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Rendez-Vous Fantasia Via Roma 1445 - 30019 Sottomarina (VENEZIA) - ITALY      Tel. +39.041.5510400 Fax +39.041.5500957 Cell +39.330.247331 E-mail rendez@cbn.it Descriptive itineraries

This is the most beautiful of the cruises and recommended for those who are cruising with us for the first time.
From Chioggia to Venice is around 3 hours of navigation along the banks of the islands of Pellestrina, Alberoni and the “Lido”. You can make brief stops and enjoy the nearby beaches at the following places from which you can also visit Venice:

At Caroman next to the water bus (Vaporetto) landing stage
At Pellestrina (at the end of Murazzo, the sea wall at the beginning of the strip of land, in a small public port or near the restaurant “Da Celeste” opposite the police station (Carrabinieri).
At Portosecco near the restaurant “Da Memo”, before the petrol station.
At San Pietro in Volta near the restaurant “Da Nane”.
At Alberoni and Malamocco next to the public landing stages.

These moorings are only suitable for a Saturday night – on any other day of the week there is too much heavy canal traffic at all hours.
The first peaceful and safe mooring is to be found is the marina at Venmar di Malamocco (fees payable except in low season) on the channel which leads to the Casino on the Lido. The entrance is located to the right at the intersection with the canal to the left, which runs south of the island of San Lazzaro degli Armeni, near to the Island of Lazzaretto Vecchio.
Further on it is possible to moor at the islands of Vignole (free of charge) or in the marina of the island of San Giorgio and at the Sant’Elena sailing club of Venice (fees payable).
At Vignole, it is best to avoid arriving at meal times since two restaurants on the island are highly frequented and make mooring difficult during the summer, especially on Saturdays and Sundays.

N.B.: RV Fantasia has arranged private moorings for its clients which you can reach directly from the canal S. Nicolo.

On arriving from the Lido, you must cross the canal S. Nicolo when you are level with the church of the same name. This leads towards the fortress of Sant’Andrea. The entrance of the canal is found between the fortress to the right and the island of Certosa to the left. Make sure you stay on the side of the groups of posts (briccole). After around 100 meters, at the triple junction take the middle channel. After about 400 meters you will find the private mooring on the left. Sheltered by the length of quay a row of 14 poles, approximately 6 meters apart, each boat uses 2 poles to moor, there are therefore 7 fixed moorings. The other boats are permitted to moor alongside the first 7. Make sure your boat’s fenders are well placed and treat yours neighbours with courtesy particularly when it is necessary to cross their boat to reach the bank or your own boat.
About 50 meters before the above mentioned mooring, on the left, you will find two poles opposite a pathway which runs into the island. It is possible to moor here just to fill up with water. On the ground, is a small grey plastic well, near to green grilled enclosure, you will find a tap which opens with the “water Vignole” key. Please don’t forget to lock it after use.

Attention: In the Vignole channel, close to a chapel and fountain, you will find a wooden bridge which is impossible to pass under at high and medium tides. Directly opposite the church, by the opposite bank, the water is really shallow, do not approach this area.
From Vignole there is a regular water bus service to Murano and Venice.
The house with the garden approximately 50 meters before the bridge has a large vegetable garden from where you can buy fresh garden produce.
From here on, the route we suggest takes you from island to island, allow a navigation time of around 30 to 50 minutes.
To leave Vignole it is best to turn back, take the first canal to the right which comes out in the Navis canal and a little after, again to the right, navigate the length of the Bissa canal which meets S. Erasmo (an island dedicated to horticulture) where it should be easy to find a mooring. If you have time, take a walk or bike ride. It is approximately 7 kms around the island, there is a farm/guest house “Ca Vignotto” and a snackbar “Dai Tedeschi” is located near the Massimiliano tower and from where there is a beautiful panoramic view of the port.
Next you will be in the vicinity of the islands of Burano, Torcello and San Francesco del Deserto.

Between 10:00 and 17:00 these islands are very busy with groups of tourists. It is therefore best to visit outside these hours when you will it much easier to moor. Visiting outside these times will enable you to take in the authenticity of the island in a better ambience as their inhabitants will be less occupied.

Arriving from the north, east or south, go around the island is a clockwise direction; coming from the west, go along the south bank of Mazzorbo. By the peaceful verdant quay there are 13 poles which provide moorings for 5/6 boats in one line and an extra line alongside if necessary.
At Burano you can shop and there are numerous restaurants to chose from. We recommend the morning fish market and the friendly atmosphere of the via Galuppi with its displays of its famous lace work. The bright colours of the houses and the harmonious layout of this city will further enhance your mood.

