The White Canal - A Hot Route for Italian River Cruises

If you are on the lookout for Italian river cruises to show you the very best of what Italy has to offer, you will most definitely want to learn more about routes that pass through the Canal Bianco – the White Canal. To be even more accurately it is also known as the Tartaro-Canalbianco-Po di Levante.

The canal first begins as the Tartar River, which draws its source from various springs and tributaries within mainland Italy. The midsection was dug out to form the Canal Bianco, and the final stretch of canal leading up to the Adriatic Sea is called the Po di Livante. So, what makes the White Canal such an ideal route for Italian river cruises?

Venice

Venice is, in many ways, one of the most vibrant and colourful cities to visit while you are in Italy. It has so many attractions, from the famous Piazza San Marco to the web-like network of canals linking the city together. The good news is that many Italian river cruises running along the White Canal begin their journey in the city of Venice – the perfect way to start.

Chioggia

Chioggia is one of the major fishing hubs in Italy, offering a wide array of delicious seafood to sample - ranging from scallops and sea cicadas to anchovies and sardines. Many luxury cruises make it a point to stop over in Chioggia so passengers can taste the finest seafood dishes made using the freshest ingredients available. Foodies will find their taste buds tingling once they explore the various eateries around Chioggia. You can even pick out some fresh fish for the chef to prepare and serve on board as you traverse the various waterways.

Soave

Wine lovers will find plenty to fall in love with in the medieval town of Soave. Many Italian river cruises make it a point to stop over in Soave, so visitors can sample the dry, still wines it is famous for. Those who seek the finer experiences in life will definitely want to visit some of Italy’s finest wineries in this region.

Ferrara

If you love history, then the numerous courts, castles and palaces of Ferrara are perfect for you. This UN World Heritage Site is full of excellent examples of Renaissance-era architecture, from the intimidating Castle Estense to the Renaissance walls ringing the town itself. The Romanesque Cathedral is another prime site to visit in Ferrara, with its sculpted images creating a hauntingly beautiful illustration of the Bible.

Mantua

The grand old city of Mantua is the highlight of many Italian river cruises, what with the plentiful artistic and cultural riches of the city. The city is not just a major hub of Renaissance, Baroque and Neo-Classical architecture, but it is also one of the major contributors in the development of opera as we know it today. Tributes to the cultural strength of Mantua are evident in many works of music and literature - from William Shakespeare’s "Romeo and Juliet" to Giuseppe Verdi’s "Rigoletto."

All these rich yet varied destinations are linked together by a single waterway – the Tartaro-Canalbianco-Po di Levante, which is why so many itineraries include the route of the White Canal!

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.