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2026 2027

Italy: Venice to Mantua or Mantua to Venice Through the Italian countryside

59 reviews

Difficulty
Level 1: easy tours, very flat terrain

1 Difficulty level 1
Duration
The duration of the tour

8 days
Guidance
Independent cycling: No tour leader, the ships’ crew does daily briefing, independent cycling

Guided cycling: A tour leader will guide you during the cycling days

Independent / Guided

The itinerary winds its way along the Mincio and the Po, penetrating into rural areas of the Italian countryside that are still uncontaminated, and ends in the warm embrace of the Venetian Lagoon. This territory has been reclaimed from the marshes for many centuries now and is framed by green pinewoods, which offer protection for numerous species of animals. The work of man overlaps nature in a constant game of roles: reclaimed land alternates with natural canals, fishermen’s huts are camouflaged in the reeds, and bridges formed of boats reduce the distances between strips of sand. Just a few of many highlights are the historical cities of Mantua and beautiful Venice and the fishing village of Chioggia. The ship – Your sailing hotel In between …

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Italy: Venice to Mantua or Mantua to Venice

The itinerary winds its way along the Mincio and the Po, penetrating into rural areas of the Italian countryside that are still uncontaminated, and ends in the warm embrace of the Venetian Lagoon. This territory has been reclaimed from the marshes for many centuries now and is framed by green pinewoods, which offer protection for numerous species of animals. The work of man overlaps nature in a constant game of roles: reclaimed land alternates with natural canals, fishermen’s huts are camouflaged in the reeds, and bridges formed of boats reduce the distances between strips of sand. Just a few of many highlights are the historical cities of Mantua and beautiful Venice and the fishing village of Chioggia.

The ship – Your sailing hotel

In between cycling excursions, you cruise along with the ship, which travels to a new destination every day. You dine, sleep and eat breakfast on board. Every day you’ll receive a packed lunch. It’s also possible to spend a day on board if you like. There are rental bikes/E-Bikes on board.

Itinerary

Mantua – Venice Venice – Mantua

Open all days Collapse all days

Day 1 Embarkation: Mantua

We welcome you aboard your new home-from-home from 5 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 we can stroll into town and savor the historic center at its most evocative: Benvenuti a Mantova!

Day 2 Mantua (round tour)

35km21 mi

A day dedicated to the discovery of this cultural gem, its three picturesque “lakes” formed by the river Mincio and the surrounding countryside. This afternoon we meet our Mantuan guide for a walking tour across the historic centre: starting from Piazza Sordello with its magnificent cathedral and Palazzo Ducale, we will walk through the city centre up to Piazza delle Erbe. Here we will admire the Clock Tower, the Rotonda di S. Lorenzo (the oldest church in town) and the Cathedral of St. Andrew, a jewel of Renaissance art and architecture. We will learn why Mantua, once a City State ruled by the Gonzaga family, is now considered by many as Italy’s “Sleeping Beauty” (The programme may be subject to changes). Dinner tonight (not included) will be in a restaurant of your choice.

Day 3 Mantua – Governolo | Governolo – Ostiglia – Bergantino – Zelo

50km31 mi

After breakfast, you set sail from the “lakes” of Mantua and cruise through the lush wetlands that lead to Governolo Lock, where Mantua’s River Mincio flows into the Po. Here, you saddle up and 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 – and a visit to the local cheese factory, sampling some well-seasoned Grana, is de rigueur. You catch up with your barge in Zelo, a sleepy village on the Canal Bianco, the waterway which runs parallel to the Po.

Day 4 Zelo – Ferrara | Ferrara – Adria (60 km by bus)

50km31 mi

This morning you 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 then take you back to your floating hotel in Adria, an ancient Roman port once washed by the sea which bears its name. Adria is also renowned for its Etruscan and Greek heritage. An after-dinner passeggiata into town for a well-earned grappa or gelato is in order.

Day 5 Adria – Po Delta Nature Reserve – Chioggia/Pellestrina

40km24 mi

After a short cruise, 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 size-able colony of flamingos. Weather permitting, as we continue towards Chioggia, we can also enjoy a break at a fine-sand beach nearby for a dip in the Adriatic – not forgetting a hot savory piadina! Chioggia is also known as “Little Venice”, a colourful fishing hub. The overnight takes place on the Island Pellestrina, just in front of Chioggia.

Day 6 Chioggia/Pellestrina | Island Pellestrina – Lido Island (ferry) | Lido Island – Venice

25km15 mi

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 lands us on the 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. We will also visit a historic glass factory on Murano island, with a glassblowing demonstration by a master artisan. After rejoining your barge, an unrushed cruise in front of St Mark’s square takes you to our 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

Following a wander off the beaten track with your tour leader you have the day free to enjoy the city at your own pace. 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.

