Adventourus Active Vacations

8 day Escorted tour

Our most popular cycling tour in Italy is our bike and barge tour along the Po River and its canal system to the magical city of Venice. We cycle through unspoilt rural Italian countryside, ending 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 pine-woods, which offer protection for numerous species of animals.

We now offer two ships to choose from, our traditional Dutch barge the Vita Pugna, and our new, larger ship, the Ave Maria.

Each alternate week our ships change direction, ie. Venice to Mantova or vice versa.

Bicycles are available from 11a.m. at the boat, which is moored at Porto Catena, just a short walk from the centre.

The boat takes us to Governolo, stronghold of the Mincio Pirates: here, you take your bikes and start our ride. We cycle towards San Benedetto Po, home of an ancient monastery. We continue following the Po River as far as Revere, summer residence of the Gonzaga dynasty.
The last stretch of road brings us to the harbour of Ostiglia on the Fissero/ Bianco canal, where you reboard the boat. A short stretch of navigation brings us to Castelguglielmo, where you will moor for the night (overnight in Revere if the level of the Po is suitable).

Day 3: Castelguglielmo - Ferrara - Adria (55 km)

Departure for Ferrara: the historic centre is still surrounded by the old city walls. The great number of cycle paths and the widespread use of bikes have earned Ferrara the name of “the city of bicycles”. At the end of the day, on board Vita Pugna, you reach Adria: the pearl of the Polesine, an ancient Greek port, famous for trading amber coming from the Baltic, which gave its name to the sea it faced (overnight in Ferrara if the level of the Po is suitable).

We go deep into the maze of the Delta, an uncontaminated paradise between the marshes and lagoons of the Po, pedalling in the heart of nature. The destination today is Porto Levante, a small marine village of ancient traditions.

Vita Pugna leaves us on the other bank of the Po di Levante. We are approaching Albarella, suspended between water and land, as you pedal between the Delta and the mouth of the River Adige. From Cavanella d’Adige, the farthermost border between the provinces of Rovigo and Venice, you then follow the Po-Brondolo. Waterway, which links the river to the Venetian lagoon. We will stay overnight in “Little Venice” and a visit to the fish market at dawn is an absolute ‘must’.

Vita Pugna brings us to the Oasis of Ca’ Roman, a sandy islet surrounded by pine-woods. Pedalling along the lagoon, you reach Pellestrina: from here, you ride on the new cycle path as far as the ferry landing stage. A short boat ride takes us back up the Lido, along the ‘Murazzi’, with a stop in Malamocco, the ancient harbour. Overnight in the Venetian lagoon.

Optional touring day today where you may visit Venice, or cycle to some of the reknown Palladian Villa's surrounding the city.

After breakfast, with a view of the lagoon and the customary goodbyes, free time for individual visits to Venice, or return home.

PRICE & DETAILS

DEPARTURE DATES:

Tour depart on the Ave Maria every Saturday from March 24th (Venice to Mantova) to October 27th.

Each alternate week will be in reverse direction.

The Vita Pugna starts April 29th (Mantova to Venice), and ends October 20th.

- 7 nights accommodation in a double room with private facilities. The hotels we use on this tour are family run guesthouses and B&B's of 2.5 & 3 star standard.

- Breakfast daily.

- 7 nights aboard ship in a double cabin. All cabins with private WC and shower

- 7 breakfasts , 7 packed lunches, and 7 dinners

- Quality 27 speed hybrid bike with panniers

- Tour leader onboard who assists with the days routes, cycles along with the group, provides travel tips for the journey and tourist information about places of interest

- Biking maps with indicated routes and detailed route descriptions

- Bus transfer Ferrara - Adria

- 48-hour ticket for an unlimited use of ferry boats and local boats in Venice

- Half week service of cabin, cleaning, and towel change

- harbour charges of 50€

NOT INCLUDED:

- Beverages on board

- Entry to museums etc. and everything which is not mentioned above.

Logding:

Vita Pugna - Comfort Class Barge: Vita Pugna meaning, ”Life is a battle“, is the name of the 36 metres long, 5.4 metre wide Dutch boat. The 11 cabins can accommodate up to 25 people. Each cabin is air-conditioned and has low twin beds and private bathroom with shower.

It also has a restaurant and bar aboard, plus there is a spacious outside deck which is ideal for parking your bikes or lounging around.

Ave Maria: This Italian boat has been totally rebuilt in order to meet the most challenging clients’ requests. Only the hull of the original 1970s sand differ sailing along the Po has remained and the boat is now brand new. It has been completely designed by a renowned Italian architectural firm. Its shapes, colours and materials have been chosen carefully in order to create a warm, sober and yet sophisticated atmosphere.

LINK - Video on board of the Ave Maria

EASY: A level route with a few very small hills. You cycle only on asphalt paths and almost car-free side roads. You do not need to be a very experienced cyclist but a reasonable level of fitness is helpful. Suitable for families, seniors and novice cyclists.

The nearest airports are Verona and Venice. Regular train service is available from both airports to Mantova and Venice.