There’s never been a better time to experience the magic of Venice. Discover one of Italy’s most iconic celebrations while enjoying the relaxed pace of a luxury hotel barge cruise.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons – Godromil – public domain
The week of September 6-12, 2026 aboard La Bella Vita coincides with the spectacular Venice Regatta (Regata Storica). This is one of the city’s most celebrated annual events. Watch the canals burst into life with beautifully decorated historic boats, traditional costumes and exhilarating races, before continuing your journey through the tranquil waterways to the Renaissance city of Mantua.
Regata Storica
Photo: Wikimedia Commons – Jean-Pierre Dalbéra CC-SA 2.0
Experience the magic of Venice with the Regata Storica. This is the main event in the annual “Voga alla Veneta” rowing calendar. This unique sport has been practiced in the Venetian Lagoon for thousands of years. Today it is particularly well-known for the spectacular historical water pageant that precedes the race.
Venice’s Regata Storica transforms the Grand Canal into a lively showcase of history and sport. About 100 boats, each adorned with period costumes, glide gracefully through the water in a colorful procession. After the parade, the focus shifts to competitive rowing races where Venice’s best rowers compete in a thrilling display of skill and endurance. This mix of pageantry and athleticism offers a unique way to experience the city’s rich maritime traditions up close.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons – Jean-Pierre Dalbéra CC-SA 2.0
The historical procession begins in the early afternoon departing from St. Mark’s Basin, moving up the Grand Canal, past the Rialto Bridge, all the way to the Railway Station, then returning down the canal to Ca’ Foscari.
Voga alla veneta is a unique style of rowing practiced only in the Venetian lagoon. Unlike conventional rowing where the oarsman faces backward, Venetian rowing is performed standing up and facing forward, using a single oar mounted on a wooden rowlock called a forcola.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons – Godromil – public domain
This technique evolved because the shallow, narrow canals and lagoon waters of Venice required a style of rowing that gave maximum visibility and control. A rower standing at the stern can see where they are going, react to obstacles, and navigate through the tight spaces between boats, bridges, and canal walls. It takes years to master and remains one of the most distinctive skills in all of Venetian culture.
Enjoy Your Italian Cruise
Along the way, enjoy gourmet Italian cuisine, carefully selected regional wines and expertly guided excursions, all from the comfort of your floating boutique hotel.
Discount & Special Offer
Better still, for a limited time you can save 25% on cabin bookings for this departure when you book by 10th August. For solo travelers, there is a No Single Supplement special offer.
Current availability for the week of September 6-12, 2026 is:
- 6 cabins open, 3 booked, 1 optioned
Learn More
- View the Online Brochure for La Bella Vita
- More links on this website for Articles on Italy
La Bella Vita
Venice & Lagoon, Bianca Canal, Po Valley
Up to 20 guests
Charters and Cabin cruises
Themed charters:
Family, Gardens, Golf, Opera, Wine
