4 Themed Italian River Cruises to Tickle Your Fancy

Italian river cruises can be a luxurious and relaxing way to burn off a little stress and recharge your batteries – not to mention enjoy some stunning scenery along the way. There are, however, many different kinds of routes that appeal to the various needs and wants of each group of people. Some of the more significant ones are listed below.

Classic Cruises

Classic Italian river cruises meld together all the best the country has to offer. You will be able to visit all the major landmarks on your trip, from the famous Naval Museum of Venice to the Ducal Palace of Mantua. The hotel barges provide all the luxuries and amenities you will need, from heavenly meals to soothing massages, so all you need to do is just sit back and relax as your hosts take care of everything else. This marriage of convenience and luxury is the reason this is the most popular choice for those who want to experience as much of the country as possible.

Golf Themed

Those fans of the sport will be pleased to know that there are a lot of golf courses very near the famous River Po. Italian river cruises ply these courses, ranging from the Cuc Golf Club near Venice to the Verona Golf Club in Trevenzuolo. All the amenities you would expect from a luxury hotel barge are provided, as well as a few stopovers in some of the more famous landmarks along the way. But the main highlights are definitely about enjoying the golfing scene in the country. What better way to energize your love of golf than by conquering all-new courses in an exotic, faraway land?

Wine Appreciation

Are you a connoisseur of the finer things in life? Some Italian river cruises revolve not just around the natural and cultural beauty of the country, but also their classic love affair with wine. These tours can take you to the various wine-related highlights of the country, from bars and cafes that provide the very best atmosphere to enjoy a glass to the vintners that have spent centuries perfecting the art of making fine wine. On board chefs will make it a point to match the wines with expertly prepared local dishes - making the wine appreciation theme a must-try for those with particularly discerning tastes.

Group Theme

Are you planning some sort of reunion or celebration with a large number of family members? A retreat where you want to reward members of your company for a job well done? Have group of friends just wanting to share a holiday together? Providers of these types of cruises typically have larger vessels that can handle groups of around 13 to 20 individuals at a time. They will also have flexible policies that make room for mass events, such as tournaments or excursions.

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.