MS Ave Maria Portegrandi
The Ave Maria Portegrandi was built specifically for cruising on quiet waterways and offers 12 double/twin cabins (11 m²). Four of the cabins can be converted into cabins with bunk beds. All cabins feature large windows, comfortable low beds (2.00 x 0.80 m), en-suite facilities, air conditioning and a safe. Breakfast and dinner are served in the air-conditioned panoramic lounge. In addition, a coffee machine is available for your use in the relaxation area throughout the day.
Here, you can also borrow books, board games or travel guides, or make use of the free Wi-Fi. After your bike rides, enjoy the view from the sun deck. The MS Ave Maria Portegrandi is powered almost entirely by its 36 kWp photovoltaic modules and 340 kWh batteries, making the use of a diesel generator almost unnecessary. This means you can enjoy a quiet, low-emission cruise.
Tour
There are good train connections from Venice to Mantua. Boarding is available from 5.00 pm. At around 6.30 pm, you will meet your tour guide, and afterwards you will have the opportunity to greet your fellow travellers over dinner.
Today you will explore Mantua and the surrounding region by bike. On the final stretch of the route, you will cycle along the canals of the River Mincio. Mantua is one of the most beautiful cities in northern Italy and boasts a wealth of artworks by renowned artists. In the late afternoon, you will discover the cultural treasures and masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance on a guided tour of the city.
The boat takes you comfortably to Governolo, once the site of a fortress used by the Mincio river pirates. From there, you cycle along the Po Cycle Route to Ostiglia, where the ruins of a medieval castle await you. You’ll visit the ‘Museum of the Carousel and Folk Theatre’ in Bergantino and enjoy a tasting session at a cheese dairy. The route then continues along the Canale Bianco to Zelo.
Look forward to visiting Ferrara with its distinctive red-brick buildings, whose historic centre is still surrounded by an imposing city wall. You will then be taken by bus to Adria – the town that gave its name to an entire sea. Once an important Greek port, Adria is now best known for its historic amber trade from the Baltic region.
In Porto Viro, you’ll disembark and set off on your cycle tour through a stunning landscape of water and land between the Po Delta and the mouth of the Adige. Along the Po-Brondolo, you’ll cycle along beautiful paths to Chioggia, which is nicknamed ‘Little Venice’ for good reason – a stroll through the charming old town is definitely worth it. Your ship will then be waiting to take you to the nearby island of Pellestrina.
What an unforgettable experience! Your cycle tour first takes you across the small island of Pellestrina, past colourful fishermen’s cottages and authentic island life. You will then board the MS Ave Maria Portegrandi to the Lido, famous as the venue for the renowned Venice Film Festival. The journey continues to Malamocco, a historic harbour with a special charm, and on to the island of Murano, where you can experience the fine art of craftsmanship up close during a demonstration at a traditional glassblowing workshop. Finally, enjoy a last trip on the MS Ave Maria Portegrandi, which will take you to the landing stage opposite St Mark’s Square.
After a walk with your tour guide off the beaten track, you’ll have the rest of the day free to enjoy the city at your own pace. Make the most of a full day in Venice: explore the historic old town, watch the gondoliers on the canals and soak up the special atmosphere of the famous St Mark’s Square.
After breakfast, you will disembark - and that marks the end of your cycling tour.
Please note: Unfortunately, it is not possible to bring your own bicycles on this trip.
Itinerary and programme changes:
The planned route is always subject to possible changes due to nautical, meteorological or organisational reasons. If, for example, a route cannot be travelled due to low water, high water, bad weather or construction work, the captain reserves the right to change the route for your safety. This is not a legally valid reason for cancelling the trip free of charge. The same applies in the event of officially ordered lock or bridge repairs or in the event of engine or propulsion damage to the ship through no fault of the captain.
As your ship usually sails to the next harbour on the same day, your time frame for your own activities and sightseeing is limited. On some bridges, the clearance height is so low that the sun deck is closed for your safety.
Fuel surcharge:
A fuel surcharge, which may apply due to the sharp rise in fuel prices, is not included in the cruise price and must be paid in cash on arrival on board the ship. We will inform you of the amount of the surcharge, if any, approx. 4 weeks before arrival.
