Mantua to Venice v.v. 2024

Bike and Barge Italy

Blending nature, culture and fine cuisine, this leisurely bike and barge tour along the River Po offers more than just a taster of Northern Italy.

From Mantua to Venice or v.v.

This tour explores celebrated cities of art, one of Europe's prime Nature Reserves, and a wealth of tucked-away rural hamlets, rewarding our daily rides with authentic regional dishes back on board.

The tour starts in Mantua – in its heyday a major city state crowned by the Italian Renaissance – progresses to Ferrara and culminates in Venice. Along the way: Adria, once a key Roman port; the natural wonders of the Po Delta, famed for its birdlife; and colourful Chioggia, gateway to the Venetian lagoon.

Finally: the glory of Venice herself.

The route

Total Length: 195 km Total vertical up: 20 m Terrain: 95% tarmac, 5% unpaved This cycling tour is largely along the flats of the Po plains, and the daily stages vary from 25 to 55 km – mostly on tarmac cycle paths along rivers and canals, or quiet country roads. The boat is moored at night and typically sets sail after breakfast, meeting up with the bikes in the afternoon. Some parts of the itinerary are undertaken by boat, to allow easier access onto cycling paths or simply to enjoy the cruise.

Easy cycling in mostly flat areas, with only few short climbs and descents. Little effort required, suitable for most people. The tour is also suitable for children. If the child one day does not want to cycle, he/she can stay on board with one of the parents.

AVE MARIA: Modern and highly appointed river barge, launched in 2011.

The barge Ave Maria is equipped with:

• 4 Superior Double cabins (three of these can accommodate up to 4 persons adding 2 bunk beds) above deck, approx. 11 m2;
• 10 Standard Double cabins (three of these can accommodate up to 3 persons adding 1 bunk bed) below deck, approx. 11 m2;
• 3 bunk bed cabins (also available as Single cabins) below deck, approx. 7.5 m2. All cabins enjoy sizeable windows (the ones in the Superior cabins can also be partially opened), comfortable low beds, en-suite facilities, air conditioning and safety box. Bed/bunk size is 2.00 x 0.80 m. Most of the double beds can be separated into two single beds. The air-conditioned living area measures 11 x 7.5 m and is divided into two parts: the Restaurant (up to 33 seats) and the Lounge (up to 28 seats).

Extra features:

• 2 sundecks
• Free hot drinks machine (including Italian ground coffee).
• Free wi-fi in the common area.
• Large 55” screen in the lounge for video.
• Dedicated bike storage (for approx. 40 hanging bikes).
• Hair-dryers (limited number) available on request.
• Complimentary courtesy kit: soap, shower gel, shampoo, shower cap

Departure dates

Mantua-Venice | Ave Maria (IT010)

• Season 1 | 6.04.2024
• Season 2 | 20.04, 29.06, 13.07, 27.07, 10.08.2024
• Season 3 | 4.05, 18.05, 1.06, 15.06, 19.10.2024
• Season 4 | 24.08, 7.09, 21.09, 5.10.2024

Mantua-Venice | Vita Pugna (IT009)

• Season 1 | 13.04.2024
• Season 2 | 27.04, 6.07, 20.07, 3.08, 17.08.2024
• Season 3 | 11.05, 25.05, 8.06, 22.06.2024
• Season 4 | 31.08, 14.09, 28.09, 12.10.2024

Venice-Mantua | Ave Maria (IT012)

• Season 1 | 13.04.2024
• Season 2 | 27.04, 6.07, 20.07, 3.08, 17.08.2024
• Season 3 | 11.05, 25.05, 8.06, 22.06, 26.10.2024
• Season 4 | 31.08, 14.09, 28.09, 12.10.2024

Venice-Mantua | Vita Pugna (IT011)

• Season 2 | 20.04, 29.06, 13.07, 27.07, 10.08.2024
• Season 3 | 4.05, 18.05, 1.06, 15.06, 19.10.2024
• Season 4 | 24.08, 7.09, 21.09, 5.10.2024

1. Mantua

We welcome you aboard your new home-from-home from 4.30 p.m. onwards, and then regroup for the introductory briefing – at 6.30 – with your tour leader, skipper and crew, along with a first refreshing aperitivo. After dinner we can stroll into town and savour the historic centre at its most evocative: Benvenuti a Mantova!

