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Duration
8 days
Activities
  • guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 7 nights in a 2 bed cabin
Meals
  • 6 Dinners
  • 6 Lunches
  • 7 Breakfasts

Price

$1890USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: VBP

Trip highlights


  • Discovering the magical city of Venice
  • Visiting the walled city of Ferrara
  • Cycling through the natural reserves of the Po Delta and along Italy's longest river
  • Exploring the enchanting Renaissance town of Mantova and surrounds
  • Soaking up the hospitality on board a comfortable boat

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.

Trip Grading

introductory to moderate

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

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Make your own way to Venice. Cabins are available from 6:00pm (5pm in 2025). The meeting with the tour leader and crew will be at 6:30pm, just before dinner. After dinner, savour Venice at night, now free of the crowds and at her most romantic. When you arrive 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 en route to Chioggia.

Meals:  D

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.

Meals:  B,L

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 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”. +115m/380ft, -115m/380ft, Ferry transfer - 15mins

Meals:  B,L,D

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, -140m/460ft

Meals:  B,L,D

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 - 1 hour, 15mins

Meals:  B,L,D

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

Meals:  B,L,D

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 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

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast the trip concludes.

Meals:  B

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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 6.00pm (5pm in 2025). There will be a meeting with the tour guide and the crew at 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.

Meals:  D

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 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

Meals:  B,L

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. +125m/412ft, -115m/380ft

Meals:  B,L,D

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, -+145m/480ft, Transfer by bus: 60km/37mi, approx 75 minutes.

Meals:  B,L,D

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, -110m/363ft

Meals:  B,L,D

Venice beckons, but first there is time to explore Pellestrina, the first 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 (you can buy it in Piazzetta Vigo at ACTV ticket office, 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. *actual mooring place can change +115m/380ft, -115m/380ft, Ferry transfer - 15mins

Meals:  B,L,D

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.

Meals:  B,L,D

The trip concludes after breakfast.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.


Inclusions

  • 7 breakfast, 6 self packed lunches, 6 dinners (does not include drinks). - Breakfast is buffet style and will usually consist of bread, ham / salami, cheese, butter, marmalade, yoghurt, cereals, milk, tea and coffee. At breakfast you will prepare your packed lunch which will be sandwiches, juice or 1/2L of water. Dinner will consist of 3 courses inclusive of a starter, main meal and dessert and include typical dishes of simple traditional Italian cuisine.
  • 7 nights accommodation aboard a premium barge with private facilities on a twin share basis. Upgrade option to upper deck available, supplement applies.
  • Bike rental with gel saddles, puncture resistant tyres, pannier, padlock, water bottle, helmet and repair kit (self guided only). Electric bike available on request - supplement applies
  • Bike insurance against theft and irreparable damage (limited)
  • English speaking tour leader (second tour leader with a minimum of 22 people)
  • Digital information pack including route notes, maps and navigational App (can be used offline) with GPX Tracks (smartphone required)
  • Tea and coffee available on board, afternoon snack, welcome drink, still and sparkling water dispenser, ice dispenser
  • Sheets and towels, use of hairdryer, courtesy kit with eco solid soaps and shower cap
  • Bus transfer Ferrara to Zelo / Ferrara to Adria
  • Harbour charges
  • Mid week service - cabin cleaning and towel change
  • Entrances and visits as described in the programme including a visit of a Grana Padano cheese factory & glass factory visit on Murano island
  • Guided walk of Mantova and other short walking tours
  • Wifi in common areas

  • Travel to Venice and from Mantova
  • Meals not listed as included such as dinner on day 2, drinks on board
  • Supplement for special dietary requirements: gluten free, lactose-free, vegan diets (please notify us on booking)
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • A supplement will apply if you book a single cabin (double use of a single cabin)
  • Entrance fees not listed as included
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Tips
  • Ticket for public transportation in Venice and lagoon (we suggest the ACTV 48 hour ticket, 35 €)
  • Venice Municipality Access Fee: see https://cda.ve.it/en
  • We recommend bringing a holder for your mobile phone to be fixed to the handlebar to cycle smoothly following the app if you would like to cycle independently (self guided)
  • Items of a personal nature

Cabins


Bike information


Grading

introductory to moderate  

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.


Departure dates


Notes

M
Mid Season
H
High Season
P
peak season surcharge
IT1
Trip starts in Venice
IT2
Trip starts in Mantova
Note:
2025 - Peak season is from 23 Aug to 11 Oct. High season is from 3 May to 21 Jun and 18 to 25 Oct. Mid season is from 19 to 26 Apr and 28 Jun to 16 Aug. Supplements apply for peak, high and mid season. Note: An additional non refundable deposit is required to secure bookings on this trip. 2024 - Peak season is from 24 Aug to 12 Oct. High season is from 4 May to 22 Jun and 19 to 26 Oct. Mid season is from 20 to 27 Apr and 29 Jun to 17 Aug.Supplements apply for peak, high and mid season. Note: An additional non refundable deposit is required to secure bookings on this trip.

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$1890USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Supplement for gluten-free, lactose-free and vegan dietsUSD$80
  • Electric Bike SupplementUSD$170
  • upper deck supplement - double, twin, triple superior cabin ppUSD$360
  • 2025 Single Supplement - single cabinUSD$460
  • 2025 Single Supplement - single use of double (standard) cabinUSD$1320
  • Child under 18 sharing with two adultsUSD$1390
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


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