Italy

Venetian Waterways (Venice to Mantova)

Bike and Barge Tour

Grade

1
2
3
4
5

Duration

8 days

Prices from

$1,825 P.P.

E-BIKE HIRE AVAILABLE

This tour is well-suited to both regular bikes and pedal assist e-bikes, and you can choose to hire either when you book your tour with us. Confident cyclists will enjoy the boost from a battery for those cheeky climbs, and with less effort required on the bike, you’ll have more energy at the end of the day for off-the-bike activities.

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On this bike and barge holiday in Northern Italy you'll be following canals, travelling through vineyards and riding along country roads as you explore some of Italy's most beautiful and romantic cities.
You'll visit beautiful Venice, Ferrara, the capital of the Este family and Mantova, the seat of the Gonzaga dynasty. You'll enjoy flat terrain as you follow the River Po, the longest river in Italy, and you'll experience the tranquillity and natural attractions of the Po Delta, one of Europe’s largest wetlands.
During the day, a local guide will be leading the way, however route descriptions can be provided if you'd prefer to cycle independently from the group. This bike and barge tour is run in conjunction with a local partner and you will join their guests on board. You will spend your evenings sharing experiences of the day with an international group of cyclists over authentic regional cuisine, cooked and served on board the barge. Please get in touch if you'd like to know the make up of the group booked onto your chosen departure.
If the below dates don't work for you, or if you'd prefer to do the route the other way around, you could consider starting the trip in Mantova and making your way to Venice. Both barges are available on both versions of the route on alternate weeks. Please contact us for details.

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
  • Exploring the beautiful city of Venice
  • Riding alongside the River Po, the longest river in Italy
  • Experiencing the Po Delta, one of Europe’s largest wetlands
  • Spending the day discovering Mantova

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Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival into Venice
  • Meals: Dinner

Today you’ll arrive in the beautiful city of Venice.

Your cabin will be ready from 17.00 onwards and a meeting with your tour leader and crew is usually scheduled for around 18.30, followed by dinner at 19.00. It’s a great way to get to know your fellow cyclists, before you settle in to enjoy Venice by night.

Day 2
Venice - Free Day
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch

After waking up to a wonderful view of the lagoon, you’ll be free to enjoy the rest of the day exploring the city, with its atmospheric canals, wealth of art galleries and attractive islands. 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, her explorers reaching as far as China and Newfoundland.

After dinner we can savour Venice at night, now free of the crowds and at her most romantic: Benvenuti a Venezia!

Day 3
Venice to Pellestrina Island
16 Miles / 25 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 117 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Ascent: 117 Metres Approx.

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.

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 by ferry takes us into another world: Pellestrina, where we ride past the picturesque cottages and boats of this humble fishing backwater.

We rejoin our barge just in front of Chioggia – a bustling and colourful fishing hub known as “Little Venice”.

Day 4
Pellestrina Island to Adria (via the Po Delta Nature Reserve)
25 Miles / 40 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 138 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Ascent: 138 Metres Approx.

A morning stroll through Chioggia is recommended and, time allowing, so is a visit up the millennial clock tower (the oldest in the world), for some breathtaking views. Weather permitting, today might give us the opportunity to soak up some sun and take a dip at a nearby beach!

Our cycling resumes southbound, into the delta of the imposing Po. This unique wetland park is the prime reserve in Europe for herons and is home to a colony of flamingos. We’ll overnight in Adria, an ancient Roman port, once washed by the waters of the sea which bears its name. An after-dinner passeggiata (leisurely stroll) into town for a well-earned Grappa or gelato is in order.

Day 5
Adria to Zelo (via Ferrara)
22 Miles by Bike + 22 Miles by Bus / 35 Kms by Bike + 35 Kms by Bus Approx.
Ascent: 118 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Ascent: 118 Metres Approx.

After a short cruise we’ll get back on our bikes and, following the Po through farmland and hamlets, we’ll reach Ferrara. Under its overlords, the Este family, this ancient City State attracted influential architects and artists for centuries, pioneering town planning principles which have been emulated around the World since!

A private bus will take us back to our floating hotel in Zelo, a sleepy village on the Canal Bianco, the waterway which runs parallel to the Po.

Day 6
Zelo to Mantova
31 Miles / 50 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 122 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Ascent: 122 Metres Approx.

After just a few kilometres on the bike we’ll reach the village of Bergantino, home of the Museum of Fairground Rides and its collection of street organs. First things first, we‘re in the heartland of Grana Padano (the arch-rival of Parmesan) and so we’ll have the chance to visit a local cheese factory, with some tasters of course!

Following the river through Ostiglia (famed for its medieval fortress and floating mill) we’ll then reach the Governolo Lock, where we rejoin our barge; once a vital staging post for local navigation, this is where the River Mincio flows into the Po, creating the largest inland basin in Italy. Leaving the Po behind, we’ll make our way to our home for the next two nights: Mantova.

Day 7
Mantova Loop Ride
22 Miles / 35 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 111 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Ascent: 111 Metres Approx.

Today you’ll have the entire day today to explore the wonderful city of Mantova. Ruled by the House of Gonzaga for four centuries, the City State of Mantova attracted a roll call of names from across the arts, including Rubens and Mozart, and to this day is renowned for its international book festival.

A ride through the centre takes us past Palazzo Tè, the Gonzaga’s summer residence, and onwards to the hamlet of Grazie and its church, a pilgrimage site. We’ll return to Mantova before meeting our guide for a walking tour of the historic centre in the afternoon, enjoying the town at our own leisure.

