Our most popular cycling tour in Italy is our bike and barge tour along the Po River and its canal system to the magical city of Venice. We cycle through unspoilt rural Italian countryside, ending in the warm embrace of the Venetian lagoon. This territory has been reclaimed from the marshes for many centuries now and is framed by green pine-woods, which offer protection for numerous species of animals.

We now offer two ships to choose from, our traditional Dutch barge the Vita Pugna, and our new, larger ship, the Ave Maria.

A bike by day for transport, a boat by night for meals and a good sleep. Your barge or river cruiser is your floating hotel and follows the cycling stages along the river. Fancy a lazy day in? – Well, there’s your home from home.
Both boats are fully crewed: a skipper at the helm, and catering staff to prepare breakfast, a  dinner and all you need for your packed lunch. Our Bike & Boat tours can be enjoyed either on a group tour accompanied by a tour leader, or self-guided.

Each alternate week our ships change direction, ie. Venice to Mantova. Early booking is essential with these tours! 

DAY TO DAY ITINERARY

Day 1 Arrival in Mantova

Bicycles are available from noon at the boat, which is moored at Porto Catena, just a short walk from the centre. The cabins are available from 4.30 p.m. The meeting with the tour leader and the crew is scheduled at dinner-time, ie. 7 p.m.

Day 2 Mantova round tour (35 km).

A day dedicated to the discovery of this little visited cultural gem, its three picturesque “lakes” formed by the Mincio, and its surrounding countryside – once a City State ruled by the Gonzaga family and now considered by many as Italy’s “Sleeping Beauty”. In the late afternoon a local guide will lead you through the most known highlights of the town.

Day 3 Mantua–Governolo–Zelo (50 km by bike).

A short cruise along the lush banks of the Mincio takes us to Governolo, where it flows into the Po and forms the largest inland basin in Italy. At Governolo Lock, once a vital staging post for local navigation, we saddle our bikes and follow the Po through Ostiglia (famed for its medieval fortress and floating mill) and on to the village of Bergantino. Here we visit the charming Carousel and Street Entertainment Museum. Finally, we reach Zelo, a sleepy village on the Canal Bianco, the waterway which runs parallel to the Po.

Mantova

Day 4  Zelo–Ferrara–Adria (50 km by bike + 60 km by bus).

After breakfast we continue our bike and boat adventure cycling towards Ferrara, another key City State of ancient Italy. You will visit this historic town and discover its little touched centre, still surrounded by the original city walls. From Ferrara a short transfer by private coach will take you to Adria. Once close to the shores of the sea which bears its name, Adria was an ancient Greek port, famous for trading Baltic amber. Its remarkable museum also bears witness to its Etruscan, Roman and Venetian heritage.

Day 5 Adria–Porto Viro–Chioggia (40 km).

An exhilarating day of discovery alternating sailing and cycling starts with a short cruise to our drop-off point at Porto Viro and the exploration of the Po’s delta. This unique wetland park is the prime reserve in Europe for herons and home to several colonies of flamingos. At the mouth of the River Adige, which flows fast and cool from the Dolomites, we then follow the Po-Brondolo waterway and reach the Venetian lagoon. Our overnight stop is the bustling and colourful fishing port of Chioggia, known as “Little Venice”.

Day 6  Chioggia–Venice (30km)

A morning visit to the fish market is recommended and, time allowing, we also climb up Chioggia’s millennial clock tower – the oldest in the world – for some breathtaking views. We then enjoy some island hopping in the lagoon itself by bike and boat, starting with our barge dropping us off on Pellestrina (home to the Ca’ Roman nature reserve); and continuing by public ferry for the short crossing to the Lido island. Celebrated by Thomas Mann (Death in Venice) and particularly fashionable with the artists and aristocracy of the Belle Époque, the Lido di Venezia is now home to the International Venice Film Festival and its galaxy of stars. Finally, our floating hotel takes us to our marina in Venice, for the culmination.

Day 7  Venice 

In the morning a local guide will take you to discover the capital of the ancient “Serenissima Republic of Venice”, which held sway over much of the Mediterranean (and beyond) for centuries. After that you have a lot of time to soak up its timeless beauty or explore its islands.

Day 8  Venice

After breakfast, with a view of the lagoon and the customary goodbyes, time to return home.

SHIP OPTIONS

You have the option of our traditional Dutch barge the VITA PUGNA, or our brand new purpose built river cruiser the AVE MARIA. Click on the names for further details.

BICYCLES
Different frame sizes of unisex bikes with 27-gears Shimano Deore will be available on board. They are fully equipped with 1x side-bag, 1 water bottle, 1 map holder/front bag, 1 padlock per bike and 1 repair kit per couple.

GUIDED or SELF GUIDED TOURING OPTIONS
This tour offers the chance to pedal alone, or with the whole group following the tour leader. You may choose each day which you prefer. Each client can take advantage of very detailed route descriptions and maps supplied onboard.

Touring option must be specified at time of reservation.

NAVIGATION ON RIVERS AND CANALS
The programme has been planned to feature navigation along the Fissero/Bianco canal, which runs parallel to the Po and connects Mantova to the Adriatic Sea. A few weeks in the year, when the waters of the Po are favourable, the barge will be allowed to navigate along the Po River itself. This means that the some
of the overnight stays will be modified. Issues with high and low water, as well as logistical obstacles can modify some of the daily stretches or embarkation points.
These decisions are taken by the boat’s captain.

RATING: Easy

A level route with a few very small hills. You cycle only on asphalt paths and almost car-free side roads. You do not need to be a very experienced cyclist but a reasonable level of fitness is helpful. Suitable for families, seniors and novice cyclists.

TRANSFERS

The nearest airports are Verona and Venice. Regular train service is available from both airports to Mantova and Venice.

SCHEDULE & PRICE

VITA PUGNA00

Departing from Mantua: 2018 dates:  07.04;  21.04;  05.05;  02.06;  30.06; 28.07;  11.08;  25.08;
Departing from Venice: 2018 dates: 14.04;  28.04;  12.05;  09.06;  23.06;  04.08;  18.08;   01.09

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AVE MARIA
Departing from Mantua: 2018 dates: 31.03;  14.04;  28.04;  12.05;  26.05;  09.06;  23.06;  07.07;  21.07;  4.08;  18.08;  01.09;  15.09;  29.09;  13.10
Departing from Venice: 2018 dates:  07.04;  21.04; 05.05; 02.06;  16.06;  30.06;   29.07;   11.08;  25.08;  22.09;   06.10;  20.10

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In 2018 there are 3 seasons as follows: 

• Value: March 31 to April 21
• Middle: April 28 to August 18;   October 6 to 20
• High: August 25 to September 29