Blending nature, culture and fine cuisine, this leisurely bike and barge tour along the waterways of the River Po offers more than just a taster of Northern Italy. It explores celebrated cities of art, one of Europe's prime Nature Reserves and a wealth of tucked-away rural hamlets along the route, rewarding our daily rides with authentic regional dishes back on board of the MS Vita Pugna. From the glory of Venice, the lagoon leads us to colourful Chioggia. Next up, the natural wonders of the Po Delta, famed for its birdlife. Then Adria, once a key Roman port, and onwards to Ferrara and Mantua – once major city states crowned by the Italian Renaissance.
We welcome you aboard your new home-from-home from 6 p.m. onwards, and then regroup for the introductory briefing – at 6.30 – with your tour leader, skipper and crew, along with a first refreshing aperitivo. After dinner we can stroll into town and savour the historic centre at its most evocative: Benvenuti a Venice!
Today you will discover the city and its surroundings by bike. In the morning you will visit the wonderful historical centre of the "Serenissima" in Venice with a guide. After that, you can take the city alone or discover the islands of the lagoon.
This is the most enchanting day of the whole tour as you cycle through the two long islands that separate the lagoon from the Adriatic Sea. From the Lido, one of the most impressive beach resorts of the Adriatic and seat of the International Film Festival, you cycle south to Malamocco. The small town was the first seat of the Doge's of the Republic of Venice. A short boat trip takes you to the island of Pellestrina with its picturesque fishermen's cottages. You can reach the ship not far away from Chioggia, a lively and colorful Fishing port.
You leave Pellestrina and Chioggia, the so-called "little Venice" in the south, along the Po-Brondolo and across the mouth of the river Adige. After you have explored the extensive flora and fauna of the Podeltas, you will reach the city of Adria, formerly an ancient Greek port.
After a short cruise in the morning, we cycle through nature in the direction of Ferrara, which is famous for its numerous cycle paths and the wide distribution who bought two-wheelers the name "City of Cyclists". You will be historical centre with its mighty ring of walls be enchanted. In the afternoon a short bus transfer will take you to Zelo, where the Ship is waiting for you.
After a few kilometres of cycling you will reach Bergantino, where you will find the "Museum des Visit the merry-go-rounds and the Volkstheater" and enjoy a tasting in a cheese dairy. You cycle along the Po river to Ostiglia, a small town with medieval castle ruins, and then to Governolo. Here you can find the Italy's largest river basin. Afterwards you leave the river Po and reach finally with a wonderful boat trip Mantua in the late afternoon.
A day dedicated to the discovery of this little visited cultural gem, its three picturesque "lakes" formed by the Mincio, and its surrounding countryside – once a City State ruled by the Gonzaga family and now considered by many as Italy’s "Sleeping Beauty". This afternoon we meet our Mantuan guide for a walking tour of the historic centre, and enjoy the rest of the day in town, at our own leisure.
This cycling tour is largely along the flats of the Po plains, and the daily stages vary from 25 to 55 km – mostly on tarmac cycle paths along rivers and canals, or quiet country roads.
Once used as a cargo ship, the MS Vita Pugna today exudes a unique family flair.
Beds: 21Cabinsize: 8 m²Length: 36 mWidth: 5,4 mDraught: 1.6 m
MS Vita Pugna
The crew of the MS Vita Pugna attach importance to providing a friendly, uncomplicated atmosphere on board – a manageable 21 passengers find space on board.
Cabins: 9 twin and 1 triple cabin are available for up to 21 guests.
Beds: 21Cabinsize: 8 m²Length: 36 mWidth: 5,4 mDraught: 1.6 m