One-week river cruises
Small, slow, up close
Feels like home
Come with us to explore canals, rivers, and the Venice Lagoon on an intimate one-week cruise for 24-30 guests. Along the way, you will visit the must-see landmarks, as well as charming hidden towns and enjoy authentic cultural experiences. Guided by the locals, you will visit places that most tourists never get to see.
Food
Onboard kitchen
While you are out and about, our chefs are carefully curating your next meal with fresh and local ingredients. We’ve got traditional Italian recipes to thank for this culinary experience. Can’t get enough? We’ve collected some of our travelers’ favorite dishes and turned them into a cookbook by popular demand! Browse through a preview of our cookbook here.
Itinerary
Inland towns, Po Delta and Venice Lagoon
Sail along inland waterways, canals and rivers between Mantua, Venice, Grado, and the natural wonders of the Po Delta. Thanks to their petite size, our barges can easily navigate between various moorings, on narrow waterways, calm waters and shallow depths that would otherwise be inaccessible to larger cruise ships. On top of that, our boats dock close to the towns and destinations you’ll be visiting thanks to their small size.
Events
Venues and festivities
Experience unmissable events in Venice from up close, ranging from the world-famous carnival in February to the lesser known ‘Festa del Redentore’ in July.
Business and private events
Whether you’re traveling for a team building, a meeting, a convention, or a corporate incentive activity, our barges are the perfect accommodation for pre-established groups. You can count on the same organizational ease when traveling for personal reasons such as a family reunion, a wedding, or an anniversary.
CREW
Local staff
The captain, chefs, and stewards will be awaiting you on board. Think of them as a well-oiled machine that feels like family. Our crew of local and well-trained travel professionals are the first ones up and the last ones to go to bed, always making sure your daily activities run smoothly. They’ll be happy to share a relaxing moment with you as well. Above all, they love to spoil their guests on board.
Alberto Reghellin
Through philosophy, theatre and fishing boats I learnt how to restore my body and mind.
Alberto Reghellin
Through philosophy, theatre and fishing boats I learnt how to restore my body and mind.
Riccardo Tamani
Ship captain, motorist, and diver. I love a good glass of Mantova doc, paired with the delicious salami I make with my father.
Riccardo Tamani
Ship captain, motorist, and diver. I love a good glass of Mantova doc, paired with the delicious salami I make with my father.
Sara Visentin
I love cooking, but more so eating dessert. My specialty is pannacotta with lemon and basil.
Sara Visentin
I love cooking, but more so eating dessert. My specialty is pannacotta with lemon and basil.
Silvia Campesato
Silvia Campesato
Francesco Barletta
Cycling, walking or sailing, that is the question!
Francesco Barletta
Cycling, walking or sailing, that is the question!
Video
Take a look at what you can expect in a week aboard one of our small river cruises in Venice and the surrounding area.
OUR BARGES
Our barges boast innovative solutions in their construction, with carefully chosen materials and shapes to create an inviting, relaxing environment. We’ve also equipped them with sophisticated, modern amenities. Needless to say, our ships adhere to strict safety and eco-friendly regulations.
Ave Maria Italia
- comfort Gold
- en-suite bathroom and shower
- air conditioning in the whole barge
- WiFi available in common areas
- 17 cabins
- 31 guests in low beds plus additional guests in bunk beds (on request)
Ave Maria Italia
- comfort Gold
- en-suite bathroom and shower
- air conditioning in the whole barge
- WiFi available in common areas
- 17 cabins
- 31 guests in low beds plus additional guests in bunk beds (on request)
Ave Maria Italia is a comfortable river cruise ship made in Italy, built with innovative solutions and where materials were chosen with aesthetics and comfort in mind. It is also a small barge capable of passing under low bridges and sailing on shallow water, typical of Italian waterways. The barge was custom-built using the salvaged hull of a Po River dredge.
All in strict compliance with new and stricter safety and eco-friendly standards.
Ave Maria Italia is an “environmentally sustainable” boat due to energy conservation on
board, purification of dark water, and navigation that does not damage the shores. View more details
Bike and barge tours
See all tours
Cabins
- 4 upper deck dbl/twin cabins 11 sq.m (D)
- 10 lower deck dbl/twin cabins 11 sq.m (B,C)
- 3 lower deck single cabins 7.5 sq.m (A)
- the two single beds can become a double bed and most of the double beds can be separated into two single beds
- possible additional bunk beds in some cabins
Features
- Comfortable low beds (2.00 m x 0.80 m)
- En-suite facilities
- Large windows
- Individually controlled air conditioning
- Safe deposit box
- Under the beds there is an empty space for luggage storage: H36cm x W112cm x D80cm
Common areas
- Cozy and bright restaurant hall with large panoramic windows
- Lounge area for relaxation with a wide selection of board games, books and travel guides, a 55” multimedia screen, and free WiFi
- Sundeck to enjoy sailing and outdoor dining
Ave Maria Portegrandi
- comfort Gold
- en-suite bathroom and shower
- air conditioning in the whole barge
- WiFi available in common areas
- 12 cabins
- 24 guests in low beds
Ave Maria Portegrandi
- comfort Gold
- en-suite bathroom and shower
- air conditioning in the whole barge
- WiFi available in common areas
- 12 cabins
- 24 guests in low beds
An elegant, latest-generation electric river barge, built in Italy and designed to navigate the little-used waterways between Mantua, Venice, and Grado. It combines technological innovation with environmental awareness: its 36 kWp photovoltaic panels and 340 kWh batteries make the use of a diesel generator almost unnecessary, promoting silent, low-emission navigation. View more details
Bike and barge tours
See all tours
Cabins
- 12 dbl/twin cabins 11 sq.m (B, C)
The cabins can be arranged with either a double bed or two separate beds.
Possible additional bunk beds in 4 cabins.
The cabins are luminous, spacious, and functional, thanks to the carefully designed furnishings.
Features
- Comfortable low beds (2.00 m x 0.80 m)
- Bathroom with shower, heated towel rail, and two sinks (one in the bathroom and one in the cabin)
- Large windows
- Individually controlled air conditioning
- Safe deposit box
- Ample space under the beds for the luggage: H36cm x W112cm x D80cm
Common areas
- Cozy and bright restaurant hall with large panoramic windows offering a 270° view
- Relaxation area with a coffee, cappuccino, and hot chocolate machine available any time of the day, a wide selection of board games, books, and travel guides, an 80″ multimedia screen, and free WiFi
- Sundeck to enjoy sailing and outdoor dining
Discover more
E-bikes on request
If you love cycling, our e-bikes are available on request. Pedal-assist bikes provide the right support for those who want a more leisurely cycling experience.
Our E-bikesBike and barge holidays
We organize an 8-day Bike and Barge holiday from Mantua to Venice. You’ll enjoy a week of easy and enjoyable bike rides, excellent cuisine, and relaxation aboard our comfortable barges.
Bike and barge tourReceive our newsletter
Loving what you have read so far? Stay in the loop and get free travel tips, ideas, and news from us!
Yes, sign me up!