The route winds its way along the Rivers Mincio and the Po, deep into the unspoilt Italian countryside, and ends in the charming lagoon of Venice. Much of this area has been reclaimed from the marshes for many centuries and is framed by green pine-woods, offering protection for numerous species of birds and animals. The work of man overlaps with nature in a constant twist of roles: reclaimed land alternates with natural canals, fishermen’s huts are camouflaged in the reeds, and bridges formed from boats reduce the distances between strips of sand.

The tour is entirely on level ground. Much of the cycling is alongside rivers and canals on tarmac cycle paths or quiet roads. The boat will sail some of the way during breakfast or evening meal to make getting out of the towns easier or to shorten the stages.

The Vita Pugna, meaning ”Life is a battle“, is the name of the 36 metres long, 5.4 metre wide Dutch boat. The 11 cabins can accommodate up to 23/25 people. Each cabin has low twin beds and private bathroom with shower. It also has a restaurant and there is a spacious outside deck for relaxation, where your bikes are also parked.

Day 1 (Saturday): Mantova

The cabins are available from 4 p.m. The boat is moored at Porto Catena, just a short walk from the city-centre. The meeting with the tour leader and the crew is scheduled at dinnertime at 7 p.m. Mantova is one of the most beautiful towns in Northern Italy, where a number of world renowned artists left their masterpieces, thanks to the assignment of the famous Gonzaga family. 

Day 2 (Sunday): Mantova to Governolo to Zelo, 31 miles (50km) by bike

The boat takes you to Governolo, stronghold of the Mincio Pirates, where there is the biggest basin of Italy, built in order to control the Mincio River. Here you take the bikes and start the ride, keeping on following the River Po, until the village of Ostiglia, with the ruins of a medieval fortress. After a ride along the ‘Canal Bianco” you will reach Zelo, where the barge will moor for the night.

Day 3 (Monday): Zelo – Ferrara – Adria, 31 miles (50km) by bike

In the morning we set off for Ferrara, a town whose historic centre is still surrounded by the old city walls. The numerous cycle paths and bikes have earned Ferrara the name of “the city of bicycles”. From Ferrara a short bus transfer will bring you to Adria, an ancient Greek port, famous for trading amber coming from the Baltic.

Day 4 (Tuesday): Adria–Porto Viro–Albarella, 22/34 miles (approx 35/55 km)

The boat will bring you to Porto Viro, from where you will start the daily ride into the maze of the Po Delta, an uncontaminated paradise between marshes and lagoons of the Po, pedaling in the heart of nature. The destination is Albarella, a private island of ancient traditions. In case of low water you will cycle all the way from Adria.

Day 5 (Wednesday): Albarella – Chioggia, approx 25 miles (40km)

You will be suspended between water and land, as you will pedal between the Po Delta and the mouth of the River Adige. You follow then the Po-Brondolo waterway, which links the river to the Venetian lagoon. You will stay overnight in Chioggia, famous as “the little Venice” A visit to the fish market at dawn is an absolute ‘must’.

Day 6 (Thursday): Chioggia – Venice, 18 miles (30km)

The boat brings you to the Natural reserve of Ca’ Roman, a sandy islet surrounded by pinewoods. Pedalling along the lagoon, you reach Pellestrina: from here, riding on the new cycle path you reach the ferry landing stage. A short ferry boat ride takes you then up the Lido island, along the ‘Murazzi’,

with a stop in Malamocco, the ancient harbour. The overnight is at the Island of Giudecca, not far from St. Mark’s square, with an amazing view of the lagoon.

Day 7 (Friday): Rest day in Venice

This is a free day for you to do as you please. After waking up to a wonderful view over the lagoon, you have the whole day at your disposal, to discover the magnificent historical centre of the capital of the “Repubblica Serenissima”, or its wonderful islands. At your disposal you also have a free ticket allowing you to use the boat transportation network and some suggested itineraries.

Day 8 (Saturday): Venice.

After breakfast it is time to say goodbye which gives you free time for sightseeing in Venice before returning home.

Departures will alternate, one week from Venice and the following one from Mantova. 

During the weeks in which departures are from Venice to Mantova, the “daily programme” needs to be read in reverse order as follows:

Day 1 (Sat): Arrival Venice by 4.00pm

Day 2 (Sun): Rest day in Venice

Day 3 (Mon): Venice to Chioggia

Day 4 (Tue): Chioggia to Alberella

Day 5 (Wed): Alberella to Porto Levante to Adria

Day 6 (Thu): Adria to Ferrara to Zelo

Day 7 (Fri): Zelo to Mantova

Day 8 (Sat): Depart from Mantova