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Cycling across the unspoiled Italian countryside along the river Po you’ll leisurely head by bike and boat for the splendid lagoon of Venice.
This former swampland has partially been reclaimed many centuries ago. The new land lies within a system of natural canals, where fisherman’s cabins are hiding in the vaste reed lands. Sometimes floating platforms function as the only connection between two banks.
Mantova is an attractive provincial town with a centre that breathes the past and shows many art treasures from the Renaissance. Additionally world famous Venice and On the way you’ll visit coulourful Chioggia, gateway to the Venetian lagoon.,Venice of course may be considered the highlight of this Bike & Barge Holiday.
Day to Day Program Venice – Mantua
Saturday: Venice
We welcome you aboard your new home-from-home from 4.30 p.m. onwards, and then regroup for the introductory briefing – at 6.30 – with your tour leader, skipper and crew, along with a first refreshing aperitivo. After dinner we can savour Venice at night, now free of the crowds and at her most romantic: Benvenuti a Venezia
Sunday: Venice
After breakfast – and perhaps following a wander off the beaten track with your tour leader – we all meet up with our Venetian guide for a tour through the historic centre. Christened La Serenissima (“The Most Serene”), the Venetian Republic held sway over much of the Mediterranean (and beyond) for centuries – both as a military power and a beacon of culture.
Monday: Venice – Pellestrina Island (cycling ± 25 km)
Leaving Venice behind after a gentle cruise in front of St Mark’s square, our first stop will be on Murano island, where we will visit a historic glass factory, with a glassblowing demonstration by a master artisan. Then our cycling adventure starts on the Lido, the first of two islands we traverse today. Fashionable in high society ever since the Belle Époque, the Lido di Venezia is now home to the International Venice Film Festival and its galaxy of stars. A short island-hop by ferry takes us into another world: Pellestrina, where we ride past the picturesque cottages and boats of this humble fishing backwater. We rejoin our barge just in front of Chioggia – a bustling and colourful fishing hub known as “Little Venice”.
Tuesday: Pellestrina Island – Po Delta Nature Reserve – Adria (cycling ± 40 km)
We open the day with a stroll through Chioggia, followed perhaps by a visit up the millennial clock tower – the oldest in the world – for some breathtaking views. Weather permitting, we can also bask in the sun at a fine-sand beach nearby: a dip in the Adriatic, a hot savoury piadina – and you are well and truly local!
Then onwards into the delta of the life-giving Po. This unique wetland is the prime reserve in Europe for herons and home to a colony of flamingos. We moor for the night in Adria, a key Roman port, once washed by the waters of the sea which bears its name. Adria is also renowned for its Etruscan and Greek heritage. An after-dinner passeggiata into town for a well-earned grappa or gelato is in order.
Wednesday: Adria – Ferrara – Zelo (cycling ± 35 km by bike + 35 km by bus)
After a short cruise we saddle our bikes and, following the Po through farmland and hamlets, we reach Ferrara. Under its ruling family, the Este, this city state attracted architects, artists and scholars for centuries, pioneering town planning principles that have been emulated worldwide ever since. To this day, Ferrara University ranks among the best, and the town is dubbed the ”Cycling Capital of Italy”. A private bus and trailer take us back to our floating hotel in Zelo, a sleepy village on the Canal Bianco, the waterway which runs parallel to the Po.
Thursday: Zelo – Mantua (cycling ± 50 km)
This morning we head for the village of Bergantino, home of the distinctive Museum of Fairground Rides and its collection of street organs, all expertly restored (and thunderous!). But first things first: we are in the heartland of Grana Padano – the arch-rival of Parmesan – and after visiting the local cheese factory, we enjoy a degustazione of sharp and seasoned Grana, washed down with a glass of Valpolicella.
After our customary picnic lunch, we leave Bergantino and follow the river to Ostiglia, famed for its medieval fortress and the fierce fighting that took place here in 1945, as the Allies and partisans drove Hitler’s forces back. We ride on and rejoin our barge at Governolo Lock, where Mantua’s River Mincio flows into the Po. Veering north, we cruise through the lush wetlands that finally emerge into the glorious “lakes” of Mantua.
