Experience Italy's Longest River On Scenic Cruises That Stop At Dreamy Seaside Villages

When it comes to the best river cruises in all of Europe, there's a whole list of incredible choices, from Portugal's River of Gold to the Blue Danube in Vienna and Budapest. One country that's not often associated with river cruises, however, is Italy. Most travelers agree that the best way to see Italy isn't via river cruise (or cruise at all, although many Mediterranean cruises stop at several Italian ports). On a Reddit thread in r/travel, one user noted, "Cruising Italy is like a tasting menu. You get a flavor of many different parts of Italy but definitely don't get to indulge."

However, cruises on the Po River, Italy's longest river, are the exception. Beginning (or ending) in the Venetian lagoon and often finishing (or starting) in the artsy city of Mantua, cruises along the Po River showcase some of Italy's most famous, memorable sights alongside hidden riverside gems. Since the ships are small, they don't violate Venice's law banning cruise ships over 25,000 gross tonnage (GRT), nor do they have the negative impact on Venice's fragile environment and infrastructure as those larger ships do. Explore the streets of Venice, then tour Etruscan riverside towns and 17th-century wine cellars on a one-way journey that lets you indulge in Italy rather than just have a small sample. 

Some say Venice is overrated, but truly, there's nowhere else like 'La Serenissima' (the most tranquil) in the entire world. Venice's fame is so great that it's spawned many comparisons worldwide, with nicknames like the 'Venice of the East' and the 'Venice of the North.' These other 'Venices' all have their charms, but when it comes down to it, Venice is wholly unique: canals instead of roads, ancient history as a powerful republic, sinking buildings that still give off an air of grandeur and hide many treasures inside. Since Venice is so famous, it can get unbearably crowded, so it's best to visit in the off-season (November through May) to immerse yourself in the charms of Venice. This can be a tricky if you're also hoping to do a tour on the Po River, as the boats run seasonally. Plan your trip in late spring or early fall to avoid the crowds and summer heat.

Most Po River cruises begin in Venice and make a one-way trip to Mantua. You'll spend several days exploring the islands around Venice, spending nights on the boat. Venice, or Venezia as the Italians say, also known as the 'Floating City' or 'City of Canals,' is built on a chain of islands in the Venetian lagoon. One of these is Murano, a must-visit place for art lovers in Italy famous for its gorgeous blown glass. Nearby is Burano, or the 'Island of Lace,' known for its colorful houses painted brightly to help fishermen identify their homes in thick fog. Perhaps most famous is San Giorgio Maggiore, with its eponymous marble basilica offering incredible views over the entire lagoon.   

After a day or two exploring the Venetian lagoon from Venice to outer islands like Chioggia, a seaside resort known as a 'little Venice,' the cruise will head down the coast to the Po River Delta. The Po Delta, Europe's second-largest wetland, is a surprising oasis of nature in the middle of Italy. Watch for various birds, including flamingoes, as the boat heads toward the mouth of the Po River. Continue down the river until the Renaissance city of Mantua, a 'mini-Florence' with a long history and incredible architecture. As you go, you'll pass through the Po Valley, the 'breadbasket' of Italy, as well as small riverside villages like Govèrnolo and Canda.

Once you leave the Venetian lagoon in your wake, there will be little boat traffic, meaning you'll have a tranquil cruise down the river. All Po River cruises end in Mantua, an Italian city great for history buffs. Located in the northern region of Lombardy, known for its delicious culinary traditions, world-class art, beautiful vistas, and industry, Mantua is particularly picturesque as it's surrounded by rivers and lakes (which have kept it compact and protected for roughly 1,000 years). A UNESCO-listed site known for its annual Literature Festival and as the home of Virgil, it was once described by poet Torquato Tasso as "a beautiful city, worth seeing even if you have to travel a thousand miles." Luckily, a cruise to Mantua isn't an arduous journey at all.