Venice to Mantua by Bike and Boat (and reverse)

Venice to Mantua

This leisurely bike and barge tour along the waterways of the River Po offers more than just a taste of Northern Italy. You will experience the perfect blend of nature, culture and fine cuisine. Explore celebrated cities of art, one of Europe's prime Nature Reserves and a wealth of tucked-away rural hamlets along the route, wrapping up your days with a regional dish back on board. From the glory of Venice, the lagoon leads you to colorful Chioggia. Next, you'll see the natural wonders of the Po Delta, famed for its bird life, the Adria, once a key Roman port, and onto Ferrara and Mantua- once major city states crowned by the Italian Renaissance.

You have the option to ride with or without the guide, who will also be on board to advise on each day's riding. When you book, please specify your preference.

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Highlights

• Venice: the city of "calle" and canals
• Chioggia: the little unknown Venice
• Ferrara: the "town of bicycles" with its wonderful historical city centre
• Glass factory with glass blowing demonstration
• Mantova: the city of the Gonzaga family

Learn More

Not sure whether to book a guided or self-guided tour? Learn about the differences between guided and self-guided tours or see more bike tours in Italy.

Daily program

Please note that this tour operates in two directions, from Venice to Mantua or from Mantua to Venice, depending on departure date. You'll find both itineraries detailed below.

Venice – Mantua

Day 1: Venice
We welcome you aboard your new home-from-home from 6:00 pm. onwards, and then regroup for the introductory briefing – at 6:30pm – with your tour leader, skipper, and crew, along with a first refreshing aperitif. After dinner, we can savor Venice at night, now free of the crowds and at her most romantic: Benvenuti a Venezia!

Day 2: Venice
After breakfast – following a wander off the beaten track with your tour leader, you have the day free to enjoy the city at your own pace. 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.

Day 3: Venice – Pellestrina Island (16 miles/25 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 pictureque cottages and boats of this humble fishing backwater. We rejoin our barge just in front of Chioggia - a bustling and colorful fishing hub known as "Little Venice."

Day 4: Pellestrina Island – Po Delta Nature Reserve – Adria (25 miles/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 savory 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.

Day 5: Adria – Ferrara – Zelo (22 miles/35 km by bike + 22 miles/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.

Day 6: Zelo – Mantua (31 miles/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. Free dinner in Mantua.

Day 7: Mantua round tour (22 miles/35 km)
Ruled by the House of Gonzaga for four centuries, the city state of Mantua attracted a dizzying roll call of names across the arts – from Rubens and Mantegna to Monteverdi and Mozart – and to this day the town is renowned for its international book festival.

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 center: starting from Piazza Sordello with its magnificent cathedral and Palazzo Ducale, we will walk through the city center 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. Ander, 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." (This program may be subject to changes.)

Day 8: Mantua
Departure after breakfast. Possibility to book extra nights.

Mantua – Venice

Day 1: Mantua
We welcome you aboard your new home-from-home from 6:00pm onwards, and then regroup for the introductory briefing – at 6:30 – with your tour leader, skipper and crew, along with a first refreshing aperitif. After dinner, we can stroll into town and savor the historic center at its most evocative: Benvenuti a Mantua!

Day 2: Mantua round tour (22 miles/35 km)

This afternoon we meet our Mantuan guide for a walking tour across the historic center: starting from Piazza Sordello with its magnificent cathedral and Palazzo Ducale, we will walk through the city center 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 program may be subject to changes.)

Day 3: Mantua – Zelo (31 miles/50 km by bike)
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 Ave Maria in Zelo, a sleepy village on the Canal Bianco, the waterway which runs parallel to the Po.

Day 4: Zelo – Ferrara – Adria (31 miles/50 km by bike + 37 miles/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 that 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.

Day 5: Adria – Po Delta Nature Reserve – Chioggia/Pellestrina (25 miles/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 savory piadina! Chioggia is also known as "Little Venice", a colorful fishing hub. The overnight takes place on the Island Pellestrina, just in front of Chioggia.

Day 6: Pellestrina/Chioggia – Venice (19 miles/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 takes us to our final destination. After dinner, we can savor Venice at night, now free of the crowds and at her most romantic: Benvenuti a Venezia!

Day 7: Venice
After breakfast – following a wander off the beaten track with your tour leader, you have the day fee to enjoy the city at your own pace. 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.

Day 8: Venice
After breakfast end of services. Possibility to book extra nights.

NOTE: Ths program has been planned to feature navigation along the Fissero/Bianco canal, which runs parallel to the Po river and connects to Mantua to the Adriatic Sea. Due to organizational 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 made by the barge's captain.

Surface and terrain

This cycling tour is largely along the flats of the Po plains, and mostly on tarmac cycle paths along rivers and canals, or quiet country roads. The daily stages vary from 16- 34 miles (25- 55 km), and the tour will be relaxed cycling with only a few rolling hills.

Total length: 185/200 km
Total vertical up: 20 m
Terrain: 95% tarmac, 5% unpaved

The boat is moored at night and typically sets sail after breakfast, meeting up with the bikers 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.

Boats

• Ave Maria
• Vita Pugna

How to get there

Tour start and end
Nearest airports: Venice (VCE), Italy

Nearest train stations: Venice Mestre and Mantua (Mantova), Italy

Locating the boat:

You will receive details on the boat's mooring place in your pre-tour documents, approximately 3-4 weeks before your tour start.

Please note:
On your arrival day, the cabins are available starting at 6:00 pm.

Tips on getting to and from your tour

Dates

Prices

Included services

• 7 nights accommodation
• Breakfast, self-made packed lunches, and 6 dinners
• Welcome beverage
• Sheets and towels
• Mid-week cabin cleaning service and towel change
• Application including maps, roadbook, points of interest and GPS tracks
• Digital tour information
• English speaking tour leader
• Bus transfer Ferrara–Adria/Ferrara–Zelo
• Harbor charges
• Coffee, tea and other hot drinks on board
• Guided visit in Mantua
• Visit to a historic glass factory on Murano Island
• Visit to a cheese factory with tasting of typical Grana Padano
• Visit to Carousel and Street Entertainment Museum
• Harbor charges

This tour is available as both guided, and self-guided (same prices). You will have very detailed route descriptions and maps included if you choose the self-guided option. You can also choose to cycle with the whole group, and follow the tour leader for a guided tour (route descriptions not included).

Special diets (such as gluten free, lactose free or vegan) are available for a €50 supplement.

Bike rentals

Bikes available to be rented (in advance at the time of booking) include:

• Touring bike, 27-speed, unisex frames
• Electrically assisted bikes*
• Child seats, trailers, follow me tandems, and child bikes are also available upon request

*More about electrically-assisted bikes >

All above bike rentals will be equipped with the following:

• One Ortlieb saddlebag
• Cycle computer
• Combination bike lock
• Helmet
• Repair kit (replacement tube, glue, patch, pump, tools), 1 per cabin, self-guided only*

*Please note that for the handlebar bag/map holder and repair kit are only included for the self-guided version of this tour. 

Additional specifications about the Hybrid touring bikes:

• Orange aluminum frame
• Mudguards
• Saddlebag rear rack
• Comfortable gel saddle
• Puncture-resistant Schwalbe Marathon tires

Bike Protection:
Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.

Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals. Toe cages are not available to rent.

Helmets:
Helmets are available on this tour. They must be reserved at the time of booking.  We recommend, for safety and hygiene reasons, that you bring your own helmet.

Tour Company