Bozen-Venice: bike & boat

There’s hardly any other region in Italy offering such ideal activities for those who love the water as well as cycling in order to get to know the wonderful surroundings. The bike trails wind along the rivers Etsch, Mincio and Po. Dive into the largely untouched nature, into swamps existing for several centuries yet, surrounded by the green charm of the pine woods; here, natural watercourses, minuscule channels and fishermen’s huts hide in the reed. Towns that seem to have escaped from fairy tails like the fantastic Chioggia, often surnamed “Litte Venice”, Ferrara, meeting point for many cyclists, the magnificent islands Pellestrina and Luido and Venice, the “City of Water”, are waiting to be discovered by you. During this discovery trip, you will be hosted by the Ave Maria. The boat, that has by the way just been renovated, will accompany the daily cycling stages in a relaxed pace, giving you the possibility to spend a few hours on board instead of cycling the whole distance. Each night, the tour guide will offer to discuss the route for the next day with you. Thus, you will always be well-prepared for the next stage and if you wish so, the tour guide will even accompany you by bike. The daily routes lead completely over lowlands. With the intention to arrange especially the ways out of urban areas in an even more enjoyable way, parts of it will be accomplished by boat during breakfast in the morning or during supper at night.

MS Vita Pugna

Originally, the Vita Pugna was a Dutch river cruiser, completely redesigned for its service in Italy in 2005. Its 11 air-conditioned cabins are equipped with two beds arranged next to each other, bathroom, toilet and shower. The board restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere. The sundeck serves as storage for the bikes over night.

1. day  Arriving in Bozen

You should take your time for the visit of the historical centre of Bozen.

2. day  Bozen - Trient 68 km

Usually along the Adige, partly through the orchards to Salurn, where the German speaking South Tyrol comes to an end. The dam pathways lead to Trento (the old part of town is very much worth seeing).

3. day  Trient - Peschiera del Garda 50 km + boat trip

At first again along the Adige through Roverto to Mori. From here the tour leads westward in the direction of the Lago di Garda. After a short ascent a descent follows and leads you via the lake to Torbole and to Riva. From here you go on a boat journey on the whole length of the lake to Peschiera del Garda.

4. day  Peschiera del Garda - Mantua 45 km

You will cycle on one of Italy's most famous bike trails today. Parallel to the river Mincio, you will pass through the village of Borghetto with its mill and through Valeggio sul Mincio, famous for its botanic garden. Enjoy the wonderful nature, habitat of swans, storks and ample carpets of lotus blossoms. Mantua is surrounded by green parks and three lakes. The town enclosed in medieval city walls possesses a wonderful flair. Loaf around the Piazza Sordello with its worthwhile cathedral at the north side and the Doge's palace at the east side. Marvel at the ducal palaces and the castle of Mantua. Embarkation will start in the late afternoon, the first night will be spend on board of the ship MS Ave Maria.

5. day  Mantua - Zelo 50 km

You'll go comfortably by boat to Governolo, to the fort of the Mincio pirates. Finally, up on the bikes and away! You'll cycle on the Po Bike Trail to Ostiglia with its medieval castle ruins. A nice bike route along the Canale Bianco leads you to the anchorage of Zelo.

6. day  Zelo - Ferrara-Adria 55 km

The centre of Ferrara, characterized by its brick-colored appearance, is still surrounded by its antique city wall. By boat, you will arrive in Adria, the town who has given its name to the nearby ocean. This antique Greek harbor is known world-wide for its trade with amber from the Baltic Sea.

7. day  Adria - Albarella 35 - 55 km

From Porto Viro you'll bike through the labyrinth of the Po Valley, an intact paradise between valleys and lagoons of the river Po. Look forward to reaching your destination Albarella, a private isle with a fine tradition. When the tide is low, your bike route starts in Adria (55 km).

8. day  Albarella - Chioggia 40 km

As far as you can see, there will be water today! Marvellous trails surrounded by water and land between the Po-delta and the mouthing of the Adige will guide today’s route. The course of the Po-Brondolo leads you straight into the heart of Chioggia, bearing its surname “Little Venice” with plenty of pride. A relaxed walk around town is just as worthwhile as visiting the fish market at sunrise.

9. day  Chioggia - Venice 30 km

What an experience! Today, the MS Ave Maria takes you to the oases of Ca Roman, a sandy island covered with pine woods. From the upstream islands Pellestrina and Lido, home of the renowned film festivals, you will cycle to the isle of Giudecca, close to St. Mark's Square.

10. day  Venice

Fantastic, a whole day in Venice! Discover the historic centre, observe the gondoliers and enjoy the famous St. Mark's Square.

11. day  Departing from Venice

After breakfast, you will debark from the Vita Pugna.

Besonderheiten

Es gelten gesonderte Stornobedingungen.
Vor Ort sind die obligatorischen Hafengebühren (50.00 EUR p.P.) zu zahlen.
Eventuelle, notwendige Änderungen des Reiseverlaufs aufgrund von Wind-, Wetter- und nautischen Besonderheiten bleiben dem Skipper als Kapitän des Schiffes vorbehalten!