Friday: Mantua round tour (cycling ± 35 km)
A day dedicated to the discovery of this cultural gem, its three picturesque “lakes” formed by the river Mincio and the surrounding countryside.
This afternoon we meet our Mantuan guide for a walking tour across the historic centre: starting from Piazza Sordello with its magnificent cathedral and Palazzo Ducale, we will walk through the city centre up to Piazza delle Erbe. Here we will admire the Clock Tower, the Rotonda di S. Lorenzo (the oldest church in town) and the Cathedral of St. Andrew, a jewel of Renaissance art and architecture. We will learn why Mantua, once a City State ruled by the Gonzaga family, is now considered by many as Italy’s “Sleeping Beauty”. (The programme may be subject to changes).
Saturday: Mantua
Departure after breakfast
Day to Day Program Mantua – Venice
Saturday: Mantua
We welcome you aboard your new home-from-home from 4.30 p.m. onwards, and then regroup for the introductory briefing – at 6.30 – with your tour leader, skipper and crew, along with a first refreshing aperitivo. After dinner we can stroll into town and savour the historic centre at its most evocative: Benvenuti a Mantova!
Sunday: Mantua round tour (cycling ± 35 km)
A day dedicated to the discovery of this cultural gem, its three picturesque “lakes” formed by the river Mincio and the surrounding countryside. This afternoon we meet our Mantuan guide for a walking tour across the historic centre: starting from Piazza Sordello with its magnificent cathedral and Palazzo Ducale, we will walk through the city centre up to Piazza delle Erbe. Here we will admire the Clock Tower, the Rotonda di S. Lorenzo (the oldest church in town) and the Cathedral of St. Andrew, a jewel of Renaissance art and architecture. We will learn why Mantua, once a City State ruled by the Gonzaga family, is now considered by many as Italy’s “Sleeping Beauty”. (The programme may be subject to changes).
Monday: Mantua – Zelo (cycling ± 50 km)
After breakfast, we set sail from the “lakes” of Mantua and cruise through the lush wetlands that lead to Governolo Lock, where Mantua’s River Mincio flows into the Po. Here, we saddle up and follow the broad sweeps of the levee towards Ostiglia, renowned for its medieval fortress and fierce fighting in 1945, as the Allies drove Hitler’s forces back.
Next: Bergantino, home of the distinctive Museum of Fairground Rides and its collection of street organs, all expertly restored (and thunderous!). This village is also in the heartland of Grana Padano – the arch-rival of Parmesan – and a visit to the local cheese factory, sampling some well seasoned Grana, is de rigueur. We catch up with our barge in Zelo, a sleepy village on the Canal Bianco, the waterway which runs parallel to the Po.
Tuesday: Zelo – Ferrara – Adria (cycling ± 50 km by bike + 60 km by bus)
This morning we cross the Po and ride southwards through a patchwork of farmland, orchards and hamlets, as far as Ferrara. Under its ruling family, the Este, this city state attracted architects, artists and scholars for centuries, pioneering town planning principles that have been emulated worldwide ever since. To this day, Ferrara University ranks among the best, and the town is dubbed the ”Cycling Capital of Italy”.
A private bus and trailer then take us back to our floating hotel in Adria, an ancient Roman port once washed by the sea which bears its name. Adria is also renowned for its Etruscan and Greek heritage. An after-dinner passeggiata into town for a well-earned grappa or gelato is in order.
Wednesday: Adria – Po Delta Nature Reserve – Pellestrina Island (cycling ± 40 km)
After a short cruise, we cycle into the delta of the life-giving Po. This unique wetland is the prime reserve in Europe for herons and home to a sizeable colony of flamingos. Weather permitting, as we continue towards Chioggia, we can also enjoy a break at a fine-sand beach nearby for a dip in the Adriatic – not forgetting a hot savoury piadina! Chioggia is also known as “Little Venice”, a colourful fishing hub. The overnight takes palce on the Island Pellestrina, just in front of Chioggia.
