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Carefully designed for the summer months, this bike and barge journey combines easy cycling with time to swim, relax and explore Venice and the islands and waterways of the Venetian Lagoon. Over the week, cycle 180km / 112mi along mainly flat cycle paths, riverbanks, lagoon-side routes and quiet country roads, discovering Murano, colourful Burano, Pellestrina, Sant’Erasmo, Albarella and Chioggia along the way. The itinerary is well suited to the warmer months, with cycling balanced by cruising, sightseeing and regular opportunities to cool off at sandy beaches and swimming spots. Your base for the week is the Ave Maria Portegrandi, a modern Italian-built electric barge designed for quiet, low-emission cruising. With a maximum of 24 guests, it offers a comfortable way to experience the region’s waterways. The barge is air-conditioned throughout and also features a panoramic saloon, Wi-Fi in the common areas and an outdoor sundeck. After cycling, relax on board over traditional Italian dishes prepared with fresh regional ingredients, with chilled still and sparkling water available from the onboard dispenser.
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Day 1
Arrive Venice
Make your way to the barge in Venice, your base for the week, with embarkation from 5:00pm. Meet your tour leader and crew at the welcome briefing at 6:00pm and enjoy an aperitivo before dinner on board. After dinner, there is time to head out and explore Venice after many of the day visitors have departed, when its streets, squares and canals are generally quieter.: Benvenuti a Venezia!
Meals: D
Day 2
Free time to explore Venice
This morning join your tour leader for a walk through some of Venice's lesser-known streets and neighbourhoods before having the remainder of the day free to explore independently. Visit the city's churches, palaces and squares, stop for lunch beside a canal, or simply explore its network of narrow lanes and waterways. As this is a summer departure, you may also like to take a vaporetto across to the long sandy beaches of the Lido for a swim and some time by the sea. Return to the barge at your leisure. Dinner tonight is not included, giving you the opportunity to choose a local restaurant.
Meals: B,L
Day 3
Depart Venice and cycle on Lido and Pellestrina islands (25km/15.5mi)
Leave central Venice behind as the barge cruises across the lagoon to Murano. Visit a historic glass factory and see a demonstration of the glassblowing techniques for which the island has long been known. Then begin cycling across two very different islands. Ride through the Lido, with its Belle Époque architecture, beaches and connection to the Venice Film Festival, before continuing to Pellestrina. This narrow island retains the character of a traditional fishing community, with colourful houses lining the waterfront. With only a short cycle today, there is plenty of time to explore and enjoy a swim at the beach close to the barge's mooring. Elevation +/-115m
Meals: B,L,D
Day 4
Cycle along the Via delle Valli to Chioggia (55km/34mi)
After cruising to Cavanella d'Adige, disembark with your bikes and cycle towards the island of Albarella. There is time for a swim before another short cruise brings you to Moceniga. From here, cycle along the Via delle Valli, an interesting route through the lagoon landscape. Follow quiet embankments and waterways, passing traditional casoni fishing huts, cavane boat shelters and wetlands. Continue to Chioggia, an attractive fishing town with canals, colourful houses and a lively historic centre with a historic fish market. After time to explore, return to Pellestrina for the night. This is the longest ride of the week, but the predominantly flat terrain and breaks for cruising and swimming help make the day manageable during the summer months. Elevation +/- 190m
Day 5
Punta Sabbioni round tour (45km/28mi)
Cruise to Punta Sabbioni, at the tip of the Cavallino-Treporti peninsula where the Venetian Lagoon meets the Adriatic. Cycle through the small lagoon settlement of Lio Piccolo, surrounded by canals, vegetable gardens, wetlands and fish farms. Continue along the water on an impressive cantilevered cycle path built over the edge of the lagoon. After the ride, there is time for a swim at Cavallino beach before returning to the barge. Tonight the boat moors at Burano or nearby. Elevation +/- 150m
Day 6
Sant'Erasmo island round tour (10km/6mi)
After breakfast, we head to the island of Sant’Erasmo, the second largest after Venice itself and known as “the Venetians’ vegetable garden.” Alongside its vegetable fields and fruit orchards, the island also has vineyards producing a white wine called “Orto di Venezia” in tribute to the island. But the true star here is the purple artichoke of Sant’Erasmo, a prized crop harvested in spring that in summer covers the island in beautiful purple blooms. A stop at Bacan beach is a must: enjoy some time on this beach, popular mainly with locals, before cruising to the vibrant island of Burano, famous for its brightly coloured houses and its exquisite handmade lace. Tonight the boat stays moored in Burano or nearby. Elevation +/- 50m
Day 7
Cruise to Portegrnadi, cycle to Treviso (45km/28mi)
Today begins with a cruise to Portegrandi. After about an hour, we set off by bike toward Treviso, following the Sile River. Depending on the day’s schedule, we can stop for a refreshing swim at the Casale sul Sile public swimming pool. Pass Casier and the interesting Cimitero dei Burci, where the partly submerged remains of large wooden boats can still be seen in the river. These vessels were once used to transport goods along the Sile. Today’s destination is Treviso, known for the small canals and mills that line its streets, which you can explore by bike. Elevation +/- 210m
Day 8
Trip concludes Treviso
The trip concludes after breakfast.
