Italy by bike and boat, between Mantua and Venice - Ave Maria 2025

The Po Delta and the Adriatic Sea by bike, between Mantua and Venice

Bike and boat trip aboard the Ave Maria on the Po cycle route between Mantua and Venice in northern Italy. Exceptional stay which combines gastronomy, nature and culture. On your way, discover the towns of Chioggia and Adria and admire the natural wonders of the Po Delta. This route can be done from Mantua or Venice.

Highlights of the stay :

• Mantua, Venice and Chioggia
• the Po delta
• Ferrara, cycling town
• Nature, culture and gastronomy

Day 1 - Mantua

Reception on the boat is possible from 5 p.m. and bikes are available on site. The boat is moored in Porto Catena, a 15-minute walk from the station. Meeting with the team with an aperitivo at 6:30 pm. Self-guided tour of Mantua, one of the most beautiful cities in northern Italy.

Day 2 : Loop around Mantua - 35 km

Departure for a short hike to the lakes of Mantua to the Bosco Fontana Nature Reserve.
The afternoon is devoted to the visit and discovery of the city with a Mantuan guide.

Dinner not included.

Day 3 : Mantova - Governolo - Zelo - 50 km

The boat takes us to Governolo, stronghold of the Mincio Pirates and the starting point of the cycle route along the Po river, to the village of Ostiglia and its medieval ruins. Then you can visit the Carousel museum and the folk show in Bergantino. You can also do a tasting at the cheese factory. Along the "Canal Bianco" you will reach Zelo.

Day 4 : Zelo - Ferrara - Adria - 50 km

After breakfast, you set off by bike towards Ferrara. The number of cycle paths and the great popularity of cycling make it the "city of the bicycle." You will enjoy the historic center of the old town which is still surrounded by its walls. From Ferrara you will take the bus to reach Adria, an ancient Greek port, known for the Baltic amber trade.

Day 5 : Adria - Nature Reserve of the Po Delta - island of Pellestrina - 40 km

Departure from Adria by boat to Porto Viro. You discover the Delta and cross the Adige river. You follow the Po-Brondolo, connecting the river to the Venetian lagoon. Night on the island of Pellestrina in front of Chioggia also called "Little Venice": do not miss the fish market at dawn.

Day 6 : Pellestrina Island - Venice - 25 km

Pellestrina, a humble and tranquil fishing backwater, a picturesque island. A short island tour by ferry takes you to the Lido. The Lido di Venezia now hosts the Venice International Film Festival and its galaxy of stars. Visit a historic glass factory on the island of Murano, with a glassblowing demonstration by a master craftsman.
After joining the barge, a cruise in front of Saint Mark's Square to Venice. After dinner, enjoy Venice at night, now free from the crowds: Benvenuti a Venezia! Then short boat trip to Lido Island, along the Murazzi with a stop in Malamocco. Night in the lagoon near Saint Mark's Square.

Day 7 : Venice loop

Free day to discover the magnificent historic center of the capital of the Republica Serenissima and its magnificent islands. You stay in Venice, for the last night.

Day 8 : Venice

After breakfast with a view of the lagoon and the ritual of greetings, end of the tour and departure. You can enjoy Venice with extra nights.

Depending on the departure dates, the tour departs from Mantua or Venice.

Due to the navigation plan, the route may be reversed or modified.

Day 1: Venice

Everyone arrives individually in Venice, and embarkation begins at 5:00 pm. At 6:30 pm, a welcome drink is served. The onboard team and the tour leader are on hand to explain the itinerary and answer any questions you may have. After dinner, we'll take our first stroll through the center of Venice.

Day 2: Tour of Venice

After a pleasant guided walk, you're free to explore Venice's iconic sites at your own pace. The wunderful place Saint-Marc you wait, with its monuments to cut breath, district follow-up Castello, Campo dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo where stands the imposing basilica gothic and the Scuola Grande San Marco, today transformed into civic hospital city.

You can also admire the famous Rialto Bridge.

At the end of the day, why not consider an excursion to the charming, colorful towns of Burano and Torcello? 

Dinner not included.

Day 3: Venice - Pellestrina by bike - 25 km

Say goodbye to Venice and set course for Murano, where a visit to a historic glassworks will give you the opportunity to discover the age-old art of glassmaking through a captivating demonstration. Then hop on your bike to explore two islands with very distinct characters: first, Lido, renowned as the home of the Venice Mostra, with its Belle Époque-style hotels and exclusive beach resorts.

Then on to traditional Pellestrina, an authentic fishing village with colorful houses, where time seems to stand still. Then return to your boat to re-board.

Day 4: Pellestrina - Po River Nature Reserve - Adria - 40 km

The day begins with a stroll through the picturesque fishing village of Chioggia, where the thousand-year-old clock tower stands majestically.

Weather permitting, you can enjoy an invigorating break on the beach.

Then get back on your bike and ride along the banks of the River Po, lined with poplars and cultivated fields.

Explore a different facet of life in the Po Valley, far from the hustle and bustle and noise of the cities. Your destination for the day is Adria, the ancient Greek port that gave its name to the Adriatic Sea.

After dinner, you'll have the opportunity to stroll through the charming city center.

Day 5: Adria - Zelo - 35 km

After a short crossing, hop on your bike and follow the course of the River Po to reach the first stage of the day: Ferrara.

