Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy Bike + Barge Tours
Bike & Barge Italy!
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€1065 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
This bike and boat tour in Italy has been one of our most popular tours for years. Blending nature, culture, and fine cuisine, it is a delightful and relaxed journey along the River Po, offering more than just a glimpse into Italy. You will get up close and personal!
This tour includes Mantova, surrounded by lakes, and boastful of its centro storico with dozens of fascinating piazzas, churches, monuments, and courtyards! You will visit Castelguglielmo, cycle through small villages and hamlets, and pass through Ferrara, known as the City of the Renaissance and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
And of course, your tour features Venice: a delight of lavish palazzi, elaborate bridges, quaint piazzas, and magnificent churches all crammed into a maze of narrow streets and canals.
So go to Italy! Explore celebrated cities of art, one of Europe's prime Nature Reserves, and a wealth of tucked-away rural hamlets, topping it off each day with authentic regional dishes back on board.
*This tour is available in both directions: Mantova to Venice and Venice to Mantova.
Highlights
- Ancient Greek port of Adria
- The great wildlife of the Po Delta National Park
- The coastal town of Chioggia, known as miniature Venice with great medieval architecture and a famous fish market
- Boat accommodations for the duration of your tour: an experience all on its own
- Venice, the city on the water
Do you want to add to your bike and boat experience in Italy? For those considering a departure from Mantova, you can add a pre-extension from Bolzano. A self-guided hotel to hotel tour ending in Mantova where you board the boat. Check it out: Bolzano-Mantova-Venice
We have other bike and boat tours in Italy that feature the Mediterranean and Tyrrhenian seas!
Itinerary
The itineraries have been designed to feature navigation along the Fissero/ Bianco canal, which runs parallel to the Po river and connects Mantova to the Adriatic Sea. Due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the holiday. Issues with high and low water, as well as logistical obstacles such as officially ordered but previously not announced repair work on locks or bridges can modify some of the daily stretches or overnight stays and may even require a transfer by bus. These decisions may be made with little or no notice by the ship's captain.
All distances are approximate.
Day 1: Individual arrival in Mantova
Day 2: Mantova, 21 mi. (35 km)
Day 3: Mantova - Governolo - Zelo, 32 mi. (50 km)
Day 4: Zelo - Ferrara - Adria, 31 mi. by bike + 37 mi. by bus (50 + 60 km)
Day 5: Adria - Po Delta Nature Reserve - Pellestrina Island, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 6: Pellestrina Island - Venice, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 7: Venice, free day
Day 8: Venice, departure following breakfastDay 1: Arrival in Mantova
Your cabins will be available from 4:30 pm. The boat is moored at Porto Catena, just a short walk from the city center. The meeting with the tour guide and the crew is scheduled at dinner-time, approximately 6:30 pm. Mantova is one of the most beautiful towns in Northern Italy as many worldwide know artists have left their masterpieces for us to enjoy, thanks to the famous Gonzaga family! Benvenuti a Mantova!Day 2: Mantova - round trip tour - 21 mi. (35 km)
This entire day is dedicated to the discovery of this wonderful city and its surroundings, dominated by the wealth and influences left by the Gonzaga family, who owned the city for over 400 years. Mantova was considered one of the most important cultural cities in the Renaissance and it still maintains a lot of the landscapes and the building that made it famous during that period. In the late afternoon, a local guide will lead you through the most known highlights of the town.Day 3: Mantova - Governolo - Zelo, 32 mi. (50 km)
After breakfast, on board, you navigate from the "lakes" of Mantova and cruise through the lush wetlands that lead to 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, sampling some well seasoned Grana, is a must-do. You meet the barge in Zelo, a sleepy village on the Canal Bianco, the waterway which runs parallel to the Po.
