2027

Bike and Boat in Italy: From Mantua to Venice

Highlights of the Italian Renaissance

Mantua – Zelo – Adriatic Sea – Venice

  • Museum of the Carousel and the National Theatre, picturesque fishermen's houses, Pellestrina Island
  • Full board & rental bike included!
  • Daily routes ●●○○○, altitude profile ●○○○○
  • Bike & boat: MS Ave Maria Italia & MS Ave Maria Portegrandi

days
8

Ø km per day
40

The fertile, flat landscape of the Po Valley is a true paradise for a cycling and boat holiday in Italy. Unique natural landscapes await you along the cycle routes between Mantua and Venice. Not only Venice, known as ‘La Serenissima’, but also the other towns have been centres of art, culture and architecture for centuries. Mantua is a real gem. Good food, fine wine and impressive Renaissance-era buildings also await you in Bergantino and Chioggia, the ‘Little Venice’. Venice itself is the stuff of dreams. And what better way to enter the city of canals and bridges than by boat?

The starting point alternates between Mantua and Venice.

Itinerary

  • Booking codes
    MS Ave Maria Italia
    Mantua - Venice: IT-S-MV7avig
    Venice - Mantua: IT-S-VM7avg

    MS Ave Maria Portegrandi
    Mantua - Venice: IT-S-MV7avpg
    Venice - Mantua: IT-S-VM7vpg
  • Arrival days
    Saturdays
    The starting point alternates between Mantua and Venice. Available dates are shown in the booking form.
  • Duration
    8 days / 7 nights
  • Travel documents languages
    German, English, Italian
    The briefings on board and the bike tours are conducted in English.
  • Print version PDF
    incl. ship descriptions
  • Note
    You can cycle the bike tours guided (English-speaking tour guide) or individually.
  • Parking information
    Mantua: Public parking garages, e.g. Parking Pradella, within walking distance of the train station and the city center, costs approx. 20 € per day, open all day.
    Venice: Public parking garages, costs approx. 60 € per week or parking outside the center with free shuttle service, costs approx. 10 € per day.
  • Your own bicycles
    Unfortunately, it is not possible to bring your own bicycles and e-bikes on this cruise due to the lack of space on deck.
  • Return journey to Mantua / Venice
    On your own by train, connections every 1 to 2 hours, duration approx. 2.5 - 3 hours, 1 - 2x change.
  • Minimum number of participants
    Guaranteed departure with a minimum number of 12 participants
    Boat trips are subject to change due to weather, water level or technical conditions.

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Bike and Boat in Italy

MS Ave Maria Italia

MS Ave Maria - Außenansicht

MS Ave Maria Portegrandi

Day 1: Individual arrival in Mantua

Your journey by bike and boat in Italy begins in Mantua. Located in the south-eastern part of Lombardy, the city impresses with a number of outstanding buildings and a beautiful old town. Embarkation is possible from 17.00 hrs. A meeting with the tour guide is planned before dinner at around 6.30 pm. Spend your first evening of your vacation having fun on board or in the old town.

Mantua

Mantua

Day 2: Round trip Mantua, approx. 35 km

Today, on the second day of your trip by bike and boat in Italy, you have plenty of time to get to know Mantua. Take part in a guided tour of the city, which will take you to the most beautiful corners and introduce you to the history of the city. Historic buildings such as the Palazzo Ducale and the richly decorated cathedral will catch your eye. If you are drawn beyond the city limits, the surrounding area of Mantua with its flat paths is ideal for a detour by bike.

©Manuta Dom

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

The first stop on the boat is Governolo. This is where the River Mincio flows into the Po. You follow this not far from the shore via the village of Ostiglia to Bergantino. There you can sample a variety of regional cheeses in a cheese dairy and visit the Museo della Giostra e dello Spettacolo Popolare, which is dedicated to the history of the fair. You will reach Zelo along the Canal Bianco. Your ship will anchor here overnight.

Cheese storage

Day 4: Zelo - Ferrara, approx. 50 km, Ferrara - Adriatic Sea (bus transfer)

Today's stage of your journey by bike and boat in Italy takes you to Ferrara. The many cycle paths and the enthusiasm of the locals for cycling have earned the city the name City of Bicycles. Ferrara's historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and presents itself in the style of the 14th century. A bus transfer takes you to Adria. The small town gave its name to the Adriatic Sea, short for Adria.

Ferrara

Day 5: Adriatic Sea - Porto Viro (boat), Porto Viro - Chioggia, approx. 40 km, Chioggia - Pellestrina Island (boat)

Pure nature is on the agenda today. Your boat will first take you to Porto Viro. Here you can already smell the salty air of the nearby sea! Cycle through the labyrinth of the Po Delta, an untouched paradise between lagoons and waters. Flamingos and herons feel at home here. In Chioggia you reach the southern end of the Venice lagoon. A short crossing takes you to the island of Pellestrina.