Map
Prices / Dates
You can also start this tour in Venice
Services / Info
- 7 x accomodation with breakfast
- 6 x lunch packages
- 6 x dinner on board (drinks are not inclusive)
- Coffee and tea on board
- Still and sparkling water dispensers
- Ice dispenser
- Towels and bed linen
- Courtesy set with solid eco-soaps (hand soap, body soap and shampoo)
- Cabin cleaning and towel change once midweek
- Tour guide
- Tour information and detailed maps
- Bus transfer Ferrara - Adriatic
- Guided city tour in Mantova
- Some short city walks
- Visit to the cheese dairy with tasting
- Visit to a carrussel and theater museum
- Visit to a historic glass factory on the island of Murano
- Tasting of grappa and spirits in a typical distillery
- Bicycle helmet (reservation necessary)
- Port fees
Below please find more information about your boat and bike trip with the MS Ave Maria Portegrandi from Mantova to Venice. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact us by phone: +49 (0)6421-886890.
Arrival by train
You can reach Mantova by train from Germany via Milan. From Mantova railway station, you can easily reach the port with a short taxi ride.
Venice can be reached by train from Germany. From the main station, Venezia Santa Lucia, you can easily reach the jetty by vaporetto. Please note that these vaporetti do not carry bicycles!
You can find the latest timetable and fare information conveniently at www.bahn.de or www.trenitalia.it
Arrival by plane
Mantova and Venice are relatively well connected (90-120 minutes) with the following airports: Venice (VCE), Verona (VRN), Treviso (TSF), Milan-Malpensa.
Parking facilities in Mantova and Venice
Arrival in Mantova:
There is a large, unguarded and free car park in Piazza Anconetta, approx. 400 meters from the ship landing stage. There is also an underground car park in Via Mazzini. This is about 1 km from the ship landing stage. It is not possible to reserve in advance
Arrival in Venice:
We recommend parking your vehicle in Mestre at the guarded, paid car park at the train station. There are regular trains to Venice Santa Lucia from Mestre train station. From there, take a vaporetto to the pier.
You will receive detailed information about the parking facilities with the detailed travel documents two weeks before the start of your journey.
Guided or individual itinerary
On this tour you can decide spontaneously on board whether you want to cycle in a group or explore the region individually. The group (international audience) is led by a trained, English speaking tour guide. If you choose an individual cycling day, you will receive a very detailed route description on board.
Condition of cycle path
The tour leads through flat land, daily distances between 30 and 55 km. Most of the bike route runs along canals and rivers on paved bike paths or roads with little traffic. In order to make the trips out of the cities more comfortable, sections are covered in the morning or in the evening by ship.
Available rental bikes
You can choose between 27-speed unisex bikes with derailleur and 9-speed electric bikes. The bikes are equipped with one-sided pannier, bike lock, water bottle and a bike helmet (reservation necessary). You simply specify your wishes at time of booking.
Own Bikes
It is not possible to bring your own bikes to this tour.
Cycling in Italy
In Italy, warning vests are mandatory outside closed areas at night and at dusk.
Extra costs which are not included in the price
1x dinner (day 2), drinks on board, tickets for public transport in Venice and the lagoon (ACTV 48-hour ticket €35.00 p.p. (2026) and the ferry trip to Pellestrina (approx. €9.00 per person (2026)) and the entrance fee to the city of Venice approx. €5.00 - 10.00 per day and person (2026), only on selected days and from 8.30 am to 4.00 pm) are not included in the tour price.
7 day hotline service
In case of chain breakdown, flooding or other bad surprises that makes a continuation of your tour impossible: no problem, we also work during weekends and you can reach us 7 days a week in case of emergency.
Passport and visa requirements
For EU citizens, there are no special passport or visa requirements and no health formalities to be considered for this trip.
Travel insurance
The tour price already includes the statutory insolvency insurance. In addition, we recommend that you take out travel cancellation insurance upon receipt of your travel confirmation in order to protect yourself against financial disadvantages in the event of travel cancellation, interruption of travel, illness or accident.
Velociped can withdraw from the tour twenty-one days before the starting date of the tour, at the latest, in case the minimum number of participants stated under the tour description is not attained. You will duly be informed without any delay in case of a withdrawal. Velociped will of course refund the paid tour price immediately. Please note our General Terms and Conditions.
I provide you with advice and assistance
Siri Nuphim