2. Mantua round tour (35 km)

A day dedicated to the discovery of this cultural gem, its three picturesque “lakes” formed by the river Mincio and the surrounding countryside. This afternoon we meet our Mantuan guide for a walking tour across the historic centre: starting from Piazza Sordello with its magnificent cathedral and Palazzo Ducale, we will walk through the city centre up to Piazza delle Erbe. Here we will admire the 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. We will learn why Mantua, once a City State ruled by the Gonzaga family, is now considered by many as Italy’s “Sleeping Beauty”. (The programme may be subject to changes)

3. Mantua – Zelo (50 km)

After breakfast, we set sail from the "lakes" of Mantua and cruise through the lush wetlands that lead to Governolo Lock, where Mantua's River Mincio flows into the Po. Here, we saddle up and follow the broad sweeps of the levee towards Ostiglia, renowned for its medieval fortress and fierce fighting in 1945, as the Allies drove Hitler's forces back. Next: Bergantino, home of the distinctive Museum of Fairground Rides and its collection of street organs, all expertly restored (and thunderous!). This village is also in the heartland of Grana Padano – the arch-rival of Parmesan – and a visit to the local cheese factory, sampling some well seasoned Grana, is de rigueur. We catch up with our barge in Zelo, a sleepy village on the Canal Bianco, the waterway which runs parallel to the Po.

4. Zelo – Ferrara – Adria (50 km by bike + 60 km by bus)

This morning we cross the Po and ride southwards through a patchwork of farmland, orchards and hamlets, as far as Ferrara. Under its ruling family, the Este, this city state attracted architects, artists and scholars for centuries, pioneering town planning principles that have been emulated worldwide ever since. To this day, Ferrara University ranks among the best, and the town is dubbed the ''Cycling Capital of Italy". A private bus and trailer then take us back to our floating hotel in Adria, an ancient Roman port once washed by the sea which bears its name. Adria 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.

5. Adria – Po Delta Nature Reserve – Pellestrina island (40 km)

After a short cruise, we cycle into the delta of the life-giving Po. This unique wetland is the prime reserve in Europe for herons and home to a sizeable colony of flamingos. Weather permitting, as we continue towards Chioggia, we can also 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 overnight takes palce on the Island Pellestrina, just in front of Chioggia.

6. Pellestrina island – Venice (30 km)

Venice beckons, but first another world altogether: Pellestrina, the first of two islands we traverse today – a humble and tranquil fishing backwater, picturesque as ever with its cottages, boats and nets. A short island-hop by ferry lands us on the Lido. 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. We will also visit a historic glass factory on Murano island, with a glassblowing demonstration by a master artisan. After rejoining our barge, an unrushed cruise in front of St Mark’s square takes us to our final destination. After dinner we can savour Venice at night, now free of the crowds and at her most romantic: Benvenuti a Venezia!

7. Venice

After breakfast – and perhaps following a wander off the beaten track with your tour leader – we all meet up with our Venetian guide for a tour through the historic centre. Christened La Serenissima ("The Most Serene"), the Venetian Republic held sway over much of the Mediterranean (and beyond) for centuries – both as a military power and a beacon of culture, her explorers reaching as far as China and Newfoundland. The guided tour will start from Piazza San Marco with a brief description of the monuments around it; then the walk continues towards the biggest “sestiere” of the city, Castello, up to Campo dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo with its imposing gothic church and the Scuola Grande di San Marco (today city hospital). The guided tours ends at the Rialto Bridge; you have the afternoon free to enjoy the city at your own pace. (The programme may be subject to changes)

8. Venice

Departure after breakfast.

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Tour programme variations

The programme has been planned to feature navigation along the Fissero/ Bianco canal, which runs parallel to the Po river and connects Mantua to the Adriatic Sea. Due to organisational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the holiday. Issues with high and low water, as well as logistic obstacles such as officially ordered - previously not announced - repair work on locks or bridges can modify some of the daily stretches or overnight stays and may even request a transfer by bus. These decisions are only taken by the barge’s captain.

Route profile

• Total length: 205 km
• Total vertical up: 20 m
• Terrain: 95% tarmac, 5% unpaved
• Summary: this cycling tour is largely along the flats of the Po plains, and the daily stages vary from 25 to 55 km – mostly on tarmac cycle paths along rivers and
  canals, or quiet country roads. The barge is moored at night and typically sets sail after breakfast, meeting up with the bikes in the afternoon. Some parts of the itinerary are undertaken by barge, to allow easier access onto cycling paths or simply to enjoy the cruise.

=============================================================================

Venice to Mantua

1. Venice

We welcome you aboard your new home-from-home from 4.30 p.m. onwards, and then regroup for the introductory briefing – at 6.30 – with your tour leader, skipper and crew, along with a first refreshing aperitivo. After dinner we can savour Venice at night, now free of the crowds and at her most romantic: Benvenuti a Venezia

2. Venice

After breakfast – and perhaps following a wander off the beaten track with your tour leader – we all meet up with our Venetian guide for a tour through the historic centre. Christened La Serenissima ("The Most Serene"), the Venetian Republic held sway over much of the Mediterranean (and beyond) for centuries – both as a military power and a beacon of culture, her explorers reaching as far as China and Newfoundland. The guided tour will start from Piazza San Marco with a brief description of the monuments around it; then the walk continues towards the biggest “sestiere” of the city, Castello, up to Campo dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo with its imposing gothic church and the Scuola Grande di San Marco (today city hospital). The guided tours ends at the Rialto Bridge; you have the afternoon free to enjoy the city at your own pace. (The programme may be subject to changes)

3. Venice – Pellestrina island (30 km)

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 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”.

