Bolzano-Mantova-Venice
Italy Bike + Boat Tours
Bike & boat in Italy through the gorgeous countryside & villages
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length11 days
- Prices from€2102 Rates
Overview
This bike tour in Italy is a variation of our traditional (and very popular) bike and boat tour, Mantova to Venice. This 11-day experience combines a self-guided hotel-to-hotel tour with a bike and boat tour.
During the initial stage of cycling, you will have three overnights in 3 and 4-star hotels. You will bike through Veneto, Trentino-Alto, Lombardy, and the Emilia-Romagna regions of Italy. Upon arrival in Mantova, you will hop on board either the Ave Maria or the Vita Pugna (your choice) for seven nights and begin the barge portion of your tour.
You cycle along the Po River and finish in the great city-on-water, Venice. Its lavish palazzi, elaborate bridges, quaint piazzas, and magnificent churches are all crammed into a maze of narrow streets and canals. Over a hundred small islands are connected by bridges...and water.
You can easily get lost here, in fact, please do! No cars are allowed, so meander to your heart's content. Some of the most charming and authentic places are tucked away and stumbled upon, hidden from the typical tourist's view.
Highlights
- Bolzano, crossroads between the Mediterranean and central Europe
- Ferry ride across Lake Garda
- River Mincio cycling path
- Ancient Greek port of Adria
- The great wildlife of the Po Delta National Park
- The coastal town of Chioggia, known as Venice in miniature with great medieval architecture and a famous fish market
- Combination of hotel and boat accommodations
- Mantova, with its centro historico
- Venice, the city on the water
Are you only looking for a bike and boat experience? Check out all our bike & boat tours!
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Bolzano
Day 2: Bolzano - Trento, 41/44 mi. (65/70 km)
Day 3: Trento - Desenzano/Peschiera, 29 mi. (50 km) + ferry ride
Day 4: Desenzano/Peschiera - Mantova, 27/44 mi. (45/70 km). Arrival on boat in Mantova.
Day 5: Mantova, round tour, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 6: Mantova - Governolo - Zelo, 32 mi. (50 km)
Day 7: Zelo - Ferrara - Adria, 32 mi. (50 km) + 60 km by bus
Day 8: Adria - Po Delta Nature Reserve - Pellestrina Island, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 9: Pellestrina Island - Venice, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 10: Venice, free day
Day 11: Venice, departure following breakfastAll distances are approximate. The above-planned itinerary is subject to change due to changing wind and weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances having to do with mooring requirements, safe navigation, etc.
Day 1: Arrival in Bolzano
The bilingual capital city of South Tyrol is a renowned commercial and tourist center that looks back on a rich history. Today, the Italian and the Austrian cultures and ways of life join together. The historical center of Bolzano boasts an enchanting beauty.Day 2: Bolzano - Trento, 41/44 mi. (65/70 km)
You will collect your bikes today from 8 to 9:30 am. Cycling on bike paths you follow the Adige River alongside apple orchards, vineyards, and through the villages of Ora, Egna, and Salorno. Along the river banks, you ride towards Trento. This city is not on the typical tourist's radar, so take your time to take a look behind the splendid walls of its painted buildings. It is possible to shorten the route today by taking a train from several stations along the way.Elevation gain: 30 or 250 m
Day 3: Trento - Desenzano/Peschiera, 29 mi. (50 km) + ferry ride
Still cycling along the Adige, you reach Rovereto and Mori. From here you continue up a gently rising slope westwards in the direction of Lake Garda (the largest in Italy). Before leaving for Riva you absolutely must enjoy the sight of the lake from above! By boat, you travel as far as Peschiera del Garda along the southern shore of the lake. The boat excursion alone is worth the whole trip.Elevation gain: 140 m
Day 4: Desenzano/Peschiera - Mantova, 27/44 mi. (45/70 km). Arrival on boat in Mantova.
Distance depends on where you begin your cycling. Today you will follow one of the most famous Italian bike paths, which runs parallel to the Mincio River. You will pass through the village of Borghetto, with its mills, and Valeggio sul Mincio, famous for the huge botanical park “Sigurtà”.The trip ends in Mantova, where your floating hotel, your boat, for the next week is moored at Porto Catena, just a short walk from the city center. Your cabins will be available from 4 p.m. The meeting with the tour guide and the crew is scheduled for dinner-time, approximately 6:30 p.m. Mantova is one of the most beautiful towns in Northern Italy, where a lot of worldwide known artists left their masterpieces, thanks to the wealth of the famous Gonzaga family who commissioned works of art.
