Tour Veneto Bike & Boat

Meals

7 breakfast, 6 self packed lunches, 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 which will be sandwiches, juice or 1/2L of water. Dinner will consist of 3 courses inclusive of a starter, main meal and dessert and include typical dishes of simple traditional Italian cuisine.

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)

Transport

Bus transfer Ferrara to Zelo / Ferrara to Adria

Guide

Bike rental with helmet, pannier, cycle computer, lock and repair kit (self guided only). Electric bike available on request - supplement applies Guided tour in Mantua, some short walking tours

Others

English speaking tour leader Digital information pack including route notes, maps and navigational App (can be used offline) with GPX Tracks (smartphone required) Tea and coffee available on board, afternoon snack, welcome drink, still and sparkling water dispenser, ice dispenser Sheets and towels, use of hairdryer, courtesy kit with eco solid soaps and shower cap Mid week service - cabin cleaning and towel change Bike insurance against theft and irreparable damage (limited) Entrance and visits as described in the programme: Grana Padano cheese factory, glass factory on Murano island, the Carousel and Street Entertainment Museum Harbour charges Wifi in common areas The bike handover will take place on day 3 (Venice to Mantova) or day 2 (Mantova to Venice). City bike 27-gear Shimano Deore and Kalkhoff Electro-bike 8 gear Shimano Nexus Features: - aluminium frame - mudguard - rear rack - comfort gel saddle: www.selleroyal.com - anti-puncture Schwalbe tyres - ergonomic bike grips - speed lifter systm Accessories: - 1 cycle computer - 1 Ortlieb one-sided saddlebag - 1 combination bike lock - 1 helmet (54 to 61cm) – certified according to the DIN EN 1078 (CE) European standards. - Self guided only: 1 front bag and 1 repair kit per cabin - 1 spare inner tube, glue, patch, a pump, 2 allen keys and tyre levers. We recommend that you bring your own reusable water bottle with you. ____________ Useful videos: Bike Basics | http://bit.ly/girolibero-bikebasics How to lock your bike | http://bit.ly/howtolockbike How to use an E-bike | http://bit.ly/howebikeworks How to change an inner tube | http://bit.ly/howtoinnertube ______________ How to lock the bike We remind you that you are responsible for the rental bikes and its accessories for the length of the whole tour. Bicycles must be always locked and possibly secured to a pole, even for short stops. In case of theft/damage to the rental bike An insurance against theft and irreparable damage is included in the tour price. In case of careless or improper behaviour the insurance will not cover the costs. The insurance covers only the rented bikes, while it is not valid for any bike accessories (lock, helmet, panniers, handlebar bag, child seat, child devices etc…) nor personal belongings left on the bike or in the panniers/handlebar bags. Furthermore, the insurance is not valid for e-bikes used by customers under the age of 18. In case of theft the insurance may be activated only if the client presents: - a police report made at the local police office - the lock key in case of e-bike, or the damaged lock in case of standard bike Mechanical problems If you are riding unaccompanied, it is wise to know at least how to repair or change an inner tube before setting off on your bike. For this reason we provide a repair kit per cabin. We remind you that we offer no assistance in case of flat tyre. In case of mechanical problems please: 1. Call the tour leader phone number (contact person also for self-guided) 2. Communicate your name 3. Tell your position 4. Give your mobile phone number Based on the damage and on the location, the tour leader will try to find the best and quickest solution to the problem. The tour leader can suggest you the nearest mechanical shop to make the bike repairing. The mechanic will make an estimate which has to be approved by the tour leader on the phone. You have to pay the bill which will be refunded within the end of the tour upon presentation of the receipt. Mechanical problems If you are riding unaccompanied, it is wise to know at least how to repair or change an inner tube before setting off on your bike. For this reason we provide a repair kit per cabin. We remind you that we offer no assistance in case of flat tyre. In case of mechanical problems please: 1. Call the tour leader phone number (contact person also for self-guided) 2. Communicate your name 3. Tell your position 4. Give your mobile phone number Based on the damage and on the location, the tour leader will try to find the best and quickest solution to the problem. The tour leader can suggest you the nearest mechanical shop to make the bike repairing. The mechanic will make an estimate which has to be approved by the tour leader on the phone. You have to pay the bill which will be refunded within the end of the tour upon presentation of the receipt.

Not included:

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Others

Travel to/from Venice/Mantova Meals not listed as included such as dinner on day 2, drinks on board Supplement for special dietary requirements: gluten free, lactose-free, vegan diets (please notify us on booking) Travel insurance - mandatory A supplement will apply if you book a single cabin (double use of a single cabin) Entrance fees not listed as included Transfers not listed as included Ticket for public transportation in Venice and lagoon (we suggest the ACTV 48 hour ticket, 35 €) Tips 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) Venice Municipality Access Fee: see https://cda.ve.it/en Items of a personal nature Bike helmet (provided locally), wet weather gear, daypack, water bottle and sun protection. Note that storage capacity is limited in cabins and we recommend bringing a soft luggage bag. A comprehensive gear list is included in the pre-departure information provided on booking. *For safety reasons we insist that cycle helmets are worn whilst cycling.

Flights

Flights are not included

Insurance

Insurance is not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Arrive In Venice
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrive In Venice

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 Day 2: Discover The Magic Of Venice On Foot
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Discover The Magic Of Venice On Foot

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 Day 3: Cruise And Cycle At Lido And Pellestrina Island (25Km/15.5Mi)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Cruise And Cycle At Lido And Pellestrina Island (25Km/15.5Mi)

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 Day 4: Cycle Through The Nature Reserve Of The Po Delta (40Km/25Mi)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Cycle Through The Nature Reserve Of The Po Delta (40Km/25Mi)

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 Day 5: Cycle To The Walled Town Of Ferrara (35Km/22Mi), Bus Transfer To Zelo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Cycle To The Walled Town Of Ferrara (35Km/22Mi), Bus Transfer To Zelo

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 Day 6: Cruise And Bike To Mantua (50Km/31Mi)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Cruise And Bike To Mantua (50Km/31Mi)

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 Day 7: A Round Tour Of Mantua And Its Surrounds (35Km/22Mi)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: A Round Tour Of Mantua And Its Surrounds (35Km/22Mi)

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 Day 8: Trip Concludes
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Trip Concludes

After breakfast the trip concludes.

8 days tour

Veneto Bike & Boat

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Veneto Bike & Boat

Day 1: Arrive In Venice

Day 2: Discover The Magic Of Venice On Foot

Day 3: Cruise And Cycle At Lido And Pellestrina Island (25Km/15.5Mi)

Day 4: Cycle Through The Nature Reserve Of The Po Delta (40Km/25Mi)

Day 5: Cycle To The Walled Town Of Ferrara (35Km/22Mi), Bus Transfer To Zelo

Day 6: Cruise And Bike To Mantua (50Km/31Mi)

Day 7: A Round Tour Of Mantua And Its Surrounds (35Km/22Mi)

Day 8: Trip Concludes

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