Touring Bike
£98 for 7 days
Experience Northern Italy from a fresh perspective - by bike and boat - on this captivating journey between the Renaissance city of Mantua and the romantic canals of Venice. Cruising the inland waterways on the 3* Vita Pugna and pedalling quiet country roads, you’ll uncover the timeless charm of the Po Valley, where grand art cities meet tranquil rural landscapes.
This route offers the perfect balance of cultural discovery and relaxed riding. Explore sleepy villages where little has changed in centuries, trace scenic paths through the wetlands and reed beds of the Po Delta, and soak in the local life of Chioggia, a fishing port often called “Little Venice.”
Along the way, pause in Ferrara, Italy’s cycling capital, rich in Renaissance splendour and lively piazzas. At one end of your journey lies Mantua, a hidden gem of courtly palaces and lakeside calm; at the other, Venice - the city of marble, mystery and waterways - waiting to be savoured from a unique, waterside perspective.
Highlights include:
This is a slow-travel adventure where the journey is as rewarding as the destinations, ideal for those who love to explore at their own pace.
Select the tour you are interested in to view the itinerary.
Board your floating hotel any time from 5pm and settle into your cabin before meeting the crew and fellow travellers over a welcome drink and introduction from your tour leader. After dinner, take a relaxed stroll through Venice by night—when the crowds have melted away and the city shows its most romantic side.
Start the day with a gentle walking tour off the tourist trail, then enjoy the rest of your time in Venice at your own pace. Once a dominant force across the Mediterranean, the city still exudes quiet grandeur at every turn. Dinner is on your own this evening - perfect for finding that canalside spot you've been eyeing up.
Cruise past St Mark’s Square for a memorable departure, then stop on Murano for a glassblowing demonstration by a master artisan. Hop on your bike at the Lido and cycle along quiet roads lined with beach villas and film-festival buzz. A short ferry crossing brings you to laid-back Pellestrina, where fishing boats and colourful cottages line the waterfront. Rejoin the boat just outside Chioggia, known affectionately as “Little Venice.”
Begin the day with a wander through Chioggia, perhaps climbing the ancient clock tower for views across the lagoon. There’s time for a beach stop before cycling through the vast wetlands of the Po Delta—home to flamingos, herons and salt-tanged breezes. End the day in Adria, a small town rich in Roman and Etruscan history.
After a short cruise, cycle through farmland and villages towards Ferrara - a UNESCO-listed city known for its Renaissance elegance and love of cycling. Explore the historic centre before transferring by bus to Zelo (1h 15 min), a peaceful village on the Canal Bianco.
Today’s ride takes you through the heart of Grana Padano country, with a visit to a local producer for tastings, followed by a quirky stop at the Museum of Amusement Rides. Continue on to Ostiglia, then ride the final stretch to Governolo Lock where you rejoin the barge and cruise into Mantua via its serene lakes.
Spend the morning exploring Mantua’s lakes and countryside by bike. In the afternoon, take a guided walking tour through the elegant historic centre, from Piazza Sordello and its cathedral to the Clock Tower and Renaissance gems of Piazza delle Erbe.
After breakfast, it's time to disembark. Whether you’re heading home or onto your next Italian adventure, you’ll leave with plenty of good stories and a few miles in the legs.
We recommend flying to Venice and returning from Venice.
3-star barge
£98 for 7 days
£266 for 7 days
Included with bike hire
Venice, Italy
Getting to Venice (start and end of tour)
By plane: Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) has direct flights from most UK airports, with British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair and others flying the route in around 2 hours. The airport is on the mainland lagoon shore, around 13km from Venice city centre. A water taxi is the most scenic transfer (around 30 minutes, expensive but memorable), or take the ATVO express bus to Piazzale Roma in around 20 minutes, from where you can reach your hotel on foot or by vaporetto. Ryanair also serves Venice Treviso Airport (TSF), around 30km from Venice, with a shuttle bus connection.
By train: From London St Pancras, take the Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord, connect to Gare de Lyon, and pick up a TGV or direct Thello/Trenitalia Frecciarossa service towards Italy. Alternatively, fly to Milan or Verona (both around 1.5 hours from Venice by train) for a combined city break. Venice Santa Lucia station is right in the heart of the city, a short walk or vaporetto ride from most hotels.
By car: Driving into central Venice is not possible — cars must be left at one of the large car parks at Piazzale Roma or on Tronchetto island. A hire car is useful if you want to explore the Veneto region before or after your tour.
Bikes are not included. You are welcome to bring your own bike or hire one. Please see our bike hire section for details.
Flights are not included. Please refer to the what's included section for full details.
We will confirm your booking within 48 hours of receiving your enquiry. Please wait for confirmation before booking flights or making other travel arrangements.
Most itineraries include cycling on most days, with some rest or shorter days built in. Please check the itinerary for day-by-day details.
The latest you can book is 9 days before departure. This gives us enough time to confirm arrangements and accommodation.
You will receive full travel details, including accommodation, meeting points and local contacts, 3 to 5 weeks before departure.
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