Self-guided ToursItaly
From Mantua to Venice by Bike & Boat
From Mantua to Venice, this bike & boat tour follows the Po River and the Bianco Canal for a different way to discover Italy. You ride across the Po Plain to the delta and the Venice Lagoon, alternating relaxed days aboard a comfortable boat with cycling stages on well-kept bike paths.
The route balances countryside and cities in accessible, varied stages, and ends in Venice, “La Serenissima,” which you reach from the water on your last few miles in the saddle.
Highlights
From the Po Delta to the lagoon : arriving in Venice from the water
Discovery of Mantua and Ferrara, cities shaped by the Renaissance
Mostly flat itinerary, ideal for accessible cycle touring
Itinerary
The markers on the map locate each stage approximately. They do not correspond to the exact address of your accommodation. The overnight stays indicated in the itinerary may change depending on availability. The exact address appears in your travel booklet.
Day 1 | Arrival in Mantua
Check in aboard your floating hotel around 5 p.m. Meet the crew and enjoy a refreshing aperitivo at 6:30 p.m. After dinner, you’re free to explore Mantua, just a few minutes away on foot. A fortified city dating back to the 12th century, Mantua charms visitors with its history and beautifully preserved architecture.
Day 2 | Mantua (35 km loop)
Today you discover the three lakes formed by the Mincio River and the countryside around Mantua. In the afternoon, a guided tour takes you through the historic center, one of the great art cities of northern Italy: Piazza Sordello, the Palazzo Ducale, Piazza delle Erbe, the Rotonda di San Lorenzo (the city’s oldest church) and the Basilica of Sant’Andrea, a Renaissance landmark. The rest of the day is perfect for wandering the paved lanes of the old town.
Day 3 | Mantua – Zelo (50 km)
After breakfast, the boat leaves the lakes of Mantua for the Governolo lock, where the Mincio flows into the Po. You then hop on your bike and follow the river to Ostiglia, known for its medieval fortress and the fighting of 1945. The route carries on to Bergantino and its Carousel Museum, with a collection of street organs. You’re in the heart of Grana Padano country: stop at a cheese dairy for a tasting paired with a glass of Valpolicella. The day ends in Zelo, a quiet village on the Bianco Canal.
Day 4 | Zelo – Adria (50 km by bike + transfer)
This morning you ride toward Ferrara, crossing the Po and the farmland of the plain, through fields, orchards and hamlets. Under the Este family, Ferrara became a major center of art and city planning, still celebrated today. At the end of the day, a short bus transfer takes you to Adria, an ancient port from Roman times, shaped by Etruscan and Greek influences. Free evening for a walk through town.
Day 5 | Adria – Chioggia (40 km)
After a short cruise, you set off by bike through the winding channels of the Po Delta. This vast wetland is prized for its rich birdlife, especially its herons and flamingo colonies. You then reach Chioggia, often called “little Venice,” with its canals, bridges and busy fishing port.
Day 6 | Chioggia – Venise (25 km)
The boat drops you on the island of Pellestrina, a fishing community of colorful houses, boats and drying nets. You continue by ferry to the Lido, known for its seaside charm and film festival. The route then leads to Murano, where you visit a glassblowing workshop and watch a craft demonstration. At the end of the day, the boat cruises toward Venice. Free evening to explore the city and its canals.
Day 7 | Venice
The morning is devoted to the historic center with your local guide. The tour begins at St. Mark’s Square, then heads into the Castello district, Campo dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo and its Gothic churches, and the Scuola Grande di San Marco, now a hospital. It ends at the Rialto Bridge. The afternoon is yours to explore Venice as you please. A gondola ride is an option to round out the day (not included).
Day 8 | Venice, End of Trip
One last breakfast aboard, facing Venice. This is where the trip ends, leaving you free to head to the airport or extend your stay.
Departures Possible in Both Directions
This tour is also available in the Venice – Mantua direction. The itinerary and stages remain the same, traveled in reverse.
Dates et pricing
All prices are indicated per person and in CAD. They vary depending on the period and availability at the time of booking.
Possible departures : Saturdays, from March to October
Double Occupancy Package:
- Starting from $2,060
- Discover the boat
Single Occupancy Supplement:
- Starting from $755
- Bike Rental:
- Hybrid: $210
- Electric assist: $550
These prices cover bike rental for the entire stay, including transport accessories and safety essentials.