Day 8
Departure from Mantova
  • Meals: Breakfast

Departure after breakfast.

Please note: The itinerary has been planned to feature navigation along the Fissero/Bianco canal, which runs parallel to the Po and connects Mantova to the Adriatic Sea. Due to weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the trip. Issues with high and low water, as well as logistical obstacles such as those officially ordered – and previously not announced (eg. repair works on locks or bridges) can modify some of the daily stretches or overnight stays and may even require a transfer by bus. These decisions are taken by the boat’s captain.

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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

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Leisure Cycling Grade

1
2
3
4
5
Grade 1-2 : Easy/Gentle

Aspects of both our grade 1 and 2 trips

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?

Trips that are graded as a 1-2, will have aspects of both our grade 1 and grade 2 trips. 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.

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Dates & Prices

Secure Your Holiday With A Deposit

Book now with a $375 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.

Select a date to view prices and book
Start Date
End Date
Duration
Price p.p.
Start Date
12/04/2025 Ave Maria Fully Booked
Return Date
19/04/2025
Duration
8 days
Price
$1,825.00
Start Date
19/04/2025 Vita Pugna
Return Date
26/04/2025
Duration
8 days
Price
$2,205.00
Start Date
26/04/2025 Ave Maria Fully Booked
Return Date
03/05/2025
Duration
8 days
Price
$2,750.00
Start Date
03/05/2025 Vita Pugna
Return Date
10/05/2025
Duration
8 days
Price
$2,370.00
Start Date
10/05/2025 Ave Maria
Return Date
17/05/2025
Duration
8 days
Price
$3,020.00
Start Date
17/05/2025 Vita Pugna Fully Booked
Return Date
24/05/2025
Duration
8 days
Price
$2,370.00
Start Date
24/05/2025 Ave Maria
Return Date
31/05/2025
Duration
8 days
Price
$3,020.00
Start Date
31/05/2025 Vita Pugna Fully Booked
Return Date
07/06/2025
Duration
8 days
Price
$2,370.00
Start Date
07/06/2025 Ave Maria Fully Booked
Return Date
14/06/2025
Duration
8 days
Price
$3,020.00
Start Date
14/06/2025 Vita Pugna
Return Date
21/06/2025
Duration
8 days
Price
$2,370.00

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Whats Included Tick

A) Barge accommodation (shared twin / double en suite cabins, with sheets and towels)

B) Meals as per the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

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 Zelo (day 5)

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

M) Financial Protection through ABTOT

What's not Included Cross

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

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Private Departures

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

Travel Options

We ask that you make your own way to your barge in Venice on arrival and onwards from Mantova at the end of the trip. We ask that you aim to arrive around 18.00 in time for an 18.30 intro meeting briefing with your tour leader.

The most convenient airport is Venice Marco Polo (VCE). Most flights from North America require overnight travel, and a stop over in an intermediary airport, with Norwegian combined with another airline being a common combination. Other airlines / routes may be available, please chat to our team. Please note that flying from North America may involve multiple travel days.

From Venice airport you can make your way into the city via water taxi, ferry, taxi or bus, then onwards to the boat via water taxi or ferry. The exact location of the boat in Venice will be confirmed closer to departure.

At the end of the trip you can take the train back to Venice from Mantova, or alternatively fly home from Verona (VRN).

Please check with Skedaddle before making any travel arrangements so that we can ensure they fit in with the holiday schedule.

Accommodation

For the duration of the trip you will be staying on board a comfortable barge. We have two barges available, the Vita Pugna or the more luxurious Ave Maria.

The Vita Pugna is a traditional Dutch barge which offers compact yet comfortable accommodation providing capacity for up to 21 guests. Home to 10 standard twin cabins (one with 3 low beds that can accommodate 3), all equipped with comfortable low beds, en suite facilities and air conditioning. The living room provides five spacious tables and comes complete with a large 42” flat screen TV, free wi-fi and one Ethernet port and computer. In addition to the salon there is a spacious deck area with cycle storage.

The Italian barge; the Ave Maria is modern, bright and has the capacity for 40 guests. 4 superior double/twin cabins above deck (3 of which can accommodate 4 people by adding 2 bunk beds), 10 standard double/twin cabins below deck (3 of which can accommodate 3 by adding a bunk bed) and 3 bunk bed cabins below deck (also available as single cabins). All cabins enjoy sizeable windows (in the superior cabins these can be opened), comfortable low beds, en-suite facilities and air conditioning. The Ave Maria has two sundecks, a dedicated cycle storage area, free wi-fi, ethernet port with two computers and a 55” TV in the lounge area.

Bike Hire

Rental bikes are typically hybrid/touring bikes with semi slick tyres and 27 gears.

Rental bikes come with 1 cycle computer, 1 Ortlieb one-sided saddlebag and 1 combination bike lock. If choosing to self-guide you will also be provided with 1 front bar bag and 1 repair kit per room (which includes 1 spare inner tube, glue, patch, a pump, 2 allen keys and tyre levers). If riding with the group, your leader will carry the repair kit.

We also have electric bikes available on request.

You can bring your own saddle and/or pedals, but you will need to bring along your own tools to fit them to the bikes, (please let us know in advance).

Due to both cost, storage and logistical reasons, we aren’t able to accommodate your own bikes on board.

We can provide helmets with the bikes – please request these at the time of booking.

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