Mantua to Venice Boat & Bike Tour
Boat & Bike • 7 nights
VISITING: Italy
Overview
Why we love this tour
Renaissance architecture and Venetian art
Medieval fortresses and historic ports
Tree-lined countryside, nature reserves and sandy beaches
Fresh, regional food, gelato and espresso stops
Guiding
Distance
Level
Standard
Departs
Runs
Code
Fly to
Good for
Return
Travel by bike and boat, following Italy’s longest river - the River Po - across Northern Italy, through Lombardy and Veneto before reaching Venice and the Adriatic Sea.
Pass through the serene countryside and farmland dotted with historic architecture, and ride alongside riverbanks towards Renaissance cityscapes. Expect easy waterside cycling with frequent stops to refuel with gelato and espressos.
A culinary experience awaits you too, as the chefs on your barge will rustle up freshly prepared, home-cooked meals daily, using ingredients they source locally en route. Refreshments and nibbles are also provided when you return from cycling, while wine pairings are recommended to accompany your three-course dinner.
Throughout the week, you’ll see fascinating places such as the medieval fortress at Ostiglia, the walled city of Ferrara and the ancient port of Adria. You’ll sample cheese and grappa en route, and visit the Murano Glass factory. Sailing into Venice, one of Europe's most enchanting cities, is a special experience in itself. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the islands and waterways or relax with a bowl of fresh pasta and a glass of rich Italian wine.
This tour also runs in reverse from Venice to Mantua.
The Trip
Route
Itinerary
or click on individual days
Accommodation
Mantua to Venice - Ave Maria
View full details of the Ave Maria.
The superior Ave Maria barge was designed specifically for cycling tours along the Po River. She accommodates up to 40 guests in her 17 spacious and comfortable cabins, finished to a high standard.
Above deck there are four Superior Cabins approx. 11 m² (two can take three to four people with the addition of bunk beds) and large windows that can be opened.
Below deck are 10 twin cabins approx. 11 m² (three of these can accommodate up to three persons by adding a bunk bed), three bunk bed cabins approx. 7.5 m² (also available as single cabins).
All cabins have a private shower and WC (hairdryers on request). The sophisticated saloon is the ideal place to enjoy meals or relax whilst watching the scenery drift by. On deck, there is one sundeck for sunbathing and al fresco dining. Other facilities include a large screen in the lounge and free hot drinks machine.
Ave Maria
Mantua to Venice - Vita Pugna
View full details of the Vita Pugna.
The standard barge Vita Pugna, meaning ”Life is a battle“, is a 36-metre-long, 5.4-metre-wide converted Dutch barge. She can accommodate up to 21 guests.
There are nine twin cabins (7-8m²) and one triple cabin (7-8m²), all of which have twin beds, shower and WC and AC. There is a lounge and restaurant and a spacious outside deck for relaxation, as well as a free hot drinks machine.
Vita Pugna
Venice to Mantua - Ave Maria
This is the reverse itinerary that operates from Venice to Mantua on alternate weeks.
Venice to Mantua - Vita Pugna
This is the reverse itinerary that operates from Venice to Mantua on alternate weeks.
We have been on this tour - and loved it! Speak to us and find out if it's right for you.
What's included
Price includes
7 nights accommodation: superior 'Ave Maria' or standard 'Vita Pugna'
Board basis: Full board (apart from 1 dinner) including breakfast, a self-made packed lunch and three-course dinner
Cycle helmets
Tea, coffee & hot chocolate drinks on board
Bus transfer Ferrara - Adria
Navigation app with maps, route notes & GPS tracks, electronic travel guide with points of interest
English speaking tour guide on board and on bike (second tour leader on the Ave Maria if at least 22 guests have booked)
Mid week cabin cleaning and towel change
Harbour charges
Guided tours in Mantua
Cheese tasting at Grana Padano cheese factory
Visit to Carousel & Street Entertainment Museum
Visit to a glass factory on Murano island
Some short walking tours
Price excludes
Flights and transfers
Bike hire
Ticket for public transport in Venice
Museums
1 dinner in Venice
Tips and drinks on board
Special dietary requests
Venice Municipality Access Fee (5 € a day)
Bike hire and extras
Bike hire
Pannier, handlebar bag with with phone pocket and lock all included at no extra cost when you hire a bike. The bikes are also equipped with puncture-resistant Schwalbe tyres. One repair kit per room is provided and includes a spare inner tube, glue, patch, pump, allen keys and tyre levers. Helmets can also be provided at no additional charge - please add at time of booking if required.
Hybrid bike
E-Bike
Other Extras
Helmet
Helmet hire
Board upgrade
Gluten free, lactose free or vegan diet
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions about this tour. Simply click on a question to reveal the answer.
Take a train (Trenitalia) or bus from Venice (or Mantua for reverse itinerary) to your return airport, Flying from Verona or Venice.
Your days will involve gentle riding, mainly on flat terrain and with minimal effort required. Easy cycling holidays are suitable for most people whether you are a regular cyclist or not, however we recommend at least a few practice rides before your holiday!
We are always on hand to offer advice, so please give us a call if you wish to chat about the tour’s grading.
Fly to Verona or Venice, then take a train (Trenitalia) or bus to Mantova.
Take a train (Trenitalia) or bus from Venice to your return airport, Flying from Verona or Venice.
For Boat & Bike tours the boat will generally keep to the advertised itinerary, however the captain may have to adapt the itinerary due to the river or sea conditions.
There is limited space in the cabins, so pack light and take a soft suitcase.
Yes, you can relax on the boat or explore when you arrive at each destination instead of cycling.
Please advise us of any special requirements at time of booking and we will notify the boat operator in advance. Understandably, kitchen galley space is limited and it may not be possible to provide specialist products (eg. Gluten free). We suggest you bring a few items with you and, in some cases, these can be provided at a supplement.
This tour is guided and self-guided, so you have the option to cycle with your guide or independently with the maps and route notes provided.
Absolutely! Boat & Bike tours are very sociable and a good choice for single travellers wishing to mix with other guests and share your common interest of cycling.