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
- Book This Trip
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 $ 4846 £ 2501 $ 4,287 € 2865 kr 439223 ₪ 11805 ¥ 481232 Mex$ 53262 NZ$ 5273 NOK 34388 zł 12672 S$ 4239 kr 34099 $ 3,112 $ 5252 £ 2711 $ 4,646 € 3105 kr 476016 ₪ 12794 ¥ 521545 Mex$ 57724 NZ$ 5714 NOK 37269 zł 13733 S$ 4594 kr 36956 $ 3,373 $ 5354 £ 2763 $ 4,736 € 3165 kr 485215 ₪ 13041 ¥ 531623 Mex$ 58839 NZ$ 5825 NOK 37989 zł 13998 S$ 4683 kr 37670 $ 3,438 3/4* hotels + Standard cabin/lower deck $ 4423 £ 2283 $ 3,913 € 2615 kr 400896 ₪ 10775 ¥ 439240 Mex$ 48615 NZ$ 4813 NOK 31387 zł 11566 S$ 3869 kr 31124 $ 2,840 $ 4677 £ 2414 $ 4,137 € 2765 kr 423892 ₪ 11393 ¥ 464435 Mex$ 51403 NZ$ 5089 NOK 33188 zł 12229 S$ 4091 kr 32909 $ 3,003 $ 4931 £ 2545 $ 4,362 € 2915 kr 446888 ₪ 12011 ¥ 489631 Mex$ 54192 NZ$ 5365 NOK 34988 zł 12893 S$ 4313 kr 34695 $ 3,166 3/4* hotels + Bunk bed cabin/lower deck $ 4085 £ 2108 $ 3,614 € 2415 kr 370235 ₪ 9951 ¥ 405646 Mex$ 44896 NZ$ 4444 NOK 28987 zł 10681 S$ 3573 kr 28743 $ 2,623 $ 4339 £ 2239 $ 3,838 € 2565 kr 393231 ₪ 10569 ¥ 430841 Mex$ 47685 NZ$ 4721 NOK 30787 zł 11345 S$ 3795 kr 30529 $ 2,786 $ 4593 £ 2370 $ 4,063 € 2715 kr 416227 ₪ 11187 ¥ 456037 Mex$ 50474 NZ$ 4997 NOK 32587 zł 12008 S$ 4017 kr 32314 $ 2,949 3/4* hotels + Double standard cabin for single-use/lower deck $ 6436 £ 3322 $ 5,694 € 3805 kr 583331 ₪ 15678 ¥ 639124 Mex$ 70737 NZ$ 7003 NOK 45670 zł 16829 S$ 5630 kr 45287 $ 4,133 $ 6690 £ 3453 $ 5,918 € 3955 kr 606327 ₪ 16296 ¥ 664319 Mex$ 73526 NZ$ 7279 NOK 47471 zł 17492 S$ 5852 kr 47073 $ 4,296 $ 6944 £ 3583 $ 6,142 € 4105 kr 629323 ₪ 16914 ¥ 689514 Mex$ 76315 NZ$ 7555 NOK 49271 zł 18156 S$ 6074 kr 48858 $ 4,459 3/4* hotels + Bunk bed cabin for single-use/lower deck $ 5337 £ 2754 $ 4,721 € 3155 kr 483682 ₪ 13000 ¥ 529943 Mex$ 58654 NZ$ 5806 NOK 37869 zł 13954 S$ 4668 kr 37551 $ 3,427 $ 5591 £ 2885 $ 4,945 € 3305 kr 506678 ₪ 13618 ¥ 555139 Mex$ 61442 NZ$ 6082 NOK 39669 zł 14618 S$ 4890 kr 39336 $ 3,590 $ 5844 £ 3016 $ 5,170 € 3455 kr 529673 ₪ 14236 ¥ 580334 Mex$ 64231 NZ$ 6358 NOK 41469 zł 15281 S$ 5112 kr 41122 $ 3,753 3/4+ hotels + Standard cabin for triple-use/lower deck $ 4148 £ 2140 $ 3,669 € 2452 kr 375907 ₪ 10103 ¥ 411861 Mex$ 45584 NZ$ 4513 NOK 29431 zł 10845 S$ 