Day 8 Disembarkation: Venice

After breakfast and the customary goodbyes, free time for individual visits of Venice, or return home, if you haven’t booked any extra night.

Day 1 Embarkation: Venice

We welcome you aboard your new home-from-home from 5 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

Following a wander off the beaten track with your tour leader you have the day free to enjoy the city at your own pace. 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. Dinner tonight (not included) will be in a restaurant of your choice.

Day 3 Venice – Island Pellestrina/Chioggia

25km15 mi

Leaving Venice behind after a gentle cruise in front of St Mark’s square, our first stop will be on Murano island, where we will visit a historic glass factory, with a glassblowing demonstration by a master artisan. Then our cycling adventure starts on the Lido, the first of two islands we 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 takes you 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 harbor known as “Little Venice”.

Day 4 Chioggia– Po Delta Nature Reserve –Adria

40km24 mi

You open the day with a 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: a dip in the Adriatic, a hot savory piadina – and you are well and truly local! Then 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 passeggiata into town for a well-earned grappa or gelato is in order.

Day 5 Adria – Ferrara | Ferrara – Zelo (transfer bus 1 hr 15 min.)

35km21 mi

After a short cruise you saddle your bikes and, following the Po through farmland and hamlets, you reach 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 takes you back to your floating hotel in Zelo, a sleepy village on the Canal Bianco, the waterway which runs parallel to the Po.

Day 6 Zelo – Bergantino – Ostiglia – Mantua

50km31 mi

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 your 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 our 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 Mantua (round tour)

35km21 mi

A day dedicated to the discovery of this little visited cultural gem, its three picturesque “lakes” formed by the Mincio and the surrounding countryside. This afternoon we meet our Mantuan guide for a walking tour across the historic centre: starting from Piazza Sordello with its magnificent cathedral and Palazzo Ducale, we will walk through the city centre up to Piazza delle Erbe. Here we will admire the Clock Tower, the Rotonda di S. Lorenzo (the oldest church in town) and the Cathedral of St. Andrew, a jewel of Renaissance art and architecture. We will learn why Mantua, once a City State ruled by the Gonzaga family, is now considered by many as Italy’s “Sleeping Beauty”. (The programme may be subject to changes).

Day 8 Mantua

Departure after breakfast.

Good to know

Tour program variations The navigation is guaranteed all year round along the 135 km waterways “Fissero-Tartaro-Canalbianco-Po di Levante”, which run parallel to the Po river. Due to organizational reasons, 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 logistic obstacles such as officially ordered – previously not announced – repair work on locks or bridges can modify some of the daily stretches or overnight stays and may even request a transfer by bus. These decisions are only taken by the boat’s captain.

Route profile: Easy Total length: 185 km Terrain: 90% paved, 10% unpaved

Summary: This cycling tour is largely on flat terrain, and the daily stages vary from 25 km to 55 km (15 to 33 miles) – mostly on paved cycle paths along rivers and canals, or quiet country roads. The barge is moored at night and normally cruises after breakfast, meeting up with the cyclists in the afternoon. Some parts of the itinerary are undertaken by barge, to allow easier access onto cycling paths or simply to enjoy the cruise.

Leisure cycling in mostly flat areas, with only few short ups and downs. Little effort required, suitable for everyone.

The Tour leader: • English speaking tour leader within an international group. • this tour offers the choice of cycling alone using our App or with the whole group following the tour leader. • holds a daily briefing for both guests who chose the self-guided version of the tour and those who chose the guided version • leads the tour on bike, coordinates the participants and knows how to intervene in the event of unforeseen events (guided version) • is available to advise guests traveling independently (self-guided version)

Our ships: Please do not forget that the ship is your hotel as well as a machine, which has to be maintained and operated – day and night. A certain level of noise is therefore inevitable.

Prices & availability

May 9, 2026May 16, 2026

Fully booked

Saturday

Jun 13, 2026

Saturday

Jun 20, 2026

Venice

Vita Pugna

Prices from

€1,590.00 p.p.

Saturday

Jun 20, 2026

Saturday

Jun 27, 2026

Venice

Ave Maria

Prices from

€1,990.00 p.p.

Jun 20, 2026Jun 27, 2026

Fully booked

Saturday

Jun 27, 2026

Saturday

Jul 4, 2026

Venice

Vita Pugna

Prices from

€1,490.00 p.p.

Saturday

Jul 4, 2026

Saturday

Jul 11, 2026

Venice

Ave Maria

Prices from

€1,490.00 p.p.

