Italy Bike & Boat: Mantova to Venice - Ave Maria
8 Days & 7 Nights 4.9 Read 14 reviews- Two nights on-board in Venice, that most romantic of cities
- Exploring Venice, Ferrara and Mantova, jewels of the Italian Renaissance
- The tranquillity and birdlife of the Po Delta Nature Reserve
- Authentic regional cuisine, both simple and refined
- Easy cycling on flat cycle paths and quiet country lanes
What To Expect
Trip Style:
Self Guided | Go at your own pace on an independent holiday.
Activity:
Bike and Boat | A combination of cycling and cruising or sailing, your overnight accommodation will be on boat or barge style accommodation.
This trip is suitable for:
Solo Travellers, Multi-Generational, Mixed Abilities, First Timers
Ideal if you have an interest in:
- Foodie Adventures
Inspiration:
Grade & Terrain
This trip is graded easy. The cycling is on flat tarmac cycle paths along rivers and canals or quiet country roads. Daily distances vary between 30 and 55 km. The boat is moored at night and typically sets sail after breakfast, meeting up with the bikes in the afternoon. Some parts of the itinerary are undertaken by boat, for example to allow easier access onto cycling paths, or simply to enjoy the cruise through the Venice lagoon.
Navigation
The program has been planned to feature navigation along the Fissero-Bianco canal, which runs parallel to the Po and connects Mantova to the Adriatic Sea. Issues with high and low water, as well as logistic obstacles can modify some of the daily stretches or overnight stays. These decisions are taken by the boat’s captain.
Guided or Self-Guided: You can choose to bike either on a self-guided or guided basis at no extra charge. The detailed directions and maps supplied with your info-pack offer you the option of either cycling independently or with the rest of the group, following the Tour Leader. When booking this bike and boat tour, please specify your chosen option (i.e. Guided or Self-guided).
Accommodation Information
You will spend each night on the boat in your very comfortable cabin. Your boat is always docked at night and only sails during the day.
Ave Maria
The Ave Maria is a comfortable and classic river cruising with a capacity of 42 passengers across 10 standard double cabins, 4 superior double cabins and 3 single cabins (with bunk beds sized 2,00 x 0,80 m). All cabins enjoy sizeable windows (the ones in the superior double cabins can also be partially opened), comfortable low beds, en-suite facilities, air conditioning, and a safety box. Most of the double beds can be separated into two single beds (on request). The large air-conditioned saloon, expansive sun decks, and complimentary wifi in common areas are just a few more features which make the Ave Maria a favourite amongst our clients.
Single Cabins and Solo Cyclists
Single cabins are available, although a supplement is payable. This trip is available to solo cyclists and is perfect as there are plenty of people to chat with every day.
Meals
This trip is operated on a full board basis (breakfast, dinner and a self-made packed lunch) with all meals included from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 8. Coffee, tea and other hot drinks on board are included. Beverages are not included, the boat sells a good selection of wine and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
In Italy, they know a thing or two about pots and pans, and on-board catering is simple but subtle, with a good selection of local wines and excellent service. The Ave Maria and Vita Pugna chefs boast plenty of experience and, in the words of our clients, the food alone is worth the trip.
Here are two sample menus:
1- Linguine with asparagus, rare roast beef with fresh rocket leaves and stuffed tomatoes, Venetian mixed salad, tiramisu.
2- Freshly caught seafood in wine and herbs, seabass meunière with baby potatoes, fennel and orange salad, chocolate and cherry mousse.
- 7 x Overnight in a comfortable cabin
- Full Board
- English-speaking tour leader onboard
- Guided tour of Venice and Mantova
- Bike Rental including helmet
- Bus transfer Ferrara to Zelo / Ferrara to Adria
- Harbour charges
- Detailed information pack, route description and maps
- Visit to cheese factory, with tasting of Grana Padano
- Local support and 24/7 emergency support from our office
- Travel to Mantova / from Venice
- Personal Expenditure
- Ticket for public transportation in Venice and lagoon
- Travel Insurance
- Tips
- E-Bike Rental
- Additional nights
When To Go
Trips start in Venice every Saturday between late March and mid October on alternate boats. Peak season (June-September) does book up well in advance and please contact us as soon as possible so that we can advise on the latest availability.
The boat’s journey will cover 3 Italian regions: Lombardia, Emilia Romagna and Veneto. Generally you will find mild temperatures in spring and autumn, while in summer (July-August) the weather is definitely hotter and humid with refreshing rain showers every now and then. Always make sure to carry plenty of water to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen and a sunhat on hot days.
Getting to the Start
By Air:
Both Venice and Mantova are well served by many airports of Northern Italy: Venice (VCE), Treviso (TSF),Verona (VRN), Bergamo (BGY), Milano Malpensa (MXP), Milano Linate (LIN). Verona is the closest airport to to Mantova so if possible you may wish to consider flying into Verona and out of Venice.
By Railway and Car:
Mantova is situated on the A22 Highway Brennero–Modena, only 50 km south of Verona. By train it is connected very frequently to the railway station of Verona (journey: 45 min.) Venice is situated on the A4 highway and on one of the principal railway lines, which links Venice to the most important Italian cities. The journey Venice–Mantova (or opposite) is covered by train in approx. 2,5 hours.
Your pre-departure information pack has detailed information on how to reach the start/end of the trip including maps, timetables etc. so that you can plan your travel well in advance.
Equipment
Bike Rental: 27-gear Shimano Deore unisex bikes in appropriate frame sizes. They are puncture-proof, fully serviced and equipped with a trip computer, sidebag, water bottle, and padlock. Additionally, Self-guided cyclists are supplied with a map holder/front bag (1 per bike) and a repair kit (1 per couple). It is possible to bring your own bike but due to space and safety restrictions, only a limited number of clients’ bikes can be accepted on board upon request. Helmets are also included in the total cost. Electric bike hire is available at an additional cost.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Mantova & Embarkation Day 2: Circular ride from Mantova 22 miles / 35 km Day 3: Cycle Mantova to Zelo 31 miles / 50 km Day 4: Cycle Zelo to Adria 31 miles / 50 km Day 5: Cycle the Po Delta Nature Reserve 25 miles / 40 km Day 6: Cycle Lido & Pellestrina Islands to Venice 19 miles / 30 km Day 7: Discover Venice Day 8: Disembark & Onward TravelThe Macs Adventure Way
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