San Francesco is the quietest and most romantic of the islands, it is the ideal place to spend the night and drink from the fountain. The sole convent on the island is only open a few hours per day, it is best to visit first thing in the morning as it opens.

Attention: In this area there are a lot of canal repair works and dredging going on. Navigate with caution and great care.

Torcello, precious archaeological site, engulfed in a poignant solitude – the cathedral of S. Maria Assunta and the church of S. Fosca are testimony to the Venetian-Byzantine style. Various restaurants, one being the famous “Locanda Cipriani”, are to be found on this island. To moor and to spend the night here it is best to take the Torcello canal at the north east of the island. You can stay around the Lagoon until Tuesday morning.
The second part of the itinerary necessitates the navigation of locks and opening bridges which are impassable on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.
You can also moor in the following places: Maria di Lido Grando at Punta Sabbioni (fees payable) and Treporti, Lio Piccolo and Cavallino (free of charge).

The itinerary I continues via the Burano, S. Felice, Riga, dei Bari and the il Fosso canals. This route is preferable by far to the canal Pordelio and is accessed by a opening bridge at Ca’ Savio which operates on the morning of working days only between 08:00 and 13:00*. This is a very beautiful and enchanting journey which takes you into the midst of the flora and fauna of the wetlands.

Attention: The canal “Il Fosso” which leads to Cavallino from Lio Maggiore is narrow and shallow. Navigate close to the “briccole” (5 m to 8 m) and preferably with someone observing from the bow.

The lock at Cavallino operates between 09:00 and 12:30 and 14:00 to 19:00*. Once you have been through the lock, you are on the River Sile. To the right towards the mount hof the river you will find a group of well equipped marinas.

Attention: The River Sile does not have many places to fill up with water. It is best to take advantage of the above mentioned marinas.

When going back upstream on the Sile, you will be within less than an hour’s reach of Jesolo Paese. During this part of the journey you will find many mooring possibilities.

At the “Vittoria” opening bridge at Jesolo, you will need to stop to request its opening. The operator can be contacted by telephone on 0421 359190 – 359111 from 08:00 to 11:30 and from 15:00 to 18:30.* In case of difficulty ask the police to help. Take the opportunity to shop whilst you are waiting for the bridge to be openend.

* Please see the separate time table for any alternation.

To get to Caposile will require about an hour. The opening bridge operates from 08:00 to 12:30 and from 14:00 to 18:00: * If the operator is not there you can contact him on 0339 2105252 and 0421 592230.

At Caposile you will find a good mooring on your right before the beautiful iron footbridge at the crossing with the Piave Vecchia. On the embankment auo will find the famous “Alle Cacciatore” restaurant. Passing under the bridge there is a good landing stage on your right . About 100 meters from here, near the via Provinciale, a wine cellar offers local Piave wines.

Attention: Do not moor at low tide and in any event do not stop for long.

Continuing upstream of the river Sile, after approximately 50 minutes you will arrive at is crossing with Portegrandi. Mooring is possible near the lock. At the little restaurant choose from the menu of homemade fish based dishes. You can either continue with your itinerary on the Sile towards Trévise or return to the lagoon via the lock. If you have the time we recommend that you continue the itinerary. After the Quarto d’Altino, the river becomes more beautiful and more hospitable.

Attention: The river follows a winding route, navigate in the centre, on the bends keep closer to the outside edge.

At Casale sul Sile about an hour and a half away there is an overnight mooring. Here you will find shops and an selection of good restaurants.
To get to Casier requires an hour’s navigation. On the right about 15 minutes from Casier, is a nautical centre “Nautica Biondi”. At Casier you will find a landing stage for a short or overnight stop as well as shops and restaurants. Even when river and bends are very wide, sill make sure you stay close to the bank (the left hand side going upstream). You can reach Trévise by bicycle or public transport, a pleasant, dynamic north eastern Italian town.
The lock at Siléa, the return point of the itinerary, is only 10 minutes away. It is not worth going through this lock as it is only open by appointment and there is only a small stretch of navigable river on the other side. It is possible to do the return journey along the river, without stops in about 2 or 3 hours. The lock at Portegrandi is passable from 09:00 to 12:30 and from 14:00 TO 19:00.* Once through the lock, cruise at around 2000 rpm and take advantage of a gentle cruise on the canal “Silone” enjoying the flora and fauna.