Day 6: Island of Pellestrina - Lido - Venice, approx. 25 km

The island of Pellestrina is only a few hundred meters wide and is famous for its mussel fishing. Cycling right by the water, you can enjoy the scent of the sea and the view of the beautiful lagoon. You cross over by boat to the Lido de Venezia, another narrow island. The tour continues to the island of Murano. There you will have the opportunity to take part in a demonstration of the centuries-old art of glassblowing. A final crossing takes you to the ship's pier - on the opposite side of St. Mark's Square in Venice.

Day 7: Stay in Venice

The day is all about La Serenissima, as Venice is often called. Take the opportunity to get to know the city on a guided walk off the beaten track. Discover the uniqueness of Venice with its squares, churches, bridges and winding alleyways - simply wonderful! You must see St. Mark's Square, the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge in particular!

Day 8: Individual departure

After breakfast, your journey by bike and boat in Italy comes to an end. After disembarking, you will embark on your individual journey home.

Itinerary from Venice

Day 1: Individual arrival in Venice

Day 2: Stay in Venice

Day 3: Venice – Lido - Pellestrina Island, approx. 25 km

Day 4: Venice – Lido – Chioggia. Day: Venice – Lido – Pellestrina Island, approx. 25 km

Day 4: Pellestrina Island – Chioggia (boat), 
Chioggia – Porto Viro, approx. 40 km, Porto Viro – Adriatic Sea (boat)

Day 5: Adria – Ferrara, approx. 35 km, Ferrara – Zelo (bus transfer)

Day 6: Zelo – Governolo, approx. 50 km, Governolo – Mantua (boat)

Day 7: Tour of Mantua, approx. 35 km

Day 8: Individual departure

Welcome on board the MS Ave Maria

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This film takes you on board the MS Ave Maria Italia – and right into the heart of the ‘Bike & Boat’ experience between Mantua and Venice. See how our guests cycle at a leisurely pace through green riverside landscapes, picturesque villages and historic towns.

You’ll gain an insight into life on board: bright cabins, convivial meals, views from the sun deck – and the feeling of being at home whilst on the move. The ship itself, the route along the Mincio and Po rivers, and the impressive entry into the Venice lagoon are all captured in an atmospheric way.

An authentic glimpse of this special journey – ideal for finding inspiration or savouring the anticipation.

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Dates / Prices / Services

Season times and prices 2027

Arrival on saturdays from 20.03.2027 to 23.10.2027Early booking discount: -30 €

Bookable dates are shown in the booking form. The season is dictated by the arrival date.

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MS Ave Maria Italia & Portegrandi - Lower deck

Season A
20.03. - 27.03.

from1449 €
Season B
28.03. - 02.04.
27.06. - 21.08.
from1849 €
Season C
03.04. - 24.04.
30.05. - 26.06.
10.10. - 23.10.
from2149 €
Season D
25.04. - 29.05.

from2349 €
Season E
22.08. - 09.10.

from2449 €

All prices per person in a double cabin

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Services

  • 7 nights on board in double cabins with shower / WC
  • Full board (7 x breakfast, 6 x packed lunch, 6 x dinner)
  • Welcome drink
  • Coffee and tea on board
  • Cabin cleaning
  • Bed linen and towels provided
  • All port, bridge and lock fees
  • City tours in Mantua
  • Cheese dairy visit with cheese tasting
  • Admission to the Museum of the Carousel and the National Theatre
  • Visit to a historic glass-blowing workshop in Murano
  • Bus transfer Ferrara - Adriatic
  • Daily cycle tour briefing, guided bike tours
  • Digital travel documents and route navigation via app
  • 27-speed rental bike, electric bike for an extra charge
  • Service hotline (7 days, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.)
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Not included:

  • Drinks on board and tips for tour guide and crew
  • Ferry rides and admission to Venice
  • 1 x dinner in Venice

Guaranteed departure with a minimum number of 12 participants.

Changes in itinerary due to weather, water level or technical conditions are possible and reserved.

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Children's discount

On this cycle tour, bookings with children are only possible on request.

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Additional services

Additional bookable services

Surcharge main deck (MS Ave Maria Italia only)

249 €

Surcharge double cabin for single use

price on request

Special diet (gluten-free, lactose-free and vegan food)

75 €

All prices are per person

Rental bikes

Rental Bikes

Mietrad
Mietrad
0 €
E-Bike
E-Bike
179 €

Types of rental bikes

  • 27-gear unisex bike derailleur gears with freewheel
  • E-bike / pedelec
Fittings

Pannier, luggage rack, bike lock, repair kit (1 x per booking), pump (1 x per cabin), handlebar bag (1 x per cabin), rental helmet (head circumference 54-61)

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Route profile

  • Start / Destination
    Mantua / Venice
  • Length
    approx. 200 km
    Daily routes ●●○○○
    between 25 and 50 km, Ø 40 km
    Altitude profile ●○○○○
  • Trail conditions
    All over flat terrain, mainly along rivers and canals and on asphalted cycle paths or roads with little traffic.
  • Tour operated by
    Local cooperation partner
  • Mobility note
    The trip is only conditionally suitable for people with limited mobility.
    Please do not hesitate to contact us regarding your individual needs.
Bike and Boat in Italy

days
8

Ø km per day
40