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What To Pack To Be Holiday Ready For An Italian River Cruise

Whether you’re new to luxury barge holidays or are a seasoned cruiser, an Italian river cruise offers a genuinely unforgettable experience. Europe is known for its fantastic canal systems and Italy is the perfect country for river travel. The Veneto region, especially, seems made to host barges, with its picturesque canals and rivers that wind their way through varied and beautiful landscapes. No matter if you’re someone who likes an activity packed trip or prefers to sit back and relax with your favourite drink, a barge holiday provides the perfect opportunity to gain a new perspective of the country.

Once you’ve booked your Italian river cruise, you have another decision to make, and that’s what to pack. A boat holiday is a little different to hotel vacations so here are a few helpful tips to ensure that your cruise goes smoothly.

Check the weather

Most barge trips will be taken in the warmer months but it’s always a good idea to check out the average temperatures and weather for the destinations on your itinerary. Having an idea of what to expect will ensure that you have the essentials and, just as important, prevent overpacking. Something to take into consideration as well is that you’ll be spending a lot of time on deck - and that evening breeze can be chilly, even on summer nights.

What bags to take

In some ways, a canal holiday is easier than other kinds because you only have to unpack once. But it’s important to remember that your cabin might be a bit smaller than the average hotel room. Each cabin will have designated space for luggage under the bed, but in terms of square footage, your room is likely to have less. If you’re travelling onwards after your boat trip, you might want to make sure you pack a little light so you don’t have to traipse around with a heavy suitcase.

Finally, don’t forget a day bag! A sensible day bag or backpack is a good choice as you’ll be doing a few day trips. Having something to carry water, money and any souvenirs is really essential.

Clothing

Unlike on cruise liner trips where it’s often formal wear, an Italian river cruise requires more casual (yet stylish) looks. Most of your days will be spent cruising from one place to another so you’ll want to pack something comfortable that you can relax in and that allows you to explore a local town or city. Don’t forget that during European summers it’s all about the layers. While you might be enjoying that warm Mediterranean sun in the day, at night temperatures are much cooler, so you should pack something to throw on in the evenings.

While you can make a bit more of an effort at night, dinners are mostly informal so there’s no need to pack a ballgown or a tux.

Something you will definitely need is a pair of comfy walking shoes, like trainers, for all the exploring you’ll be doing along the way.

These are just a few tips to help make your Italian river cruise as relaxing as possible. Once you’ve got the bags packed and passport in hand, you’re ready to go!

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Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive for European Waterways, the UK's most respected provider of all-inclusive luxury barge holidays. If you're looking for a fantastic Italian river cruise, or cruises to other great destinations, they are the go-to experts. Part of a team of experienced barging aficionados, Paul is first in line to endorse the perks of a slow-paced barge cruise to anyone looking for a unique holiday experience.