This fascinating city of art, also home to a prestigious university, deserves its nickname of "Italy's cycling capital".

At the end of the day, a private bus will take you to the charming village of Zelo. There, you'll find your boat ready to welcome you: with just over 300 inhabitants, a church and a pretty arched bridge, this place offers the ideal atmosphere for a recommended evening of relaxation.

Day 6: Zelo - Mantua - 50 km

The day begins with a visit to Bergantino, a small town where you can recapture the carefree spirit of childhood at the Museum of Rides and Popular Entertainment.

After this enchanting experience, treat yourself to an exquisite tasting of grana padano cheese to recharge your energies before reaching the second stop of the day: Ostiglia. This town of Roman origin, on the border between Mantua and Polesine, is the birthplace of the Mondadori publishing house, founded in 1907.

Then join the boat at Governolo, where the Mincio "falls into the Po", as Dante described it. In the evening, we set sail for Mantua, the final destination of our tour.

Day 7: Visit to Mantua

The day is dedicated to exploring the city of Mantua and its rural surroundings. During the afternoon enjoy a guided visit of Mantua for a walk tour around the city.

Day 8 : Mantua 

Departure after your breakfast. You can add additional night in Mantua if you want to continue your trip.

General Information:

• 8 days and 7 nights
• Level of comfort of the boat : Comfort
• Language spoken on board: English

Dates 2025:

Departure from Mantua :

• Mid-season : 28/06, 26/07 and 09/08
• High season : 03/05, 14/06, and 18/10
• Very high season : 23/08 and 04/10

Departure from Venice:

• Mid-season : 05/07, 19/07, 02/08 and 16/08
• High season : 10/05, 24/05, 07/06, 21/06 and 25/10
• Very high season : 13/09, 27/09 and 11/10

Included :

• 7 nights
• Standard bike rental
• Full board (breakfast, dinner and homemade packed lunch) expect dinner on day 2
• Coffee, tea and other hot drinks on board
• Sheets and towels
• Free courtesy kit
• Short daily maid service and midweek cabin cleaning service and towel change
• Bicycle helmet
• Application including maps, points of interest and GPS tracks
• Information about the digital tour
• English speaking tour leader within an international group
• Guided tour in Mantua (1:30)
• Visit to a cheese factory with tasting of typical Grana Padano
• Visit of the Carousel and the Street Entertainment Museum
• Visit to a historic glass factory on the island of Murano
• Ferrara-Adrian bus transfer

Not included :

• Transport to the place of departure
• dinner on day 2
• Drinks on board
• Museums, fees and extras in general
• Ticket for public transport in Venice and in the lagoon (we suggest the ACTV 48h ticket)
• Personal expenses
• Visits

The options :

• ebike rental
• Bike theft insurance (for rented bikes)
• cancellation insurance

Levels :

1 2 3 4 5 6

Ground :

Much of this cycling tour takes place along the Po plains and the daily stages vary from 25 to 50 km, mostly on paved cycle paths along rivers and canals, or on quiet country roads. The boat is moored at night and usually sets sail after breakfast. Some parts of the route are made by barge, to allow easier access to the cycle paths or simply to enjoy the cruise.
Recreational cycling in mostly flat areas with only a few short climbs and descents. Little effort required, suitable for most people.

The tour is also suitable for children. If the child one day does not want to ride a bike, he / she can stay on the boat with one of the parents.

Weather :

Warm temperatures and sunny region.

Technicality:

30 to 50 km of hiking per day, or about 3 to 5 hours of cycling.
Easy to follow route. No difficulties, accessible to all.

Bibliography:

- Cycling maps for Italy on cartovelo.fr

- Cycling guide on Po cycleroute
 

The participants :

On board you meet an international community of all ages, men, women, singles and couples with children.

Support:

Here are the people responsible for your bike and boat holidays:
On board, the captain and his boy. They are responsible for the smooth running of the holidays (on the boat) and take the boat from stage to stage. The cook prepares the meals.
Participants are accompanied by a guide. This will help you in the event of a breakdown and will advise you on the route to follow and give you the necessary tourist information. He or she is multilingual.

Meals :

- Breakfasts: on the boat, you will find a substantial breakfast.
- Lunches: 'lunch' (sandwiches, fruit, snack, drink).

- Afternoon snacks : cake, fruits, tea, coffee
- Dinners: three courses (drinks not included)
Drinks, such as wine, beers, lemonades and mineral water are not included but can be purchased on board.

The bike :

21-speed VTC available for hire. At the end of the tour you leave the rental bike on the boat.
The bikes are equipped with saddlebags as well as an bike lock and a tire repair kit.

Roadbook :

We will provide you with information on the progress of your stay as well as the itinerary, subject to change.

Transport :

- By train: Venice is on one of the main railway lines and serves the largest Italian cities. Mantova accessible via Verona.
- By car: Mantova is on the A22 (Brennero-Modena) motorway 50 km from Verona. Venice is on the A4 motorway.
- By plane: Venice international airport.

Your vehicle:

In Mantova: free parking 500m from the port and supervised paid parking 1.5km from the port
In Venice: Very expensive parking, it is advisable to park in Mestre and take public transport. Secure parking near Mestre station.

Cancellation insurance :

In order to guarantee the reimbursement of costs in the event of cancellation of your stay, you can take out cancellation insurance. To learn more about insurance, click here.

To access the boat description : click here.