Bike and Barge
The waterways of Venice
- IT367 / Italy
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Bike and Barge
For families Travel with children and teenagers: boats with family cabins, discounts, easy stages and the possibility of hiring bikes and accessories for the little ones.
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Self-guided or guided
Self-guided or guided This tour offers the choice of cycling alone using our App (with maps, roadbook, points of interest and GPS tracks) or with the whole group following the tour leader.
- Silver Gold
- Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
- 8 days
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- linear from Mantua to Venice
- Promo discount
- Some meals included
- Discount for 3rd person in room
Summer offer 2024
Discount of 200€ per person for the departures on:
June 29, July 6, July 13, July 27, August 17 and August 24 aboard Ave Maria
The discount is valid for bookings made on or after March 28, cannot be combined with other discounts, and will be applied to you upon booking confirmation.
Highlights
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: enjoy the view of the Serenissima (the traditional name of the ancient Republic of Venice) from your comfortable riverboat.
- The historic center of Mantua, a Renaissance jewel to be discovered
- The fishing valleys of the Po Delta, where you can't tell the water from the sky
- The thrill of arriving or departing from Venice by sea, like the ancient travelers
What awaits you
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: choose to cycle at your own pace using our detailed App, or with the whole group following the tour leader.
Accommodation
7 overnights aboard a riverboat: a real floating hotel ready to follow you during the biking stages and welcome you aboard in the evening. The atmosphere is comfortable and is designed down to the smallest detail to ensure you have an unforgettable stay. At dinner and in moments of relaxation, our chefs accompany you in a whirlwind of flavors and aromas, taking care of the preparation of traditional local dishes. Cabins have private bathrooms and air conditioning.
1. Arrival in Mantua and embarkation
Individual arrival in Mantua and all on board from 5:00 PM. The boat awaits you in Porto Catena, just a few minutes’ walk from the historic center. At 6:30 PM it is time for the welcome meeting accompanied by a refreshing drink. The on-board staff and tour leader are ready to explain the tour and answer any questions. After dinner, first walk in the center of Mantua.
2. Discovering Mantua and its treasures, between art and nature
The day is dedicated to the city of Mantua and through the surrounding countryside. The view of Mantua surrounded by its “lakes” (actually created by the Mincio River) is a spectacular sight as it looks like a real island, dominated by the Castle of San Giorgio. In the afternoon, a guided tour of Mantua, once ruled by the Gonzaga family, which made it an important political, artistic and cultural center of the Renaissance, awaits you. Starting from Piazza Sordello with the majestic Ducal Palace and the Duomo, make your way to Piazza delle Erbe, dominated by the Clock Tower, the Rotonda di San Lorenzo, the city’s oldest church, and the Basilica di Sant’Andrea, a jewel of Renaissance architecture and art. Tonight you decide were to have dinner.
3. Toward Zelo, amid stories of merry-go-rounds and old carousels
It is time to set sail from Mantua: a stretch of navigation takes you to Governolo, where the Mincio “falls into the Po,” as Dante put it. Start cycling along the Po River and reach Ostiglia, a town of Roman origin on the border between Mantua and Polesine, where the Mondadori publishing house was founded in 1907. A little magic doesn’t hurt, because in the small town of Bergantino you can become a child again: here visit the Museum of Amusement rides and Popular Entertainment. After an excellent tasting of Grana Padano cheese to replenish your strength, you arrive at the small village of Zelo, where you will find your boat ready to welcome you: just over 300 inhabitants, a church and a delightful arched bridge, ideal for an evening of total relaxation on board.
4. Cycling along the Po toward Ferrara and ancient Adria
Among poplars and cultivated fields we pedal along the Po River and discover a different way of experiencing the Po Valley, away from the traffic and noise of cities. We get as far as Ferrara, nicknamed the “Italian capital of cycling.” At the end of the day a private bus takes you to Adria, the ancient Greek port that gave the Adriatic Sea its name.
5. Wandering between bodies of water and patches of land to Chioggia
The day begins with a sail to Porto Viro in the Po Delta. From here you begin pedaling through the fishing valleys into a magical world of bodies of water and low vegetation. This unique wetland is the first reserve in Europe for herons and is home to a large colony of flamingos.
