Barge & bike from Mantua to Venice

Day 1 – Mantua

We welcome you aboard your new home-from-home from 4.30 p.m. onwards, and then regroup for the introductory briefing – at 6.30 – with your tour leader,
skipper and crew, along with a first refreshing aperitivo. After dinner we can stroll into town and savour the historic centre at its most evocative: Benvenuti a Mantova!

Day 2 –  Mantua round tour (35 km)

 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 centre: starting from Piazza Sordello with its magnificent cathedral and Palazzo Ducale, we will walk through the city centre 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 programme may be subject to changes).

Day 3 –  Mantua – Zelo (50 km)

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 barge in Zelo, a sleepy village on the Canal Bianco, the
waterway which runs parallel to the Po.

Day 4 – Zelo – Ferrara – Adria (50 km by bike + 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 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 – Po Delta Nature Reserve – Pellestrina island (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 sizable 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 island – Venice (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 in front of St Mark’s square 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 – and perhaps following a wander off the beaten track with your tour leader – we all meet up with our Venetian guide for a tour through the historic
centre. 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. The guided tour will start from Piazza San Marco with a brief description of the monuments around it; then the walk continues towards the biggest “sestiere” of the city, Castello, up to Campo dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo with its imposing gothic church and the Scuola Grande di San Marco (today city hospital). The guided tour ends at the Rialto Bridge; you have the afternoon free to enjoy the city at your own pace. (The program may be subject to changes).

Day 9 – Venice/departure

After breakfast end of the tour (or proceed with your Italian trip)

Difficulty: EASY 

 Total length: 190/205 km

Total vertical up: 20 m

Terrain: 95% tarmac, 5% unpaved

Leisure cycling in mostly flat areas, with only a few short ups and downs. Little effort required, suitable for everyone. The tour is also suitable for children. If the child one day does not want to cycle, he/she can stay on the boat with one of the parents.