Jul 4, 2026Jul 11, 2026

Fully booked

Saturday

Jul 11, 2026

Saturday

Jul 18, 2026

Mantua

Ave Maria

Prices from

€1,690.00 p.p.

Jul 11, 2026Jul 18, 2026

Fully booked

Saturday

Aug 1, 2026

Saturday

Aug 8, 2026

Venice

Ave Maria

Prices from

€1,490.00 p.p.

Practical information

Included in this tour

Boat & Bike tour with the Ave Maria/Vita Pugna, 8 days/7 nights; accommodation on board in the booked category
Full board (7x breakfast and 6x dinner on board, a self-made packed lunch during bike tours); Tea, coffee and other hot drinks on board
Still and sparkling water dispenser (room temperature or cold water) and Ice dispenser
Use of bed linen and towels
Mid-week cabin cleaning service and towel change
Courtesy kit
English speaking tour leader (within an international group) on board and during bike tours
Second tour leader with a minimum of 22 people (only aboard Ave Maria Italia)
Digital tour information
App including maps, points of interest and GPS tracks
Bike helmet (to book in advance)
Bus transfer Ferrara – Zelo/Ferrara-Adria
Guided visit in Mantua
Visit of a cheese factory with tasting of the typical Grana Pardano
Visit of Museum of Amusement rides and Popular Entertainment
Grappa and spirits tasting in a typical distillery
Visit of a historic glass factory on Murano island
Some short walking tours
Wifi

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Excluded from this tour

1x dinner
Transfers to/from docking places
Rental bicycle or E-Bike (optional)
Other transfers
Parking fees
Entrance fees & excursions
Ticket for public transportation in Venice and lagoon (we suggest the ACTV 48 hour-ticket, price 35 €)
Access Fee for the ancient city of Venice: Homepage | Contributo di Accesso (cda.ve.it)
Drinks on board
Personal (travel) insurances
Gratuities (at your discretion)
SGR Insolvency protection (mandatory consumer contribution SGR insolvency protection guarantee scheme: € 5 per person – will be specified separately on the booking confirmation)

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Additional options & information

2026:

Rental bicycle (incl. insurance against theft and damage): € 110 per week/person
Rental E-Bike (incl. insurance against theft and damage): € 290 per week/person (only on request, limited number of e-bikes available, early bookings strongly recommended.
Bike helmet: incl. in the bike rental price, but needs to be booked in advance. All the helmets have a certification mark according to the DIN EN 1078 (CE) European norm.
Guided or self-guided? When booking the tour you have to specify which option is chosen. You can choose to cycle this tour: • independently (following the APP we will provide you) • with the group (following the tour leader)
Private transfers may be requested and if confirmed, must be paid for prior to travel.

Diets and allergies: If you are vegetarian, vegan, gluten- and/or lactose-intolerant, allergic to some specific ingredients/substances or if you suffer from any other kind of allergies please indicate it at the moment of booking. Once on board, make sure that the kitchen staff is aware of your allergies, in order to avoid unpleasant situations. A supplement of € 70 is charged (in advance, for gluten-free, lactose-free and vegan diets).

TRANSFER BACK: The towns of Mantua and Venice/Mestre are well connected by train, there are about 15 trains per day between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. There are no direct connections, you always have to change in Verona Porta Nuova or Monselice. The transfer takes approx. 2.5 hours and costs about 30-50 € per person depending on the type of train. For further information on times and costs please consult the website www.trenitalia.com or www.omio.com

Guaranteed departure with a minimum of 12 participants.

Legal notice: Boat Bike Tours is not the operator of this tour; this is a so called ‘partner tour’. Tour operator is: Girolibero, Vicenza, Italy

Loyalty Discount

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After your tour, you’ll receive an exclusive discount code:

You get 3% on your second tour with us.
From the third tour onwards, you will receive a 5% discount.
Enjoy savings on any of our upcoming trips in 2026.

Check your post-tour email for details. You can combine this discount with other promotions for additional savings. Join us again for another adventure by boat and bike!

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Media (42)

Cycling through ancient cities

Italy Venice Mantua Venice

Italy Venice Mantua group

Cycling in Italy

IT ©girolibero

Beautiful Venice

Beautiful art

Italy Venice Mantua

Italy Venice Mantua group

A day at the beach

Italy Venice Mantua

Italy Venice Mantua cycling

Italy Venice Mantua aboard relaxing

Italy Venice Mantua break

Italy Venice Mantua bridge

Italy Venice Mantua Carousel museum in Bergantino

Italy Venice Mantua church

Italy Venice Mantua cycling

Italy Venice Mantua Florence

Italy Venice Mantua food

Italy Venice Mantua aboard relaxing

Italy Venice Mantua group

Italy Venice Mantua lake lotus

Italy Venice Mantua nature

Italy Venice Mantua Parmezan cheese

Italy Venice Mantua refreshing drink

Italy Venice Mantua road to Venice

Italy Venice Mantua Venice

Italy Venice Mantua cycling

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Reviews

5/5

based on 59 reviews on

5 star		50 (85%)
4 star		6 (10%)
3 star		2 (3%)
2 star		1 (2%)
1 star		0 (0%)