Continue to Chioggia and, weather permitting, you can take a rejuvenating break at the beach. Chioggia is also known as “Little Venice,” a colorful fishing town. The overnight stay is on the island of Pellestrina, just opposite Chioggia.
6. The magical border between sea and lagoon to Venice
Venice is approaching, but before our final destination we discover two jewels of the lagoon: Pellestrina and Lido.
We arrive first at Pellestrina, a real fishing village with colorful houses where time seems to stand still. Then a short ferry ride takes us to the Lido. A fashionable place in high society since the Belle Époque, the Venice Lido is now home to the Venice International Film Festival and its galaxy of stars. We also visit a historic glass factory on the island of Murano, where you have a chance to see a master craftsman at work. We reach the boat and finally arrive in Venice in style. Dock at the island of Giudecca, home to the beloved Palladian Church of the Redeemer, the undisputed star of the Feast of the Redeemer held every year in Venice on the third Saturday in July.
7. Free day in Venice
After a walk with your guide, you are free to discover the most significant sights of Venice at your own pace: St. Mark’s Square, with its breathtaking monuments, the sestiere of Castello, Campo dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo with its imposing Gothic basilica and the Scuola Grande di San Marco, now the city’s civic hospital, the famous Rialto Bridge… and to end the day, why not take a trip to the colorful Burano and Torcello? Your choice, the important thing is to be back on board in time for dinner!
8. End of tour in Venice
Check-out in Venice after breakfast, no later than 9:00 AM. If you need to return to Mantua, you can take the train. For those who can indulge a little more, you are spoiled for choice: you are in one of the most beautiful cities in the world!
1. Arrival in Venice and embarkation
Individual arrival in Venice and all on board from 5:00 PM. At 6:30 PM it is time for the welcome meeting accompanied by a refreshing drink. The on-board staff and tour leader are ready to explain the tour and answer any questions. After dinner first walk in the center of Venice.
2. Free day in Venice
After a walk with your guide, you are free to discover the most significant sights of Venice at your own pace: St. Mark’s Square with its breathtaking monuments, the sestiere of Castello, Campo dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo with its imposing Gothic basilica and the Scuola Grande di San Marco, now the city’s civic hospital, the famous Rialto Bridge… and to end the day why not take a trip to the colorful Burano and Torcello? Tonight you decide were to have dinner.
3. Toward Pellestrina via Murano and Lido
Say goodbye to Venice and sail to Murano, where you have the opportunity to visit a historic glassworks, complete with a demonstration of the centuries-old art of glassmaking. Then it’s time to get in the saddle and visit two islands with very different souls: first the Lido, home of the Venice Film Festival, with its Belle Époque-style hotels and exclusive beach establishments, and then the traditional Pellestrina, a real fishing village with colorful houses where time seems to stand still. Right here you find the boat again and get back on board.
4. Cycling through the Po River Nature Reserve to Adria
The day begins with a walk through the colorful fishing center of Chioggia, where you also see the thousand-year-old Clock Tower.
Weather permitting, you can take a rejuvenating break at the beach.
Then get back in the saddle to ride along the banks of the Po River, lined with poplars and cultivated fields. Thus discover a different way of experiencing the Po Valley, far from the traffic and noise of cities. Today’s destination is Adria, the ancient Greek port that gave the Adriatic Sea its name. After dinner you have the opportunity to take a walk through the small town center of this town.
5. Cycling to Ferrara and arrival Zelo
After a short sail, get in the saddle and follow the Po to reach the first destination of the day: Ferrara. A fascinating city of art and home to a major university, Ferrara is nicknamed the “Italian capital of cycling.”
At the end of the day, a private bus will take you to the small village of Zelo, where you will find your boat ready to welcome you: just over 300 inhabitants, a church and a lovely arched bridge, ideal for a relaxing evening on board.
6. From Zelo to Mantua, amid stories of merry-go-rounds and old carousels
The day starts with a bit of magic, because in the small town of Bergantino you can become a child again: here visit the Museum of Amusement rides and Popular Entertainment. An excellent tasting of grana padano cheese is then waiting for you to load up as best you can to reach the second stop of the day: Ostiglia, a town of Roman origin on the border between Mantua and Polesine, where the Mondadori publishing house was founded in 1907. Find the boat again at Governolo, where the Mincio “falls into the Po,” as Dante put it. In the evening we set sail in the direction of Mantua, the final destination of the tour.
