Holiday Highlights
- Cycling through some of Northern Italy’s most enticing cities
- Staying on board the modern, bright and spacious Ave Maria or the traditional Vita Pugna
- Spending the day discovering Mantova
- Riding alongside the River Po, the longest river in Italy
- Experiencing the Po Delta, one of Europe’s largest wetlands
- Finishing your trip in beautiful Venice
We had a wonderful holiday. It was superbly well organised from beginning to end. I’ve travelled with your company before & will look forward to doing so again.
Itinerary
- Meals: Dinner
Today you’ll arrive in the beautiful city of Mantova. Your cabin will be available from 17.00 onwards, and a welcome meeting with your tour leader and crew is usually scheduled for around 18.30. It’s a great way to get to know your fellow cyclists and get an idea of what to expect over the coming days. After dinner, we’ll take a stroll into town and experience Mantova by night! Benvenuti a Mantova!
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Ascent: 111 Metres Approx.
A day dedicated to the discovery of this cultural gem, its three picturesque “lakes” formed by the river Mincio and the surrounding countryside.
We have a loop ride available in the morning to explore the lovely countryside surrounding the city, and in the afternoon we’ll 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)


- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Ascent: 116 Metres Approx.
This morning we’ll take a short cruise along the lush banks of the Mincio to Governolo Lock, where the river runs into the Po and forms the largest inland basin in Italy.
At Governolo Lock, we’ll be straight into the saddle, following the Po through Ostiglia (famed for its medieval fortress and floating mill) and on to the village of Bergantino (home of the distinctive Museum of Fairground Rides and its collection of street organs, all expertly restored).
But, first things first, since we‘re now in the heartland of Grana Padano (the arch-rival of Parmesan) we simply must stop to visit a local cheese factory, to sample some well seasoned Grana!
Finally we’ll reach the sleepy village of Zelo on the Canal Bianco and meet our barge again.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Ascent: 142 Metres Approx.
After breakfast, we’ll 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 for the bikes!) will then take us back to our floating hotel in Adria, an ancient Roman port once washed by the sea which bears its name.
An after-dinner passeggiata (a leisurely stroll) into town for a well-earned Grappa or gelato is in order.


- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Ascent: 109 Metres Approx.
After a short cruise, we’ll 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 we continue towards Chioggia (a colourful fishing hub known as little Venice), we can also enjoy a break at a fine-sand beach nearby for a dip in the Adriatic – not forgetting a hot savoury piadina!
The overnight takes place on the Island Pellestrina, just in front of Chioggia.


- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Ascent: 100 Metres Approx.
Venice beckons us today, but first we’ll be heading to Pellestrina, a humble and tranquil fishing backwater, picturesque with tranquil cottages and fishing 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, you will cruise in front of St Mark’s square and continue on to your final destination.
After dinner we can savour Venice at night, now free of the crowds and at her most romantic: Benvenuti a Venezia!


- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
After waking up to a wonderful view on the lagoon, you are free to enjoy your day exploring the city, with its atmospheric canals, wealth of art galleries and attractive islands.


- Meals: Breakfast
Departure after breakfast.
The programme has been planned to feature navigation along the Fissero/ Bianco canal, which runs parallel to the Po river and connects Mantua to the Adriatic Sea.
Occasionally, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the tour. Issues with high and low water, as well as logistical obstacles such as those officially ordered – and previously not announced (e.g. 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 will be taken by the boat’s captain.
Gallery
The Cycling
Terrain
You will mostly be riding on well surfaced, quiet country roads and cycle lanes where you’ll be separated from motor vehicles. Around 30% of the route is traffic free, with the rest on quiet roads shared with traffic.
There will be some short sections that see you riding over more uneven ground; Over cobbles in some city centres and one short section on day 3 on a gravel / dirt road. This cycling tour is largely along the flats of the Po plains, and the daily stages vary from 30 to 50 Kms.
Some parts of the itinerary are undertaken by boat to allow easier access onto cycling paths, or simply to enjoy a cruise through the Venice lagoon. We recommend a hybrid bike for this tour. It is not possible to bring your own bike on this trip.
It is possible to use an E-Bike for this holiday. For more information about riding an electric bike on our holidays please click here