Meals: B
Arrive Treviso
Make your way to the barge in Treviso, with embarkation from 5:00pm. Meet your tour leader and crew at the welcome briefing at 6:00pm and enjoy an aperitivo before dinner. Afterwards, take the opportunity to explore Treviso's historic centre, with its canals, arcaded streets and attractive piazzas.: Benvenuti a Treviso!
Cycle from Treviso to Portegrandi, cruise to Burano (45km/28mi)
Set out from Treviso by bike, following the Sile River along quiet towpaths and waterways towards Portegrandi. Stop at Casier and the Cimitero dei Burci, where the partly submerged remains of old wooden cargo boats provide an interesting reminder of the river's trading history. Depending on the day's schedule, there may also be time for a swim at the outdoor pool at Casale sul Sile. On reaching Portegrandi, rejoin the barge for an approximately one-hour cruise into the Venetian Lagoon and towards Burano, known for its brightly coloured houses and lace-making tradition. Elevation +205 /- 215m
Sant' Erasmo island round tour (10km)/6mi
This morning a short cruise takes us to the island of Sant’Erasmo, the second largest after Venice itself and known as “the Venetians’ vegetable garden.” Here you’ll find vegetable fields, fruit orchards, and vineyards, which also produce a white wine called “Orto di Venezia” in tribute to the island. But the true star is the purple artichoke of Sant’Erasmo, a prized crop harvested in spring that in summer covers the island in beautiful purple blooms. A stop at Bacan beach is a must: enjoy some time on this beach, popular mainly with locals. Tonight the boat stays moored in Burano or nearby. Elevation +/- 50m
Cruise to Murano then cycle at Lido and Pellestrina islands (25km/15.5mi)
Relax and enjoy the cruise to Murano, where you have the chance to step inside an historic glassworks and watch a demonstration of the centuries-old art of glassblowing. Then it’s time to hop on our bikes and discover two islands with very different personalities: first the Lido, home to the Venice Film Festival, with its Belle Époque hotels and elegant beach clubs, then Pellestrina, a genuine fishing village with brightly coloured houses. There is also time for a refreshing swim: the beach is just steps from where the boat is moored! Transfer by ferry 15 minutes. Elevation +/- 115m
Cycle from Cavanella dÁdige to Chioggia (55km/34mi)
Cruise to Cavanella d'Adige and begin cycling towards Albarella, where there is time for a beach stop and swim. A short cruise then brings you to Moceniga and the start of the Via delle Valli. Cycle beside the lagoon, passing wetlands, fishing huts and traditional boat shelters before continuing to Chioggia. Explore this colourful fishing town and its canal-lined historic centre and historic fish markets, before returning to Pellestrina. This is the longest cycling day of the trip, but the route is predominantly flat and is broken up with cruising and opportunities to stop by the water. Elevation +/- 190m
Cruise to Punta Sabbioni, the tip of the Cavallino-Treporti peninsula, where the lagoon meets the sea. We disembark with our bikes and venture into the small islands and canals of Lio Piccolo, a magical lagoon hamlet of vegetable gardens and fish farms. We continue cycling on a scenic ride along the water’s edge on the brand-new cantilevered cycle path over the lagoon. After the ride, Cavallino awaits, one of the best-loved beaches in this area. Then the barge takes us into Venice. Dinner is not included this evening, giving you the opportunity to choose a restaurant ashore. Elevation +/- 150m
Free day to explore Venice
This morning join your tour leader for a walk through some of Venice's lesser-known streets and neighbourhoods before having the remainder of the day free to explore independently. Visit the city's churches, palaces and squares, stop for lunch beside a canal, or simply explore its network of narrow lanes and waterways. As this is a summer departure, you may also like to take a vaporetto across to the long sandy beaches of the Lido for a swim and some time by the sea. Return to the barge at your leisure.
