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Journey through the historic Veneto region and beyond to the regions of Lombardia and Emilia-Romagna. Beginning in the magical city of Venice, cycle through seaside towns and along rivers and canals to the Renaissance town of Mantova. Along the way, take in the artistic, cultural and historical legacies entwined in the region and explore the unique landscapes of the Venetian lagoon and the Po Delta area, where bird life is prolific. Wander through classic towns such as Ferrara famous for bicycles and the ancient Greek port of Adria. There will be opportunities to taste wine and cheese as you wind your way to Mantova, rich in artistic masterpieces. In the evening experience the camaraderie of your fellow cyclists, whilst moored at picturesque locations.
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99kg of CO2-e PP per day
(893kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive in Venice
Make your own way to Venice - the usual mooring is on Giudecca island. Cabins are available from 5pm. The briefing and aperitivo with the tour leader and crew will be at 6 or 6:30pm, just before dinner. After dinner, savour Venice at night, now free of the crowds and at her most romantic. On arrival in Venice, we recommend buying the 48 (or 72) hour ferry ticket - from the ACTV ticket office at the airport Marco Polo or in Piazzale Roma. You must validate the ticket before boarding the ferry and it will then be valid for the next 48 hours. You will need it on day 3 for the ferry enroute to Chioggia.
Meals: D
Day 2
Free day to discover the magic of Venice
This morning join your tour leader on foot and off the beaten track to uncover 'La Serenissima', the ancient Republic of Venice, which held sway over much of the Mediterranean and beyond for centuries. The rest of the day is free to explore Venice, to discover the magnificent historical centre or the wonderful surrounding islands. Own dinner arrangements.
Meals: B,L
Day 3
Cruise and cycle at Lido and Pellestrina Island (25km/15.5mi)
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 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”. +-115m/380ft, Ferry transfer: 15mins
Meals: B,L,D
Day 4
Cycle through the nature reserve of the Po Delta (40km/25mi)
This morning we'll stroll through Chioggia, followed perhaps by a visit to the millennial clock tower, the oldest in the world, for some breathtaking views. Weather and time permitting, 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! We cycle south along the Po-Brondolo canal, through the mouth of the River Adige into the Po river delta. This unique wetland is a prime reserve in for herons and home to a colony of flamingos. Continue cycling to Adria, an ancient Greek port, famous for trading amber coming from the Baltics. It 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. +-140m/460ft
Day 5
Cycle to the walled town of Ferrara (35km/22mi), bus transfer to Zelo
After a short cruise, we start cycling between the Po and fields of wheat, corn and fruit trees towards Ferrara. Ferrara is known as "the town of bicycles" and under its ruling family, the Este, the city state attracted architects, artists and scholars for centuries, pioneering town planning principles that have been emulated through time. Its university ranks among Italy's best. There's time to explore the city and enjoy some local dishes for lunch before cycling around the old hippodrome and along the old city walls. In the afternoon a short bus transfer will bring us to Zelo, a sleepy village on the Canal Bianco, the waterway which runs parallel to the Po. +120m/395ft, -115m/380ft, Bus transfer 75mins approx
Day 6
Cruise and bike to Mantova (50km/31mi)
We cruise for a short stretch then cycle through the countryside to a Grana Padano cheese factory where we can enjoy a tasting of this famous cheese. We continue to the village of Bergantino where we visit the charming Carousel and Street Entertainment museum. We'll follow the Po towards Ostiglia, a small village with the ruins of a medieval fortress and rejoin the boat at Governolo Lock. Once a vital staging post for local navigation, this is where the Mincio river flows into the Po, creating the largest inland basin in Italy. After a few kilometres we reach Mantova (Mantua), one of the most beautiful Renaissance towns of northern Italy. +125m/412ft, -115m/380ft
Day 7
A round tour of Mantova and its surrounds (35km/22mi)
Today is dedicated to the discovery of this wonderful city and its surroundings, which was ruled by the powerful Gonzaga family for four centuries from the early 1300s. We'll cycle around the three picturesque "lakes" formed by the Mincio and its surrounding countryside. In the afternoon we meet our local guide for a walking tour (approx 1.5hrs) through the highlights of the town: Piazza Sordello with its magnificent cathedral and Palazzo Ducale, Piazza delle Erbe with its Clock Tower, Rotonda di S. Lorenzo (the oldest church in town) and the Cathedral of St. Andrew, a jewel of Renaissance art and architecture (the walking programme may be subject to change). +-115m/380ft
Day 8
Trip concludes
After breakfast the trip concludes.
