In response to the growth of solo travel, hotel barge company European Waterways has announced an exclusive ‘Solo Cruise’ on their largest luxury hotel barge, the stylish 20-passenger La Bella Vita, departing 11 October, 2020.
Sailing from Venice to the Renaissance city of Mantua the six-night, all-inclusive cruise includes a special offer of 10% off per person. With the special, cabins start at €4,356 (approximately AU$7,083) for single occupancy, 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.
“The Solo Cruise is one of our most exciting new offers for 2020. Every aspect has been carefully designed to promote a sense of comradery 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” continued Banks.
Extra Surprises
The 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.
Holding a maximum of 20 guests, La Bella Vita is the perfect size for small groups to enjoy quality time together – but also for every guest, if they wish, to find a space to themselves for quiet. A guest-to-crew ratio of 2:1 means that someone is always on-hand to cater to guests’ every need.
Living La Bella Vita
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 all relive the week’s most cherished moments.
“Whether you’re a seasoned solo traveller or first time on your own, our Solo Cruise can be a transformative experience that offers the best of both worlds – delightful company of like-minded travellers as adventurous as you are, and group activities that spark conversation and create lasting memories” said Banks.
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