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Exploring History On River cruises – Italy Won’t Disappoint

Author: Lisa Jeeves
by Lisa Jeeves
Posted: Aug 23, 2014

While most people come for the relaxation and fabulous scenery, there can be more than you might imagine to embarking on one of the incredible European river cruises. Italy is becoming increasingly popular as a destination and there's so much to see it’s hard to know where to start.

Getting to know your vessel

This type of holiday can offer luxurious accommodation, fine foods and wines, plus a constantly changing backdrop. When it comes to river cruises, Italy is probably the European country most people want to explore in depth.

Far removed from the oversized concept of some of the huge ocean-going cruise ships, a river cruising barge may typically accommodate up to around 20 people in intimate and luxurious comfort. An experienced crew does all the hard work, leaving you to enjoy yourself to the full. This doesn’t just mean sitting back and watching the countryside drift leisurely by - though if that’s what you want to do then fine.

Getting out and about

Your cruise may include a number of organised tours with experienced guides, and many of the barges also carry cycles on board so that you can do a bit of exploring on your own. Local markets and visits to wine cellars may all be on your tour menu, and don’t overlook the fact that an important member of your barge crew will be a first-class chef who will provide you with the opportunity to sample all sorts of local delicacies.

Delving into Italian history

If you are a history fan, opting for a river cruise taking you from the beautiful and world-renowned Venice to historic Mantua may just fit the bill. Venice is simply jam-packed with things to do and see - with St Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs being just a small sample. You may have a difficult choice in deciding which of the museums, historical sites and archaeological ruins to visit.

At the other end of the trip, the ancient city of Mantua offers a completely different experience. Dating back over 4000 years, Mantua was an Etruscan village named after their god of Hades. Over the intervening millennia, there followed many years of turbulence and change involving conflicts with the Byzantines, the Holy Roman Empire and in later times Napoleon. Over this time, though, Mantua grew and prospered and each epoch has left its mark on this beautiful city. In 2007 its historic old town was designated an UNESCO World Heritage site.

A random sample of some of the magnificent sights you could visit include the Palazzo Ducale, the 16th century Palazzo Te, the Duomo, the Rotunda di San Lorenzo and the Torre della Gabbia. As in the case of Venice, there’s a whole lot to see and doing a little research and making a list of your must dos in advance may be sensible before you embark on your river cruises. Italy's history and culture can sometimes be overwhelming if you don't approach it with a plan.

Of course, even the most ardent fan of history may expect more from a holiday than museums and archaeological ruins, and on river cruises, Italy and all that it has to offer in terms of food, wines, beautiful countryside and sunshine, is more than able to meet that challenge!

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

About the Author

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.

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Author: Lisa Jeeves

Lisa Jeeves

Member since: Oct 18, 2013
Published articles: 4550

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