Short description
From the narrow streets, waterways and canals of the floating city to the Po delta, weaving through fishing villages; all the way to the art and opera of Mantua.
The itinerary
Day 1 | Arrive at Venice
Transfer by minibus or taxi to where youll board your boat and be equipped with your bicycle.
Day 2 | Free Day Venice
This morning, youre free to explore the magical city of Venice and its surrounding islands. Your tour leader is on hand to guide you should you wish, or you can simply lose yourself in the narrow streets and markets; perhaps hop on a gondola, or sip espresso as you wander around St Marks Square.
Day 3 | Venice to Chioggia
Today you embark on your Bike & Boat adventure, cruising gently out of Venice to the Lido, the first of two islands youll visit. Fashionable with the artists and aristocrats of the Belle poque, the Lido di Venezia is home to the International Venice Film Festival. Youll then island-hop over to Pellestrina, where you cycle towards a nature reserve, weaving through fishing villages. From here youll then hop back on board your barge and cruise over to Chioggia.
Day 4 | Chioggia to Adria
After a morning stroll through the bustling and colourful harbour and fish market, we suggest visiting Chioggias millennial clock tower the oldest in the world for wonderful views across the town. Back on the bike, you head south into the imposing delta of the Po and the wetlands, home to heron and flamingos. Finally youll reach Adria, an ancient Greek port.
Day 5 | Adria to Zelo
After a short cruise its time to get back on the saddle, following the Po through farmland and little hamlets, until reaching Ferrara. This ancient city once attracted many influential architects and artists and the effects of this are still very much in evidence. At this point youll board a bus back to the barge in the sleepy village of Zelo on the Canal Bianco, a waterway running parallel to the Po.
Day 6 | From Zelo to Mantua
Start the day with a brief ride to the village of Bergantino, where you can visit the Carousel and Street Entertainment Museum. Youll then follow the river through Ostiglia (famous for its medieval fortress and floating mill), on to Governolo Lock. This is where the River Mincio flows into the Po, creating the largest inland basin in Italy. Cycling through magnificent scenery, youll reach Mantua in the afternoon.
Day 7 | Round Tour Mantua
Boasting three beautiful lakes formed by the River Mincio, exquisite countryside and a vibrant town brimming with culture, Mantua is a little-visited gem. As well as the serene natural surroundings, theres plenty to see and do you can immerse yourself for the afternoon in the towns operatic history, renaissance art and archaeological artefacts.
Day 8
We say arrivederci before transferring you direct from Mantua to Verona by minibus or taxi.
Key information
- Highlights
- Fully serviced bikes and accessories
- Half board basis as standard
- En suite cabins on board
- Tour information pack upon arrival
- Detailed navigational material often including GPS maps
- Local support whenever needed
- E-bikes available on request
- Flights and transfers not included as standard but available on request
- Full financial protection through ABTA and ATOL