You have about another hour of navigation before you arrive in the more lively vicinity of the islands of Torcello and Burano. You can make another stop or continue along the canals of Scomenzera, S. Giacomo , Ondello, Bisatto and moor at Murano, the island famous for the art of glass blowing. Enter Murano via the Faro canal, proceed slowly and carefully keeping to your right: there is almost always a place to moor before the bridge on the side of the Basilica of SS. Maria Donato. This is one of the islands highly frequented by tourists, therefore moorings are more easily found after 17:00 and before 10:00. Use the shelter of the bridge and help of the current to assist in your manoeuvres. ????
You really should take the opportunity to visit a glass blowing demonstration. There are also many shops and restaurants awaiting you.
If you haven’t already and if you have the time, stop for the night in Venice, the marina of S. Elena is the most practical. Take a walk to St. Mark’s Square – select a fine restaurant and enjoy an unforgettable evening. On the Friday, do as you please before leaving for Chioggia. The journey will require 3 hours, but this does not include stops.
Chioggia is also a place worthy of a visit, there are numerous excellent restaurants. Do not forget that the boat must be vacated by 09:00 the next day. We wish you a very pleasant cruise!

This is a very beautiful, romantic and picturesque itinerary. We recommend if for experienced crews with at lest two dynamic crew members.
In view of the fact that we think it is best to navigate the Brenta canal from Tuesday onwards (to avoid being stopped by Monday lock closures) the first section of the voyage is identical to that of Itinerary I.
N.B. For cruises starting on Mondays, we obviously recommend that you visit the Brenta canal first, then Venice and the islands.

From Chioggia to Venice is around 3 hours of navigation along the banks of the islands of Pellestrina, Alberoni and the “Lido”. You can make brief stops and enjoy the nearby beaches at the following places from which you can also visit Venice:

1. At Caroman next to the water bus (Vaporetto) landing stage.
2. At Pellestrina (at the end of Murazzo, the sea wall at the beginning of the strip of land, in a small public port or near the restaurant “Da Celeste” opposite the police station (Carabinieri).
3. At Portosecco near the restaurant “Da Memo”, before the petrol station.
4. At San Pietro in Volta near the restaurant “Da Nane”
5. At Alberoni and Malamocco next to the public landing stages.

These moorings are only suitable for a Saturday night – On any other day of the week there is too much heavy canal traffic at all hours. The first peaceful and safe mooring is to be found in the marina at Venmar di Malamcco (fees payable except in low season) on the channel which leads to the Casino on the Lido. The entrance is located to the right at the intersection with the canal to the left, which runs south of the Island of San Lazzaro degli Armeni, near to the Island of Lazzaretto Vecchio. Further on it is possible to moor at the island of Vignole (free of charge) or in the marina of the island of San Giorgio and at the Sant’Elena sailing club of Venice (fees payable).

At Vignole, it is best to avoid arriving at meal times since two restaurants on the island are highly frequented and make mooring difficult during the summer, especially on Saturdays and Sundays.

N.B. RV Fantasia has arranged private moorings for its client which you can reach directly from the canal S. Nicolò.

On arriving from the Lido, you must cross the canal S. Nicolò when you are level with the church of the same name. This leads towards the fortress of Sant’Andrea. The mouth of the canal is found between the fortress to the right and the island of Certosa to the left. Make sure you stay on the side of the groups of posts (briccole). After around 100 meters, at the triple junction take the middle channel. After about 400 meters you will find the private mooring on the left. Sheltered by the length pf quay a roe of 14 poles, approximately 6 meters apart, each boat uses 2 poles to moor, there are therefore 7 fixed moorings. The other boats are permitted to moor alongside the first 7.

Make sure the boats fenders are placed and treat your neighbours with courtesy particularly when it is necessary to cross their boat to reach the bank or your own boat. About 50 meters before the above mentioned mooring, on the left, you will find two poles opposite a pathway which runs into the island. It is possible to moor here just to fill up with water. On the ground, is a small grey plastic well, near to green grilled enclosure, you will find a tap which opens with the “water Vignole” key. Please don’t forget to lock it after use.

Attention: In the Vignole channel, close to a chapel and fountain, you will find a wooden bridge which is impossible to pass under at high and medium tides. Directly opposite the church, by the opposite bank, the water is really shallow, do not approach this area. From Vignole there is a regular water bus service to Murano and Venice. The house with the garden approximately 50 meters before the bridge has a large vegetable garden from where you can buy fresh garden produce.

