Veneto Bike & Boat

8 day tour from $4,120 per person

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. The trip operates in the opposite direction every other departure.

Wind your way by bike along the Vecht river with its impressive mansions and country houses, visit a cheese farm and the 19 windmills in Kinderdijk. Via Dordrecht and the Kreekrak lock, the barge cruises through the ‘delta’ province of Zeeland to Belgium. Cycling with the group and guide or on your own with a set of maps and directions ‑ the choice is yours. In the evenings, relax on board your comfortable barge or explore the towns on foot.

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

Apr-Oct departures from $4,120 per person share twin (from price based on 27 June departure from Venice. Trip available in reverse. Single supplement applies.

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Itinerary

• Day 1 | Arrive in Venice

  Make your own way to Venice. The boat is moored at Giudecca island, not far from St Mark’s Square and the cabins are available from 5pm. The meeting with the tour leader and crew will be at 6:30pm, just before dinner. After dinner, savour Venice at night, now free of the crowds and at her most romantic. When you arrive in Venice, we recommend buying the 48 (or 72) hour ferry ticket - from the ACTV ticket office at the airport Marco Polo or in Piazzale Roma. You must validate the ticket before boarding the ferry and it will then be valid for the next 48 hours. You will need it on day 3 for the ferry enroute to Chioggia.

  Includes Dinner

• Day 2 | Discover the magic of Venice on foot

  This morning join your tour leader on foot and off the beaten track to uncover ‘La Serenissima’, the ancient 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, to discover the magnificent historical centre or the wonderful surrounding islands.

  Includes Breakfast & lunch

• Day 3 | Cruise and cycle at Lido and Pellestrina Island (25km)

  Leaving Venice behind after a gentle cruise in front of St Mark’s square, your first stop will be on Murano Island, where you will visit a historic glass factory, with a glassblowing demonstration by a master artisan. Then your cycling adventure starts on the Lido, the first of two islands you will 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 you into another world: Pellestrina, where you will ride past the picturesque cottages and boats of this humble fishing backwater. You will rejoin your barge just in front of Chioggia – a bustling and colourful fishing hub known as “Little Venice”. Ferry transfer: 15mins

  Includes Breakfast, lunch & dinner

• Day 4 | Cycle through the nature reserve of the Po Delta (40km)

  This morning you’ll stroll through Chioggia, followed perhaps by a visit to the millennial clock tower, the oldest in the world, for some breathtaking views. Weather and time permitting, 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! Today our cycling route leads south along the Po-Brondolo canal, through the mouth of the River Adige into the Po river delta. This unique wetland is a prime reserve in for herons and home to a colony of flamingos. We continue to Adria, an ancient Greek port, famous for trading amber coming from the Baltics. It 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.

  Includes Breakfast, lunch & dinner

• Day 5 | Cycle to the walled town of Ferrara (35km), bus transfer to Zelo

  After a short cruise, you will start cycling between the Po and fields of wheat, corn and fruit trees 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. In the afternoon a short bus transfer will bring you to Zelo, a sleepy village on the Canal Bianco, the waterway which runs parallel to the Po. Bus transfer: 35km

  Includes Breakfast, lunch & dinner

• Day 6 | Cruise and bike to Mantua (50km)

  You will cruise for a short stretch then cycle through the countryside to a Grana Padano cheese factory where you can enjoy a tasting of this famous cheese. You will then continue to the village of Bergantino where you will visit the charming Carousel and Street Entertainment Museum. You’ll follow the Po towards Ostiglia, a small village with the ruins of a medieval fortress and rejoin the boat at Governolo Lock. Once a vital staging post for local navigation, this is where the Mincio river flows into the Po, creating the largest inland basin in Italy. After a few kilometres you reach Mantua one of the most beautiful Renaissance towns of northern Italy.  

  Includes Breakfast, lunch & dinner

• Day 7 | A round tour of Mantua and its surrounds (35km)

  An entire 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. You will cycle around the three picturesque “lakes” formed by the Mincio and its surrounding countryside. In the afternoon meet the local guide for a walking tour through the highlights of the town: Piazza Sordello with its magnificent cathedral and Palazzo Ducale, Piazza delle Erbe with its Clock Tower, 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).

  Includes Breakfast, lunch & dinner

• Day 8 | Trip concludes after breakfast

  After breakfast the trip concludes.

  Includes Breakfast

Inclusions

• 7 breakfast, 6 self-packed lunches, 6 dinners (does not include drinks)

• 7 nights’ accommodation aboard a comfortable barge with private facilities

• Bike rental with helmet, pannier, cycle computer, lock and repair kit (self-guided only). Electric bike available on request - supplement applies

• English speaking tour leader

• Digital information pack including route notes, maps and navigational App (can be used offline) with GPX Tracks (smartphone required)

• Tea and coffee available on board, afternoon snack, welcome drink, still and sparkling water dispenser, ice dispenser

• Sheets and towels, use of hairdryer, courtesy kit with eco solid soaps and shower cap

• Mid week service - cabin cleaning and towel change

• Bike insurance against theft and irreparable damage (limited)

• Bus transfer Ferrara to Zelo / Ferrara to Adria

• Entrance and visits as described in the programme: Grana Padano cheese factory, glass factory on Murano island, the Carousel and Street Entertainment Museum

• Guided tour in Mantua, some short walking tours

• Harbour charges

• Wi-Fi in common areas

Items not included in your trip Travel to/from Venice/Mantova, meals not listed as included such as dinner on day 2, drinks on board Supplement for special dietary requirements: gluten free, lactose‑free, vegan diets (please notify us on booking), travel insurance ‑ mandatory A supplement will apply if you book a single cabin (double use of a single cabin), Entrance fees not listed as included, transfers not listed as included, ticket for public transportation in Venice and lagoon (we suggest the ACTV 48 hour ticket, 35 €), If you want to cycle independently (i.e. self-guided): to cycle smoothly using the App we suggest bringing a phone holder to fix to the handlebar, as well as a power bank Venice Access Fee: see https://cda.ve.it/en/ for details (best to arrange at least 4 days before arrival), items of a personal nature.

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