Bike Tour Reviews  Venice To Mantua By Bike And Boat (and Reverse)


Venice to Mantua by Bike and Boat (and reverse)

COUNTRY: Italy

7 nights
4.8/5 (14)
Rider Level: Leisure Electric bike tours Client favorites Bike and boat tours
Rider Level: Leisure Electric bike tours Client favorites Bike and boat tours

4.8/5 (14)
7 nights

Guided from EUR € 1050
Self guided from EUR € 1050

Guided:
Same dates available for guided and self-guided tours.

Self-guided:
Apr 5, 12, 19, 26; May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; Jun 7, 14, 21, 28; Jul 5, 12, 19, 26; Aug 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Sep 6, 13, 20, 27; Oct 4, 11, 18, 25, 2025.

Description:
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…

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  • Venice to Mantua
    (5/5) Maureen Langan 1 month ago

    Best Sister Trip EVER!!!!!

    Well for starters both our guides were amazing! I loved the knowledge both Mr & Mrs shared throughout the week! Very approachable guides, crew and captain! They sure had team down to an exact science!

    What was the date of your tour?
    October 10, 2024
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    •  (photo by Maureen Langan)
    •  (photo by Maureen Langan)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) Kathleen Cook 1 month ago

    Wonderful Trip

    Everything was great: the guides, food, barge accommodations, crew, bike route, daily itinerary with interesting stops.

    What was the date of your tour?
    October 2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    8
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) Gregg Duckett 7 months ago

    Gourmet dining and bicycles

    The staff was kind and helpful, the bike rides were scenic at a relaxing pace and the food on-board was the best I have ever had.

    What was the date of your tour?
    April 2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    3
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    •  (photo by Gregg Duckett)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) Tom Goodman 7 months ago

    Best Crew ever

    What a wonderful surprise this tour was! The crew were fantastic and made everyone feel welcome and they took care of any of passengers’ needs right away. The rooms, while a little small, met our needs and the shower was large enough and maintained excellent water pressure and temperature without any fluctuations. The meals exceeded everyone’s expectations with fresh ingredients delivered every day. Our chefs Alberto and Sylvia simply hit a home run with each and every meal. Our guides Sylvia (yes two Sylvias) and Marco were so much fun and you could tell that they really enjoyed leading our group. I really can’t say enough about this 7 person crew, they all worked together performing what ever tasks were required with dedication and smiles. The president and vice president of the tour company joined us for dinner one evening which affirmed their commitment to providing a great product for the passengers.
    This is not a challenging bike tour so just don’t expect it to be, however we had one of the 30 mile days with some pretty strong headwinds. It should also be noted that Venice to Mantua is against the river flow so you will be climbing slightly the whole way. Some of the dirt roads need to be graded as we had to dodge numerous pot holes and there many shared roads with rude drivers but our guides did a great job keeping us safe. The ride in Mantua was by far the nicest on a dedicated bike path!

    What was the date of your tour?
    April 2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    8+
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    •  (photo by Tom Goodman)
    •  (photo by Tom Goodman)
    •  (photo by Tom Goodman)
    •  (photo by Tom Goodman)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) James Ruzevick 8 months ago

    Very well organized bike and boat trip

    I was impressed with all facets of the trip. The boat, guides, food and bikes were all first rate.

  • (5/5) Nancy October 17, 2023

    Our perfect idea of travel

    From the moment we arrived onboard the Vita Pugna, we felt welcomed by the competent and friendly staff, the outstanding tour guide Hugo, and the rest of our new found friends.
    This is our #1 way to travel...scenic, outdoors, experiencing small charming towns and villages, having expert tours on all types of topics from cheese making to carnival ride museum, art and history museums, clock towers, easy relaxing cycling along pathways and feeling like every day counts! Knowing that the entire week is well organized and flawless, adds to the enjoyment of travel in a new country.

  • (5/5) Maria Bachman August 14, 2023

    Beyond All Expectations

    This trip was beautifully executed from the minute we came on board. Our outstanding guide, Helmut made us feel welcome and was always attentive to our safety and comfort. The captain Jano was personable and we felt in capable hands with him as well as the engineer, Andrea. The food was 5 ⭐️! Sylvia and Alberto treated everyone with meals based on local traditions and mouth-watering flavors! It was easy to see that a lot of thought and planning went into creating a unique experience traveling through the countrysides of Italy. The charming tours and cappuccino stops along the way were perfectly timed and delightful. The crew fostered an ambience of comaraderie amongst the group. The social aspect of the tour made it even more memorable with lively conversations and the exchange of cultures. We could not have asked for a better vacation - already planning where to go next year!