From here on, the route we suggest takes you from island to island, allow a navigation time of around 30 or 50 minutes.
To leave Vignole it is best to turn back, take the first canal to the right which comes out in the Navis canal and a little after, again to the right, navigate the length of the Bissa canal which meets S.Erasmo (an island dedicated to horticulture ) when it should be easy to find a mooring. If you have time, take a walk or bike ride. It is approximately 7 km around the island, there is a farm/guest house “Ca Vignotto” and a snack bar “Dai Tedeschi” is located near the Massimiliano tower and from where there is a beautiful panoramic view of the port. Next you will be in the vicinity of the islands of Burano, Torcello and San Francesco del Deserto.

Between 10:00 and 17:00 these islands are very busy with groups of tourists. It is therefore best to visit outside these hours when you will find it much easier to moor. Visiting outside these times will enable you to take in the authenticity of the islands in a better ambience as their inhabitants will be less occupied.

N.B. At Burano the most beautiful of the islands, RV Fantasia has arranged a new private mooring reserved for its clients which is to be found near the wooden bridge connecting Mazzorbo and Burano.

Arriving from the north, east or south, go around the island in a clockwise direction; coming from the west, go along the south bank of Mazzorbo. By the peaceful verdant quay there are 13 poles which provide moorings for 5/6 boats in one line and an extra line alongside if necessary. At Burano you can shop and there are numerous restaurants to chose from. We recommend the morning fish market and the friendly atmosphere of the via Galuppi with its displays of its famous lace work. The bright colours of the houses and the harmonious layout of this city will further enhance your mood. San Francesco del Deserto is the quietest and most romantic of the islands, it is the ideal place to spend the night and drink from the fountain. The sole convent on the island is only open a few hours a day, it is best to visit first thing in the morning as it opens.

Attention: In this area there are a lot of canal repair works and dredging going on. Navigate with caution and great care.

Torcello, precious archaeological site, engulfed in a poignant solitude – the cathedral of S. Maria Assunta and the church of S. Fosca are testimony to the Venetian-Byzantine style. Various restaurants, one being the famous “Locanda Cipriani”, are to be found on this island. To moor and to spend the night here it is best to take the Torcello canal at the north east of the island. You can stay around the Lagoon until Tuesday morning. The second part of the itinerary necessitates the navigation of locks and opening bridges which are impassable on Saturdays Sundays and Mondays. You can also moor in the following places: - Marina di Lido Grando at Punta Sabbioni (fees payable) and Treporti, Lio Piccolo and Cavallino (free of charge).

After having visited Burano, San Francesco del Deserto and Torcello, you are now on route for Murano, famous for the art of glass blowing. Enter Murano via the Faro canal, proceed slowly and carefully keeping to your right: there is almost always a place to moor before the bridge on the side of the Bisilica of SS. Maria and Donato. This is one of the islands highly frequented by tourists, therefore moorings are more easily found after 17:00 and before 10:00. Use the shelter of the bridge and help of the current to assist in your manoeuvres .????

You really should take the opportunity to visit a glass blowing demonstration. There are also many shops and restaurants awaiting you. If you haven’t already and if you have the time, stop for the night in Venice, the marina of S. Elena is the most practical. Take a walk to St. Mark’s Square – select a fine restaurant and enjoy an unforgettable evening. Attention: You cannot navigate in Venice itself – it is absolutely forbidden to go along the Grand Canal and into the network of narrow canals in the city which are often impassable by very low bridges. Following the Guidecca and Fusina canals, you will arrive in less than an hour at the entrance to Naviglio Brenta. On your right you will notice a quay equipped to welcome all boats wishing to visit or mooring from Venice.

N.B.: This itinerary of about 40 km to Padua will take you through 5 locks and 7 oping bridges and has free mooring opportunities with good shops and restaurants close by. This is a romantic winding route taking you past beautiful villas and gardens of another era.

Attention: This part of the journey is devoid of water and diesel points. Make sure you have full tanks at the beginning. If you should need water, ask lock keepers, residents or restaurants at the water-side.

The time estimated for the following journey does not take into account the possible stops, and manoeuvring for opening bridges and in the locks. Navigate in the middle of the canal to avoid the possible shallows at the edges. In 15 minutes you will reach the lock at Moranzani open from 08:00 to 19:00*. Next to the lock you will find a restaurant providing quickly served and reasonably priced meals.