Elevation gain: 20 or 200 m
Day 5: Mantova, round tour, 22 mi. (35 km)
Founded in 2000 BC, Mantova was once an Etruscan village and is now the capital of the province with the same name. Surrounded on three sides by man-made lakes created in the 12th century, this world-famous city, known in English as Mantua, showcases art, architecture, and history. Mantova is known for its beautiful palaces.Day 6: Mantova - Governolo - Zelo, 32 mi. (50 km)
After breakfast, you leave the "lakes" of Mantova and cruise through the lush wetlands that lead to the Governolo Lock, where Mantova's Mincio River flows into the Po. From here, by bike, you 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. A visit to the local cheese factory, and sampling some well-seasoned Grana is a must-do. You meet the barge in Zelo, a sleepy village on the Canal Bianco, the waterway that runs parallel to the Po.Day 7: Zelo - Ferrara - Adria, 31 mi. by bike + 37 mi. by bus (50 km by bike + 60 km by bus)
This morning you will 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 will then transfer you to the boat in Adria, an ancient Roman port once on the sea but now connected by the Canal Bianco (White Canal). Adria is also renowned for its Etruscan and Greek heritage. An after-dinner passeggiata into town for a well-earned grappa or gelato is strongly advised.Day 8: Adria - Po Delta Nature Reserve - Pellestrina Island, 25 mi. (40 km)
After a short time on board, you cycle into the delta of the life-giving Po. This unique wetland is the prime reserve in Europe for herons and home to a sizeable colony of flamingos. Weather permitting, as you continue towards Chioggia, you can also enjoy a stop at a beach and a dip in the Adriatic - and do not forget to savor a hot piadina! Chioggia is also known as "Little Venice", a colorful fishing hub. The overnight takes place on the island of Pellestrina, just in front of Chioggia.Day 9: Pellestrina Island - Venice, 19 mi. (30 km)
Venice beckons, but first another world altogether: Pellestrina, the first of two islands you traverse today. Pellestrina is a tranquil fishing backwater, picturesque with its cottages, boats, and nets. A short island hop by ferry will transfer you to 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. After rejoining the barge, you will enjoy a leisure cruise in front of St Mark’s Square to the final destination. After dinner, you can savor Venice at night, now free of the crowds and at her most romantic: Benvenuti a Venezia!Day 10: Venice, free day
After a wonderful awakening with a view of the lagoon, there is the opportunity for a guided tour of the city center. You then have the whole day to your liking, to continue your exploration of the magnificent historic center of the capital of the 'Republica Serenissima', or its wonderful islands.Day 11: Venice
The tour officially ends just after breakfast.If you're looking for a different flavor, check out our full list of bike and boat tours or view all our featured bicycle tours, specials, and news.
Map
Boats & Bikes
Accommodations
During the initial stage of cycling, you will have 3 overnights in 3/4 star hotel accommodations. Upon arrival in Mantova, you will board the comfort class vessel, Vita Pugna OR the premium Ave Maria and begin your bike and boat tour to Venice, with 7 overnights spent on board.
- Ave Maria
Premium Class Boat
The Ave Maria was launched in 2011. This Italian boat was totally rebuilt in order to meet even the highest expectations. The boat was completely redesigned by a renowned architectural firm. Its shapes, colors, and materials were chosen carefully in order to create a warm, inviting, and sophisticated atmosphere. Read More
- Vita Pugna
Comfort Class Barge
The Vita Pugna is a romantic Dutch barge which has been sailing since 2008. She has 10 guest cabins with comfortable low twin beds and en-suite facilities. They also offer the convenience of attractive, traditional portholes, which can be opened for fresh air. The sundeck has plenty of seating where you can enjoy the passing scenery. Read More
Bicycles
Unisex electric bike
A low entry unisex frame
- Upright handlebar
- 9-speed (Shimano Deore)
- Centrally located Bosch motor Active Line Plus (250Wh, engine torque 50 Nm)
- Bosch battery Power Pack (36V, range approx 90 km average speed on flat terrain)
- Ergonomic grip
- Selle Royal saddle
- Flat pedals
- Mechanical V-brakes
- Rear rack
- Mudguards
- 28-inch wheels
- Schwalbe Marathon Plus anti-puncture tires
Accessories
Included accessories
- Mudguards
- Trip computer
- Helmet
- Brand: Limar
- Size: one size (55 - 61)
- Adjustable size system and cool pads
- Weight: 260 g
- 10 vents with bug net
- Certified CE (TÜV) and CPSC-USA
- Ortlieb pannier (12L) - The innovative QL1fixation system is easy to handle and the bags attach to the rack with one click
Self-guided tours only:
- Front bike map holder with removable transparent hood or Kickfix water-resistant removable rigid handlebar bag with waterproof double-sided maps envelope
- Repair kit (one kit for every two bicycles) (1 pump, 1 tube, 2 Allen keys, tyre levers, patches, and mastic sealant)
Inclusions
What’s Included
- 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast buffet (Bolzano, Trento and Desenzano/Peschiera)
- 7 nights aboard the selected vessel including breakfast, dinner, and a self-made packed lunch
- Welcome briefing in English upon arrival to the boat
- Coffee & tea & other hot drinks while onboard
- Complimentary courtesy kit
- Daily short cleaning & mid-week cabin cleaning service & towel change during boat stay
- 27-speed unisex hybrid touring city bike
- Bike helmet (book in advance)
- Bike Protection
- Travel guide app including maps, tour information, points of interest, & GPS tracks
- English-speaking tour leader within an international group (only for the bike and barge portion)
- Luggage transfer each day & onto the ship (limited to 1 piece of luggage per person with max. 20 kg. Please note that you cannot change the number of pieces of luggage during the tour!)