Thursday: Pellestrina Island – Venice (cycling ± 25 km)
Venice beckons, but first another world altogether: Pellestrina, the first of two islands we traverse today – a humble and tranquil fishing backwater, picturesque as ever with its cottages, boats and nets. A short island-hop by ferry lands us on the Lido. Fashionable in high society ever since the Belle Époque, the Lido di Venezia is now home to the International Venice Film Festival and its galaxy of stars. We will also visit a historic glass factory on Murano island, with a glassblowing demonstration by a master artisan. After rejoining our barge, an unrushed cruise in front of St Mark’s square takes us to our final destination. After dinner we can savour Venice at night, now free of the crowds and at her most romantic: Benvenuti a Venezia!
Friday: Venice
After breakfast – and perhaps following a wander off the beaten track with your tour leader – we all meet up with our Venetian guide for a tour through the historic centre. Christened La Serenissima (“The Most Serene”), the Venetian Republic held sway over much of the Mediterranean (and beyond) for centuries – both as a military power and a beacon of culture.
Saturday: Venice
Departure after breakfast
This Italian boat has been totally rebuild in order to meet the most challenging client’s requests. Only the hull of the original 1970s sand digger sailing along the Po has remained. The rest of the AVE MARIA is brand new. It has been completely designed by a renowed Italian architectural firm. A warm, sober and yet sophisticated atmosphere has been created. The ship has 10 double standard cabins, 3 double superior cabins and 4 single cabins with large windows, comfortable low beds, en-suite facilities and air conditioning. In 10 cabins an extra (bunk) bed can be fold out. The air conditioned living room is divided in two areas: the restaurant and the lounge. The ship has two sundecks, an internet point with two computers, a wifi point and a large TV screen in the lounge.
Specifications
Dimension
Length: 40,5m
Width: 7,5m
Cabins: 17
Number of Passengers (maximum): 41
Airco in cabins
Internet
The VITA PUGNA, is the name of the 36 metres long, 5.4 metre wide Dutch boat, now sailing the Italian waterways. The 11 cabins can accommodate up to 21 people. Each cabin has low twin beds and private bathroom with shower. It also has a restaurant and there is a spacious outside deck for relaxation, where your bikes are also parked.
Specifications
Dimension
Length: 36 m
Width: 5,4m
Cabins: 10
Number of Passengers (maximum): 21
Airco in cabins
Internet
Dates / Prices 2025 per person
Prices 2025 per person
Barge Ave Maria – (comfort barge)
| Cabin type | April 19 + June 28 – August 9 | May 3 – 31 + June 7 + 21 + October 18 + 25 | August 23 + 30 + September 6 – 27 + October 4 + 11 |
| Double/Twin cabin lower deck | 1930,00 | 2120,00 | 2305,00 |
| Cabin for single use lower deck | 2330,00 | 2520,00 | 2705,00 |
Dates
Venice – Mantua
Departure on: April 26; May 10 and 24; June 7 and 21; July 5, and 19; August 2, 16 and 30; September 13 and 27; October 11 and 25
Mantua – Venice
Departure on: April 19; May 3 and 17 and 31; June 14 and 28; July 12 and 26; August 9 and 23; September 6 and 20; October 4 and 18
Barge Vita Pugna
| Cabin type | April 19 + June 28 – August 9 | May 3 – 31 + June 7 + 21 + October 18 + 25 | August 23 + 30 + September 6 – 27 + October 4 + 11 |
| Twin cabin lower deck | 1540,00 | 1660,00 | 1785,00 |
| Cabin for single use lower deck | 2460,00 | 2578,00 | 2705,00 |
Dates
Venice – Mantua
Departure on: April 19; May 3 and 17 and 31; June 14 and 28; July 12 and 26; August 9 and 23; September 6 and 20; October 4 and 18
Mantua – Venice
Departure on: April 26; May 10 and 24; June 7 and 21; July 5, and 19; August 2, 16 and 30; September 13 and 27; October 11 and 25
Included:
Excluded:
