Cycling Tours,Cruising
A fascinating journey by Bike and Boat across the Po Valley between Mantua, the Pearl of the Renaissance and Venice. Follow the course of the two important Italian Rivers Mincio and Po, discovering unusual Villages with rhythms now forgotten. After passing Ferrara, a bike friendly City between Bologna and Venice, you can marvel at the sight of the Po Delta, where the roads are lost among reed beds and fishing valleys. The Venice Lagoon begins in the little Village of Chioggia, where you can enjoy the view of the Serenissima, the traditional name of the Ancient Republic of Venice, from your comfortable Riverboat. Tour Level Trip Level: Easy. The Bike week takes place mainly on the Po River plains, on paved bike paths along rivers and canals or on quiet country roads. The navigation is guaranteed all year round along the waterways parallel to the Po River. The boat is moored at night and usually moves after Breakfast. Some parts of the route take place by boat, to allow easier access to the bike paths or simply to enjoy the sailing. This tour can either be self-guided or guided. You can choose to cycle at your own pace using our detailed App or with the whole group following the tour leader.
Welcome aboard your new home away from home with Embarkation from 17:00pm onwards. Enjoy time at leisure before regrouping for an introductory briefing at 18:00pm with your Tour Leader, Skipper and Crew, along with a first refreshing Aperitivo. After dinner, savour Venice at night, which is now free of the crowds and at her most romantic. Benvenuti a Venezia. Meals: Dinner
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Following a wander off the beaten track with your Tour Leader, you have the day free to enjoy the City at your own pace. 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. Dinner in Venice not included. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Leaving Venice behind after a gentle cruise in front of St. Mark's Square, our first stop will be to Murano Island, where we will visit a historic Glass Factory including a glass blowing demonstration by a master artisan. Afterwards, 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, which is a bustling and colourful fishing hub known as 'Little Venice'. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We open the day with a stroll through Chioggia, followed perhaps by a visit up the Millennial Clock Tower, which is the oldest in the world, for some breathtaking views. If the weather is permitting, you can also bask in the sun at a fine sand beach nearby. Take a dip in the Adriatic with a hot savoury Padina and you are well and truly local! Afterwards, we continue onwards into the Delta of the life giving Po River. This unique wetland is the prime reserve in Europe for Herons and is home to a colony of Flamingos. We moor for the night in Adria, a key Roman Port, once washed by the waters of the sea, which bears its name. Adria is also renowned for its Etruscan and Greek Heritage. An after dinner passeggiata into Town for a well earned Grappa or Gelato. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a short cruise, saddle your bikes and follow the Po through Farmlands and Hamlets until you reach Ferrara. Under its overlords, the Este Family, this Ancient City State attracted influential architects and artists for centuries pioneering Town planning principles that have been emulated worldwide ever since. To this day, Ferrara University ranks among the best and the Town is dubbed the 'Cycling Capital of Italy'. A private bus will take you back to our floating hotel in Zelo, a sleepy village on the Canal Bianco, where the waterway runs parallel to the Po. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, we head for the Village of Bergantino, home of the distinctive Museum of Amusement Rides and Popular Entertainment. Its collection of Street Organs are all expertly restored and thunderous! First things first, we travel in the heartland of Grana Padano, the arch rival of Parmesan. After visiting the local Cheese Factory, we enjoy a Degustazione of sharp and seasoned Grana, washed down with a glass of Valpolicella. After our customary picnic lunch, we leave Bergantino and follow the river to Ostiglia, famed for its Medieval Fortress and the fierce fighting that took place here in 1945, as the Allies and partisans drove Hitler's forces back. We ride on and rejoin our Barge at Governolo Lock, where Mantua's River Mincio flows into the Po. Veering North, we cruise through the lush wetlands that finally emerge into the glorious 'Lakes' of Mantua. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is dedicated to the discovery of this cultural gem, its three picturesque 'Lakes' formed by the River Mincio and the surrounding countryside. This afternoon, we meet our Mantuan Guide for a Walking Tour across the Historic Centre starting from Piazza Sordello with its magnificent Cathedral and Palazzo Ducale. We then walk through the City Centre up to Piazza delle Erbe. Here, admire the Clock Tower, the Rotonda di S. Lorenzo, which is the oldest Church in Town and the Cathedral of St. Andrew, which is a jewel of Renaissance art and architecture. We will learn why Mantua, once a City State ruled by the Gonzaga family, is now considered by many as Italy’s 'Sleeping Beauty. Please Note: The programme may be subject to changes. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, disembarkation is until 09:00am. Individual departure for your onward journey. Meals: Breakfast
Cruise Prices are per person twin share in Australian Dollars. Conditions apply and group tours are subject to change and availability. Prices are subject to currency fluctuations. (gi)