7. Discovering Mantua and its treasures, between art and nature
The day is dedicated to the city of Mantua and through the surrounding countryside. The view of Mantua surrounded by its “lakes” (actually created by the Mincio River) is a spectacular sight as it looks like a real island, dominated by the Castle of San Giorgio. In the afternoon, a guided tour of Mantua, once ruled by the Gonzaga family, which made it an important political, artistic and cultural center of the Renaissance, awaits you. Starting from Piazza Sordello with the majestic Ducal Palace and the Duomo, make your way to Piazza delle Erbe, dominated by the Clock Tower, the Rotonda di San Lorenzo, the city’s oldest church, and the Basilica di Sant’Andrea, a jewel of Renaissance architecture and art.
8. End of tour in Mantua
Check-out in Mantua after breakfast, no later than 9:00 AM. If you need to return to Venice, you can take the train. For those who can indulge in a little more vacation time, you are spoiled for choice!
- comfort Silver
- en-suite bathroom and shower
- air conditioning in the whole barge
- sundeck
- WiFi available in common areas
- 10 cabins
- 21 guests in low beds
Vita Pugna
- comfort Silver
- en-suite bathroom and shower
- air conditioning in the whole barge
- sundeck
- WiFi available in common areas
- 10 cabins
- 21 guests in low beds
After many years as cargo boat Vita Pugna has been totally renewed in the beginning of the 1990s in order to start her new life as floating hotel along the Dutch canals. After a famous long journey from Holland to Italy, this charming Dutch lady has been sailing with great success between Venice and Mantova since 2008. Why get on board? For the cozy atmosphere, small size and charm of sleeping on a historic Dutch barge.
Cabins
Cozy and typical wooden furniture design.
10 cabins
- 9 lower deck twin cabins 7-8 sq.m (B)
- 1 lower deck twin/triple cabin 7-8 sq.m (C)
- one cabin can accommodate 3 people (3 low beds)
Features
- Comfortable low beds (1.90/2.00 m x 0.75/0.80 m)
- En-suite facilities
- Opening portholes
- Individually controlled air conditioning
- Safe deposit box
- Under at least one of the two beds there is an empty space for luggage storage: H40cm x W150cm x D75cm
Common areas
- Spacious air-conditioned restaurant and lounge bar area with free WiFi
- Sundeck to enjoy sailing
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
enter no. of people and see all departures
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
enter no. of people and see all departures
- comfort Gold
- en-suite bathroom and shower
- air conditioning in the whole barge
- WiFi available in common areas
- 17 cabins
- 31 guests in low beds plus additional guests in bunk beds (on request)
Ave Maria
- comfort Gold
- en-suite bathroom and shower
- air conditioning in the whole barge
- WiFi available in common areas
- 17 cabins
- 31 guests in low beds plus additional guests in bunk beds (on request)
An elegant river boat with a modern design, it sails between Mantua and Venice, following the Mincio River, the Po River and its canals to the Venetian Lagoon. It is an “environmentally sustainable” boat due to energy conservation on board, purification of dark water, and navigation that does not damage the shores. View more details
Cabins
- 4 upper deck dbl/twin cabins 11 sq.m (D)
- 10 lower deck dbl/twin cabins 11 sq.m (B,C)
- 3 lower deck single cabins 7.5 sq.m (A)
- the two single beds can become a double bed and most of the double beds can be separated into two single beds
- possible additional bunk beds in some cabins
Features
- Comfortable low beds (2.00 m x 0.80 m)
- En-suite facilities
- Large windows
- Individually controlled air conditioning
- Safe deposit box
- Under the beds there is an empty space for luggage storage: H36cm x W112cm x D80cm
Common areas
- Cozy and bright restaurant hall with large panoramic windows
- Lounge area for relaxation with a wide selection of board games, books and travel guides, a 55” multimedia screen, and free WiFi
- Sundeck to enjoy sailing and outdoor dining
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
enter no. of people and see all departures
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
enter no. of people and see all departures
Accommodation
- 7 nights accommodation
- Sheets and towels
- Courtesy kit
- Mid-week cabin cleaning service and towel change
Meals
- 7 breakfasts
- 6 self-made packed lunches
- 6 dinners, drinks excluded
- Welcome drink
- Afternoon snack
- Coffee, tea and other hot drinks on board
If you are vegetarian, gluten-intolerant or allergic to some specific ingredients/substances please indicate it at the moment of booking.
