Veneto Bike & Boat
8 Days Starting in Venice, Italy and ending in Mantua, Italy
Visiting: Venice, Po Delta, Ferrara, Mantua
Tour operator:
Tour code:
VEB
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 21
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the Veneto Bike & Boat tour, exploring the enchanting landscapes and historic cities of Italy. Begin your adventure in the magical city of Venice, where you can wander through its romantic streets and visit a historic glass factory on Murano island. Cycle through the picturesque islands of Lido and Pellestrina, and traverse the natural reserves of the Po Delta, home to herons and flamingos. Discover the walled city of Ferrara, renowned for its rich history and architecture, and explore the Renaissance town of Mantova. Enjoy the comfort and hospitality of a barge, with private cabins and delicious meals, as you soak up the beauty and culture of this stunning region.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Venice
Location: Venice
Accommodation Name: boat
Meals Included: Dinner
Make your own way to Venice. The boat is moored at Giudecca island, not far from St Mark’s Square and the cabins are available from 6:00pm (5pm in 2025). The meeting with the tour leader and crew will be at 6:30pm, just before dinner. After dinner, savour Venice at night, now free of the crowds and at her most romantic.
When you arrive in Venice, we recommend buying the 48 (or 72) hour ferry ticket - from the ACTV ticket office at the airport Marco Polo or in Piazzale Roma. You must validate the ticket before boarding the ferry and it will then be valid for the next 48 hours. You will need it on day 3 for the ferry en route to Chioggia.
Day 2 : Discover The Magic Of Venice On Foot
Location: Venice
Accommodation Name: boat
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning join your tour leader on foot and off the beaten track to uncover 'La Serenissima', the ancient Republic of Venice, which held sway over much of the Mediterranean and beyond for centuries. The rest of the day is free to explore Venice, to discover the magnificent historical centre or the wonderful surrounding islands.
Day 3 : Cruise And Cycle At Lido And Pellestrina Island (25Km/15.5Mi)
Location: Venice
Accommodation Name: boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving Venice behind after a gentle cruise in front of St Mark’s square, our first stop will be on Murano island, where we will visit a historic glass factory, with a glassblowing demonstration by a master artisan. Then our cycling adventure starts on the Lido, the first of two islands we traverse today. 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. A short island-hop by ferry takes us into another world: Pellestrina, where we ride past the picturesque cottages and boats of this humble fishing backwater. We rejoin our barge just in front of Chioggia – a bustling and colourful fishing hub known as “Little Venice”.
+115m/380ft, -115m/380ft, Ferry transfer: 15mins
Day 4 : Cycle Through The Nature Reserve Of The Po Delta (40Km/25Mi)
Location: Po Delta
Accommodation Name: boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we'll stroll through Chioggia, followed perhaps by a visit to the millennial clock tower, the oldest in the world, for some breathtaking views. Weather and time permitting, bask in the sun at a fine-sand beach nearby: a dip in the Adriatic, a hot savoury piadina – and you are well and truly local! Today our cycling route leads south along the Po-Brondolo canal, through the mouth of the River Adige into the Po river delta. This unique wetland is a prime reserve in for herons and home to a colony of flamingos. We continue to Adria, an ancient Greek port, famous for trading amber coming from the Baltics. It is also renowned for its Etruscan and Greek heritage. An after-dinner passeggiata into town for a well earned grappa or gelato is in order.
+140m/460ft, -140m/460ft
Day 5 : Cycle To The Walled Town Of Ferrara (35Km/22Mi), Bus Transfer To Zelo
Location: Ferrara
Accommodation Name: boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a short cruise, we start cycling between the Po and fields of wheat, corn and fruit trees towards Ferrara. Ferrara is known as "the town of bicycles" and under its ruling family, the Este, the city state attracted architects, artists and scholars for centuries, pioneering town planning principles that have been emulated through time. Its university ranks among Italy's best. There's time to explore the city and enjoy some local dishes for lunch before cycling around the old hippodrome and along the old city walls. In the afternoon a short bus transfer will bring us to Zelo, a sleepy village on the Canal Bianco, the waterway which runs parallel to the Po.
+120m/395ft, -115m/380ft, Bus transfer: 35km
Day 6 : Cruise And Bike To Mantua (50Km/31Mi)
Location: Mantua
Accommodation Name: boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We cruise for a short stretch then cycle through the countryside to a Grana Padano cheese factory where we can enjoy a tasting of this famous cheese. We continue to the village of Bergantino where we visit the charming Carousel and Street Entertainment museum. We'll follow the Po towards Ostiglia, a small village with the ruins of a medieval fortress and rejoin the boat at Governolo Lock. Once a vital staging post for local navigation, this is where the Mincio river flows into the Po, creating the largest inland basin in Italy. After a few kilometres we reach Mantua one of the most beautiful Renaissance towns of northern Italy.
+125m/412ft, -115m/380ft
Day 7 : A Round Tour Of Mantua And Its Surrounds (35Km/22Mi)
Location: Mantua
Accommodation Name: boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
An entire day is dedicated to the discovery of this wonderful city and its surroundings, which was ruled by the powerful Gonzaga family for four centuries from the early 1300s. We'll cycle around the three picturesque "lakes" formed by the Mincio and its surrounding countryside. In the afternoon we meet our local guide for a walking tour through the highlights of the town: Piazza Sordello with its magnificent cathedral and Palazzo Ducale, Piazza delle Erbe with its Clock Tower, Rotonda di S. Lorenzo (the oldest church in town) and the Cathedral of St. Andrew, a jewel of Renaissance art and architecture (the walking programme may be subject to change).
