Sail and Pedal Across Italy’s Legendary Waterways
Discover northern Italy by bike and barge on an 8-day journey between Mantua and Venice, combining easy cycling with comfortable accommodation on board. The route crosses the landscapes of the Po Valley and Po Delta, following rivers, canals and quiet country roads before reaching the Venetian Lagoon and Venice. Along the way, discover historic cities, rural landscapes and the distinctive waterways of northern Italy.
The Ultimate Italian River and Lagoon Journey
Whether you choose to ride independently with our intuitive navigation app or join our expert tour leader in an international group, this easy-level getaway offers absolute flexibility. Ride through quiet country lanes, discover medieval fortresses, and sample world-famous Grana Padano cheese right where it is crafted. Conclude your daily rides with sun deck relaxation, fine regional wines, and warm Italian hospitality.
ROUTE
The route connects Mantua and Venice through the waterways and landscapes of northern Italy. From Mantua, the cycling stages follow the Mincio and the Po Valley before reaching the Po Delta, with its network of waterways, agricultural landscapes and fishing valleys. The final stages continue towards Chioggia, Pellestrina and Lido, before reaching Venice and the Venetian Lagoon. Depending on the departure, the itinerary can be travelled in either direction, Mantua to Venice or Venice to Mantua.
Self-Guided Tour
You cycle independently at your own pace rather than following a tour leader. A detailed App with maps, GPS tracks, points of interest and route information allows you to navigate the stages independently. It is a suitable option for cyclists who value flexibility and prefer to decide their own pace and stops during the cycling days.
Guided Tour
You cycle as part of a group accompanied by a tour leader. The guide leads the cycling stages, helping with route navigation and providing information about the places visited along the way. This option is suited to travellers who prefer to follow an organised group itinerary without having to manage the route independently.
Cycling takes place mainly on paved cycle paths, quiet country roads and river and canal embankments, with occasional unpaved sections across the predominantly flat landscapes of northern Italy. After each cycling stage, return to the comfort of the riverboat. Enjoy three-course dinners featuring regional Italian cuisine, accompanied by a selection of wines, freshly brewed artisanal coffee from Cooperativa Lazzarelle.
Itineraries
Mantua to Venice
Day 1: Mantua
Welcome Onboard and Evening Stroll
Highlights: Welcome briefing, introductory aperitivo, guided night stroll through historic Mantua.
Check-in opens onboard your river barge at 5:00 p.m. Meet your crew, skipper, and tour leader during the 6:00 p.m. orientation briefing while enjoying a welcome drink. After an exquisite onboard dinner, venture into Mantua’s illuminated historic center to experience its timeless Renaissance magic.
Day 2: Mantua Round Tour
Renaissance Treasures and Lakes
Cycling: 35 km / 22 miles | Elevation: +115 m / +377 ft
Highlights: Lake Mincio circuit, Piazza Sordello, Palazzo Ducale, Clock Tower, Rotonda di S. Lorenzo.
Explore the serene countryside and three lakes surrounding Mantua formed by the Mincio River. In the afternoon, join a local guide for a 1.5-hour walking tour through Piazza Sordello, visiting the Cathedral, Palazzo Ducale, and St. Andrew’s Basilica. Dinner tonight is not included, allowing you to sample local restaurants independently.
Day 3: Mantua to Zelo
Lock Navigation and Grana Padano Tasting
Cycling: 50 km / 31 miles | Elevation: +115 m / +377 ft
Highlights: Governolo Lock, Ostiglia fortress, Museum of Carousel Rides in Bergantino, cheese factory visit.
Set sail through wetlands to Governolo Lock, where the Mincio meets the Po. Cycle along river levees past Ostiglia to Bergantino. Visit the unique Museum of Amusement Rides and Popular Entertainment, followed by a guided tour and tasting at a local Grana Padano cheese producer. Rejoin the barge in Zelo.
Day 4: Zelo to Ferrara and Adria
Italy’s Cycling Capital
Cycling: 50 km / 31 miles | Elevation: +145 m / +475 ft
Highlights: Farmland cycling, Renaissance city of Ferrara, Roman port of Adria, evening grappa tasting.
Cross the Po River and pedal through fertile agricultural lands toward Ferrara, renowned for its Este dynasty heritage and urban design. After exploring Italy’s cycling capital, a private bus and trailer transfer takes you to Adria, an ancient Roman port. Enjoy an after-dinner passeggiata in town.
Day 5: Adria to Po Delta Nature Reserve and Pellestrina Island
Wetland Flora and Fauna
Cycling: 40 km / 25 miles | Elevation: +110 m / +360 ft
Highlights: Po Delta wetlands, flamingo colonies, Adriatic beach stop, Chioggia “Little Venice”.