A 50 € supplement applies for gluten-free, lactose-free or vegan diets (to be paid in advance).
Once on board, make sure that the kitchen staff is aware of your allergies, in order to avoid unpleasant situations.
Luggage transfer
The boat follows the cyclists along the route, and you will always return to the same cabin at the end of the stage, so there is no need for luggage transport.
When you prepare your luggage, please remember that the space on the boat is limited. It is also strongly recommended to use bags instead of suitcases because it is easier to put them away. In case of early arrival, you can leave the luggage on board.
Luggage transportation is never included in case of extra nights before or after the standard tour.
Tour leader
- English speaking tour leader within an international group.
- This tour offers the choice of cycling alone using our App or with the whole group following the tour leader
The tour leader:
- holds a daily briefing for both guests who chose the self-guided version of the tour and those who chose the guided version
- leads the tour on bike, coordinates the participants and knows how to intervene in the event of unforeseen events (guided version)
- is available to advise guests traveling independently (self-guided version)
Tour information
Before your departure, you will receive an email from us with the digital information material. It contains:
- a link to download the App including maps, roadbook, points of interest and GPS tracks (you can use the App offline, too)
- a link to download the tour information material in PDF (Tour notes and Final tour details)
Assistance
In the Final Tour Details you will find the contact phone numbers you can call during the tour in case of emergency.
Transfer
- Bus transfer Ferrara-Zelo / Ferrara-Adria (4th or 5th day)
Additional services included
- Welcome briefing
- Guided visit in Mantua
- Some short walking tours
- Visit of a cheese factory with tasting of typical Grana Padano
- Visit of Museum of Amusement rides and Popular Entertainment
- Visit of a historic glass factory on Murano island
- Harbour charges
Cancellation policy
In the event of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances occurring at the place of destination or in its immediate surrounding area and having a substantial impact on the execution of the package or on the transport of travellers towards the destination, the traveller has the right to withdraw from the agreement before using the package, without paying withdrawal costs.
In all the other cases of withdrawal from the travel agreement, the traveller is always required to pay a withdrawal penalty. Read more
Withdrawal penalties
- 20% up to 84 days prior to departure date
- 40% from 83 to 42 days prior to departure date
- 60% from 41 to 28 days prior to departure date
- 90% from 27 to 1 day prior to departure date
- 100% no-show
Round trip
Round trip not included.
To pay on the spot
- 1 dinner (day 2)
- Beverages on board
- Ticket for public transportation in Venice and lagoon
(We suggest the ACTV 48h-ticket, 35 €) - Access Fee for the ancient city of Venice
Entry to the ancient city of Venice on selected days is subject to payment of an Access Fee. The cost is 5€/day per person, register and pay at this website. This fee is requested only on selected days and only for access from 8.30 am to 4.00 pm.
In case of extra nights in a hotel accommodation in Venice (Mestre included), after paying the tourist tax you are exempt from paying the Access Fee for the day of your stay, but you must register. - Tips
The amount is up to your discretion, we suggest 5-7 % of the cost of the trip.
Rental bikes and accessories
You can rent Girolibero bikes and accessories.
The helmet is included, but you need to book it in advance.
Own bicycles are not allowed on board.
Additional excluded services
- Accommodation in single cabin
- Extra nights
On request, in Mantua and Venice before/after the tour. Rental bikes are not included in case of extra nights. - Trip extension in Verona
Price on request including: 1 or 2 nights with breakfast in our 4* partner hotel in Verona and transfer from Mantua to Verona (or vice versa, according to the boat direction) - Everything not mentioned in the section “Included”
Assembled and serviced by our mechanics, Girolibero bikes are reliable and easy to ride. You can choose between touring bikes or e-bikes, just perfect if you don’t feel trained enough to spend multiple days on the saddle. Find out more about Girolibero bikes.
The renting of Girolibero bikes includes insurance against theft and irreparable damage.
Unisex touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
- the only one suitable with children’s accessories
Unisex touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
- the only one suitable with children’s accessories
Specifically assembled by our mechanics, our touring bikes feature components and accessories that make it reliable and easy to ride, a perfect companion for your bike tour. Furthermore, thanks to the step-through frame, getting on and off your bike is easier.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12,5 l)
- repair kit (1 per room)
- handlebar bag (1 per room)
- lock
On guided tours, the handlebar bag and repair kit are only provided to those who ride individually.