+115m/380ft, -115m/380ft
Day 8 : Trip Concludes
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast the trip concludes.
What's Included
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Meals
7 breakfasts, 6 self-packed lunches, and 6 dinners (does not include drinks). Breakfast is buffet style and will usually consist of bread, ham/salami, cheese, butter, marmalade, yoghurt, cereals, milk, tea, and coffee. At breakfast, you will prepare your packed lunch.
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Accommodation
7 nights accommodation aboard a comfortable barge with private facilities on a twin share basis. Note there are no single cabins; it's single use of a twin cabin.
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Bike Rental
Bike rental with helmet, pannier, cycle computer, lock, and repair kit (self-guided only). Electric bike available on request - supplement applies.
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Tour Leader
English speaking tour leader.
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Digital Information Pack
Digital information pack including route notes, maps, and navigational App (can be used offline) with GPX Tracks (smartphone required).
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Onboard Amenities
Tea and coffee available on board, afternoon snack, welcome drink, still and sparkling water dispenser, ice dispenser.
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Linens and Toiletries
Sheets and towels, use of hairdryer, courtesy kit with eco solid soaps and shower cap.
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Mid-Week Service
Mid-week service - cabin cleaning and towel change.
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Bike Insurance
Bike insurance against theft and irreparable damage (limited).
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Bus Transfers
Bus transfer Ferrara to Zelo / Ferrara to Adria.
What's Not Included
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Travel to/from Venice/Mantova
Travel to/from Venice/Mantova is not included.
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Meals Not Listed
Meals not listed as included such as dinner on day 2, drinks on board.
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Special Dietary Requirements
Supplement for special dietary requirements: gluten-free, lactose-free, vegan diets (please notify us on booking).
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory and not included.
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Single Cabin Supplement
A supplement will apply if you book a single cabin (double use of a single cabin).
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Entrance Fees Not Listed
Entrance fees not listed as included.
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Transfers Not Listed
Transfers not listed as included.
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Public Transportation in Venice
Ticket for public transportation in Venice and lagoon (we suggest the ACTV 48-hour ticket, 35 €).
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Tips
Tips are not included.
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Mobile Phone Holder
We recommend bringing a holder for your mobile phone to be fixed to the handlebar to cycle smoothly following the app if you would like to cycle independently (self-guided).
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Venice Municipality Access Fee
Venice Municipality Access Fee: see https://cda.
ve.
it/en. -
Personal Items
Items of a personal nature are not included.
What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. If you are planning to cycle self guided we strongly recommend bringing a mobile phone holder.
Accommodation
7 nights in a 2 bed cabin aboard a comfortable barge with private facilities on a twin share basis.
Grading
The tour is entirely in the low lands and the daily cycling stages vary from 30 to 50km/18.5 to 31mi. Much of the cycling is alongside rivers and canals on tarmac cycle paths or quiet roads with a low volume of car traffic. The boat will sometimes sail part of the way during breakfast or the evening meal to make getting out of the towns easier or to shorten the stages. *For safety reasons, we highly recommend that cycle helmets are worn during cycle sections.
Mode of Transport
Transportation includes cycling through various scenic routes and cruising on a comfortable barge, with some short bus transfers and ferry rides.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 7 nights of accommodation aboard a comfortable barge with private facilities on a twin share basis. Note that there are no single cabins; it's single use of a twin cabin.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 7 breakfasts, 6 self-packed lunches, and 6 dinners. Breakfast is buffet style and usually consists of bread, ham/salami, cheese, butter, marmalade, yoghurt, cereals, milk, tea, and coffee. Drinks are not included with dinners.
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Is bike rental included in the tour?
Yes, bike rental is included and comes with a helmet, pannier, cycle computer, lock, and repair kit. An electric bike is available on request for an additional supplement.
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Are there any guided tours included in the itinerary?
Yes, the tour includes a guided tour in Mantua and some short walking tours. Additionally, there is a visit to a Grana Padano cheese factory, a glass factory on Murano island, and the Carousel and Street Entertainment Museum.
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What should I carry during the cycling days?
During the cycling days, you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water. If you plan to cycle self-guided, it is strongly recommended to bring a mobile phone holder.
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What is the difficulty level of the cycling routes?
The tour is entirely in the lowlands, and the daily cycling stages vary from 30 to 50km (18.5 to 31 miles). Much of the cycling is alongside rivers and canals on tarmac cycle paths or quiet roads with low car traffic. The boat will sometimes sail part of the way during breakfast or the evening meal to make getting out of the towns easier or to shorten the stages.
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Is there any special equipment recommended for the tour?
For safety reasons, it is highly recommended that cycle helmets are worn during the cycling sections. Additionally, if you plan to cycle independently, it is recommended to bring a holder for your mobile phone to be fixed to the handlebar to follow the app smoothly.
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Are there any additional costs not included in the tour price?
Yes, additional costs not included in the tour price are drinks on board, museum entrance fees, personal items, travel insurance, ticket for public transportation in Venice and lagoon, supplement for vegan or gluten-free meals, Venice Municipality Access Fee, meals not listed as included, and tips.
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What kind of support is available during the tour?
The tour includes an English-speaking tour leader, a digital information pack with route notes, maps, and a navigational app with GPX tracks. Tea and coffee are available on board, along with an afternoon snack, welcome drink, still and sparkling water dispenser, and ice dispenser. There is also a mid-week service for cabin cleaning and towel change.
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What happens if my bike gets damaged or stolen?
The tour includes bike insurance against theft and irreparable damage, although it is limited.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.