Pedal into the Po Delta Nature Reserve, a haven for herons and flamingos. Enjoy an Adriatic beach break weather permitting before reaching Chioggia, a vibrant fishing hub. Cross over to Pellestrina Island for your overnight stay.
Day 6: Pellestrina Island to Venice
Barrier Islands and Murano Glassmaking
Cycling: 25 km / 16 miles | Elevation: +115 m / +377 ft
Highlights: Pellestrina fishing villages, Lido di Venezia, Murano glassblowing demonstration, St. Mark’s Square cruise.
Ride across the tranquil fishing island of Pellestrina and take a short ferry to the glamorous Lido di Venezia. Visit a historic glass factory on Murano for a live artisan demonstration. Reboard your barge for a romantic sunset cruise past St. Mark’s Square into Venice.
Day 7: Venice
Exploring the Historic Venetian Republic
Highlights: Guided walking tour off the beaten track, free afternoon in La Serenissima.
Begin your day with an insightful walking tour led by your tour leader to uncover hidden canals and quiet alleyways. Spend the remainder of the day exploring Venice at your own pace, soaking in its rich maritime culture and historic landmarks.
Day 8: Venice – Disembarkation
Final breakfast onboard. Enjoy your final buffet breakfast on board before disembarkation.
Extend Your Stay
Extra nights in Mantua and Venice are available pre- and post-tour upon request. Rental bikes are not included during extended stay nights. Trip extensions in Verona are also available upon request, including 1 or 2 nights with breakfast at a 4-star partner hotel and private transfers between Mantua and Verona.
Venice to Mantua
Day 1: Venice
Welcome Onboard in the Venetian Lagoon
Highlights: Embarkation, orientation briefing, welcome aperitivo, evening stroll through Venice.
Board your river barge starting at 5:00 p.m. in Venice. Meet your captain, crew, and tour leader at 6:00 p.m. for the initial briefing and a welcome drink. After dinner onboard, take a quiet evening walk through the romantic, crowd-free Venetian alleyways.
Day 2: Venice
Discovering the Secret Venetian Corners
Highlights: Guided off-the-beaten-path walking tour, free afternoon for independent sight-seeing.
Join your tour leader for an morning walk exploring secret Venetian neighborhoods. Enjoy a free afternoon to visit world-famous museums or gondola routes. Dinner tonight is not included, offering a chance to dine at a local Venetian osteria.
Day 3: Venice to Pellestrina Island
Lagoon Cruise, Murano Glass, and Lido Cycling
Cycling: 25 km / 16 miles | Elevation: +115 m / +377 ft
Highlights: St. Mark’s Lagoon cruise, Murano artisan glassblowing, Lido di Venezia, Pellestrina cottages.
Cruise past St. Mark’s Square to Murano for a glassblowing demonstration at a historic furnace. Cycle across the elegant Lido di Venezia and take a short ferry hop to Pellestrina Island, passing colorful fishing cottages and net yards. Moor near Chioggia.
Day 4: Pellestrina Island to Po Delta Nature Reserve and Adria
Ancient Towers and Flamingos
Cycling: 40 km / 25 miles | Elevation: +140 m / +460 ft
Highlights: Chioggia clock tower view, Adriatic beach break, Po Delta birdwatching, historic Adria.
Stroll through Chioggia and climb its millennial clock tower. Ride into the Po Delta Nature Reserve to spot flamingos and herons. Conclude your ride in Adria, an ancient Etruscan and Roman port city.
Day 5: Adria to Ferrara and Zelo
The Renaissance Capital of Cycling
Cycling: 35 km / 22 miles | Elevation: +120 m / +393 ft
Highlights: Po River levee cycling, historic city of Ferrara, bus transfer to Zelo.
Cycle along the Po River through quiet villages toward Ferrara, world-renowned for its Este Renaissance architecture and cycling culture. A private bus transfer brings you to your floating hotel moored on the Canal Bianco in Zelo.
Day 6: Zelo to Mantua
Organs, Cheese, and Canal Locks
Cycling: 50 km / 31 miles | Elevation: +125 m / +410 ft
Highlights: Bergantino carousel museum, Grana Padano & Valpolicella tasting, Ostiglia, Mincio wetlands cruise.
Pedal to Bergantino to tour the Museum of Amusement Rides and enjoy a Grana Padano cheese tasting paired with Valpolicella wine. Continue riding to Ostiglia and reboard at Governolo Lock to cruise into Mantua’s iconic lakes.
Day 7: Mantua Round Tour
Gonzaga Legacy and Historic Monuments
Cycling: 35 km / 22 miles | Elevation: +115 m / +377 ft
Highlights: Lake Mincio loop, guided walking tour, Piazza delle Erbe, St. Andrew’s Cathedral.
Cycle around the picturesque lakes of Mantua. In the afternoon, take a 1.5-hour guided walking tour featuring Piazza Sordello, Palazzo Ducale, the Clock Tower, and St. Andrew’s Cathedral.
Day 8: Mantua – Disembarkation
Final onboard breakfast. Enjoy breakfast before bidding farewell to your crew and disembarking in Mantua.
Extend Your Stay
Extra nights in Venice and Mantua can be booked pre- and post-tour upon request. Rented bicycles are not available during extra night stays. Optional Verona extensions include 1-2 nights in a 4-star partner hotel with transfers included
Getting to Venice or Mantua (Departure Point)
By Plane: Fly into Venice Marco Polo (VCE) or Treviso (TSF) for Venice embarkations, or Verona Villafranca (VRN), Bologna (BLQ), or Milan Bergamo (BGY) for Mantua departures.
By Train: Venice Santa Lucia railway station offers direct waterbus links to lagoon moorings. Mantua central station provides regular regional and high-speed rail connections across Northern Italy.
By Car: Paid long-term parking garages are available near Venice’s Tronchetto terminal and Mantua city center.
How to book this tour
We require a deposit of 25% of the tour price per person upon reservation, final payment 6 weeks before tour departure.
Included
- 7 nights accommodation
- Bed sheets, bath towels, hair dryer, and courtesy kit with eco solid soaps
- Mid-week cabin cleaning and towel change
- 7 breakfasts, 6 self-made packed lunches, 6 three-course dinners
- Afternoon tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and daily cake/snack
- Welcome aperitivo on arrival day
- Unlimited still and sparkling water dispenser plus ice dispenser onboard
- Bus transfers: Ferrara-Zelo / Ferrara-Adria
- Ferry transfer between Pellestrina and Lido
- Guided walking tour of Mantua
- Guided visit and tasting at a Grana Padano cheese factory
- Entrance ticket to the Museum of Amusement Rides in Bergantino
- Grappa and spirits tasting at a local distillery
- Glassblowing demonstration at a historic Murano glass factory
- All harbour charges
- Theft and damage coverage for rental bicycles.
- English-speaking tour leader for group cycling and daily briefing coordination
- Digital app with offline maps, roadbooks, and GPS tracks
NOT Included
- Travel to and from the tour start/finish
- 1 dinner in Venice or Mantua
- Onboard alcoholic beverages, sodas, and bottled bar drinks
- Public transportation tickets in Venice
- Venice Ancient City Access Fee
- Gratuities for crew and tour leader
- Special dietary request supplements
- Transfers & Parking
- Personal travel insurance
- Anything not listed as included is not included
Choose the option that best fits your schedule and start planning your cycling journey.
Check available options
Departures & Prices
Prices are per person in a twin/double cabin (lower deck) in 2027
Departures available from March to October.
Season 1
Mar
From
1330€
Options & Supplements
✓
+1300€ Double Cabin Single Use
Season 2
Jul · Aug
From
1730€
Options & Supplements
✓
+1300€ Double Cabin Single Use
Season 3
Apr · Jun · Oct
From
2030€
Options & Supplements
✓
+1300€ Double Cabin Single Use
Season 4
May
From
2230€
Options & Supplements
✓
+1300€ Double Cabin Single Use
Season 5
Aug · Sep · Oct
From
2330€
Options & Supplements
✓
+1300€ Double Cabin Single Use
Cabin Upgrades per person sharing a double cabin
Upper Deck Cabin
Ave Maria Italia
+
250€
Accommodation
Featuring top-quality accommodation, carefully selected for comfort and an exceptional travel experience.
Ave Maria Italia
Comfort Gold
The Ave Maria Italia is an elegant, Italian-built river cruise ship specifically designed to navigate shallow waterways and low bridges along the Po River and Venetian canals. Constructed from a salvaged Po dredge hull, it meets environmental standards with eco-friendly water purification and energy-efficient systems.
Cabins: 17
Ave Maria Portegrandi
Comfort Gold
An elegant, latest-generation Comfort Gold electric riverboat, 36 metres long and 6.30 metres wide. Represents the newest generation of electric river barges in Italy, designed with photovoltaic solar panels, it navigates silently with near-zero emissions, offering exceptional modern comfort across the waterways. The boat features air conditioning throughout, Wi-Fi in the common areas, a panoramic saloon and an outdoor sundeck.
Cabins: 12
BIKES
You can choose to rent a bicycle. Below you’ll find the essential information for rent options.
Touring Bike
120€
Bosch E-Bike
290€