Bosch unisex e-bike
- 28” wheel
- 9 speed
- disc brakes
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Bosch unisex e-bike
- 28” wheel
- 9 speed
- disc brakes
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Our e-bike is the right choice if you do not feel trained enough to spend more days on a saddle. You can easily adjust the assistance of the electric motor: from a mild pedaling support, to a more intense boost, which is especially useful on starts and uphill climbs. The battery charge covers an entire cycling stage, or even more if you don’t use it at full power all the time, and you can recharge it at the end of the day at the hotel .
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- frame lock
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12,5 l)
- handlebar bag (1 per room)
- battery charger
- battery key
- repair kit
- lock
Handlebar bag
- dimensions: 27cm x 18cm
- depth: 6cm
- 4 velcro straps
Handlebar bag
- dimensions: 27cm x 18cm
- depth: 6cm
- 4 velcro straps
Ortlieb bag
- material: PD620/PS490 waterproof
- dimensions: 30×25×14 cm. (HxWxD)
- weight: 1300 g
- capacity: 12,5 l
Ortlieb bag
- material: PD620/PS490 waterproof
- dimensions: 30×25×14 cm. (HxWxD)
- weight: 1300 g
- capacity: 12,5 l
Waterproof side bag whose compact size makes it the ideal partner for short trips or shopping. Through the QL1 mounting system, it can be quickly and easily attached to the bike.
Repair Kit
Kit includes:
- 1 pump
- 1 inner tube
- 2 allen keys
- tyre levers
- patch
- glue
Repair Kit
Kit includes:
- 1 pump
- 1 inner tube
- 2 allen keys
- tyre levers
- patch
- glue
A repair kit (one for every two bikes) containing what is needed to change the inner tube in case of a puncture is provided for each reservation.
Mobile phone holder, which one to choose?
- Girolibero handlebar bag
- Generic phone holders
- SP Connect™ mount, the best on the market
Mobile phone holder, which one to choose?
- Girolibero handlebar bag
- Generic phone holders
- SP Connect™ mount, the best on the market
To attach your smartphone to the handlebar you have 3 options:
- use the Girolibero handlebar bag supplied free of charge (1 per room)
- buy a mobile phone holder in sports shops or major e-commerce outlets: for € 18-25 we recommend the models that clamp your mobile phone and its case like a vise.
- order the best product on the market, SP Connect™ with a special discount. The SP Connect™ mount is attached to the handlebar and works only with a special phone case. This case, which can also be used in everyday life, is slightly thicker than normal cases and is fixed to the handlebar mount with a simple click. The main advantage is that it is easy to attach and remove your phone, so you can immediately use it to take pictures or make calls, as well as grab it quickly when you want to stop cycling and have a break. Also, there are many other available accessories, including those for your car and writing desk. We recommend the Velcro Universal Mount SPC+ which costs € 29.90, which you can buy with a special 20% discount. The compatible phone case must be purchased separately and the price varies depending on your phone model. Visit the official SP Connect™ website and use the discount code TRAVEL20, which applies to all products.
Riccardo Tamani
Sara Visentin
Filippo Bonafè
Route profile
- Total length: 185 km (direction Mantua - Venice) / 200 km (direction Venice - Mantua)
- Terrain: 90% paved, 10% unpaved
Embarkation
Embarkation is scheduled from 5:00 PM in Mantua/Venice. Here you will meet the tour leader and other participants. At 6.30 PM a meeting with the tour leader and the crew is scheduled.
If you arrive before 5:00 PM, you can leave the luggage on board anytime during the day.
How to get there
A) Direction Mantua-Venice
Mantua is the starting point of the tour to be reached independently.
Before departure we will send you the instructions on how to reach the embarkation point.
By plane
Mantua is connected with the following airports: Verona: 45 km, Venice: 120 km, Treviso: 130 km, Bologna: 110 km, Bergamo: 150 km, Milano Malpensa: 180 km.
From Verona airport (VRN):
- Airlink shuttle bus until Verona Porta Nuova train station (approx. 15 min.). From here direct train to Mantua (approx. 45 min.)
