Cruise the Brenta Canal in houseboat
A houseboat cruise is the perfect way to experience the atmosphere of the Brenta Canal.
Navigate without a license and enjoy the freedom to stop wherever you want, admiring the villas reflected in the water and enjoying the tranquility of the Veneto countryside.
The Brenta Canal is one of Europe’s most beautiful routes ideal for a vacation that combines houseboat navigation with a bike ride. There are small country roads that run along the bank, offering the chance to admire the villas more closely and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Venetian countryside.
An itinerary not to be missed
The first stop on our houseboat trip is the village of Malcontenta with the fabulous Villa Foscari. Right after that we meet the town of Oriago, dotted with beautiful residences such as Villa Priuli, Palazzo Gradenigo, Villa Moro and Villa Allegri.
Our journey continues in the direction of Mira, where we can visit Villa Widmann-Foscarini, which welcomes us with its 18th-century magnificence. A splendid French-style rococo villa in a strategic position between Venice and Padua. The villa built in the early 1700s has beautiful frescoed rooms. The interior is furnished with antiques, Murano glass chandeliers and wonderful brocaded curtains. Also notable is its park full of plants, bushes and flowers.
Always in Mira you can visit villa Sheriman-Rezzonico, villa Valmarana and the Barchessa.
Continuing our navigation we meet Dolo, where we suggest you stay overnight taking advantage of the warm welcome of the typical local restaurants. The next morning, after a rich breakfast on board, you can get on your bike and set out to discover the area. Here, you can visit the historic center with the old watermill and the monumental squero.
In Stra, the last stop before Padua, we recommend Villa Foscarini Rossi and its not-to-be-missed Shoemuseum, a tribute to the footwear tradition of the area, with a collection of more than 1,500 luxury shoes. You will also find other Venetian villas such as Villa Loredan, Villa Barbarica and the famous Villa Pisani.
Renting a houseboat to navigate the Brenta will allow you to experience a unique vacation, among history, culture, nature and relaxation.
Purchase the “Naviglio del Brenta” nautical chart to get a guide with information on moorings and locks, as well as useful information on what to visit.
