Driving the houseboat is easy and suitable for everyone!
Ready to become a Captain?
Even if it’s your first time, don’t worry—we’ll guide you step by step.
After a brief and simple introduction, you’ll learn to maneuver one of our boats safely. A technician will always be available to provide instructions and help you start your journey with confidence.
No boating license is required to navigate the lagoon: the houseboats can be driven independently and are designed for anyone who wants a new experience without complications.
Before departure, the staff provides a practical trial, explaining basic maneuvers, rules, and tips for safe navigation. After just a few minutes of practice, you’ll already feel comfortable—it’s really easier than you think.
An adventure suitable for everyone: just be willing to try something different and enjoy the lagoon calmly and freely.
This itinerary is only a suggested plan: it can be easily customized based on your interests, preferred pace, and activities you want to experience along the lagoon. We are always available to provide all the information you need and to help you build the best itinerary for your needs and preferences.
————————————
Day 1: Chioggia → Pellestrina
Board at Chioggia, Isola dell’Unione, at the Rendez Vous Fantasia base. Set off towards Pellestrina, a charming fishing village.
Expect wild and free beaches, perfect for a relaxing stroll. Don’t miss the famous “murazzi,” the long barrier separating the village from the sea.
Public moorings are available for overnight stays (no water or electricity). Excellent seafood restaurants are nearby.
Day 2: Pellestrina (bike tour) → Fusina → Moranzani → Malcontenta → Mira → Dolo
From Pellestrina, cross the Malamocco Basin and enter the Malamocco/Marghera canal towards Fusina. Gradually, you leave the lagoon to enter the Brenta Riviera.
The first lock you encounter is Moranzani, the gateway to the Naviglio.
Slow, gentle navigation brings you to Malcontenta, home to the beautiful Villa Foscari, known as La Malcontenta (open only on certain days or by reservation).
The Naviglio del Brenta is dotted with historic villas: Villa Priuli, Palazzo Mocenigo, Palazzo Gradenigo, Villa Valmarana’s barchessa, Casinò Moscheni, and many more.
Various bike tours are possible in the area.
In Dolo, it’s worth stopping to visit the old mill and the monumental squero. Numerous free overnight moorings are available.
Day 3: Dolo → Stra → Padua
Navigate toward Padua. A stop in Stra is recommended to visit Villa Pisani, the grandest villa along the Riviera.
After passing the Stra lock, leave the Naviglio del Brenta and continue along the Canale Piovego to the heart of Padua.
Porta Portello offers a convenient mooring point, ideal for exploring the city on foot or by bike.
Day 4: Padua (city exploration by bike)
Full day to discover Padua.
Highlights include:
- Scrovegni Chapel
- Basilica of Saint Anthony
- Prato della Valle
- Palazzo del Bo, home to the chair where Galileo Galilei taught
Day 5: Padua → Oriago*
Return toward the Riviera with a recommended stop at Oriago, also suitable for overnight mooring.
Admire Palazzo Moro and Villa Allegri. Historically, Oriago was one of the main fortified points along the Brenta Riviera and the site of numerous battles.
Day 6: Oriago → Venice (Isola delle Vignole)
Navigate to Venice. Don’t miss cruising along the Giudecca Canal and St. Mark’s Basin for an unforgettable view of Piazza San Marco, especially at sunset.
Overnight: private marinas in Venice or free private moorings at Isola delle Vignole provided by Rendez Vous Fantasia.
Time permitting, visit:
- Murano, famous for glass art
- Burano, with colorful houses and lace-making
- Torcello, with ancient basilicas and a timeless atmosphere
Day 7: Isola delle Vignole → Chioggia
Morning dedicated to Venice. In the afternoon, sail back to Chioggia, a charming fishing town with a unique fishbone street layout.
Highlights:
- Corso del Popolo
- Sant’Andrea Tower, home to the world’s oldest clock
- Sottomarina beach is just 700 meters from the base. Possibility to spend the last night before returning the boat.
Alternative itinerary (for those who want more time on the lagoon islands)
Day 5: Padua → Venice (Isola delle Vignole)
Return along the Naviglio del Brenta and continue directly to Venice.
Overnight: Rendez Vous Fantasia private moorings at Le Vignole or city marinas.
Day 6: Venice (Isola delle Vignole) → Burano
Morning visit to Venice, then sail in the afternoon to Burano.
Highlights in Burano:
- Piazza Galuppi
- Lace Museum
- Church of San Martino and Santa Barbara Chapel
- Famous leaning bell tower
- “Tre Ponti,” perfect photo spot
- Pescarìa Vecia at sunset
- Casa di Bepi, the island’s most colorful house
Overnight at private moorings.
Other Bike & Houseboat tour options:
Po Delta: Chioggia → Taglio di Po → Ariano → Mesola → Goro → Gorino → Pomposa → Porto Barricata → Ca’ Tiepolo → Boccasette* → Porto Viro → Adria → Albarella → Chioggia. Branch crossings: Po di Brondolo, Po di Venezia, Po di Goro, Po di Volano, Po delle Tolle, Po di Maistra. (250 km, 10 locks, 2 movable bridges, approx. 35 hours of navigation)
Sile River: Chioggia → Pellestrina → Malamocco → Lido → Venice → San Francesco del Deserto → Burano → Cavallino → Jesolo → Caposile → Casier → Treviso (Silea) → Portegrandi → Torcello → Murano → Chioggia. (210 km, 2 locks, 3 movable bridges, approx. 30 hours of navigation)
Po, Mantua & Ferrara: Chioggia → Adria → Zelo → Mantua → Pontelagoscuro → Chioggia. (330 km, 15 locks, approx. 47 hours of navigation)
