A wonderful, easy-going bike and boat cycling holiday across northern Italy following the Po River from the beautiful, Renaissance town of Mantova in Lombardy to Venice on the Adriatic coast. Enjoy daily rides through tranquil countryside, passing through charming villages and wonderful cities of art and culture.
Easy cycling along quiet lanes and river paths characterises this popular cycle cruising holiday, offering a satisfying mix of natural beauty and Italian Renaissance culture. Highlights include Mantova, one of the most important cities of the Renaissance where the ego and wealth of the Gonzaga family is reflected in the town’s ornate palaces and beautiful piazzas. The twisting, medieval, cobbled streets of bustling Ferrara are another high-point as is the town’s impressive castle complete with drawbridge and moat.
Post ride drinks on the Ave Maria at Zelo.
The route also reveals stunning natural beauty too such as the untouched splendour of the Po delta wetlands and the ethereal serenity of the Venetian Lagoon.
Venice provides a fitting finale to this magical cycling adventure. St Mark’s square and bobbing gondolas greet us as we enter the unique city by boat from her best side – the seaward side.
On this tour you can choose between two different vessels. The Vita Pugna is a traditional Dutch barge offering a cosy, convivial atmosphere with simple but comfortable cabins. The Ave Maria is a larger boat with more modern facilities and cabins. More details on both boats can be found on the ‘Practical Information’ page.