La Dolce Vita lounge Go Barging/European Waterways Ltd. is scheduling two event-related barge cruises this year on La Dolce Vita, a hotel barge that offers 6-night/7-day cruises in the Venetian Lagoon and the Brenta. Here are edited descriptions of the two itineraries from Go Barging:

Vogolonga cruise
Departing Saturday, May 30, 2009

In Venice, the Vogalonga Regatta follows ancient traditions and was instigated by a group of Venetians with a passionate interest in rowing in the Venetian Lagoon. The racecourse has remained virtually unchanged over the years and covers about 30 kilometres by way of canals through the most beloved and picturesque parts of the Lagoon of Venice.

Five hundred boats with nearly 1,500 participants meet on the race day and after singing hymns to St Mark and Venice, the event begins. At the finishing line each participant receives a commemorative medal and a certificate - souvenirs of a memorable day.

On Sunday 31 May, the day of the regatta, passengers aboard La Dolce Vita will have a fantastic view of the event from her mooring by San Giorgio Island, before embarking on a 6-day cruise around Venice and its surrounding waterways.

For more information on the Vogalonga cruise, click here.

Regatta Storica cruise
Departing Saturday, Sept. 6, 2009

The Regatta Storica first took place in Venice in 1315 and is today made up of two parts--the historical parade and the all-important rowing races, when rowing 'alla veneta' means to the rowers becoming a part of the history of this sport and, to a certain extent, of Venice.

The climax of the event is the champions' race on two-oared 'gondolini,' light boats shaped as a very slim gondola. Winning in 'Canalasso,' as natives call the Grand Canal, is still today the greatest wish of every racer, besides being the impossible dream of many Venetians that are still rowing 'alla veneta.'

Passengers on La Dolce Vita will be able to admire the Regatta from the sundeck of the barge on the Canale della Giudecca in front of Saint Mark's Square, while enjoying a traditional Venetian menu. Then, they embark on a 6-night/7-day cruise around Venice and its waterways.

La Dolce Vita in River Brenta La Dolce Vita is the only hotel barge to cruise the peaceful River Brenta, visiting Venice and some of the smaller islands found in the Venetian lagoon. This unique Venetian experience is a delightful combination of river, canal and lagoon cruising combined with daily excursions to Venice's most historic sites, including the more elusive ones which are accessible only by water.

For more information on the Regatta Storica cruise, click here.

About La Dolce Vita:

Prices for a 6-night/7-day, all inclusive cruise aboard La Dolce Vita start at US$3,000 per person, based on a 6- passenger charter, including accommodation aboard in air-conditioned, ensuite cabins, gourmet meals, fine wines, an open bar and all excursions.

For more information on the barge and its other cruises from spring through fall (including private charters for families, friends, and honeymooners), see the La Dolce Vita pages at www.gobarging.com.

Photos: Go Barging / European Waterways Ltd.

Follow @durant_imboden

Booking.com Search Box

Hotel tip: Location can be important when choosing a hotel in Venice or on the mainland. Before booking, read our No. 1 Warning and Venice Hotel Recommendations by Area.

Venice canal reflections

From our Venice Travel Blog:

A water taxi ride to Venice Airport
A warning about water taxis

Venice Railroad Station: a vaporetto view
Long lines at Venice Airport
Free boat trips to Murano

Need to pee? Prepare to pay
The perils of overpacking
Flood warning: the sound of sirens

Stupid tourist tricks
Johnny Depp's palazzo
Venetian daily life

Maggie in Venice

From Maggie in Venice:

A dog's life in Venice
A Beagle boards a water bus
Venice Carnival for dogs

Venice cruise review:

MSC Eastern Mediterranean Cruise