8 day Escorted Tour
Our most popular cycling tour in Italy is our bike and barge tour along the Po River and its canal system to the magical city of Venice. We cycle through unspoilt rural Italian countryside, ending in the warm embrace of the Venetian lagoon. This territory has been reclaimed from the marshes for many centuries now and is framed by green pine-woods, which offer protection for numerous species of animals.
We now offer two ships to choose from, our traditional Dutch barge the Vita Pugna, and our new, larger ship, the Ave Maria.
Each alternate week our ships change direction, ie. Venice to Mantova or vice versa.
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Mantova
Bicycles are available from 11a.m. at the boat, which is moored
at Porto Catena, just a short walk from the centre.
Day 2 Mantova–Castelguglielmo (38km)
The boat takes us to Governolo, stronghold of the Mincio Pirates: here, you take your bikes and start our ride. We cycle towards San Benedetto Po, home of an ancient monastery. We continue following the Po River as far as Revere, summer residence of the Gonzaga dynasty.
The last stretch of road brings us to the harbour of Ostiglia on the Fissero/ Bianco canal, where you reboard the boat. A short stretch of navigation brings us to Castelguglielmo, where you will moor for the night (overnight in Revere if the level of the Po is suitable).
Day 3 Castelguglielmo–Ferrara– Adria (55km)
Departure for Ferrara: the historic centre is still surrounded by the old city walls. The great number of cycle paths and the widespread use of bikes have earned Ferrara the name of “the
city of bicycles”. At the end of the day, on board Vita Pugna, you reach Adria: the pearl of the Polesine, an ancient Greek port, famous for trading amber coming from the Baltic, which gave its
name to the sea it faced (overnight in Ferrara if the level of the Po is suitable).
Day 4 Adria–Porto Levante (48km)
We go deep into the maze of the Delta, an uncontaminated paradise between the marshes and lagoons of the Po, pedalling
in the heart of nature. The destination today is Porto Levante, a small marine village of ancient traditions.
Day 5 Porto Levante–Chioggia (34km)
Vita Pugna leaves us on the other bank of the Po di Levante. We are approaching Albarella, suspended between water and land, as you pedal between the Delta and the mouth of the River Adige. From Cavanella d’Adige, the farthermost border between the provinces of Rovigo and Venice, you then follow the Po-Brondolo
Waterway, which links the river to the Venetian lagoon. We will stay overnight in “Little Venice” and a visit to the fish market at dawn is an absolute ‘must’.
Day 6 Chioggia–Venice (28km)
Vita Pugna brings us to the Oasis of Ca’ Roman, a sandy islet surrounded by pine-woods. Pedalling along the lagoon, you reach Pellestrina: from here, you ride on the new cycle path as far as the ferry landing stage. A short boat ride takes us back up the Lido, along the ‘Murazzi’, with a stop in Malamocco, the ancient
harbour. Overnight in the Venetian lagoon.
Day 7 Venice - Brenta Canal - Venice (38km)
Optional touring day today where you may visit Venice, or cycle to some of the reknown Palladian Villa's surrounding the city.
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MANTOVA
PO DELTA
VENICE
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Day 8 Venice
After breakfast, with a view of the lagoon and the customary goodbyes, free time for individual visits to Venice, or return home.
SHIP OPTIONS
In 2012 we have the option of our traditional Dutch barge the "VITA PUGNA", or our brand new purpose built river cruiser the "AVE MARIA". Click on the names for further details.
BICYCLES
Different frame sizes of unisex
bikes with 27-gears Shimano
Deore will be available on board.
They are fully equipped with 1x
side-bag, 1 water bottle, 1 map
holder/front bag, 1 padlock per
bike and 1 repair kit per couple.
GUIDED or SELF GUIDED TOURING OPTIONS
This tour offers the chance to
choose each day if you wish to pedal
alone or with the whole group, following
the tour leader. Each client
can take advantage of
very detailed route descriptions.
NAVIGATION ON RIVERS AND CANALS
The programme has been
planned to feature navigation
along the Fissero/Bianco canal,
which runs parallel to the Po
and connects Mantova to the
Adriatic Sea. A few weeks in the
year, when the waters of the Po
are favourable, the barge will be
allowed to navigate along the Po River itself. This means that the some
of the overnight stays will be
modified. Issues with high and low
water, as well as logistical obstacles
can modify some of the daily
stretches or embarkation points.
These decisions are taken by the
boat's captain.
RATING: Easy
A level route with a few very small hills. You cycle only on asphalt paths and almost car-free side roads. You do not need to be a very experienced cyclist but a reasonable level of fitness is helpful. Suitable for families, seniors and novice cyclists.
TRANSFERS
The nearest airports are Verona and Venice. Regular train service is available from both airports to Mantova and Venice.
Schedule & Price
| DATES 2012: |
Tour depart on the Ave Maria every Saturday from March 24th (Venice to Mantova) to October 27th.
Each alternate week will be in reverse direction.
The Vita Pugna starts April 29th (Mantova to Venice), and ends October 20th.
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| Price per person, dble occ. - VITA PUGNA |
CAD |
$1375 |
| Single cabin surcharge |
|
$700 |
| Low season discount for departures in March, April & October |
|
$100 |
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| Price per person, dble occ. - AVE MARIA standard cabin lower deck |
CAD
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$1490
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| Price per person, dble occ. - AVE MARIA superior cabin on upper deck |
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$1590
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| Price per person, dble occ. - AVE MARIA double cabin lower deck with bunk beds |
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$1350 |
| Single cabin surcharge - lower deck |
|
$550 |
| Low season discount for departures in March, April & October |
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$100 |
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This tour includes: |
- 7 nights aboard ship in a double cabin. All cabins with private WC and shower
- 7 breakfasts , 7 packed lunches, and 7 dinners
- Quality 27 speed hybrid bike with panniers
- Tour leader onboard who assists with the days routes, cycles along with the group, provides travel tips for the journey and tourist information about places of interest
- Biking maps with indicated routes and detailed route descriptions
- Bus transfer Ferrara–Adria
- 48-hour ticket for an unlimited use of ferry boats and local boats in Venice
- Half week service of cabin, cleaning, and towel change
- Harbour charges of Euro 50.00
NOT INCLUDED:
Beverages on board
Entry to museums etc. and everything which is not mentioned
above. |
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