Bolzano-Mantova-Venice
Italy Bike + Barge Tours
Bike & boat in Italy through the gorgeous countryside & villages
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length11 days
- Prices from€2265 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 $ 4820 £ 2534 $ 4,163 € 2865 kr 423940 ₪ 11800 ¥ 460631 Mex$ 57300 NZ$ 5187 NOK 33459 kr 34243 $ 3,095 $ 5223 £ 2747 $ 4,512 € 3105 kr 459454 ₪ 12788 ¥ 499218 Mex$ 62100 NZ$ 5622 NOK 36262 kr 37112 $ 3,354 $ 5324 £ 2800 $ 4,599 € 3165 kr 468332 ₪ 13035 ¥ 508865 Mex$ 63300 NZ$ 5731 NOK 36963 kr 37829 $ 3,419 3/4* hotels + Standard cabin/lower deck $ 4399 £ 2313 $ 3,800 € 2615 kr 386947 ₪ 10770 ¥ 420437 Mex$ 52300 NZ$ 4735 NOK 30540 kr 31255 $ 2,825 $ 4651 £ 2446 $ 4,018 € 2765 kr 409143 ₪ 11388 ¥ 444554 Mex$ 55300 NZ$ 5006 NOK 32291 kr 33048 $ 2,987 $ 4904 £ 2579 $ 4,236 € 2915 kr 431339 ₪ 12005 ¥ 468670 Mex$ 58300 NZ$ 5278 NOK 34043 kr 34841 $ 3,149 3/4* hotels + Bunk bed cabin/lower deck $ 4063 £ 2136 $ 3,509 € 2415 kr 357353 ₪ 9946 ¥ 388281 Mex$ 48300 NZ$ 4373 NOK 28204 kr 28865 $ 2,609 $ 4315 £ 2269 $ 3,727 € 2565 kr 379549 ₪ 10564 ¥ 412398 Mex$ 51300 NZ$ 4644 NOK 29956 kr 30658 $ 2,771 $ 4567 £ 2402 $ 3,945 € 2715 kr 401744 ₪ 11182 ¥ 436515 Mex$ 54300 NZ$ 4916 NOK 31708 kr 32450 $ 2,933 3/4* hotels + Double standard cabin for single-use/lower deck $ 6401 £ 3366 $ 5,529 € 3805 kr 563034 ₪ 15671 ¥ 611764 Mex$ 76100 NZ$ 6889 NOK 44437 kr 45478 $ 4,111 $ 6653 £ 3499 $ 5,747 € 3955 kr 585230 ₪ 16289 ¥ 635880 Mex$ 79100 NZ$ 7161 NOK 46189 kr 47271 $ 4,273 $ 6906 £ 3631 $ 5,965 € 4105 kr 607426 ₪ 16906 ¥ 659997 Mex$ 82100 NZ$ 7433 NOK 47941 kr 49064 $ 4,435 3/4* hotels + Bunk bed cabin for single-use/lower deck $ 5308 £ 2791 $ 4,585 € 3155 kr 466852 ₪ 12994 ¥ 507257 Mex$ 63100 NZ$ 5713 NOK 36846 kr 37709 $ 3,408 $ 5560 £ 2924 $ 4,803 € 3305 kr 489048 ₪ 13612 ¥ 531374 Mex$ 66100 NZ$ 5984 NOK 38598 kr 39502 $ 3,570 $ 5812 £ 3056 $ 5,021 € 3455 kr 511244 ₪ 14229 ¥ 555491 Mex$ 69100 NZ$ 6256 NOK 40350 kr 41295 $ 3,733 3/4+ hotels + Standard cabin for triple-use/lower deck $ 4125 £ 2169 $ 3,563 € 2452 kr 362828 ₪ 10099 ¥ 394230 Mex$ 49040 NZ$ 4440 NOK 28636 kr 29307 $ 2,649 $ 4377 £ 2302 $ 3,781 € 2602 kr 385024 ₪ 10716 ¥ 418347 Mex$ 52040 NZ$ 4711 NOK 30388 kr 31100 $ 2,811 $ 4630 £ 2434 $ 3,999 € 2752 kr 407219 ₪ 11334 ¥ 442463 Mex$ 55040 NZ$ 4983 NOK 32140 kr 32893 $ 2,973 3/4* hotels + Superior cabin for triple-use/upper deck $ 4545 £ 2390 $ 3,926 € 2702 kr 399821 ₪ 11128 ¥ 434425 Mex$ 54040 NZ$ 4892 NOK 31556 kr 32295 $ 2,919 $ 4798 £ 2523 $ 4,144 € 2852 kr 422017 ₪ 11746 ¥ 458541 Mex$ 57040 NZ$ 5164 NOK 33307 kr 34088 $ 3,081 $ 5050 £ 2656 $ 4,362 € 3002 kr 444212 ₪ 12364 ¥ 482658 Mex$ 60040 NZ$ 5435 NOK 35059 kr 35881 $ 3,243 * 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 $ 3810 £ 2004 $ 3,291 € 2265 kr 335157 ₪ 9328 ¥ 364164 Mex$ 45300 NZ$ 4101 NOK 26452 kr 27072 $ 2,447 $ 3979 £ 2092 $ 3,437 € 2365 kr 349954 ₪ 9740 ¥ 380242 Mex$ 47300 NZ$ 4282 NOK 27620 kr 28267 $ 2,555 $ 4147 £ 2181 $ 3,582 € 2465 kr 364751 ₪ 10152 ¥ 396320 Mex$ 49300 NZ$ 4463 NOK 28788 kr 29462 $ 2,663 3/4* hotels + Twin cabin/single-use $ 5644 £ 2968 $ 4,875 € 3355 kr 496447 ₪ 13818 ¥ 539413 Mex$ 67100 NZ$ 6075 NOK 39182 kr 40100 $ 3,624 $ 5812 £ 3056 $ 5,021 € 3455 kr 511244 ₪ 14229 ¥ 555491 Mex$ 69100 NZ$ 6256 NOK 40350 kr 41295 $ 3,733 $ 5980 £ 3145 $ 5,166 € 3555 kr 526041 ₪ 14641 ¥ 571569 Mex$ 71100 NZ$ 6437 NOK 41518 kr 42490 $ 3,841 3/4* hotels + Triple cabin $ 3536 £ 1859 $ 3,055 € 2102 kr 311037 ₪ 8657 ¥ 337957 Mex$ 42040 NZ$ 3806 NOK 24549 kr 25124 $ 2,271 $ 3704 £ 1948 $ 3,200 € 2202 kr 325835 ₪ 9069 ¥ 354035 Mex$ 44040 NZ$ 3987 NOK 25716 kr 26319 $ 2,379 $ 3873 £ 2036 $ 3,345 € 2302 kr 340632 ₪ 9481 ¥ 370113 Mex$ 46040 NZ$ 4168 NOK 26884 kr 27514 $ 2,487 Extra Options
Electric bike (for the entire tour) $ 437 £ 230 $ 378 € 260 kr 38473 ₪ 1071 ¥ 41803 Mex$ 5200 NZ$ 471 NOK 3036 kr 3108 $ 281 Electric bike (for just the hotel portion) $ 168 £ 88 $ 145 € 100 kr 14797 ₪ 412 ¥ 16078 Mex$ 2000 NZ$ 181 NOK 1168 kr 1195 $ 108 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.
Covid-19 Info
Country Entry Requirements
Due to the changing requirements for entry, it is imperative that you stay up to date on requirements set by the country/countries that you are visiting. Please visit our Travel Restrictions Tool page and the country/countries government webpage for this information.
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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