Day 4: Zelo - Ferrara - Adria, 31 mi. by bike + 37 mi. by bus (50 km by bike + 60 km by bus)
Following breakfast, you will start cycling towards Ferrara. Once you have reached the town, which earned the name of "city of bicycles", you will be enchanted by the historical center, still surrounded by the old city walls. You will enjoy a guided town tour. From Ferrara, a short bus transfer will bring you to Adria, an ancient Greek port, famous for trading amber coming from the Baltic. It's a remarkable museum that also bears witness to its Etruscan, Roman, and Venetian Heritage.Day 5: Adria - Po Delta Nature Reserve - Pellestrina Island, 25 mi. (40 km)
After a short ride 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 - not forgetting a hot savory 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 6: Pellestrina Island - Venice, 19 mi. (30 km)
Venice beckons, but first another world altogether: Pellestrina, the first of two islands you traverse today – a humble and tranquil fishing backwater, picturesque as ever with its cottages, boats, and nets. A short island-hop by ferry transfers 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 7: Venice, guided walking tour and free time
A guided walking tour of Venice begins around 11 am and lasts approximately 1.5 hours. It begins in St. Mark square and continues towards the bigger "sestiere" of the city, Castello. You will visit Campo Santa Maria Formosa where you can experience a characteristic market and then a city hospital and large gothic church in Campo dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo. Later, you will go to Campo Santa Marina and to the Rialto Bridge. During this tour, the guide will explain these sites from the outside, no entrances are planned. However, the guide may decide to adjust the schedule and sites depending on weather and requests from the group.Day 8: Venice
After breakfast and the customary goodbyes, free time for individual visits of Venice before returning home.Day 1: Venice
Day 2: Venice
Day 3: Venice - Pellestrina Island, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 4: Pellestrina island - Po Delta Nature Reserve - Adria, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 5: Adria - Ferrara - Zelo, 22 mi. (35 km by bike + 35 km by bus)
Day 6: Zelo - Mantova, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 7: Mantova round tour, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 8: MantovaDay 1: Venice
You are welcomed aboard your new home from 4.30 pm. onwards and then regroup for the introductory briefing at 6.30 pm with your tour leader, skipper, and crew, along with a first refreshing aperitivo. After dinner, you can savor Venice at night, now free of the crowds and at her most romantic: Benvenuti a Venezia.Day 2: Venice
After breakfast, and perhaps following a bit of exploring off the beaten track with your tour leader, you will meet up with your Venetian guide for a tour through the historic center. Christened La Serenissima ("The Most Serene"), the Venetian Republic held sway over much of the Mediterranean (and beyond) for centuries - both as a military power and a beacon of culture, her explorers reaching as far as China and Newfoundland. After your guided tour, you have the afternoon free to enjoy the city at your own pace.Day 3: Venice - Pellestrina Island, 19 mi. (30 km)
Leaving Venice behind after a leisurely cruise in front of St Mark’s square, your cycling adventure starts on the Lido, the first of two islands that you will traverse today. 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. A short island-hop by ferry leads into another world: Pellestrina, where you ride past the picturesque cottages and boats of this humble fishing backwater. You rejoin the barge just in front of Chioggia - a bustling and colorful fishing hub known as "Little Venice".Day 4: Pellestrina island – Po Delta Nature Reserve – Adria, 25 mi. (40 km)
You begin your day with a morning stroll through Chioggia, followed perhaps by a visit up the millennial clock tower – the oldest in the world – for some breathtaking views. Weather permitting, you can also bask in the sun at a fine-sand beach nearby and enjoy a dip in the Adriatic, topped off with a hot savory piadina.Then it is onwards into the delta of the life-giving Po. This unique wetland is the prime reserve in Europe for herons and home to a colony of flamingos. You moor for the night in Adria, a key Roman port, once washed by the waters of the sea which bears its name. Adria is also renowned for its Etruscan and Greek heritage. An after-dinner, you will enjoy a passeggiata into town for a well-earned grappa or gelato is in order.
Day 5: Adria – Ferrara – Zelo, 22 mi. (35 km by bike + 35 km by bus)
After a short onboard cruise, you pedal following the Po through farmland and hamlets until 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 take us back to our floating hotel in Zelo, a sleepy village on the Canal Bianco, the waterway which runs parallel to the Po.Day 6: Zelo – Mantova, 31 mi. (50 km)
This morning you head for the village of Bergantino, home of the distinctive Museum of Fairground Rides and its collection of street organs, all expertly restored (and thunderous!). But first things first: you are in the heartland of Grana Padano - the arch-rival of Parmesan - and after visiting the local cheese factory, you enjoy a degustazione of sharp and seasoned Grana, washed down with a glass of Valpolicella.After the customary picnic lunch, you leave Bergantino and follow the river to Ostiglia, famed for its medieval fortress and the fierce fighting that took place here in 1945, as the Allies and partisans drove Hitler's forces back. You ride on and rejoin the barge at Governolo Lock, where Mantua's River Mincio flows into the Po. Veering north, you cruise through the lush wetlands that finally emerge into the glorious "lakes" of Mantua.