    What was the date of your tour?
    July-August 2023
    How many tours have you completed?
    This was the first one.
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    •  (photo by Maria Bachman)
    •  (photo by Maria Bachman)
    •  (photo by Maria Bachman)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) Emil Barbosa and Debbie Gundersen August 4, 2022

    Absolutely Lovely

    Our boat was super comfortable! The food was outstanding. Our guides Elena and Alex we’re professional and fun. Easy riding with many unique stops along the way. We highly recommend this bike and boat tour!!

    What was the date of your tour?
    July 2022
    How many tours have you completed?
    10
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) Biking Santa September 5, 2018

    Exploring Italy

    Having two guides was helpful and both were knowledgeable and very personable.
    the boat was wonderful as well as the crew and food. Sites chosen were enough without making it too much to soak in. A highly recommended tour.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Aug 4-11, 2018
    How many tours have you completed?
    5+
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (2/5) Sparky September 21, 2017

    Boring trip

    Although the barge itself was nice and the food delicious, the trip itself is very boring once you leave Venice. Hours and hours of passing soybean fields. Lots of riding in hot weather on unshaded roads....some quite busy. Very few days were on actual bike paths. When we did get to a town, most things were closed as it was between 1 - 4....siesta time in Italy. The cheese tour was nice. That's about it!

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 26, 2017
    How many tours have you completed?
    0
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    No
    • 3/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 1/5 Scenery
    • 2/5 Ease of navigation
    • 2/5 Tour documents
    • 2/5 Local tour company services
    • 1/5 Route selection
    • 3/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) Tim and Kelly August 28, 2017

    Bike & Boat is the Way to Go!

    We had a great time on the Mantua to Venice tour. Having to only unpack once was so convenient- no wasted time packing/repacking and checking into/out of hotels. The staff was top notch, from our guides Sylvia & Fabio, to boat crew. Friendly, accessible and fun to talk with. The food was delicious and plentiful- we even bought the cookbook that was written by one of our guides and the chef on the cruise. Biking was easy and very scenic, with just the right amount of time on the bike and time to explore. We're already planning our next tour with this company!

    What was the date of your tour?
    8/19-8/26/17
    How many tours have you completed?
    1
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Much easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with young kids, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • 4/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 3/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) Jennifer August 27, 2017

    Perfect in every way!

    We enjoyed this tour immensely and would recommend it to anyone wanting a small, personable, tailored tour of some of the most amazingly old and historical parts of Nothern Italy. The bike riding was the best way to see some "out of the crowd" hidden gems, covering much more than able to on foot. The bikes were fantastic, well maintained and easy to ride and adjust if needed. The cabins were comfortable, well setout with ensuite and air conditioning. Ample supplies of food and breakfasts, and deliciously cooked dinners at night made the evenings very relaxing. Drinks aboard were very reasonably priced and tea and coffee never ending. Tour Leaders and all boat crew were totaly amazing! A thoroughly enjoyable holiday!

    What was the date of your tour?
    19/08/2017
    How many tours have you completed?
    1
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) Catlover October 17, 2016

    Absolutely fabulous

    The barge was small and intimate,comfortable and well maintained,the meals were to die for ,thank you Sylvie and Irene. The whole trip was wonderful,bikes were fine,so much to see,our guide was so much fun,he worked tirelessly to make the trip memorable,and made us a video at the end.Thank you Hugo.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Sept 17 to Sept 25 2016
    How many tours have you completed?
    5
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) mountain broad December 9, 2015

    Perfect Pleasure Times Two

    This was such a wonderful trip when my husband and I experienced it the first time for our thirtieth wedding anniversary, we took it again, in the opposite direction, two years later!
    The small towns we traveled through were charming and welcoming. We saw places that were unique and off-the-beaten path of the general tourist. Chioggia, Ferrara, Zelo: they each kept beckoning us back.
    Then, too, the Vita Pugna was any thing but "hard life". The staff treated us like treasured family members. The fed us local cuisine that was fresh, creative, and oh, so satisfying. They were enthusiastic and welcoming every day of the journey. Our bicycling guides, on each trip, revealed history, culture, and sites, that only the well-informed local would usually enjoy.

    My husband and I have traveled on five bike trips with biketours.com, and we have plans of cycling again to an, as yet, undiscovered destination. The company makes our travel dreams affordable, successful, and worth repeating.

    These memories are golden!

    How many tours have you completed?
    six
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • Sailing into Venice. (photo by mountain broad)
    • To Venice! (photo by mountain broad)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)