- Guided visit in Mantova
- Visit of a cheese factory with tasting of typical Grana Padano
- Visit of Carousel and Street Entertainment Museum
- Visit of historic glass factory on Murano Island
- Harbor charges
- 4-hour ferry cruise on Lake Garda (bike included)
- Bus transfer Ferrara-Adria
- Hotline service
What’s Not Included
- Lunches and dinners during the hotel portion of your tour
- 1 dinner in Venice
- Beverages
- Local hotel taxes (approx. €6 per person, per night)
- Venice Municipality Access Fee (approx. 18-30 € to be paid on site)
- Museum entrance fees (other than mentioned), and extras in general
- Public transportation while in Venice (water taxi, etc.)
- Gratuities
- Everything not mentioned in the “what’s included” section
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Every Wednesday from April 17 up to and including September 25, 2024
Starting in Bolzano on Wed. & arriving to the Ave Maria on Saturday
Season 2: April 17, June 26, July 10, July 24, & August 7, 2024
Season 3: May 1, May 15, May 29, & June 12, 2024
Season 4: August 21, September 4, & September 18, 2024Season 2 Season 3 Season 4 3/4* hotels + Superior cabin/upper deck $ 4745 £ 2502 $ 4,329 € 2865 kr 439672 ₪ 11778 ¥ 494945 Mex$ 52805 NZ$ 5183 NOK 34148 zł 12465 S$ 4279 kr 34073 $ 3,179 $ 5142 £ 2712 $ 4,692 € 3105 kr 476504 ₪ 12765 ¥ 536407 Mex$ 57228 NZ$ 5617 NOK 37009 zł 13509 S$ 4638 kr 36927 $ 3,446 $ 5241 £ 2764 $ 4,783 € 3165 kr 485711 ₪ 13011 ¥ 546772 Mex$ 58334 NZ$ 5725 NOK 37724 zł 13770 S$ 4728 kr 37641 $ 3,512 3/4* hotels + Standard cabin/lower deck $ 4331 £ 2284 $ 3,952 € 2615 kr 401307 ₪ 10750 ¥ 451756 Mex$ 48197 NZ$ 4730 NOK 31169 zł 11377 S$ 3906 kr 31100 $ 2,902 $ 4579 £ 2415 $ 4,178 € 2765 kr 424326 ₪ 11367 ¥ 477670 Mex$ 50961 NZ$ 5002 NOK 32956 zł 12030 S$ 4130 kr 32884 $ 3,068 $ 4827 £ 2546 $ 4,405 € 2915 kr 447346 ₪ 11984 ¥ 503583 Mex$ 53726 NZ$ 5273 NOK 34744 zł 12682 S$ 4354 kr 34668 $ 3,235 3/4* hotels + Bunk bed cabin/lower deck $ 3999 £ 2109 $ 3,649 € 2415 kr 370614 ₪ 9928 ¥ 417205 Mex$ 