3628 kr 29184 $ 2,663 $ 4401 £ 2271 $ 3,893 € 2602 kr 398903 ₪ 10721 ¥ 437056 Mex$ 48373 NZ$ 4789 NOK 31231 zł 11508 S$ 3850 kr 30969 $ 2,826 $ 4655 £ 2402 $ 4,118 € 2752 kr 421899 ₪ 11339 ¥ 462252 Mex$ 51161 NZ$ 5065 NOK 33032 zł 12172 S$ 4072 kr 32754 $ 2,989 3/4* hotels + Superior cabin for triple-use/upper deck $ 4571 £ 2359 $ 4,043 € 2702 kr 414234 ₪ 11133 ¥ 453853 Mex$ 50232 NZ$ 4973 NOK 32431 zł 11951 S$ 3998 kr 32159 $ 2,935 $ 4824 £ 2490 $ 4,268 € 2852 kr 437230 ₪ 11751 ¥ 479049 Mex$ 53021 NZ$ 5249 NOK 34232 zł 12614 S$ 4220 kr 33945 $ 3,098 $ 5078 £ 2621 $ 4,492 € 3002 kr 460226 ₪ 12369 ¥ 504244 Mex$ 55809 NZ$ 5525 NOK 36032 zł 13277 S$ 4442 kr 35730 $ 3,261 * 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 $ 3831 £ 1977 $ 3,389 € 2265 kr 347239 ₪ 9333 ¥ 380451 Mex$ 42108 NZ$ 4168 NOK 27186 zł 10018 S$ 3352 kr 26958 $ 2,460 $ 4001 £ 2065 $ 3,539 € 2365 kr 362570 ₪ 9745 ¥ 397248 Mex$ 43967 NZ$ 4352 NOK 28386 zł 10460 S$ 3500 kr 28148 $ 2,569 $ 4170 £ 2152 $ 3,688 € 2465 kr 377900 ₪ 10157 ¥ 414045 Mex$ 45826 NZ$ 4536 NOK 29587 zł 10902 S$ 3647 kr 29339 $ 2,677 3/4* hotels + Twin cabin/single-use $ 5675 £ 2929 $ 5,020 € 3355 kr 514343 ₪ 13824 ¥ 563537 Mex$ 62372 NZ$ 6174 NOK 40269 zł 14839 S$ 4964 kr 39931 $ 3,644 $ 5844 £ 3016 $ 5,170 € 3455 kr 529673 ₪ 14236 ¥ 580334 Mex$ 64231 NZ$ 6358 NOK 41469 zł 15281 S$ 5112 kr 41122 $ 3,753 $ 6014 £ 3103 $ 5,319 € 3555 kr 545004 ₪ 14648 ¥ 597131 Mex$ 66090 NZ$ 6542 NOK 42670 zł 15723 S$ 5260 kr 42312 $ 3,861 3/4* hotels + Triple cabin $ 3556 £ 1835 $ 3,145 € 2102 kr 322250 ₪ 8661 ¥ 353072 Mex$ 39078 NZ$ 3868 NOK 25230 zł 9297 S$ 3110 kr 25018 $ 2,283 $ 3725 £ 1922 $ 3,295 € 2202 kr 337581 ₪ 9073 ¥ 369869 Mex$ 40937 NZ$ 4052 NOK 26430 zł 9739 S$ 3258 kr 26208 $ 2,392 $ 3894 £ 2010 $ 3,445 € 2302 kr 352911 ₪ 9485 ¥ 386666 Mex$ 42796 NZ$ 4237 NOK 27630 zł 10181 S$ 3406 kr 27399 $ 2,500 Extra Options
Electric bike (for the entire tour) $ 440 £ 227 $ 389 € 260 kr 39860 ₪ 1071 ¥ 43672 Mex$ 4834 NZ$ 478 NOK 3121 zł 1150 S$ 385 kr 3095 $ 282 Electric bike (for just the hotel portion) $ 169 £ 87 $ 150 € 100 kr 15331 ₪ 412 ¥ 16797 Mex$ 1859 NZ$ 184 NOK 1200 zł 442 S$ 148 kr 1190 $ 109 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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