3 / 5

Rooms and Group Sizes&

The rooms were too humid and towels weren t changed for several days. It won t be long before the boat has fungus issues. It was certainly a poor experience given the cost was more than our Amsterdam to Bruges ride 2 years ago. The food and service was acceptable and up to the standard we expected. We had about 30 riders but the two tour guides didn t break the groups up with sweepers and biking experience. Some riders were not experienced and we had one major accident in which one rider fell and had multiple fractures requiring surgery back home. There were also a few other falls resulting in some cuts and bruises as these riders tried to keep up the pace set by the better bikers.Crossing the busy roadways was dangerous with 30 crossing at one time time. Drinks were on an honour system but you couldn t buy a single glass of wine only a $20 euro plus bottle. Seriously understaffed in which the captain and guides were servers. We only biked 5 days since the first 1.5 days were touring Venus on our own and needed to buy our own dinner (not on boat). Most came to Venus a few days earlier so we had already seen the major sights. The guide did show us something in the morning we missed so that was good. Had we done this trip first we may not have done the Amsterdam to Bruges with your company. I would recommend not offering this tour as part of your tours given the cost since it needs some serious upgrades.The staff were good and the tour guides did a fine job with the itinerary they had to work with. The weather was great so it helped offset the concerns raised. However going forward I am not sure we will do another tour with your company if you are going to contract out these rides.

Terry Cooper

Oct 23rd, 2025
3 / 5

The cabin isn’t clean & the overall&

The cabin isn’t clean & the overall schedule could be more organised & efficient, especially when we compare ioue experience in Cochem -Metz. However, the food in AVE Maria is excellent, first class chefs.

Hsiu-Hui Chen

Oct 22nd, 2025
5 / 5

Alora! The BEST tour experience

Our tour team was amazing! Always with a smile and positive attitude; extremely well organized leading bike trips and mini-tours each day. And the food was absolutely amazing!!! Overall, it was super-fun and exceeded our expectations!!

Anna B.

Oct 16th, 2025
5 / 5

Our guides were wonderful

Our guides were wonderful, both kind & knowledgeable. The food was excellent and the cabins were very comfortable.

Kay Holekamp

Oct 15th, 2025

Can we help you?

NL: +31 (0) 20 72 35 400

Monday to Friday
Amsterdam: 08:30 to 22:00

USA: +1 203 814 1249

Monday to Friday
New York: 6:00AM to 07:00PM

Send us an email

We will respond within 48 hours

3 Ships available for this tour

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Ave Maria

Restaurant with separate lounge

Free coffee and tea 24/7

Covered sun deck

Individually controlled air conditioning

max. 40 passengers 17 cabins
More info
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Ave Maria Portegrandi

Electric river barge

Luminous, spacious cabins

Covered sundeck

Air conditioning

max. 28 passengers 12 cabins
More info
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Vita Pugna

Openable windows

Storage space under beds

Free coffee and tea 24/7

Individually controlled air conditioning

max. 21 passengers 10 cabins
More info

Questions or advice

Our Tour Advisors are here to assist you: Monday to Friday
Amsterdam: 08:30 to 22:00
New York: 6:00AM to 7:00PM

NL: +31 (0) 20 72 35 400
USA: +1 203 814 1249

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Italy: Venice to Mantua or Mantua to Venice

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Quickly jump to

Italy: Venice to Mantua or Mantua to Venice

Itinerary

Good to know

Prices & availability

Practical information

Included in this tour

Excluded from this tour

Additional options & information

Loyalty Discount

Discover more

Media (42)

Reviews

Can we help you?

3 Ships available for this tour

Ave Maria

Ave Maria Portegrandi

Vita Pugna

Italy: Sicily and Aeolian Islands

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Quickly jump to

Italy: Venice to Mantua or Mantua to Venice

Itinerary

Good to know

Prices & availability

Practical information

Included in this tour

Excluded from this tour

Additional options & information

Loyalty Discount

Discover more

Media (42)

Reviews

Can we help you?

3 Ships available for this tour

Ave Maria

Ave Maria Portegrandi

Vita Pugna

Related tours

Italy: Sicily and Aeolian Islands

Questions or advice

Secure payment

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Your selected tour:

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