Trip concludes
After breakfast the trip concludes.
What's included
What's not included
Double / Twin Cabin
There are 12 double / twin cabins on the lower deck (4 of these can accommodate up to 3 people by adding 1 bunk bed). The cabins are 11m2 and the beds are 2m by .8m. The cabins enjoy sizeable windows (cannot be opened), comfortable low beds, ensuite facilities and air conditioing. Most of the double beds can be separated into two single beds.
During the trip you will be provided with a 27 speed touring bike with handbrakes. These come in various sizes in unisex models, the bike size will be determined based on your height. You will also receive a pannier to carry your gear for the day and a lock. Helmets will be provided locally. A handlebar bag and repair kit are provided if you wish to cycle self-guided. In the case of a puncture the assumption is that you can repair. You will be given a puncture repair kit, to fix the issue.
An electric bike is available on request. A supplement applies, see below. The electric bike provided has a low-entry frame and a battery with an average range of 90km.
Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists. Minimum age for e-bike rental is 18 years (or 14 -17 years with waiver signed by parent or guardian) and a minimum height requirement is 147cm / 4ft10in.
This is a relaxed cycling trip through predominantly flat terrain, with 180km / 112mi of cycling over the week. Cycling days range from 10–55km / 6–34mi, following mainly dedicated cycle paths beside rivers, canals and the lagoon, as well as quiet country roads. The route is approximately 75% paved and 25% unpaved, with only modest ascents and descents. Cycling is interspersed with cruising, sightseeing and opportunities to swim, which is particularly welcome during the warmer summer months. The barge also cruises some sections to provide easy access to the cycling routes and shorten stages. A reasonable level of fitness and confidence riding a bike is recommended. For safety reasons, we strongly recommend wearing a cycle helmet during all cycling sections.
Per Person, Twin Share
You will need to be a competent cyclist with reasonable fitness. The tour is entirely in the low lands and the daily cycling stages vary from 30 to 50km/18.5 to 31mi. Much of the cycling is along rivers and canals on tarmac cycle paths or quiet roads with a low volume of car traffic. The boat will sometimes sail part of the way during breakfast or the evening meal to make getting out of the towns easier or to shorten the stages. *For safety reasons, we highly recommend that cycle helmets are worn during cycle sections.
It’s a guided cycling tour, but you can choose to ride independently using the navigational app .
Each day includes a briefing from your English-speaking tour leader, and route notes and GPS tracks are provided via the app. If you prefer to ride at your own pace, you’re welcome to do so.
You’ll be supplied with a multi-speed hybrid touring bike with pannier and lock. Helmets are provided locally and are required while cycling.
E-bikes are available (supplement applies) and have a range suited to the daily rides. They are ideal if you’d like assistance on hills or simply prefer a more relaxed ride.
You’ll spend 7 nights on a comfortable barge with ensuite cabins.
Cabins are compact and air-conditioned, with private bathroom facilities.
Onboard facilities include:
Dining area
Salon with bar
Sun deck with seating
Relaxed communal spaces
More details on the barges can be found under the Bike & Boat tab (Vessels and boats) on our website.
Vegetarian and medically necessary diets can be accommodated if advised in advance.
Additional costs apply for vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free and dairy-free diets. Please advise at the time of booking. While every effort is made, allergen-free environments cannot be guaranteed.
There are two itinerary directions:
Venice to Mantua
Mantua to Venice
Both are 8-day trips with 7 nights onboard. Check to see which direction of travel is planned for your chosen date.
Yes. You may remain onboard the barge while others ride. Keep in mind that during the day the crew will be undertaking regular operations.
Your guide can suggest walking options or help arrange transport to the next mooring point at your own expense.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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