We still have cabins available for the special Vogalonga Regatta Cruise week...
The
Hotel Barge LA BELLA VITA has a special 7-night itinerary for the week of the Vogalonga Regatta in Venice Italy, May 18-25, 2013.
Italian Hotel Barge LA BELLA VITA
Barge Cruises in Venice & Po Valley - Barging in Italy
VOGALONGA REGATTA
The
Vogalonga Regatta started in 1975, as a small gathering of
Venetian rowers expressing their love for their lagoon and as a peaceful
protest against the influx of motorized boats. Motor boats have a
devastating effect of eroding the banks of the lagoon and canals, and
eats away at the beautiful, historical
buildings. The idea of the regatta is a get-together of people-powered
boats having a friendly race through the Venetian lagoon.
Vogalonga Regatta Route: Venice-Burano-Venice
The
track has remained virtually unchanged over the years. It covers
about 30km by way of canals and makes its way through the most beloved
and picturesque parts of the lagoon. Participants have up to 6 hours to
complete this event. The boats gather in St Mark’s Basin, in front
of the Ducal Palace on the morning of the race to sing hymns to St. Mark
and Venice, after which, they’re off! The route bypasses the island of
Saint Helena, skirts the islands of Vignole, Sant'Erasmo and San
Francesco del Deserto. The half-way point is Burano and the return path
passes the
islands of Mazzorbo, Madonna del Monte and San Giacomo in Paludo, the
procession then crosses through the Murano Grand Canal and is then back
in the lagoon. Once in Venice, the boats row along the Cannaregio canal
and the Grand Canal, arriving at the finish line at Punta della Dogana
in front of San Marco.
Upon completion of the regatta, each
participant receives a commemorative medal, a certificate, and souvenirs
of the event. Prizes are also awarded, including numerous pairs of oars,
oar locks, trophy cups and plaques. What started off as a small
gathering of around 500 local boats from Venice and neighboring
cities, is now an international gathering of over 1500 boats from around
the world.
OFFICIAL VIDEO 38th Vogalonga - 2012 Venezia
Following
the success of the Vogalonga and on the wave of re-discovered love for
tradition and the call to save the city, more than 50 rowing clubs
sprang up in Venice and the surrounding area. The entire city
contributed to the re-establishment of workshops dealing
with restoration, as well as the construction of boats and oars;
knowledge of which had nearly disappeared. Boats which had long since
disappeared from the lagoon were recreated, having formerly only been
seen
in works of art by the great Venetian landscape painters such as Pietro
Longhi and Francesco Guardi. Among the traditional boats which have
regained interest are the
mussin and the
vipera, as well as the
pupparini,
gondolini and
gondole da fresco.
The beauty of the lagoon passages, the enthusiasm of the rowers, and the
opportunity to see, even for just one day a year, Venice as a river of
thousands of boats, has transformed the Vogalonga into a splendid
sporting event.
LA BELLA VITA
is a 20-passenger vessel that was recently refitted in 2010-11 to high
standards to offer comfortable, fully air-conditioned accommodation.
There are two upper-deck suites and eight cabin staterooms, all with
private ensuite bathrooms, and a bright spacious dining room/bar area.
Louvred doors open to the side decks to give a perfect viewing platform,
whilst above is a huge sun deck with comfortable sun loungers.
Cruises
aboard La Bella Vita includes comfortable, air conditioned
accommodation in en suite cabins which can be configured as twins or
doubles, gourmet meals, open bar, fine wines, daily escorted excursions,
entrance fees, local transfers and the use of barge facilities such as
bicycles to explore the towpaths and a large sundeck to laze on.
The Vogalonga Regatta Cruise is a 7-night, rather than their standard 6-night charter, May 18-25, 2013.
- Saturday, Day 1 - Venice: Guests
are met at 6pm at the designated meeting point and transferred to La
Bella Vita moored near St Mark's Square in Venice. There's a Captain's
welcome and introduction to the crew and your fellow passengers. After
dinner, visit St Mark's Square to take in the fabulous architecture,
people watching, and listening to the live performers.
- Sunday, Day 2 - San Giorgio Island: On
Sunday, watch the Vogalonga Regatta from the barge moored in Riva San
Biagio. Enjoy lunch on the sundeck as you watch the 1500 boats row past.
Dinner on board.
CLICK HERE to read the full weeks' itinerary.
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