After a further 20 minutes of slow navigation you will come to Malcontenta where you will find a public pontoon mooring to the right before the bridge. A small, private, but accessible landing stage is to the left. From here to the cruise you will need the help and authorisation of the personnel who are in charge of opening the bridges in order to rigorously co-ordinate your programme and cruising times with the timetables of the locks*. If you are unable to find an official at their post, you can contact them by telephone at the number marked on the bridge concerned. (At the date of production of this document the telephone number is: 348 2817959*.

Attention: The Brenta canal is used by many day-excursion boats which take priority due to their heavily charged programme. Priority is also given to all the motor launches “avalant” going with the current. 

Straight on your left after the swing bridge at Malcontenta you will see the magnificent Villa Foscari, christened the “Malcontenta” a masterpiece by Andrea Palladio. 

N.B. Visiting this villa is only possible on certain days of the week and by appointment.

Next a villa on either side of the canal, to the left the Villa Querini Stampalia and to the right the Villa Priuli. After a further 20 minutes of navigation you will find Oriago, close to the second swing bridge.

During the next 6 km (approximately 40 minutes of navigation) you will pass two more opening bridges and close by several famous houses – to your left, the palace of Mocenigo and Gradenigo and the villa Valmarana – to your right the Moscheni Casino, the villa Widmann-Scheriman etc…

* Consult the separate daily timetables.

Before the Mira Porta lock*, a fine mooring awaits you. There are also others available after the lock on the right. Take advantage of the local tourist information office at Mira to collect leaflets etc. Between Mira and Dolo, 30 minutes of navigation, you will pass 3 swing bridges and numerous villas. Another beautiful mooring is available at Dolo (formerly Macello) after the lock* on the right. At Dolo, make a visit to the old windmill. A further 12 km will bring you to Stra. You can spend the night at Dolo or if you wish and have the time, you can go on to Stra. After the beautiful Villa Pisani, there is a good mooring. Leave your boat there and visit the biggest villa on the whole Riviera. It is now possible to go to Padua by boat.

Accomplishing this part of the cruise along the River Brenta can present difficulties due to strong currents, particularly during the rainy periods. If you decide against it, it is nonetheless worth visiting the town of Sant’Antomio by public transport. If you continue this cruise do not forget to inform the lock keeper at Stra and Noventa Padovana by telephone at least one day before your arrival.

After the lock* of Stra, keep the bow steering gently upstream, towards the right, to compensate for the strong movement of the water. Cross the river to link up with the Piovego canal.

Attention: During this crossing it is advisable to have the anchor to hand in case you should have a problem with the propeller or engine.

To get through the lock* of Noventa Padovana allow at least 40 minutes, you will be passing the Villa Giustinian on your right. Next you continue along a long and narrow straither route passing under many bridges. At the crossing with the canal San Gregorio, continue straight ahead and you will arrive in about 50 minutes at the foot of the ancient walls of the fortress of Padua. After some bends, you will arrive at the historic Paduan port of Porta Portello where you can moor in order to visit Padua. However, the most pleasant place to moor is a little further on the left after passing gardens and 4 bridges quite close to the restored Contarine gates. Which ever you choose, you are still in the heart of Padua.

Padua really merits a stopover of at least 24 hours. Do not miss a visit to the Chapel Scrovegni which houses the most famous frescoes by Giotto. At this point you must calculate the time required for your return journey to Chioggia, taking into account, as on your outward journey, the time required for each lock opening bridge. Remember that due to the current, this return journey will be more difficult and hazardous for the boat.

* Consult the separate daily timetables

It is best to arrive to Chioggia the evening before the day on which you are due to hand your boat back. (In the near future, following further development of the waterways, it will be possible to do a complete circuit returning to Chioggia via the Battaglia and Canola canals and the Bacchiglione river.)

At Fusina, at the exit of the Brenta, turn to the right via the Marghera and Malamocco canals and travel in the opposite direction from which you came, in the centre of the lagoon, passing via the channels of Valgrande, Allacciante, Perognola etc… the entrance being situated to the right and just before the access to the port of Malamocco. At 2500 rpm, you should arrive at your destination in about 4 hours. Have a good return journey.

ITINERARIO 3
“Chioggia, Venice, Jesolo, Caorle, Bibione, Lignano and Lagoon of Marano, Grado, Trieste and back to Chioggia”