Brenta Canal Boat Trips
Want to see how the 16th century rich and famous of Venice enjoyed
their weekends and summer breaks? Well then the Brenta canal should be on you
itinerary if you are visiting Venice and have a day to spare.
In the 16th century, this trip was THE luxury excursion for the upper classes back in the day.
Many of these same people built sumptuous summer villas along the
canal to escape from the sticky humidity of Venice—in fact, well over
2000 of them were built back in the day, and many of them are still here.
It needs to be said that some of them now look in dire need of
some attention but a few have been lovingly restored to their former
glory.
The trips were apparently summer outings of unfettered enjoyment
and pleasure. Napoleon put a stop to all this frivolity in the late 18th
century after he invaded Venice and removed the aristocracy, but the boat trips have now made a comeback.
Trips normally start in Padova ( a great city and well worth visiting too) and finish up in St Marks
Square but trips from Venice to Padua are also available.
If you start your boat trip from Venice the first bit (once you're out of Venice of course) can seem a bit
flat and boring with little to see although it isn't as boring as it seems, the bird life here is the best in all of Italy with so many species living in the lagoons around Venice and along the river banks. There are even flamingos.
It gets interesting again once you start reaching the villas. The boats stop at all the main ones and you get a bit of a guided tour around them.
The Best Brenta Villas to visit
Barchessa Valmarana
Nestled amidst lush gardens, Barchessa Valmarana exudes timeless charm with its elegant architecture, beautiful frescoes by Tiepolo and enormous picturesque gardens and grounds. The villa, like many others, also holds various events during the summer season.
Villa Foscari (La Malcontenta)
Renowned for its graceful Palladian architecture, Villa Foscari, also known as La Malcontenta, boasts a storied past that includes hosting the illustrious poet Lord Byron. Its exquisite interiors and scenic setting along the Brenta Canal make it a must-visit for admirers of classical beauty and historic significance. Visit the official site for information on tickets etc.
Villa Pisani
This is perhaps the grandest of all the villas along the Brenta Canal, Villa Pisani dazzles with its opulent interiors, sprawling gardens, and breathtaking vistas. The gardens are stunning; you can easily get lost in them, thanks to the garden's huge maze.
The villa itself was once a lavish retreat for the Venetian nobility, it continues to enchant with its majestic architecture and splendid art collection, offering a glimpse into Italy's aristocratic past. For ticket information and photos of the villa click here.
Villa Widmann
This villa may be smaller than some of the others, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in charm; it boasts exquisite interiors adorned with frescoes, stuccoes, and ornate furnishings, reflecting the splendor of its illustrious past. It is surrounded by manicured gardens and picturesque loggias. The villa, like the three above, is one of the villas most often included in the boat tours.
Boat Trips
Boat companies charge around 80 euros for the cruise, which includes guided trips around three or four of the villas and a bus trip back at the end of the cruise. Most of them also make a stop for lunch, which is an extra 35 euros or so. If you don’t want this lunch, you can bring your own picnic with you.
One of the better companies running the trips is Battelli del Brenta.
Need a place to stay in Venice? I can really recommend you consider one of these excellent hotels.
Looking for something to do with Italy? Try our Search Engine
More boat trips in and around Venice.
Please Book with Us... Maria here, if you enjoy my site I'd love your support.
Simply book your next trip anywhere (not only to Italy) via the link below or with any of the hotel links on the website.
You'll get the best deal available and the income I receive helps me to remain independent and to keep bringing you more of beautiful Italy.
Click to Begin
You'll Enjoy These...
Arsiero and nearby Posina, in the Veneto Dolomites, are two lovely little towns. The incredible 52 tunnels are one of the highlights of a visit here.
Some lovely pictures of Veneto and Venice. Our site is an insiders guide to this magical region of Italy - one of the most beautiful regions in all of Italy.
Dolomites Holidays features some of the most beautiful parts of the Dolomites. From great places to stay to special places to visit...
A guide to Valpolicella wine and insider tips on how best to tour the magical Valpolicella region of the Veneto.
Car rental in Venice can leave you with a sinking feeling. Read our guide to avoid that happening to you...
A Verona castle built in the 14th century, by Cangrande “Rabid Dog” della Scala. The stories told here are like a real life Game of Thrones. Shocking tales of..
Want to visit the balcony of Romeo and Juliet in Verona Italy? Read more about the balcony, romance and Verona in our Secrets of Verona Guide.
Give the gift of love straight from Italy - the land of amore. Have you experienced a summer in Italy? We've a way for you to bring that joy home with you...
Padova is not only worth visiting; it is a must-see destination. City of bicycles, city of canals, city of medieval wonders Padova is all of this and much more.
Near Venice you will find one of the Veneto's best kept secrets, the village of Asolo, known as the "city of a hundred horizons."
Venice is number on our Italian bucket list and it should be on yours too. In this city of enchantment no time spent here is ever enough...
A city to enchant you, to capture your heart. These pictures of Vicenza will give you a taste of what you can expect from a city that should be...
If you are looking for a good restaurant in Padova, then we've just the place: a little family run restaurant serving traditional dishes in the old town.
Borgetto sul Mincio is a tiny little village, only a short distance away from Lake Garda and this is one village you do not want to miss.
Veneto Italy is full of secrets, a place of great natural beauty, ancient medieval villages and two of the greatest cities on earth. Discover the Veneto...
Borghetto sul Mincio is one of Italy's loveliest villages. You won't believe how gorgeous it is! You will fall hopelessly in love with this magical spot.
Planning a Christmas in Italy? I have everything you need - advice on Italian Christmas traditions, insider tips, weather, great accommodation picks and...
The insider’s guide to the best ski resorts in Italy. We have lived in 2 of Italy’s major ski regions and we share with you tips for perfect Italian skiing
Treviso Italy is often just the place you pass through on the way to Venice. Don't make this mistake. Spend a few days here and discover...
Looking for things for children to do in Italy? Having children myself and having spent ten years living in Italy I have discovered some wonderful places for the kids...
From Verona to Venice and beyond I have selected the best Veneto hotels and bed and breakfasts. My family has lived here for generations and these hotels are those I can recommend with confidence....
Perched on ancient cliffs is one of the Veneto's and indeed Italy's most impressive sights. This is the sixteenth century Madonna della Corona.
Breathtaking Torbole sul Garda has prime position on Lake Garda. Surrounded by huge mountain peaks it is hard not to fall in love at first sight.
Some of the Verona churches are among the most beautiful and significant in all of Italy. These are the ones not to miss...
Verona Italy is a magical city, a city of romance and history. Read our insider’s guide to discovering its secrets.
More Travel Tips:
- Book your tickets to museums and other attractions in advance on Tiqets.com
- Book your accommodation. Booking.com and Agoda help you to book accommodation in advance
- Book your excursions. Wherever you go, make the most of your time! Excursions with professional guides will help you do this - choose a location and the best option for yourself on Viator or Getyourguide
- Book your car. At least a month before is best. Use Discover Car Hire.
- Cash Back on Flights: Great deals & money back with WayAway
- Get peace of mind when traveling. Get insured with VisitorsCoverage.com
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.