Guided From
€990
Price From
€
  • full day in Mantua, Italy’s “Sleeping Beauty
  • island hopping, coastal towns and fishing villages
  • viewing flamingos in Po Delta Nature Reserve
8 Days
7 Nights
205 Total kms
41 km/day (avg)
mini-map
Explore the celebrated cities of art, one of Europe's prime Nature Reserves, and a wealth of tucked-away rural hamlets, and cap of the day with authentic regional dishes back on board the Ave Maria. The tour starts in Mantua – in its heyday a major city state crowned by the Italian Renaissance – progresses to Ferrara and culminates in Venice. Sites along the way include: 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 and the glory of Venice.

Tour Route

Day
1
Arrival
to
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!
Day
2
Mantua

A day dedicated to the discovery of this little visited cultural gem, its three picturesque “lakes” formed by the Mincio, and its surrounding countryside – once a City State ruled by the Gonzaga family and now considered by many as Italy’s “Sleeping Beauty”. This afternoon we meet our Mantuan guide for a walking tour of the historic centre, and enjoy the rest of the day in town, at your own leisure.
35km
Day
3
Mantua
to
Zelo

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.
50km
Day
4
Zelo
to
Adria

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.
50km
Day
5
Adria
to
Island Pellestrina

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 place on the Island Pellestrina, just in front of Chioggia.
40km
Day
6
Pellestrina Island
to
Venice

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. 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!
30km
Day
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. After your guided tour, you have the afternoon free to enjoy the city at your own pace.
Day
8
Venice
to
Departure

Departure after breakfast.

FAQs

  • Included

    • 7 overnights
    • Full board (breakfast, dinner and a self-made packed lunch)
    • Coffee and tea and other hot drinks on board
    • Sheets and towels
    • Courtesy kit
    • Daily short cleaning and mid-week cabin cleaning service and towel change
    • Bike helmet
    • Travel Guide, Maps, Roadbook
    • English speaking tour leader within an international group
    • Second tour leader with a minimum of 25 people
    • Guided visit in Venice and Mantua
    • Visit of a cheese factory with tasting of typical Grana Padano
    • Visit of Carousel and Street Entertainment Museum
    • Harbour charges
    • Bus transfer Ferrara-Adria

  • Not included

    • Beverages on board
    • Museums, fees and extras in general
    • Ticket for public transportation in Venice and lagoon (we suggest the ACTV 72h-ticket, 40 €)
    • Tips
    • Everything not included in the section “Included in the price”

  • 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 opened), comfortable low beds, en-suite facilities, air conditioning ans 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 areas
    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

  • At the moment of booking, you can choose from the following bikes: 

    • Unisex Citybike
    • E-bike 

    Features:

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


    You can also rent children’s bikes and devices: 

    • Child seat: it is suitable for a maximum payload of 22 kg (0-4 yrs).
    • Child trailer: with one seat and suitable for children who cannot ride a bike (0-4 yrs). The child trailer is designed for a maximum payload of 30 kg. More info on www.croozer.com.
    • Follow-me tandem: a clever latch system enables the child's bike to lock firmly onto the tail of the adult bike as and when necessary (4-7 yrs). Adjustable only for the kids bike wheels size 20". The maximum weight of the child can be 27 kg. More info on www.followmetandem.co.uk
    • Child bikes: bike frames with 20” and 24” wheels

    Please note that child seats, child trailers and follow-me tandems can only be mounted on unisex City bikes 27-gear Shimano Deore.

    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

    Only for self-guided:

    • 1 front bar bag or 1 map holder
    • 1 repair kit per cabin: 1 spare inner tube, glue, patch, a pump, 2 allen keys and tyre levers

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

Prices

We are in the process of confirming pricing for this tour, please let us know if you are interested using the form below.

Or call us directly: (+34) 942 58 10 92
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