Day 7: Mantova round tour, 22 mi. (35 km)
A day dedicated to the discovery of this little-visited cultural gem, its three picturesque "lakes" formed by the Mincio, and its surrounding countryside - once a City State ruled by the Gonzaga family and now considered by many as Italy’s "Sleeping Beauty". This afternoon we meet our Mantuan guide for a walking tour of the historic center, and enjoy the rest of the day in town, at our own leisure.Day 8: Mantova
Departure after breakfast.You can view all of our bike and boat tours or look at our featured bike trips, specials, and news.
Boats & Bikes
On board the Vita Pugna, a Comfort class ship or the Ave Maria, a Premium ship.
- 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 21 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
- Accommodation for 7 nights in selected cabin/boat
- Breakfasts, self-made packed lunches, & 3-course dinners
- Coffee, tea, & other hot drinks on board
- Detailed route descriptions & maps
- Bus transfer: Ferrara-Zelo/Ferrara-Adria
- Mid-week cabin cleaning & towel change
- 27-speed unisex touring bicycle with accessories
- Bike helmet
- Bike protection
- Tour guide (a second tour leader will be added on the Ave Maria with a minimum of 25 people)
- Guided visits in Venice & Mantova
- Visit of cheese factory with a tasting of typical Grana Padano
- Visit of Carousel & Street Entertainment Museum
- Harbor charges
- WiFi in common areas (signal speed & strength may not be what you are accustomed to. Consider a personal hot spot such as mywebspot).
What’s Not Included
- Beverages
- Museum entrance fees
- Ticket for public transportation in Venice & lagoon
- Gratuities for crew
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Ave Maria (Premium Class Boat)
Mantova to Venice
Saturday to Saturday
Value season: March 26 & October 22, 2022
Standard season: April 9, April 23, July 2, July 16, July 30, & August 13, 2022
Mid season: May 7, May 21, June 4, & June 18, 2022
High season: August 27, September 10, September 24, & October 8, 2022Venice to Mantova
Saturday to Saturday
Value season: April 2, 2022
Standard season: April 16, April 30, July 9, July 23, August 6, & August 20, 2022
Mid season: May 14, May 28, June 11, June 25, 2022
High season: September 3, September 17, October 1, & October 15, 2022Vita Pugna (Comfort Class Boat)
Mantova to Venice
Saturday to Saturday
Value season: April 2, 2022
Standard season: April 16, April 30, July 9, July 23, August 6, & August 20, 2022
Mid season: May 14, May 28, June 11, June 25, 2022
High season: September 3, September 17, October 1, & October 15, 2022Venice to Mantova
Saturday to Saturday
Value season: October 22, 2022
Standard season: April 9, April 23, July 2, July 16, July 30, & August 13, 2022
Mid season: May 7, May 21, June 4, & June 18, 2022
High season: August 27, September 10, September 24, & October 8, 2022Vita Pugna Ave Maria Value Season $ 1640 £ 932 $ 1,452 € 1065 ₪ 3929 NZ$ 1807 kr 11718 $ 1,114 $ 1794 £ 1020 $ 1,588 € 1165 ₪ 4298 NZ$ 1977 kr 12818 $ 1,219 Standard Season $ 2102 £ 1195 $ 1,861 € 1365 ₪ 5036 NZ$ 2316 kr 15018 $ 1,428 $ 2533 £ 1440 $ 2,243 € 1645 ₪ 6068 NZ$ 2791 kr 18099 $ 1,721 Mid Season $ 2179 £ 1239 $ 1,929 € 1415 ₪ 5220 NZ$ 2401 kr 15568 $ 1,480 $ 2687 £ 1528 $ 2,379 € 1745 ₪ 6437 NZ$ 2961 kr 19199 $ 1,826 High Season $ 2271 £ 1291 $ 2,011 € 1475 ₪ 5441 NZ$ 2503 kr 16229 $ 1,543 $ 2856 £ 1624 $ 2,529 € 1855 ₪ 6843 NZ$ 3148 kr 20410 $ 1,941 SUPPLEMENTS Single (bunk bed cabin for single use on the Ave Maria) $ 539 £ 306 $ 477 € 350 ₪ 1291 NZ$ 594 kr 3851 $ 366 $ 462 £ 263 $ 409 € 300 ₪ 1107 NZ$ 509 kr 3301 $ 314 