Guided Bike and Boat holiday in Italy

Holiday Itinerary

This flat route follows mainly cycle paths as well as quiet roads. There are some busier sections when entering and leaving cities.

Tours starting in Mantova

Day 1: Arrival in the beautiful city of Mantova situated on the shores of three lakes. Your cabin on board the Vita Pugna will be ready from 16:00. The boat is moored at Porto Catena, just a short walk from the city centre. The meeting with the tour leader and crew is scheduled for dinner time at 7pm.

Day 2: Cruise to Governolo and then cycle along the Po to the village of Ostiglia. Continue along the Canal Bianco to Zelo where you will spend the night (31 miles).

Day 3: Cycle to Ferrara with its impressive castle, 12th century cathedral and ancient city walls. A bus transfer will then take you to the ancient Greek port of Adria (31 miles).

Day 4: Cruise to Porto Viro from where you will pedal through the Po Delta with its marshes and lagoons boasting hundreds of bird species. End your day at the island of Albarella (34 miles).

Day 5: Head towards Chioggia - known as ‘Little Venice’- with its busy fish market, narrow streets and network of canals. Cycle between the Delta and River Adige, later joining the Po-Brandolo waterway towards the Venetian lagoon (19 miles).

Day 6: Enjoy a short sail before cycling along the lagoon to Pallestrina. Cycle to the ferry which will take you up the Lido, stopping in the ancient harbour of Malamocco. Overnight in the Venetian lagoon (19 miles).

Day 7: After waking up to a wonderful view on the lagoon enjoy a free day to explore Venice with its atmospheric canals, wealth of art galleries and attractive islands.

Day 8: Departure after breakfast.

Tours starting in Venice

Day 1: Arrival in Venice where you will be able to board the Vita Pugna from 16:00. The boat is moored at the Giu-decca island, not far from St. Mark's square. The meeting with the tour leader and crew is scheduled for dinner time at 7pm.

Day 2: After waking up to a wonderful view on the lagoon enjoy a free day to explore Venice with its atmospheric canals, wealth of art galleries and attractive islands.

Day 3: Cycle along the islands which separate the sea from the lagoon. From the Lido, cycle to Malamocco from where a ferry will take you to the island of Pellestrina. Spend the night in the busy fishing harbour of Chioggia (19 miles).

Day 4: Cycle along the Po-Brondolo waterway before entering the Po Delta with its marshes and lagoons boasting hundreds of bird species (25 miles).

Day 5: Cycle deep into the Po Delta towards the ancient Greek port of Adria, famous for trading amber coming from the Baltic.  (34 miles).

Day 6: After a short cruise, cycle towards Ferrara with its impressive castle, 12th century cathedral and ancient city walls. A bus transfer will then take you to Zelo where you will spend the night (25 miles).

Day 7: The barge will take you to Torretta on the Fissero/ Bianco canal from where you will follow the Po to Ostiglia. Your final destination will be the beautiful city of Mantova, situated on the shores of three lakes.

Day 8: Departure after breakfast.

Bicycles

A range of unisex bikes complete with 27-gear Shimano Deore drivetrains are available on board. All are fully equipped with 1 side-bag, 1 water bottle and 1 padlock per bike. Due to high transportation costs of the bikes in Venice and logistical issues it is advised not to bring your own bikes for this tour.

Your guide

This holiday is led by an English-speaking tour guide.