Meals: B
Arrive Mantova (Mantua)
Own arrival to Mantova (also know as Mantua) the boat is moored at Porto Catena, just a short walk from the city centre. The cabins are available from 5pm. There will be a briefing and aperitivo with the tour guide and the crew at 6 or 6.30pm, just before dinner. Mantova is one of the most beautiful towns in northern Italy. Many world-famous artists left their masterpieces here thanks to the financial support of the famous Gonzaga family.
A round tour in Mantova and its surrounds (35km/22mi)
An entire day is dedicated to the discovery of this wonderful city and its surroundings, which was ruled by the powerful Gonzaga family for four centuries from the early 1300s. We'll cycle around the three picturesque "lakes" formed by the Mincio and its surrounding countryside. In the afternoon we meet our local guide for a walking tour (approx 1.5hrs) through the highlights of the town: Piazza Sordello with its magnificent cathedral and Palazzo Ducale, Piazza delle Erbe with its Clock Tower, Rotonda di S. Lorenzo (the oldest church in town) and the Cathedral of St Andrew, a jewel of Renaissance art and architecture (the walking programme may be subject to change). +115m/380ft, -115m/380ft
Boat to Governolo, cycle to Zelo (50km/31mi)
The boat takes us along the Mincio river to Governolo, where the Mincio flows into the Po and forms the largest inland basin in Italy. At the lock, we leave the boat and start cycling, following the river to the village of Ostiglia and its ruins of a medieval fortress. We continue to the village of Bergantino where we will visit the Carousel and Street Entertainment museum and on to a local cheese factory in the heartland of Grana Padano - the arch-rival of Parmesan. Finally, we ride along the Canal Bianco, parallel to the Po, to the sleepy village of Zelo. +115m/380ft, -125m/412ft
Cycle to Ferrara, explore the city (50km/31mi), transfer to Adria
After breakfast we will start cycling towards Ferrara. Ferrara is known as "the town of bicycles" and under its ruling family, the Este, the city state attracted architects, artists and scholars for centuries, pioneering town planning principles that have been emulated through time. Its university ranks among Italy's best. There's time to explore the city and enjoy some local dishes for lunch before cycling around the old hippodrome and along the old city walls. From Ferrara, a bus transfer will take us to Adria, an ancient Greek port with a rich Etruscan, Roman and Venetian heritage and famous for trading amber from the Baltic. An after-dinner passeggiata into town for a well-earned grappa or gelato is in order. +-145m/480ft, Transfer by bus: 60km/37mi, approx 75 minutes.
Boat to Porto Viro then cycle to Chioggia (40km/25mi)
After a short cruise, we cycle into the Po Delta. This unique wetland is the prime reserve in Europe for herons and home to a sizeable colony of flamingos (in season). Weather permitting, as we continue towards Chioggia, we can 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 boat will moor overnight on the island of Pellestrina, just in front of Chioggia. +-110m/363ft
Cycle on Pellestrina and Lido islands, cruise to Venice (25km/15.5mi)
Venice beckons, but first we explore Pellestrina, one of two islands we traverse today. It has a humble and tranquil fishing area, and is picturesque with its cottages, boats and nets. A short ferry ride takes us to the island of Lido. 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. We will also visit a historic glass factory on Murano island, with a glassblowing demonstration by a master artisan. Our boat then takes us to the ancient harbour of Venice. We will stay overnight on Giudecca island*. Note: on arrival in Chioggia, we recommend buying a 48 hour-ticket (available from the ACTV ticket office at Piazzetta Vigo, allow 35 € - subject to change). When you take the first ferry, you have to validate it and then it will be valid for the next 48 hours. *mooring place can change +-115m/380ft, Ferry transfer 15mins
This morning join your tour leader on foot and off the beaten track to uncover 'La Serenissima', the ancient Republic of Venice, which held sway over much of the Mediterranean and beyond for centuries. The rest of the day is free to explore Venice, to discover the magnificent historical centre or the wonderful surrounding islands. Farewell dinner on board this evening.
The trip concludes after breakfast.
What's included
What's not included
Below Deck Cabins
There are 10 standard double cabins on the lower deck (3 of these can accommodate up to 3 people by adding 1 bunk bed). The rooms are 11m2. 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.
There are 3 bunk bed cabins which can be used as a single cabin. Supplements apply for single cabins.
Upper Deck Cabins
There are 4 superior double cabins located on the upper deck. The cabins are 11m2. The windows in the upper deck cabins can be opened. Three of these cabins can accommodate up to 4 guests by adding in two bunks. A supplement applies for upper deck cabins.
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.
GRADE 2 - 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 alongside the waterways on tarmac cycle paths or quiet roads with a low volume of car traffic (90% paved, 10% unpaved). 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.
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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