Bike and Barge: Mantova to Venice (MS Vita Pugna)

Transfer to Mantova from your arrival point.

The mooring point is at Port Catena, just a short walk from the centre of Mantova.

Take the time to explore one of northern Italy’s most beautiful cities. Mantova is filled with historical sites, a large part of the centre having been made a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008, including the Sabionetta and ducal palaces.

Modern Mantova is still an Italian centre of art and culture with many modern art exhibitions, and is still an important centre of opera.

Dinner is served on board the boat at 7 pm.

Spend the day discovering more of the city and its surroundings, dominated by the famous Gonzaga family.

In the late afternoon, we’ve organised a local guide who will show you the highlights of the city.

A short cruise along the Mincio takes us to Governolo, where the river flows into the Po to form the largest inland basin in Italy.

We then cycle to Ostiglia (famed for its mediaeval fortress and floating windmill), and on to the village of Bergantin,o where we visit the charming Carousel and Street Entertainment Museum.

We then proceed to Zelo, a sleepy village on the Canal Bianco.

Cycle to historic Ferrara, known as the “city of bicycles”, which has a splendid centre enclosed by the city walls. A guided tour will show you its historic centre.

A bus transfer takes you to Adria, an important port of the classical era.

On board to Porto Viro, where you start today’s ride in the maze of the Po delta close to the mouth of the River Adige.

Follow the Po-Brondolo waterway, which links the river with the Venetian Lagoon.

Stay overnight in Chioggia, known as ‘Little Venice’.

We sail for a short time and then cycle to the village of Bergantino, where we visit the charming Carousel and Street Entertainment Museum.

We reach the mediaeval fortress town of Ostiglia with its floating mill, and then on to Governolo Lock.

Rejoining the boat, we enjoy a lovely cruise into Mantova, arriving in the late afternoon. Mantova is sure to impress as one of the most beautiful Renaissance cities in northern Italy.

In the morning, a local guide will lead a tour of Venice, and the rest of the day is then at your disposal to discover the magnificence of Venice! After that, you can just stroll around at leisure and make your discoveries.

Our tour pack will include some suggested itineraries to get you started.

Breakfast on board and then more time in Venice if you have booked a late flight home. Return to the airport or stay for additional nights in Venice.

Embarkation is scheduled from 5:00 PM in Mantua/Venice. Here you will meet the tour leader and other participants. At 6.30 PM, a meeting with the tour leader and the crew is scheduled.

If you arrive before 5:00 PM, you can leave the luggage on board anytime during the day.

Tour programme variations

• The programme has been planned to feature navigation along the Fissero/ Bianco canal, which runs parallel to the Po River and connects Mantua to the Adriatic Sea. Due to organisational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the holiday.
• Issues with high and low water, as well as logistic obstacles such as officially ordered – previously not announced – repair work on locks or bridges, can modify some of the daily stretches or overnight stays and may even require a transfer by bus. These decisions are only taken by the barge’s captain.

Travel insurance

• It is advisable to take out an insurance policy against expenses arising from cancellation of the tour package, accidents, luggage (loss and damage), as well as a contract covering expenses in case of repatriation. Insurance policies are not included in the tour package offered by the operator.

About the MS Vita Pugna

After many years as a cargo boat, Vita Pugna was renewed at the beginning of the 1990s to start her new life as a floating hotel along the Dutch canals. After a famous long journey from Holland to Italy, this charming Dutch lady has been sailing with great success between Venice and Mantova since 2008.

It is a small barge capable of passing under low bridges and navigating on shallow water, typical of Italian waterways. Why get on board? For the cosy atmosphere, small size and charm of sleeping on a historic Dutch barge.

OVERVIEW

• Barge size: 36 m long and 5.4 m wide
• Cabins: 10
• Capacity: 21 guests in low beds

CABINS

Cosy and typical wooden furniture design.

10 cabins
9 lower deck twin cabins 7-8 sq.m (B)
1 lower deck twin/triple cabin 7-8 sq.m (C)

FEATURES

• Comfortable low beds (1.90/2.00 m x 0.75/0.80 m)
• En-suite facilities
• Opening portholes
• Individually controlled air conditioning
• Safe

Arrival: Mantova

Departure: Venice

Nearest arrival airport(s): Verona

Nearest departure airport(s): Venice

We also recommend travelling by train to all of our cycling holiday starting and departure points. We can help you plan your journey to Mantova by rail. Car parking is available on all tours at the first hotel or a nearby public parking location. Full details are available on request.

Please do not book travel until an official invoice confirms the cycling holiday.