Mantua to Venice

‘Benvenuti  Mantova!’
Our comfortable barge will be moored at Porto Catena just a short walk from the city center. Your cabin will be available at 5 p.m. After storing your luggage and meeting your cycling companions, tour leader, captain and crew, you will have a preview of the week’s highlights and cycling itinerary by the tour guide.  

After dinner there will be time to wander around in Mantua, a beautiful and historic city surrounded by lakes on three sides. It was once one of the greatest Renaissance Courts in Europe and home to the wealthy Gonzaga family. Today it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site. The historic center features dozens of fascinating piazzas, churches, monuments, and courtyards, and is one of the loveliest Renaissance towns of Northern Italy, a fitting place to start our wonderful bike-barge vacation. 

Today’s bike ride will be around 22 miles (35 km). A beautiful roundtrip from Mantua, exploring the peaceful countryside and its three picturesque “lakes” created by the River Mincio.

In the afternoon, we’ll meet our local guide for a relaxed walking tour through the historic center. Starting from Piazza Sordello with its impressive cathedral and Palazzo Ducale, we’ll wander through the old town to Piazza delle Erbe. Along the way, we’ll see the Clock Tower, the Rotonda di San Lorenzo (the oldest church in town), and the Cathedral of St. Andrew; a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture.

You’ll soon understand why Mantua, once ruled by the powerful Gonzaga family, is often called Italy’s “Sleeping Beauty.”
Dinner tonight is on your own.

Elevation Gain (M) +115 / -115

After breakfast, we set sail from the “lakes” of Mantua and cruise through the lush wetlands leading to Governolo Lock, where the River Mincio meets the mighty Po.

From here, we hop on our bikes and follow the scenic levee roads toward Ostiglia, known for its medieval fortress and its role in the final battles of World War II.

Next stop: Bergantino. A quirky little village famous for its Museum of Amusement Rides and Popular Entertainment, packed with beautifully restored (and delightfully loud!) street organs. We’re also in the heartland of Grana Padano, the rival of Parmesan, so of course we’ll visit a local cheese factory for a tasty sample of this delicious, well-aged cheese.

We end the day in Zelo, a quiet village along the Canal Bianco, where our barge awaits for a relaxing evening on board.

Elevation Gain (M) +115 / -125

This morning we cross the Po River and cycle south through a patchwork of farmland, orchards, and tiny hamlets all the way to Ferrara.

Once ruled by the powerful Este family, this elegant city became a hub for architects, artists, and scholars. Its Renaissance town planning still inspires urban design around the world. Today, Ferrara University is among Italy’s best, and the city proudly carries the title “Cycling Capital of Italy.”

After our visit, a private bus and trailer bring us back to our floating hotel in Adria, an ancient Roman port that once stood on the sea that gave the Adriatic its name. With its rich Etruscan and Greek roots, Adria is full of quiet charm. Perfect for an after-dinner passeggiata into town and a well-deserved grappa or gelato.

Elevation Gain (M) +145 / – 145

Venice awaits!

But first, we discover another world entirely: Pellestrina, a quiet fishing island lined with colorful cottages, boats, and nets drying in the sun.

A short ferry hop brings us to the Lido di Venezia, elegant and stylish since the Belle Époque, and now home to the famous Venice Film Festival and its parade of stars.

We continue on to Murano Island, world-renowned for its exquisite glassmaking. Here we’ll visit a historic workshop and watch a master glassblower bring molten glass to life. An Venetian tradition.

Back on board, we enjoy a leisurely cruise past St. Mark’s Square, soaking in one of the world’s most iconic views. After dinner, take time to wander — Venice by night, free of the crowds, is pure magic. Benvenuti a Venezia!

Elevation Gain (M) +115 / -115

You’ll rise today to a wonderful view over the scenic Venetian lagoon! It’s impossible to cycle the narrow, crooked streets and innumerable steps to Venice’s romantic bridges and canals. 

After a relaxed morning walk off the beaten track with your tour leader, the rest of the day is yours to explore Venice at your own rhythm. Wander through narrow alleys and across graceful bridges, watch gondolas glide past historic palazzi, or simply sit at a café in St. Mark’s Square.

Known as La Serenissima (“The Most Serene”), the Venetian Republic ruled over much of the Mediterranean for centuries — a powerhouse of trade, art, and architecture. Its influence still shines in every marble façade and every echoing bell tower. You might visit the Doge’s Palace, step inside St. Mark’s Basilica, or explore lesser-known gems like the Jewish Ghetto, the Rialto Market, or the islands of Burano and Torcello.

Your tour ends today with departure in the morning after breakfast.