Superior Cabin n/a $ 216 £ 123 $ 191 € 140 ₪ 516 NZ$ 238 kr 1540 $ 146 Gluten-free/Lactose-free/Vegan diet request $ 77 £ 44 $ 68 € 50 ₪ 184 NZ$ 85 kr 550 $ 52 $ 77 £ 44 $ 68 € 50 ₪ 184 NZ$ 85 kr 550 $ 52 REDUCTIONS Bunk Bed Cabin (per person discount, if booked by two people) n/a $ 308 £ 175 $ 273 € 200 ₪ 738 NZ$ 339 kr 2200 $ 209 Third adult in cabin (total discount) which can be split among those sharing $ 462 £ 263 $ 409 € 300 ₪ 1107 NZ$ 509 kr 3301 $ 314 $ 462 £ 263 $ 409 € 300 ₪ 1107 NZ$ 509 kr 3301 $ 314 Fourth adult in cabin (total discount which can be split amount those sharing) n/a $ 462 £ 263 $ 409 € 300 ₪ 1107 NZ$ 509 kr 3301 $ 314 Extra Options
Electric bike rental: $ 208 £ 118 $ 184 € 135 ₪ 498 NZ$ 229 kr 1485 $ 141
Extra nights
Please ask!
Children's discounts available but only on the Ave Maria and only applying if child is occupying third or fourth bed in cabin. Note that fourth bed is only available on the Ave Maria and only in the superior cabins. Ask us for pricing.
The e-bikes must be rented for the entire tour, not on a daily basis. If a standard bicycle is available, you might be able to enjoy one or two days on the standard bike as well, for no extra charge. This will be based on availability.
Please Note
- Rates are 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
Easy, guided or self-guided bike tour in Italy with daily distances from 19 to 38 miles. The tour is entirely on level ground. Much of the pedaling is along rivers and canals on tarmac bicycle paths or roads with a low volume of car traffic. It is anticipated that the boat will sail partway during breakfast or during the evening meal to make getting out of the towns easier or to shorten the stages.
Note: This tour can be both guided and self-guided. The included "Green Book" (one set per cabin) includes a roadbook and maps. You will also be profited a handlebar bag or map holder. If you change your mind during the week and want to join the guided tour, please inform the tour leader the evening before. You will have to follow the set schedule because there are some fixed timetables which have to be kept.
Airport Info
You can fly into Venice, Milano Malpensa, Verona, or Treviso airports. Most people opt to fly into and out of Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE).
Local Travel
From Venezia Marco Polo (VCE) airport, you can take the Fly-Bus shuttle service going to Venezia train station. The shuttle leaves every half hour. The ride takes about 20 minutes and a ticket costs approximately €8. Visit ATVO for details.
Beginning in Mantova:
From Venezia Mestre, you take a train to Mantova (travel time is about 2 and a half hours with a change in Verona Porta Nuova, costs from 30 to 50 euro depending on the type of train). For further information on timetables and prices, please visit the trenitalia.com site.
Beginning in Venice:
From the Venice train station to Giudecca Island, you can take a Vaporetto (water bus). The Vaporetto stop is REDENTORE.Climate
Please check local conditions before your arrival. The Po Valley ranges from a humid continental climate to a humid subtropical. Due to the influence of the Adriatic Sea, climate is warmer and more humid as you travel east. Below you will find monthly weather averages for the region.
Day of Rest
You can always stay on board the ship and enjoy a day of rest.
Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this 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 in hotel possible in Venice, Mestre, or Mantova.
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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