Bolzano-Mantova-Venice

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 breakfast

All 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.

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 Italia

  Premium

  ?

  4.8 out of 5 (10 Reviews)

  View Boat

  Premium Class Boat

  Unisex Touring Bicycle

  A low entry unisex or men's frame, ideal for an upright but relaxed riding position … • Aluminum frame … • Upright handlebar … • Selle Royal saddle (7in or 17.78cm wide) • Water bottle cage … •… Read More

  Unisex Electric Bicycle (E-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… Read More

  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 … •… Read More

  The Ave Maria Italia, formerly just known as 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

  ?

  4.9 out of 5 (10 Reviews)

  View Boat

  Comfort Class Barge

  Unisex/Men’s Touring Bicycle

  A low entry unisex or men's frame, ideal for an upright but relaxed riding position … • Aluminum frame … • Upright handlebar … • Selle Royal saddle … • Water bottle cage … • 27-speed (Shimano Deore)… Read More

  Unisex Electric Bicycle

  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… Read More

  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 … •… Read More

  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 touring bike

A low entry unisex frame, ideal for an upright but relaxed riding position

• Aluminum frame
• Upright handlebar
• Selle Royal saddle
• Water bottle cage
• 27-speed (Shimano Deore)
• Flat pedal
• Mechanical V-brakes
• Rear rack
• Mudguards
• 28-inch wheels
• Schwalbe anti-puncture tires

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)