FAQs on Italian River Cruises

If you’re considering embarking on one of the many excellent Italian river cruises, the FAQs below might be helpful.

What sorts of vessels are involved?

That will obviously depend upon the holiday you select, but typically they’ll be large river and estuary type vessels that carry a modest number of passengers – say perhaps around 20 or so. They’ll usually be fully equipped with all modern conveniences such as WCs and showers. You will enjoy excellent on-board meals, usually based around local cuisines. Some might also be able to offer ancillary equipment such as bicycles.

Where do they go to and from?

Opportunities for Italian river cruises abound in many parts of the country. Good examples are those that start and finish in Venice, cruising along the river Po and its associated canal and tributary networks. These routes take in great centres of Italian civilization, such as Mantua and Ferrara. Itineraries can vary and, in some cases, you may be able to customize your own prior to departure.

Can we hire an entire vessel?

Yes. Italian river cruises can be taken either as part of a larger group, or if you are a party you can hire the entire vessel. Note though that this isn’t the same thing as you hiring the vessel and doing your own crewing. Larger vessels of this nature tend to be regulated and sometimes might operate in controlled waterways where qualifications, licencing and insurance are all obligatory. You may be able to ‘hire’ in the total sense, smaller pleasure vessels on some stretches but they aren’t usually considered to be Italian river cruises as such.

How often does one stop to go ashore?

Again, that depends upon your itinerary and the holiday you’ve selected. As a general rule, most itineraries will build in plenty of stops and sightseeing opportunities as you go along. It’s never just a question of spending days on the vessel simply getting from one point to another.

What about the heat of the Italian summer?

Yes, it can get hot in Italy during the peak summer months, but many of the vessels are fully air conditioned throughout. Of course, if you do like soaking up the sun and heat, they’ll also usually have full sunbathing decks for the topping up of that tan.

Are the crews fully trained?

Yes, of course. As stated above, vessels of this size usually need to be fully licenced for passenger carrying and full safety equipment is mandatory.

Are all meals taken abroad?

Not necessarily. Some tours may have gastronomic dinners in local castles or vineyards laid on. Others might organise picnics etc. The crew and tour operators will usually be looking to give you as diverse and exciting an experience as possible.

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 Italian river cruises, the country has some of the world's most picturesque waterways. We also offer experiences in France, Holland and the UK.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.