44511 NZ$ 4369 NOK 28785 zł 10507 S$ 3607 kr 28721 $ 2,680 $ 4248 £ 2240 $ 3,876 € 2565 kr 393633 ₪ 10545 ¥ 443119 Mex$ 47275 NZ$ 4640 NOK 30573 zł 11159 S$ 3831 kr 30505 $ 2,846 $ 4496 £ 2371 $ 4,103 € 2715 kr 416653 ₪ 11161 ¥ 469032 Mex$ 50040 NZ$ 4911 NOK 32360 zł 11812 S$ 4055 kr 32289 $ 3,013 3/4* hotels + Double standard cabin for single-use/lower deck $ 6301 £ 3323 $ 5,750 € 3805 kr 583928 ₪ 15642 ¥ 657336 Mex$ 70130 NZ$ 6883 NOK 45352 zł 16554 S$ 5683 kr 45252 $ 4,222 $ 6550 £ 3455 $ 5,977 € 3955 kr 606947 ₪ 16259 ¥ 683249 Mex$ 72894 NZ$ 7155 NOK 47140 zł 17207 S$ 5908 kr 47036 $ 4,389 $ 6798 £ 3586 $ 6,203 € 4105 kr 629967 ₪ 16876 ¥ 709163 Mex$ 75659 NZ$ 7426 NOK 48928 zł 17860 S$ 6132 kr 48820 $ 4,555 3/4* hotels + Bunk bed cabin for single-use/lower deck $ 5225 £ 2756 $ 4,768 € 3155 kr 484177 ₪ 12970 ¥ 545045 Mex$ 58150 NZ$ 5707 NOK 37605 zł 13726 S$ 4713 kr 37522 $ 3,501 $ 5473 £ 2887 $ 4,994 € 3305 kr 507196 ₪ 13587 ¥ 570958 Mex$ 60914 NZ$ 5979 NOK 39393 zł 14379 S$ 4937 kr 39306 $ 3,668 $ 5722 £ 3018 $ 5,221 € 3455 kr 530216 ₪ 14204 ¥ 596871 Mex$ 63679 NZ$ 6250 NOK 41181 zł 15032 S$ 5161 kr 41090 $ 3,834 3/4+ hotels + Standard cabin for triple-use/lower deck $ 4061 £ 2142 $ 3,705 € 2452 kr 376292 ₪ 10080 ¥ 423597 Mex$ 45193 NZ$ 4436 NOK 29226 zł 10668 S$ 3663 kr 29161 $ 2,721 $ 4309 £ 2273 $ 3,932 € 2602 kr 399312 ₪ 10697 ¥ 449511 Mex$ 47957 NZ$ 4707 NOK 31014 zł 11320 S$ 3887 kr 30945 $ 2,887 $ 4557 £ 2404 $ 4,159 € 2752 kr 422331 ₪ 11314 ¥ 475424 Mex$ 50722 NZ$ 4978 NOK 32801 zł 11973 S$ 4111 kr 32729 $ 3,054 3/4* hotels + Superior cabin for triple-use/upper deck $ 4475 £ 2360 $ 4,083 € 2702 kr 414658 ₪ 11108 ¥ 466786 Mex$ 49800 NZ$ 4888 NOK 32205 zł 11756 S$ 4036 kr 32135 $ 2,998 $ 4723 £ 2491 $ 4,310 € 2852 kr 437677 ₪ 11725 ¥ 492700 Mex$ 52565 NZ$ 5159 NOK 33993 zł 12408 S$ 4260 kr 33918 $ 3,165 $ 4971 £ 2622 $ 4,537 € 3002 kr 460697 ₪ 12341 ¥ 518613 Mex$ 55330 NZ$ 5431 NOK 35781 zł 13061 S$ 4484 kr 35702 $ 3,331 * Children's discounts are available on the Ave Maria. Just ask!