4. Pellestrina island – Po Delta Nature Reserve – Adria (40 km)

We open the day with a stroll through Chioggia, followed perhaps by a visit up the millennial clock tower – the oldest in the world – for some breathtaking views. Weather permitting, we can also 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! Then onwards into the delta of the life-giving Po. This unique wetland is the prime reserve in Europe for herons and home to a colony of flamingos. We moor for the night in Adria, a key Roman port, once washed by the waters of the sea which bears its name. Adria 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.

5. Adria – Ferrara – Zelo (35 km by bike + 35 km by bus)

After a short cruise we saddle our bikes and, following the Po through farmland and hamlets, we reach Ferrara. Under its ruling family, the Este, this city state attracted architects, artists and scholars for centuries, pioneering town planning principles that have been emulated worldwide ever since. To this day, Ferrara University ranks among the best, and the town is dubbed the ''Cycling Capital of Italy". A private bus and trailer take us back to our floating hotel in Zelo, a sleepy village on the Canal Bianco, the waterway which runs parallel to the Po.

6. Zelo – Mantua (50 km)

This morning we head for the village of Bergantino, home of the distinctive Museum of Fairground Rides and its collection of street organs, all expertly restored (and thunderous!). But first things first: we are in the heartland of Grana Padano – the arch-rival of Parmesan – and after visiting the local cheese factory, we enjoy a degustazione of sharp and seasoned Grana, washed down with a glass of Valpolicella. After our customary picnic lunch, we leave Bergantino and follow the river to Ostiglia, famed for its medieval fortress and the fierce fighting that took place here in 1945, as the Allies and partisans drove Hitler's forces back. We ride on and rejoin our barge at Governolo Lock, where Mantua's River Mincio flows into the Po. Veering north, we cruise through the lush wetlands that finally emerge into the glorious "lakes" of Mantua.

7. Mantua round tour (35 km)

A day dedicated to the discovery of this cultural gem, its three picturesque “lakes” formed by the river Mincio and the surrounding countryside. This afternoon we meet our Mantuan guide for a walking tour across the historic centre: starting from Piazza Sordello with its magnificent cathedral and Palazzo Ducale, we will walk through the city centre up to Piazza delle Erbe. Here we will admire the 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. We will learn why Mantua, once a City State ruled by the Gonzaga family, is now considered by many as Italy’s “Sleeping Beauty”. (The programme may be subject to changes)

8. Mantua

Departure after breakfast.

Included

• 7 overnights
• Breakfast
• Self-made packed lunch
• 6 dinner
• Welcome drink
• Coffee and tea and other hot drinks on board
• Sheets and towels
• Courtesy kit
• Mid-week cabin cleaning service and towel change
• Bike helmet (to book in advance)
• App including maps, roadbook, points of interest and GPS tracks
• Digital tour information
• English speaking tour leader within an international group
• Second tour leader with a minimum of 22 people (only aboard Ave Maria)
• Guided visit in Mantua
• Visit of a cheese factory with tasting of typical Grana Padano
• Visit of Carousel and Street Entertainment Museum
• Visit of a historic glass factory on Murano island
• Some short walking tours
• Harbour charges
• Bus transfer Ferrara-Zelo / Ferrara-Adria

Not included

• 1 dinner in Venice
• Beverages on board
• Museums, fees and extras in general
• Ticket for public transportation in Venice and lagoon (we suggest the ACTV 48h ticket, 30 €)

• Venice Municipality Access Fee: it is expected to enter into force on January 1st,
• 2023 (approx. 18-30 € to be paid on site)
• Tips
• Everything not mentioned in the section “Included”

Bikes are available in different sizes in unisex model:

• Touring bike 27-gear Shimano Deore
• E-bike 9-gear Shimano

Features:

• aluminium frame
• mudguard
• rear rack
• comfort gel saddle
• anti-puncture Schwalbe tyres
• ergonomic bicycle grips
• Speed Lifter system

You can also rent:

• Child bikes | 20” wheels | 24” wheels
• Child seat | max 22 kg | 0-4 yrs
• Child trailer| max 30 kg | 0-4 yrs | 1 seat
• Follow-me tandem for 20” child bike | max 27 kg | 4-7 yrs

These accessories can only be mounted on unisex 27-gear Shimano Deore Touring bikes.

Bike insurance

An insurance against theft and damage is included in the rental bike price. In cases of careless or improper behavior the insurance will not cover the costs.

Accessories

All rented adult bikes are equipped with:

• 1 cycle computer
• 1 Ortlieb one-sided saddlebag
• 1 water bottle (0.75 l)
• 1 combination bike lock
• 1 helmet suitable for head circumferences from 54 to 61 cm

All our helmets have a certification mark according to the DIN EN 1078 (CE) European norm.