- alternatively, taxi from airport to Mantua
From Venice airport (VCE):
- ATVO shuttle service or bus ACTV line 15 to Venezia Mestre train station (approx. 25 min.). From here train to Mantua with a change in Verona Porta Nuova or Monselice (approx. 2.5/3 hours).
From Treviso airport (TSF):
- ATVO shuttle service to Venezia Mestre train station (approx. 1 hour). From here train to Mantua with a change in Verona Porta Nuova or Monselice (approx. 2.5/3 hours).
From Bergamo airport (BGY):
- shuttle bus from airport to Brescia train station (approx. 1 hour). From here train to Mantua with one change (approx. 2/2.5 hours)
From Milano Malpensa airport (MXP):
- train from the airport to Milano centrale (approx. 1 hour). From here train to Mantua (direct connection or with change in Verona Porta Nuova, approx. 2/2.5 hours)
From Bologna airport (BLQ):
- train Marconi express to Bologna Centrale train station. From here train to Mantua train station (cirect or with a change, approx. 1,5 hours)
For an overview of prices, airlines and flight schedules we suggest rome2rio.com or Google Maps, which also show options via train or bus, even for the last mile. For reliability and security, we recommend purchasing your flight on the official website of your chosen airline.
By train
For information on timetables and prices you can consult the Trenitalia official website.
B) Direction Venice-Mantua
Venice is the starting point of the tour to be reached independently.
Before departure we will send you the instructions on how to reach the embarkation point.
By plane
Venice is connected with the following airports: Venice: 10 km, Treviso: 30 km, Verona: 110 km, Bergamo: 240, km Milan: 310 km.
From Venice airport (VCE):
- water bus Blue Line Alilaguna until the stop “Zattere”. From here vaporetto Line 2 until the stop “Redentore”
- alternatively, Fly Bus ATVO shuttle service to reach Venice Piazzale Roma (approx. 20 min.). From here vaporetto Line 2 or 4.1 until the stop “Redentore”
From Treviso airport (TSF):
- ATVO shuttle service to Venice Piazzale Roma (approx. 70 min.), then vaporetto Line 2 or 4.1 until the stop “Redentore”
- alternatively, Treviso Airlink from the airport to Treviso train station (approx. 10 min.). From here train to Venice Santa Lucia train station (approx. 40 min.), then vaporetto Line 2 or 4.1 until the stop “Redentore”
From Verona airport (VRN):
- Airlink shuttle bus until Verona Porta Nuova train station (approx. 15 min.). From here direct train to Venice Santa Lucia (approx. 1.5-2 hours), then vaporetto Line 2 or 4.1 until the stop “Redentore”
From Bergamo airport (BGY):
- shuttle bus from airport to Brescia train station (approx. 1 hour). From here train to Venice Santa Lucia with change in Verona Porta Nuova (approx. 1.40/2.5 hours), then vaporetto Line 2 or 4.1 until the stop “Redentore”
From Milano Malpensa airport (MXP):
- train from the airport to Milano centrale (approx. 1 hour). From here train to Venice Santa Lucia (direct connection or with change in Verona Porta Nuova, approx. 2.5/3.5 hours), then vaporetto Line 2 or 4.1 until the stop “Redentore”
For an overview of prices, airlines and flight schedules we suggest rome2rio.com or Google Maps, which also show options via train or bus, even for the last mile. For reliability and security, we recommend purchasing your flight on the official website of your chosen airline.
By train
Venice Santa Lucia is the closest train station. For information on timetables and prices you can consult the Trenitalia official website.
How to go back
How to return home
A) Direction Mantua-Venice
Venice is the city at the end of the tour. From here you can return home.
By plane
Venice (VCE) is the closest airport.
To reach Venezia Marco Polo airport (VCE):
- Alilaguna from Giudecca to the airport
- alternatively, vaporetto from Giudecca to Piazzale Roma. From here shuttle bus ATVO or bus line ACTV until the airport (approx. 30 min.)
B) Direction Venice-Mantua
Mantua is the city at the end of the tour. From here you can return home.
By plane
Mantua is connected with the following airports: Milano Malpensa, Bologna, Verona and Venice.
