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Mantova to Venice - 8 days	For further assistance call 1-800-526-8539
Ship - Ave Maria	Ask about our Travel Insurance

After exploring the enchanting Renaissance town of Mantova, we gently wend our way along the majestic Po, the longest river in Italy. Cycling along waterways, through hamlets and into historic Ferrara, we reach the Po Delta, a natural haven rich in birdlife. Finally, we sail into the most celebrated and best preserved of all ancient cities: Venice.

Cycling route profile: This cycling tour is largely along the flats of the Po plains, and the daily stages vary from 30 to 55 km – mostly on tarmac cycle paths along rivers and canals, or quiet country roads. The boat is moored at night and typically sets sail after breakfast, meeting up with the bikes in the afternoon. Some parts of the itinerary are undertaken by boat, for example to allow easier access onto cycling paths, or simply to enjoy the cruise through the Venice lagoon.

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Mantova (Embarkation)

The cabins are available from 4.30 p.m. The meeting with the tour leader and crew is scheduled shortly before dinner, at 7 p.m.

Day 2: Mantova, round tour (40 km, elevation up 0 m)

An entire 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”. In the late afternoon a local guide will lead you through the most known highlights of the town.

Day 3: Mantova-Governolo-Zelo (50 km by bike, elevation up 0 m)

A short cruise along the lush banks of the Mincio takes us to Governolo, where it flows into the Po and forms the largest inland basin in Italy. At Governolo Lock, once a vital staging post for local navigation, we saddle our bikes and follow the Po through Ostiglia (famed for its medieval fortress and floating mill) and on to the village of Bergantino. Here we visit the charming Carousel and Street Entertainment Museum and a cheese factory, where we can sample some authentic Grana Padano. Finally, we reach Zelo, a sleepy village on the Canal Bianco, the waterway which runs parallel to the Po.

Day 4: Zelo - Ferrara - Adria (50 km by bike + 60 km by coach, elevation up 0 km)

After breakfast we continue our bike and boat adventure cycling towards Ferrara, another key City State of ancient Italy. A guided visit of this historic town will let you discover its little touched centre, still surrounded by the original city walls. From Ferrara a short transfer by private coach will take you to Adria. Once close to the shores of the sea which bears its name, Adria was an ancient Greek port, famous for trading Baltic amber. Its remarkable museum also bears witness to its Etruscan, Roman and Venetian heritage.

Day 5: Adria-Porto Viro-Chioggia (40 km, elevation up 0 m)

An exhilarating day of discovery alternating sailing and cycling starts with a short cruise to our drop-off point at Porto Viro and the exploration of the Po's delta. This unique wetland park is the prime reserve in Europe for herons (64 recognised species), and home to several colonies of flamingos. At the mouth of the River Adige, which flows fast and cool from the Dolomites, we then follow the Po-Brondolo waterway and reach the Venetian lagoon. Our overnight stop is the bustling and colourful fishing port of Chioggia, known as “Little Venice”.

Day 6: Chioggia-Venice (30 km, elevation up 0 m)

A morning visit to the fish market is recommended and, time allowing, we also climb up Chioggia's millennial clock tower – the oldest in the world – for some breathtaking views. We then enjoy some island hopping in the lagoon itself by bike and boat, starting with our Ave Maria dropping us off on Pellestrina (home to the Ca’ Roman nature reserve); and continuing by public ferry for the short crossing to the Lido island. Celebrated by Thomas Mann (Death in Venice) and particularly fashionable with the artists and aristocracy of the Belle Époque, the Lido di Venezia is now home to the International Venice Film Festival and its galaxy of stars. Finally, our floating hotel takes us to our marina in Venice, for the culmination of our bike and boat holiday.

Day 7: Venice

In the morning a local guide will let you discover the capital of the ancient “Serenissima Republic of Venice”, which held sway over much of the Mediterranean (and beyond) for centuries. After that you have a lot of time to soak up its timeless beauty or explore its islands.

Day 8: Venice (Disembarkation)

After breakfast, end of our services.

GUIDED OR SELF-GUIDED:

The detailed directions and maps supplied with your free info-pack offer you the option of either cycling independently or with the rest of the group, following the Tour Leader. When booking the tour, please specify your chosen option (i.e. Guided or Self-guided).

BICYCLES:

27-gear Shimano Deore unisex bikes in appropriate frame sizes are allocated at the start of the cycling tour. They are puncture-proof, fully serviced and equipped with a trip computer, side-bag, water bottle and padlock. Additionally, Self-guided cyclists are supplied with a map holder/front bag (1 per bike) and a repair kit (1 per couple). Due to space and safety restrictions, only a limited number of clients' bikes can be accepted on board upon request.

Advisements:

• Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
• 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, etc.
• 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.
• High and low tides and other logistical issues can modify some of the daily stretches or embarkation points. Such decisions would be taken by the captain, and for convenience the boat may sometimes have to sail, for instance, during breakfast or dinner. Sea-sickness is rarely a problem.
• Time and weather permitting, there may be a chance to stop at a beach for a swim.
• Tap water aboard is drinkable.

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