boat and bike tour in Italy from Mantova to Venice 2012

Difficulty

Location: Northern Italy

Distance: 210 km (42 km/day)

Type: group

Interest:

Type of Biking: Hybrid

Duration: 8 days / 7 nights

Overview
Itinerary & Map
Bikes & Services
Accommodations & Dates

About your bike tour

This guided bike and boat our starts in the enchanting Renaissance town of Mantova and winds its way along the Mincio and the Po, following the natural course of the longest Italian river.

After a wonderful trip from the countryside to the Po delta, with its incredible wildlife, the most beautiful town of the world is waiting for you: Venice!

The ship will sail some of the way during breakfast or evening meal to make getting out of the towns easier or to shorten the stages.

What we love

arriving at Ostiglia with its unique medieval fortress followed by a wonderful cheese tasting
cycling to the walled city of Farrara and and enjoying a guided visit of the historical centre
riding into the maze of the Po Delta, an uncontaminated paradise between marshes and lagoons
boating on the Venetian lagoon and witnessing age old fishing customs with grand view of St Marks
waking up to a wonderful day to discover the multitude of magnificent historical sites in Venice

What to know

the tour is entirely in the low lands and the daily cycling stages vary from 30 km to 55 km
much of the pedalling is along rivers and canals on tarmac cycle paths or roads with a low volume of car traffic

Photos of this bike tour

Travel destinations on the map

— Day 1: Mantova (Lombardy)

The cabins are available from 4 p.m. The boat is moored at Porto Catena, just a short walk from the city centre. The meeting with the tour leader and the crew is scheduled at dinner-time, at 7 p.m. Mantova is one of the most beautiful towns in Northern Italy, where a lot of worldwide known artists left their masterpieces, thanks to the financial support of the famous Gonzaga family.

40 km Day 2: Mantova (Lombardy)

An entire day dedicated to the discovery of this wonderful city and its sorroundings dominated by the family of Gonzaga.

50 km Day 3: Governolo (Lombardy)

The boat takes you to Governolo, where there is the biggest basin of Italy, built in order to control the Mincio River. You start the ride following the River Po, up to the village of Ostiglia, with the ruins of a medieval fortress. Subsequently you will visit the “Carousel and folk show museum” in Bergantino and enjoy a tasting session at a cheese factory. You will finally reach Zelo, a small and cosy village on “Canal Bianco”.

50 km Day 4: Isola Albarella (Veneto)

After breakfast you will start cycling towards Ferrara. A guided visit of this wonderful town will let you discover its historical centre, still sur- rounded by the old city walls. From Ferrara a short bus transfer will bring you to Adria, an ancient Greek port, famous for trading amber coming from the Baltic.

40 km Day 5: Porto Viro (Veneto)

You will be suspended between water and land, as you will pedal between the Po Delta and the mouth of the River Adige. You follow then the Po-Brondolo waterway, which links the river to the Venetian lagoon. You will stay overnight in Chioggia, known as “the little Venice”. A visit to the fish market at dawn is an absolute “must”.

30 km Day 6: Venice (Veneto)

This is the most exciting stage of the tour: the boat brings you to the nature reserve of Ca’ Roman, a sandy islet surrounded by pine- woods. Pedalling along the lagoon, you reach Pellestrina: from here, riding on the cycle path you reach the ferry landing stage. A short boat ride takes you the up the Lido island, along the “Murazzi”, with a stop in Malamocco, the ancient harbour of Venice. The stay over- night is on the Island of Giudecca, not far from St. Mark’s square, with an amazing view of the lagoon.

— Day 7: Venice (Veneto)

After waking up to a wonderful view on the lagoon, you have the whole day to discover the magnificent historical centre of the capital of the “Repubblica Serenissima”, or its wonderful islands.

— Day 8: Venice (Veneto)

After breakfast and the customary goodbyes, free time for individual visits, or return home, if you haven’t booked any extra night.

Arrival Info

Shuttle service from area airport or train station available upon request.

Departure Info

Shuttle service to area airport or train station available upon request.

27-gear Men's City Sports Bike

$97.50

27-gear unisex City Sports Bike

$97.50

E-bike

$217.50

27 gear men's hybrid bike

27 gear unisex/women's hybrid bike

Ebike

Included

7 overnights with full board (breakfast, dinner and a self-made packed lunch)
sheets and towels
detailed route description, maps (1:75.000) and info-pack
tour leader on bike
bus transfer Ferrara–Adria
harbour charges
tea and cofee available on board
mid week service of cabin cleaning and towels change
entrance and visits as described in the programme

Not included

beverages
museums and extras in general

Description of Accommodation during the bike tour

7 overnights full board (breakfast, dinner and a self-made packed lunch) sheets and towels tea and cofee available on board mid week service of cabin cleaning and towels change