MS Vita Pugna
Originally, the Vita Pugna was a Dutch river cruiser, completely redesigned for its service in Italy in 2005. Its 10 cabins are air-conditioned and equipped with two seperated beds, bathroom, toilet and shower air-condition and a safe. The air-conditioned living room has 5 tables and space for up to 23 guests and
offers a cozy atmosphere. With the self-service coffee and tea machine, free WiFi in the common areas and a 42 ”flat screen in the lounge for videos you can enjoy a wonderful and relaxing time on bord. The sundeck serves as storage for the bikes over night.
Tour
After arriving in Mantova the embarkation starts at 5:00 p.m. Meeting with your guide for more infomation about the tour is at around 6:30 p.m.
Today you will cycle through the town of Mantova and its surroundings. Mantova is one of the most beautiful towns in northern Italy where many artists left their works. In the afternoon you will get a guided tour of Mantua to see the numerous works of italian art.
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.
Today you will visit the famous city of Ferrara. Its center is still surrounded by the antic city wall. After the visit of the old town of Ferrara you will go by bus to Adria. This old greek habour is famous for the trade with amber from the Baltic Sea.
You will leave the ship in Porto Viro. 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. Your ship is anchored at the close located island of Pellstrina.
What an experience! Today, the Vita Pugna 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.
Fantastic, a whole day in Venice! Discover the historic centre, observe the gondoliers and enjoy the famous St. Mark's Square.
After breakfast, you will debark from the Vita Pugna.
Please note: Unfortunately, it is not possible to bring your own bicycles on this trip.
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.
Map
Prices / Dates
Services / Info
- 7 overnight stays with breakfast
- 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 Mantua
- 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 (2026)
- Bicycle helmet (reservation necessary)
- Port fees
Below please find more information about your boat and bike trip with the MS Vita Pugna from Mantova to Venice. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact us by phone: 0049 - (0)6421-886890.
Arrival by train
Mantova can be reached by train from Germany via Milan. From Mantova train station you can easily reach the port with a short taxi ride.
Current timetable information and price information can be found very practically 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 paths
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. 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 EUR p.p. and the ferry trip to Pellestrina (approx. 9.00 EUR per person) and the entrance fee to the city of Venice approx. 5.00 - 10.00 EUR/day and person, 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
Nicole Janke