Leisure Cycling Grade
Aspects of both our grade 1 and 2 holidays
Suitable for those looking for a relaxed ride
Occasional ups and downs
Our grading guidelines have been carefully created based on our many years of cycling experience, as well as customer feedback from our trips. Of course, if you're still struggling to figure out where you fit on the scale, do feel free to give us a quick call and we'll be more than happy to help!
For more information about our grading system click here.
Is this suitable for you?
Holidays that are graded as a 1-2, will have aspects of both our grade 1 and grade 2 holidays. These tours are still suitable for those looking for an accessible cycling holiday with manageable daily distances, along predominately flat terrain, however there will be some days / sections where we’d expect you to be up for a slightly cheeky challenge. It might be that the distances are a little longer on some days or that the terrain is slightly more undulating, but the rides are still relaxed and manageable for someone whose generally fit and healthy.
For more information about the grading of this holiday in particular, please check out the terrain section which will give you some specifics of what to expect on this tour.
Dates & Prices

Secure Your Holiday With A Deposit
Book now with a £300 deposit and nothing more to pay until 90 days before departure. Choose a date to start your booking and see all prices, including bike hire and single room supplements.
Whats Included 
A) Barge accommodation (shared twin / double en suite cabins, with sheets and towels)
B) Meals as per the itinerary
C) English speaking local leader, within an international group
D) Access to navigation app (inc. maps, roadbook, points of interest and GPS tracks)
E) Mid-week cabin cleaning service and towel change
F) Coffee and tea on board the barge
G) Bus from Ferrara to Adria (day 4)
H) Guided tour in Mantova
I) Visit to a cheese factory with a Grana Padano tasting
J) Visit to the Carousel and Street Entertainment Museum
K) Visit to a historic glass factory on Murano island
L) Harbour charges
What's not Included 
A) Bike rental (available if required)
B) Flights and charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable)
C) One evening meal (day 6)
D) Single cabin (available if required, on request)
E) Travel insurance
F) Personal clothing and equipment
G) Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities etc)
H) Entrance fees to museums and other attractions en route
I) Tickets for any public transportation in Venice and lagoon
J) Venice Municipality Access Fee: it is expected to enter into force on January 1st, 2024 (approx. 18-30 € to be paid on site)
K) Travel to barge on arrival day
L) Travel from barge on departure day

Private Departures
Are you keen to only travel with your family or friends? Struggling to find the right date? Well, we can organise a private departure for this tour and tailor aspects to suit your group's specific needs. Contact our friendly team and we'll help you turn your dream into reality.
The Essentials
News, Reviews & Stories
E-bikes - everything you need to know
There’s no doubt that e-bikes are popular. We caught up with our expert to answer some of your burning questions!
Reviews
Sally, Surrey, UKAbsolutely brilliant.Absolutely brilliant. My favourite day was riding into Chioggia then Pellestrina and the Lido with the first views of Venice. Magic. The pre-holiday information was very informative and helpful, and every question was answered clearly and efficiently. We were pleasantly surprised that our visits were included in the price. Including a visit to Murano as a treat.
Helen, AustraliaSomething for everyone!Our guide was fantastic; very skilled and enthusiastic. Related really well to all age groups and cultural backgrounds. Cooks were also excellent with great food which catered brilliantly for vegetarians.
Kathy, Greater Manchester, UKWe had a wonderful holiday.We had a wonderful holiday. It was superbly well organised from beginning to end. I’ve travelled with your company before & will look forward to doing so again.
Michael, GwentExcellent HolidayWell organised with excellent leadership and good company. Cycling back into Venice was very enjoyable with the evening cruise past the main sites from the water. I would recommend it to others.
Jean, Greater Manchester, UKSuperb.I couldn’t pick a favourite one as every day was brilliant in its own way. The tour leader was superb. Happy and smiling throughout the holiday. So infectious!