The Sile River is a pleasant resurgent river that emerges on the plain just a few kilometers upstream of the beautiful medieval city of Treviso. There it winds through the streets and squares, giving the city a truly unique feel.
The city can also be reached in about 20 minutes of easy cycling via a lovely cycling path that sometimes passes over bridges. We highly recommend you visit here at the beginning or end of your holiday.
The river winds and twists through the countryside that can be easily admired thanks to the low banks, and is followed by popular cycling paths. The river is navigable from the town of Casier, a short way from our base, to the popular summer beach resort of Lido di Jesolo, before emptying in the Adriatic Sea.
When departing the Houseboat.it base of Casale sul Sile the first part of navigation is under towering trees that create a thick shade where you will see families of swans, ducks, storks, herons and many other bird species.
Some towns along the way offer convenient and free mooring with many restaurants and places to buy provisions.
At Portegrandi, the river continues to the left, while the branch to the right leads to the Portegrandi lock, providing direct access to the northern part of Venice’s lagoon. This is the most direct route to Burano, about an hour away, then Venice.
There are two more drawbridges near Jesolo, then, before reaching the sea, you will find the Lido di Jesolo and Cavallino marinas offering all types of nautical services and entertainment, since it just a short way from the lively town of Lido di Jesolo, the most famous summer fun location in the upper Adriatic.
The heart of river navigation in the Veneto is the large bean-shaped lagoon that is home to the enchanting city of Venice. When navigating here, you must observe the dolphins (briccole) in addition to safety instructions, because of the boat traffic, the constant effect of the tide and the wind, which can sometimes be quite strong.
The lagoon is home to over 80 islands, the largest of which provide mooring for boats in transit. Venice is in the middle of the lagoon, Chioggia at the far south, Portegrandi at the far north, and Lido di Jesolo/Cavallino at the eastern edge.
Once you enter the lagoon, there are no drawbridges or locks to pass.
You cannot enter into the island canals with your boat. This privilege is reserved for residents and public transit boats. Private boats can only approach the islands and navigate around them where possible, always respecting the dolphins (briccole). You cannot moor anywhere, even if the banks appear free. You must only dock at authorised docking spaces. You cannot drop anchor to tie the boat to the dolphins (briccole). This is both dangerous and illegal.
The first island you will come to is Torcello on the left. From here on in, you must respect the information on the navigation maps and Navigation Rules.
A short way away is the colourful island of Burano with its characteristic leaning bell tower. To go to the company’s docks, head around the island of Burano, keeping it on the right, or the island of Mazzorbo, keeping it on the left.
The city of Venice is located in the central part of the lagoon. This area is very difficult to navigate because of the very heavy boat traffic. Mooring is available at the Vignole berths, following the lovely island of Sant’Erasmo to the west. They are the ideal solution to get to Venice without getting trapped in the city traffic. Until this point, the navigation is very pleasant and peaceful.
If you go around Venice from the east, you will come to the Canale delle Navi and Canale della Giudecca, which are very busy with strong wake that can cause the boat to strongly rock. You cannot moor anywhere in Venice except in the marinas.
Like all cities, Venice has its rhythms and routines, so it may be difficult to adapt to this phenomenal city. You must choose a mooring, leave the boat, and move through and around the city by public transit waterbuses. Purchase a daily pass, which is more economical than single tickets.
You cannot enter the Canal Grande as much as all the other internal canals. You cannot navigate around Venice by west side.
If you continue south, the navigation returns to its peaceful and easy pace, taking you to Chioggia at the southern edge of the lagoon.
Along the way, stop off at the long and narrow fishermen’s island of Pellestrina, which is truly characteristic.
Departure and arrival base: Casale sul Sile
Round Trip Cruise – 7 days
24 hours – 2 locks – 3 movable bridges
