From the river Po to St. Mark's Square

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 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 MS 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 Ave Maria

MS Ave Maria (length 41 m, width: 7,5 m, 40 guests max capacity). The boat offers 10 double standard cabins (3 of these can become triple cabins, with a bunk bed) of approx. 11 m2, 4 double superior cabins (each of these can become a triple cabin, with a bunk bed) of approx. 11 m2 and 3 single cabins (each of these can be sold as double cabin with bunk beds) of approx. 7,5 m2. Each cabin boasts large windows, comfortable low beds, en-suite facilities and air conditioning. Each double bed can be changed into two single beds. The air conditioned living room (11 x 7,5 m) is divided into two areas: the restaurant with 33 seats and the lounge with up to 28 seats. The MS Ave Maria offers two sundecks serves as storage for the bikes over night, internet point with two computers, free wi-fi and a large 52” screen TV in the lounge.

1. day  Arriving in Mantua

The train connections from Venice to Mantua are excellent (2,5 hours, 10-15 Euro). Embarkment at 4 p.m.
Tour meeting at 7 p.m.

2. day  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.

3. day  Zelo - Ferrara - Adria 50 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.

4. day  Adria - Porto Viro - Albarella 40-55 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).

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. day  Venice

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

8. day  Departing from Venice

After breakfast, you will debark from the MS Ave Maria.

Please note:

Depending on the tour dates, the travel starts in Mantua and terminates in Venice, or it starts in Venice and terminates in Mantua.
Dates Mantua-Venice: 31.03./14.04/28.04./12.05./26.05./09.06./23.06./07.07./21.07./04.08./18.08./01.09./15.09./29.09./13.10./27.10.2012
Dates Venice-Mantau:
24.03./07.04./21.04./05.05./19.05./02.06./16.06./30.06./14.07./28.07./11.08./25.08./08.09./22.09./06.10./20.10.2012

Navigation on rivers and canals

Port dues (payable on site): 50,00 Euro
High and low water issues, as well as logistic obstacles can modify some of the daily stretches or embarkation. These decisions are taken by the boat captain.