Starting in Bolzano on Wednesday & arriving to the Vita Pugna on Saturday
Season 2: April 24, July 3, July 17, July 31, & August 14, 2024
Season 3: May 8, May 22, June 5, & June 19, 2024
Season 4: August 28, September 11, & September 25, 2024Season 2 Season 3 Season 4 3/4* hotels + Twin cabin $ 3751 £ 1978 $ 3,423 € 2265 kr 347594 ₪ 9311 ¥ 391292 Mex$ 41746 NZ$ 4097 NOK 26997 zł 9854 S$ 3383 kr 26937 $ 2,514 $ 3917 £ 2066 $ 3,574 € 2365 kr 362941 ₪ 9723 ¥ 408567 Mex$ 43589 NZ$ 4278 NOK 28189 zł 10289 S$ 3533 kr 28127 $ 2,624 $ 4082 £ 2153 $ 3,725 € 2465 kr 378287 ₪ 10134 ¥ 425843 Mex$ 45432 NZ$ 4459 NOK 29381 zł 10724 S$ 3682 kr 29316 $ 2,735 3/4* hotels + Twin cabin/single-use $ 5556 £ 2930 $ 5,070 € 3355 kr 514869 ₪ 13792 ¥ 579596 Mex$ 61836 NZ$ 6069 NOK 39989 zł 14597 S$ 5011 kr 39901 $ 3,723 $ 5722 £ 3018 $ 5,221 € 3455 kr 530216 ₪ 14204 ¥ 596871 Mex$ 63679 NZ$ 6250 NOK 41181 zł 15032 S$ 5161 kr 41090 $ 3,834 $ 5887 £ 3105 $ 5,372 € 3555 kr 545562 ₪ 14615 ¥ 614147 Mex$ 65522 NZ$ 6431 NOK 42372 zł 15467 S$ 5310 kr 42279 $ 3,945 3/4* hotels + Triple cabin $ 3481 £ 1836 $ 3,176 € 2102 kr 322580 ₪ 8641 ¥ 363133 Mex$ 38742 NZ$ 3802 NOK 25054 zł 9145 S$ 3140 kr 24999 $ 2,333 $ 3647 £ 1923 $ 3,328 € 2202 kr 337926 ₪ 9052 ¥ 380408 Mex$ 40585 NZ$ 3983 NOK 26246 zł 9580 S$ 3289 kr 26188 $ 2,444 $ 3812 £ 2011 $ 3,479 € 2302 kr 353273 ₪ 9464 ¥ 397684 Mex$ 42428 NZ$ 4164 NOK 27438 zł 10015 S$ 3438 kr 27377 $ 2,555 Extra Options
Electric bike (for the entire tour) $ 431 £ 227 $ 393 € 260 kr 39900 ₪ 1069 ¥ 44917 Mex$ 4792 NZ$ 470 NOK 3099 zł 1131 S$ 388 kr 3092 $ 289 Electric bike (for just the hotel portion) $ 166 £ 87 $ 151 € 100 kr 15346 ₪ 411 ¥ 17276 Mex$ 1843 NZ$ 181 NOK 1192 zł 435 S$ 149 kr 1189 $ 111 Extra nights in Bolzano / Mantova / Venice On request Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
Easy to moderate self-guided and guided bike and boat tour. From Bolzano to Mantova you will ride on cycle paths, part of which run along the banks of the Adige River. Possible to shorten the itinerary on day 2 and 3 by taking the train. Towards Lake Garda there is a bit more challenging climb to face. From Mantova to Venice you will pedal along rivers and canals on tarmac cycle paths or roads with little traffic. There are 9 days of cycling, with an average of 28 miles (44 km) of biking each day, however, on the first day there are 44 miles (70 km) of biking. The majority of the route is flat, but again, there are a few climbs!
Airport Info
Most people fly into and out of Venezia Marco Polo (VCE) located 275 km from Bolzano. Innsbruck Kranebitten Airport (INN) is another arrival airport option or Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN). Because the tour ends in Venice, VCE is the most convenient for onward travel home.
Local Travel
Venice Airport
From Venezia Marco Polo Airport (VCE), you can take the Fly-Bus shuttle service going to Venezia Mestre train station. The shuttle leaves 3 times per hour from 6:06 AM to 11:40 PM. The shuttle takes about 17 minutes and a ticket costs ~€8. Visit ATVO for details.
From Venezia Mestre train station, you take a train to Bolzano (transfer time is about 2 and a half hours with a change in Verona Porta Nuova; ~€30 to 50 depending on the type of train). For further information on timetables and prices, please visit Trenitalia.Climate
In Italy, there are different types of climate. In Bolzano, the climate is semi-continental, in the Po River Valley, a mild continental climate dominates and Venice experiences a subtropical climate. One thing that each area has in common is hot summers. Please check local conditions before your arrival. Below you will find monthly weather averages for the region.
Day of Rest
During the barge/bike portion of the trip, you may always stay on board and sail to the next town while enjoying Italy’s beautiful scenery.
Remarks
During the bike and barge portion of your tour from Mantua to Venice, you will be accompanied by a multilingual tour leader/s who are experienced and enthusiastic travelers with a true passion for sharing their love of the outdoors, peoples, cultures, and local food. They are experienced cyclists and can provide tips on biking and basic maintenance and repair.
Important to know
Documents
Before you travel, please check the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. For US citizens, the US Department of State website is a good source of information. The Country Information tab in the International Travel section provides details about passport validity, blank passport pages required, etc. For our other international clients, please be sure that you research your own country's travel requirements. It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure proper documentation.
*Please check the status of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) as once implemented, will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.
Extra Stay
Extra nights before and after your tour can easily be arranged at the tour hotel. Just ask. For extra time in Venice, we advise Booking.com for researching and reserving your extra nights. You can read a detailed description of the hotels offered including a clear listing of amenities, customer reviews, and ratings.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Girolibero.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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