Home > Italy > Exclusive Veneto Bike & Boat Premium 2024
Duration
8 days
Activities
  • guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 7 nights in a 2 bed cabin
Meals
  • 7 Dinners
  • 6 Lunches
  • 7 Breakfasts

Price

$USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: SOG7813

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

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Itinerary

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Own arrival to Mantova. The boat is moored at Porto Catena, just a short walk from the city centre. The cabins are available from 4pm. There will be a meeting with the tour guide and the crew at 7pm, 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

The boat takes you to Governolo, the stronghold of the Mincio Pirates. The biggest basin in Italy is in Governolo and it was built in order to control the Mincio River. Here you leave the boat and start cycling. Today's cycle follows the River Po to the village of Ostiglia, and its ruins of a medieval fortress. You will visit the "Carousel and Folk Show Museum" in Bergantino then enjoy a tasting at a cheese factory. Continue cycling along the Canal Bianco until you reach Zelo, a small and cozy village.

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast you will start cycling towards Ferrara. A guided visit of this wonderful town, which is known as the "city of bicycles", will let you discover its historical centre still surrounded by the old city walls. From Ferrara a bus transfer will bring you to Adria. An ancient Greek port famous for trading amber coming from the Baltic. Total distance by bike: 60km.

Meals:  B,L,D

The boat will bring you to Porto Viro and from here you will start today's cycle into the maze of the Po Delta. The Po Delta is an uncontaminated paradise between marshes and lagoons of the Po, and today you will be pedalling in the heart of nature. Your destination for today is Albarella, a private island of ancient traditions. *In case of low water you will start cycling directly from Adria, for approximately 55km.

Meals:  B,L,D

On today's cycle you will be suspended between water and land as you pedal between the Po Delta and the mouth of the River Adige. You then follow the Po-Brondolo waterway which links the river to the Venetian lagoon. Overnight in Chioggia ("key-oh-gee-a"), known as "the little Venice". A visit to the fish market at dawn is an absolute must.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today's cycle is the most exciting stage of the tour. The boat will bring you to the nature reserve of Ca' Roman, a sandy inlet surrounded by pine-woods. Pedalling along the lagoon you will reach Pellestrina. From here you will ride along the cycle path to the ferry landing stage. A short boat ride takes you up the Lido island, along the "Murazzi", with a stop in Malamocco, the ancient harbour of Venice. You will stay overnight on the island of Giudecca, not far from St Mark's square. Enjoy the amazing view of the lagoon.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today you a free to explore Venice. After waking up to a wonderful view of the lagoon, you have the whole day to discover the magnificent historical centre of the "Repubblica Serenissima" or the wonderful surrounding islands.

Meals:  B,L,D

The trip concludes after breakfast.

Meals:  B

Inclusions

What's included

  • 7 breakfast, 6 lunches, 7 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
  • 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 for loss or damage
  • English speaking tour leader (second tour leader with a minimum of 22 people)
  • Tea and coffee available on board
  • Sheets and towels
  • Detailed route description, maps and info pack per cabin
  • 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
  • GPS Tracks available on request
  • Guided walk of Venice and Mantua

  • Dinner on day 6 (2023), Drinks on board
  • Tips
  • Museum entrance fees
  • Personal items
  • Travel insurance
  • Travel to/from Venice/Mantua
  • Supplement to provide vegan or gluten free meals
  • Ticket for public transportation in Venice and lagoon (we suggest the ACTV 48hticket, 30 €)
  • Venice Municipality Access Fee: it is expected to enter into force on January 1st, 2023 (approx. 18-30 € to be paid on site)
  • 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)

Cabins

Ave Maria

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.

Ave Maria

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.

Bike information

Hybrid Bike

During the trip you will be provided with a 27 speed bike with handbrakes. This will generally be a citybike available 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, along with a handlebar bag, bike computer, lock and repair kit. Helmets will be provided locally.

Electric Bike

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.

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

IT1
Trip starts in Venice
IT2
Trip starts in Mantova
DN3
Peak season is from 26 Aug to 14 Oct. High season is from 6 May to 24 Jun and 21 Oct. Mid season is from 22 to 29 Apr and 1 Jul to 19 Aug. Supplements apply for peak, high and mid season. Note: An additional non refundable deposit is required to secure bookings on this trip.
DN4
Prices shown are valid for 2023 departures only

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

$USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Supplement for gluten-free, lactose-free and vegan dietsUSD$70
  • Electric Bike SupplementUSD$170
  • 2024 upper deck supplement - double, twin, triple superior cabin ppUSD$360
  • 2024 Single Supplement - single cabin (3 per departure)USD$500
  • 2024 Single Supplement - single use of double (standard) cabinUSD$1420
*Prices listed are per person

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