To reach Milano Malpensa airport (MXP):
- train from Mantua to Milano Centrale. From here train Trenord until the airport (approx. 2-3 hours)
To reach Bologna airport (BLQ):
- train from Mantua to Bologna train station (direct connection or with one change). From here direct train Marconi Express to the airport (approx. 2 hours)
To reach Verona airport (VRN):
- train from Mantua to Verona Porta Nuova train station. From here Airlink shuttle bus to the airport (approx. 1.5 hours)
To reach Venice airport (VCE):
- train from Mantua to Venezia Mestre train station with change in Verona Porta Nuova or Monselice (approx. 3.5 hours). From here shuttle bus ATVO or bus line ACTV until the airport (approx. 20 min.)
How to go back to the starting point
A) Direction Mantua-Venice
Train from Venezia Santa Lucia train station to Mantua (one change in Verona Porta Nuova, approx. 3 hours)
B) Direction Venice-Mantua
Train from Mantua Venezia Santa Lucia train station (one change in Verona Porta Nuova, approx. 3 hours)
For further information on timetables and prices you can consult the Trenitalia official website.
Transfer
You can book a private transfer to get back to the starting city of the tour.
At the end of the tour the crew can organise shared taxis to the main airports and stations of the area, according to the participants’ requests. You can ask directly on board for further information.
Documents
If you are a citizen of the EU or of a Schengen country – i.e. most EU countries and four European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland – you are free to travel to other Schengen countries without having to go through border controls.
Even if you don’t need a passport for border checks within the Schengen area, it is still always highly recommended to take a passport or ID card with you.
If you are a non-EU national wishing to visit or travel within the EU, you will need a passport:
- valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU country you are visiting,
- which was issued within the previous 10 years
- and possibly a visa
You should apply for a visa from the consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. If your visa is from a Schengen area country, it automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as well.
Do not forget your travel, health and/or car insurance documents.
For further information visit Your Europe official website.
Always thoroughly check the document you travel with: expiration date and integrity.
Language and time zone
The official language is Italian.
Italy is in the Central European Time (CET) Zone, 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time zone (GMT), and observes Daylight Saving Time.
Internet, telephone, electricity
Internet and telephone
With a European SIM card, roaming services are free throughout Europe. Please check your rates with your mobile/internet provider before departure.
The international phone prefix for Italy is +39.
Emergency telephone numbers
112 – Common Emergency Number. This is the European emergency number which can be called in any emergency from any telephone (landline and mobile phone). Calls are free.
113 – Police Help Number
115 – Fire Department
118 – Medical Emergencies
Electricity
The Italian electrical net is 220V – 50Hz.
Sockets are Schuko bipolar and comply with European regulations. In most hotels you will find adaptors for different types of plugs.
Currency
The currency in Italy is the euro (€).
Equipment and clothing
Luggage
- Bags instead of suitcases (space on board is limited)
Cycling essentials
- handlebar mobile phone holder (we recommend the SP Connect™ system: if you buy it online you get a 20% discount using the code TRAVEL20)
- a power bank
- comfortable shoes with stiff soles
- padded cycling shorts
- a reusable water bottle
Personal equipment
- basic first aid kit which includes sticky bandages, gauze, and low-grade disinfectant
- sunglasses for eye protection
- protective sun lotion
- insect repellent
Clothes
- light weight waterproof/windproof tops
- leggings and long-sleeved tops for cooler mornings or evenings
- small close-fitting rucksack to carry small items during the day while cycling
- swimsuit
- clothes to cover your shoulders when you visit churches
Read carefully
Tour programme variations
- The programme has been planned to feature navigation along the Fissero/ Bianco canal, which runs parallel to the Po river and connects Mantua to the Adriatic Sea. Due to organisational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the holiday.
- Issues with high and low water, as well as logistic obstacles such as officially ordered – previously not announced – repair work on locks or bridges can modify some of the daily stretches or overnight stays and may even request a transfer by bus. These decisions are only taken by the barge’s captain.
Travel insurance
- It is advisable to take out an insurance policy against expenses arising from cancellation of the tour package, accidents, luggage (loss and damage), as well as a contract covering expenses in case of repatriation. Insurance policies are not included in the tour package offered by the operator.
Anna
Published: 17 Aug 2023
Annalisa
Published: 27 Jul 2023
Georgia
Published: 24 Sep 2021
Relaxed, fun ride through a couple of beautiful cities, with Venice as the end prize.
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