Bike and Boat in Italy: From Mantua to Venice

Your cruisers MS Vita Pugna and MS Ave Maria

The authentic Dutch river cruise ship has been on an exciting journey: The MS Vita Pugna sailed along the Rhine, the Danube, the Black Sea and the Adriatic to reach Venice and the Po River Cycle Path. A number of modifications and renovations have made it the ideal companion for this bike and boat cruise in Italy. The atmosphere on this welcoming cruise ship is always relaxed, as it can only accommodate a modest number of guests. 

This former freighter MS Ave Maria was recently converted into a placid, modern river cruise ship which caters to all the wishes of a bike and ship holidaymaker. On one of the two sun decks or in the Italian-style lounge you will while out relaxing and enjoyable evenings. In the restaurant, you’ll be looked after with Italian delicacies, while the countryside slowly passes by the windows. La dolce vita!

Day 1: Individual arrival in Mantua

The town was founded by the Etruscans and gained particularly in significance in the 16th century.  You will be entranced by the historic quarter of the town, which is still hardly frequented by tourists. Particularly worth of a visit are the Palazzo Ducale and the round Roman church of San Lorenzo. Your boat is at anchor in Porto Catena. You can board from 16.30 onwards. Enjoy the first evening of your holiday!

Day 2: Round trip Mantua, approx. 35 km

Today you can explore Mantua and the surrounding area by bike. A large number of very impressive buildings feature in the historic quarter. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.  It was here to which the unhappy Romeo was banished in Shakespeare’s tragedy. The surrounding region is fertile, flat and pleasant to cycle.

Day 3: Mantua – Governolo (by boat), Governolo – Zelo, approx. 50 km

The boat takes you to the Mincio fortress, where the Tyrolean freedom fighter, Andreas Hofer, was executed by the French. Next, you cycle along the river via San Benedetto, which has an important Benedictine monastery, and, via Revere to Ostiglia. In Bergantino you can enjoy tasting cheese and visiting the Museum of Carousel and the local theatre. Next the route takes you to Zelo, where your boat awaits you.

Day 4: Zelo – Ferrara, approx. 50 km, Ferrara – Adria (bus transfer)

In the morning, you’ll cycle towards Ferrara. Copious amounts of cycle paths and the locals’ utter reverence for cycling have led to this town being called town of cyclists. Ferrara as a whole is a UNESCO world heritage site und presents itself in a 14th century style. From here, you’ll get on a coach for the short stretch to Adria, a small town important enough to give the large sea its name.

Day 5: Adria – Porto Viro (by boat), Porto Viro – Chioggia, approx. 40 km, Chioggia – Pellestrina Island (by boat)

Today’s itinerary features nature from start to finish. Initially, the ship will take you to Porto Viro. Today’s cycling route leads through the labyrinthine Po delta, an untouched paradise between lagoons and other stretches of water. Flamingos and herons feel at home here. Chioggia – or little Venice – is today’s cycle destination, located on the southern tip of the Venetian lagoon. By boat it is a short hop onto the Island of Pellestrina.

Day 6: Pellestrina Island – Lido – Venice, approx. 30 km

Pellestrina island is sandy and covered in pine trees. It is only a few hundred metres wide and well known for its mussel fishing. New cycle paths have been created here and are great to ride along. As you approach Lido, the town of Venice will be in sight. In between you take two boats to finally arrive on the opposite site of St. Mark's Square, where your boat is acnhoring for the night.

Day 7: Stay in Venice

Today is yours to spend as you wish. After getting up, you can either visit the wonderful historic Serenissima centre, or explore the islands in the lagoon. Use a two-day ticket that enables you to travel on all the ferries and other public means of transport in Venice. The Piazzo San Marco, the Canale Grande and the wonderful Rialto bridge are all must sees!

Day 8: Individual departure

After breakfast, your bike and boat tour in northern Italy comes to an end.

Types of rental bikes

• 27-gear derailleur with free wheel
• E-Bike

Fittings

Pannier, bike lock, repair kit, speedometer, handlebar bag, rental helmet (head circumfence 54-61)

NOTE

Transport of own bikes in Venice habour to the main station Vencie-Santa Lucia is very expensive and not recommended.