Beginning in the magical city of Venice, cycle through seaside towns and along rivers and canals to the Renaissance town of Mantova. Along the way, take in the artistic, cultural and historical legacies entwined in the region and explore the unique landscapes of the Venetian lagoon and the Po Delta area, where bird life is prolific. Wander through classic towns such as Ferrara famous for bicycles and the ancient Greek port of Adria. There will be opportunities to taste wine and cheese as you wind your way to Mantova, rich in artistic masterpieces. In the evening experience the camaraderie of your fellow cyclists, whilst moored at picturesque locations.
Location: Venice, Lido, Malamocco, Chioggia, Ferrara, Mantova
Duration: 8 Days
Difficulty: 2 /5
Tour Dates: April-October
Cost: Contact us for price
Guided or Self-Guided Cycling
All prices are listed in Canadian Dollars
We partner with Word Expeditions/UTracks to offer this trip.
Prices are subject to change slightly if there is a change in the CDN dollar value
Day 1: Venice
On arrival in Venice the boat is moored at Certosa island, not far from St Mark’s Square. The cabins are available from 4:30pm. The meeting with the tour leader and the crew will be at 7pm, just before dinner.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Explore Venice
Today you are free to explore the city of Venice. After waking up to a wonderful view over the lagoon, you have a whole day at your disposal. Discover the magnificent historical centre of “La Serenissima” or the wonderful surrounding islands.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3: Cycle through Lido to Malamocco, then by boat to Chioggia
This is the most exciting day of the tour, riding along the two little narrow islands which border the sea and the lagoon. Cruise out of Venice to the Lido, fashionable with artists and the aristocracy of the Belle Epoque and now home to the International Venice Film Festival. Here you can cycle up to Malamocco, the first seat of the republic of the Doges. A short ferry ride will take you to the isle of Pellestrina, where you’ll cycle past the nature reserve of Ca’ Roman and fishermen’s cottages. Rejoin the boat and sail to the lively fishing harbour of Chioggia. (30km)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4: Cycle Po Delta Nature Reserve
This morning, stroll through the local fish market before cycling south along the Po- Brondolo canal, through the mouth of the River Adige into the Po river delta. This unique wetland is a prime reserve for herons and home to a colony of flamingoes. Continue cycling to Adria, an ancient Greek port, famous for trading amber coming from the Baltics. (40km)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5: Cycle to the walled town of Ferrara
After a short cruise, you start cycling towards Ferrara. Ferrara is known as “the town of bicycles” and is still surrounded by the spectacular old city walls. In the afternoon a short bus transfer will bring you to Zelo, a sleepy village on the Canal Bianco, the waterway which runs parallel to the Po. (35km) Total distance by bus: 35km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6: Small Villages
We cruise for a short stretch and then cycle to the village of Bergantino where we visit the charming Carousel and Street Entertainment museum. Continue cycling along the Po as far as Ostiglia, a small village with the ruins of a medieval fortress, and continue to Governolo Lock. Once a vital staging post for local navigation, this is where the Mincio river flows into the Po, creating the largest inland basin in Italy. After a few kilometres you reach Mantova, one of the most beautiful Renaissance towns of northern Italy (50km)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7: Renaissance Town of Mantova
An entire day is dedicated to the discovery of this wonderful city and its surroundings, dominated by the Gonzaga family. In the late afternoon a local guide will lead you through the highlights of the town. (40km)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8: Trip Concludes
After breakfast the trip concludes.
Meals: Breakfast