Cruising,Cycling Tours
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, stroll into Town and savour the historic centre at its most evocative. Benvenuti a Mantova. Meals: Dinner
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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
After breakfast, we set sail from the 'Lakes' of Mantua and cruise through the lush wetlands that lead to Governolo Lock, where Mantua's River Mincio flows into the Po. Here, we saddle up and follow the broad sweeps of the levee towards Ostiglia, renowned for its Medieval Fortress and fierce fighting in 1945, as the Allies drove Hitler's forces back. Afterwards, we travel to Bergantino, which is home of the distinctive Museum of Amusement Rides and Popular Entertainment and its collection of Street Organs, which are all expertly restored and thunderous! This Village is also in the heartland of Grana Padano, the arch rival of Parmesan, and visit the local Cheese Factory to sample some well seasoned Grana, which is de rigueur. We catch up with our Barge in Zelo, a Sleepy Village on the Canal Bianco, the Waterway, which runs parallel to the Po. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, we cross the Po and ride Southwards through a patchwork of Farmland, Orchards and Hamlets, as far as Ferrara. Under its ruling family, the Este, this City state attracted architects, artists and scholars 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 and trailer takes us back to our floating Hotel in Adria, an Ancient Roman Port once washed by 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, we cycle into the delta of the life giving Po. This unique wetland is the prime reserve in Europe for Herons and home to a sizeable colony of Flamingos. If the weather is permitting, we continue towards Chioggia. Here, enjoy a break at a fine sand beach nearby for a dip in the Adriatic, not forgetting a hot savoury Piadina! Chioggia is also known as 'Little Venice', a colourful fishing hub. The overnight takes place on the Island of Pellestrina, just in front of Chioggia. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today Venice beckons. However, we first visit another world altogether, Pellestrina, which is the first of two Islands we traverse today. Pellestrina a humble and tranquil fishing backwater, picturesque as ever with its cottages, boats and nets. A short Island hop by Ferry lands us on the Lido. 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. We will also visit a historic Glass Factory on Murano Island with a glassblowing demonstration by a master artisan. After rejoining our Barge, an unrushed cruise in front of St Mark’s Square takes us to our final destination. After dinner, we can savour Venice at night, now free of the crowds and at her most romantic. Benvenuti a Venezia! Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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. 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)
