Make your way to Mantova (Mantua). The boat will be moored at Porto Catena, just a short walk from the city centre. The cabins are available from 6pm. There will be a meeting with the tour guide and the crew at 6:30pm, just before dinner. Afterwards you can take a stroll into town and savour the historic centre at its most evocative - benvenuti a Mantova!

Meals:  D

Our first cycling 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 a local guide will lead us on a walking tour across the historic centre: including Piazza Sordello with its magnificent cathedral and Palazzo Ducale, the city centre up to Piazza delle Erbe, Clock Tower, the 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).

Meals:  B,L,D

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. The day would also not be complete without a visit to a local cheese factory in the heartland of Grana Padano - the arch-rival of Parmesan. Finally, reach the Canal Bianco, parallel to the Po, and the sleepy village of Zelo.

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. Total distance by bus: 60km/37mi, approx 70 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.

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 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. Cruise to the ancient harbour of Venice, with great views to the city's main sites. Overnight mooring on Giudecca island. On arrival in Chioggia, we recommend buying a 48 hour-ticket (you can buy it in Piazzetta Vigo at ACTV ticket office, price is approx 30 €). 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

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning a local guide will uncover the capital of the ancient 'Serenissima 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 on foot to discover the magnificent historical centre of "La Serenissima" or the wonderful surrounding islands.

Meals:  B,L,D

The trip concludes after breakfast.

Meals:  B