 19 | 26 | 3 | 10 | 24 | 31 | 7 | 14 | 21 | 5 | 12 | 19 | 26 | 2 | 9 | 16 | 23 | 30 | 6 |
| Sep | Oct | Oct | Oct | Oct |
| 27 | 4 | 11 | 18 | 25 |
Sunday Padua and the Piovego Canal
Guests are met at 5 PM at Hotel Villa Goetzen in Dolo, just 20 minutes by road
taxi from Venice. We transfer you to Padua by car, where the crew is eager to
welcome you on board with a Prosecco drink. We have dinner in Padua along the
Piovego canal facing directly the well preserved, ancient city walls. Dinner on
board. Monday Padua - Noventa In Padova we take a walking or bicycle tour passing by Saint Anthony’s Cathedral and the Prato della Valle. We visit the Botanical Garden, the oldest in the world. A walk in the city centre completes the visit of Padova with a quick look at the Old University, the historical Caffé Pedroccchi and the marketplace. Our late afternoon cruise brings us to Noventa along river Brenta, where we moor for dinner on board.
Tuesday Noventa – Stra – Dolo Further descent of river Brenta to Stra, where we visit Villa Pisani, an 18th century masterpiece of Venetian architecture with frescos from Tiepolo and a marvellous garden. In the afternoon we cruise to Dolo, where we moor for the night. For those who like cycling, it is possible to follow the barge on a bicycle. Before our superb fish dinner at Villa Goetzen restaurant, we take you for a glass of wine at the old water mill of Dolo, a picturesque 1500’s building on the canal. Dinner on board
Wednesday Dolo – Malcontenta - Venice - Murano This morning we cruise down river Brenta into the lagoon, passing by Villa Foscari in Malcontenta, a masterpiece of the Renaissance architect Palladio. In the afternoon we take you on a guided tour of the Doge’s Palace and Saint Mark in Venice. In the early evening we cruise all around Venice to Murano, where La Dolce Vita is moored for the night. Dinner on board
Thursday Murano – Torcello - Burano We visit a glass-blowing workshop in Murano. Should you be interested in learning more about the history of glass blowing we can offer the visit to the Glass Museum later in the morning. Our cruise then takes us to Torcello, the first island of the lagoon to be colonised 2000 years ago. We have lunch while cruising on Siloncello canal and in the afternoon we can see the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, a beautiful example of Veneto-Byzantine style in Torcello. Later we move to Burano, a picturesque fishermen’s island in the northern lagoon. You’ll discover the island’s colourful streets and lace making workshops. We stay on the calm waters of Burano for the night and enjoy dinner on board.
Friday Burano – San Francesco – Venezia – San Giorgio We start our cruise passing by San Francesco del Deserto island, where we can moor and visit the monastery. We then proceed to San Giorgio to have lunch on this island facing the Doge’s Palace of Venice. In the afternoon you have free time in Venice, where you can shop or visit the Clock Tour or the Correr Museum of Venetian Art and History. If you feel like we suggest walking to Rialto Bridge to see the Grand Canal. For the evening and night we stay moored in San Giorgio for the captain’s farewell dinner.
Saturday Farewell and Transfer to Venice Airport After breakfast we cruise from San Giorgio to Fusina, where we arrive at 11am. You are then transferred to Villa Goetzen Hotel in Dolo or to Marco Polo airport. If you have an early flight or if you are staying at a hotel in Venice, we can make custom arrangements like booking a water taxi to your destination at your expense. The above is our standard itinerary. It is subject to changes due to weather conditions, navigation regulations, etc. On alternate weeks, cruise will be in reverse with minor changes.
Recommended date:
Regatta Storica 6 night Cruise September 6th to September 12th 2009
One of the most attractive events in Venice: The Historical Regatta.
For this special occasion, our cruise program will slightly change, to offer the possibility for our guests to admire the Historical Regatta from the sundeck of our barge on the Canale della Giudecca in front of Saint Mark's square, Venice.
We meet you at 9am at the meeting hotel and transfer you to La Dolce Vita. On the Sunday there is a special program, including a very typical Venetian menu, and during the week it will be possible to visit a traditional boat building craftsman and see how a gondola is made out of wood We've outlined below some of the historical information regarding this exceptional event.
Every year the Regata Storica comes to Venice, the most traditional among the Venetian events, which took place for the first time on the 10th of January 1315 under the rule of the doge Giovanni Soranzo. The sumptuous event, formerly organized to celebrate the military victories or to honour the foreign dignitaries, is today made up of two different parts: the historical parade and the rowing boat races. The festival starts with the colourful procession on water, formed by the Bissone, the Bucintoro and the boats of the Venetian rowing clubs; the event commemorates the Queen of Cyprus, Caterina Cornaro, coming to Venice, which marked the beginning of the Serenissima rule over the Mediterranean island. The historical parade is now just a memory of the distant economical and political greatness of Venice on the seas, while the regattas represent rowing 'alla veneta': winning that day for the rowers means becoming a part of the history of this sport and, to a certain extent, of Venice. The first race after the historical parade is for the Young Rowers; one, or two-oared 'pupparini', very technical boats that challenge the ability of the promising young men. Then it's the turn of the Women's race on 'mascarete' (the name comes from their head looking like a mask, the ' bauta'), these are light two-oared boats used in the old days by the courtesans. The third race is the Men's Race, in heavy six-oared 'caorline', these are river-transportation boats, almost out of use nowadays, that were often furnished with a sail while travelling through the lagoon. The climax of the event is the champions' race on two-oared 'gondolini', light boats shaped as a very slim gondola.
Unlike the regattas on the most popular lagoon boats, these competitions show off the rowers technical abilities more than their strength. Winning in 'Canalasso', as natives call the Grand Canal, is still today the most aspired to wish of every racer, besides being the impossible dream of many Venetians that are still rowing 'alla veneta'. Traditionally, the rower in first position is awarded the red flag , while 2nd, 3rd and 4th place winners receive white, green and blue flags - these take the place of medals. The race route starts from Riva degli Schiavoni to Punta della Salute where, after the 'cavata' (the start sprint), the public waits impatiently for the first boat entering the Grand Canal, since that is often the winning one.
Then (except for the race on pupparini ending up in front of Ca'Foscari) the boats go up the 'Canal Grande' to the train station where the turning pole is, then they go back towards the finish line in front of the 'machina' ( the floating stage reserved for the authorities and built for this occasion on the Grand Canal in front of Ca' Foscari ). When the various usual accusations of incorrectness and protests are over, in front of the 'machina' the prize-giving ceremony takes place. It's a great start to an amazing week and places are strictly limited.
See other European Barging Specials
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USA Phone: (800) 221-2474 Fax (516) 248-3496
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