Options Offered:
- Flight booking
- Airport transfer
- Triple occupancy on request
- Gluten-free or vegan diet
Already thinking about next year?
Rates for upcoming seasons are available on request.
The price includes
- 7 nights in a double cabin with private bathroom, on board a comfort boat
- Sheets and towels
- All meals during the cruise: breakfasts, picnics during cycling outings and dinners on board
- Services of a local English-speaking cycling guide
- Guided bike tours according to the itinerary with the local guide
- Bus transfer between Ferrara and Adria
- A guided visit in Mantua
- Visit to a Grana Padano cheese factory
- Port fees
- Taxes
- GPX tracks to follow the itinerary by bike
- A digital travel kit 30 days before departure, including the essential logistical details for your trip
- An assistance service with an emergency number
- Participation in the Fonds Plein Air 1% for the Planet program: Ekilib donates 1% of its revenue to support nature protection projects in Québec
The price does not include
- Air transportation and all costs associated with transporting your bike and bike box if you choose to bring your own
- Transfers from the airport to the boat and vice versa
- Bike rental
- Dinner on Day 2, in Venice or Mantua depending on the departure point
- Personal expenses, including drinks on board
- Entrance fees to the city of Venice (about €16, if applicable)
- Tips for the crew
- Applicable local taxes
- Travel insurance
- File processing fees of CA$75, plus taxes
- Financial protection from the Compensation Fund for Customers of Travel Agents. Free of charge as of January 1, 2024
Practical information
Bike Type and Equipment Provided
The bikes provided are suited to the type of route offered and are regularly maintained by our local partners. Each bike is generally equipped with a rear pannier for carrying your personal belongings during the day, a lock, and a puncture repair kit. Travelers are responsible for simple puncture repairs during the stage. A helmet is not always included, so we recommend bringing your own for added comfort and safety.
It is generally possible to bring your own personal bike; we encourage you to contact us to check. This option is generally available for standard bikes. However, electric-assist bikes are not accepted when the trip requires air travel, due to battery restrictions.
Guidance
On this trip, a local English-speaking guide is present with the group. The guide rides with travelers during the cycling stages, ensures the route runs smoothly, and remains available to answer questions or offer assistance as needed. Depending on their experience, they also share local and historical knowledge about the regions you pass through.
Luggage Transport
Throughout your trip, a luggage transfer service is arranged between accommodations. Each morning, your main luggage is left at the accommodation’s front desk and transported to the next stage. The usual limit is one bag per person, weighing approximately 20 kg (44 lbs). You therefore cycle with only your personal belongings for the day, generally carried in the pannier provided with the bike.
Formalities
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for participating in an Ekilib trip. It should cover emergency medical expenses abroad, assistance, and repatriation, in particular. Cancellation and trip interruption coverage is also strongly recommended. Cycling travel involves physical activity and daily movement. Suitable insurance allows you to handle unexpected events calmly. Before departing, check that your policy covers cycling as part of a trip. We also recommend checking the protections offered by your credit card or insurance company.
Plane Tickets
For this trip, international flights are not included in the trip price. We recommend waiting for official confirmation of the trip before booking your flights. You can book them yourself or ask our team to assist you with this process. In any case, it’s advisable to check arrival and departure times to help facilitate the transfers included in your itinerary.
Boat
- Length: 36 m
- Width: 5.4 m
- Maximum capacity: 21 passengers
- 10 cabins
Cabins
- Main deck: 9 double cabins with low single beds
- 1 cabin that can accommodate a third bunk bed
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom with shower, sink and toilet
- Hair dryer
- Hair and body soaps
- Porthole (can be opened)
- Safe
- Sheets and towels
- European 220V electrical outlet
Common Area
- Air-conditioned dining room
- Large glass windows
- Free Wi-Fi
- Outdoor deck with tables and chairs
Boat
- Length: 41 m
- Width: 7.5 m
- Maximum capacity: 31 passengers
- 17 cabins
Cabins
- 10 double cabins with low single beds
- 3 cabins can accommodate a third bunk bed
- Porthole (fixed on the main deck)
- Upper deck:
- 4 double cabins with low single beds
- 2 cabins can accommodate up to
- 4 people
- Window (fixed on the upper deck)
- Private bathroom with shower, sink and toilet
- Hair, hand and body soaps
- Hair dryer
Common Area
- Air-conditioned dining room
- Panoramic windows
- Wi-Fi
- Outdoor deck with tables, chairs and lounge chair
Let's talk about your cycling trip
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