• Meals: Dinner

Today you’ll arrive in the beautiful city of Mantova. Your cabin will be available from 17.00 onwards, and a welcome meeting with your tour leader and crew is usually scheduled for around 18.30. It’s a great way to get to know your fellow cyclists and get an idea of what to expect over the coming days. After dinner, we’ll take a stroll into town and experience Mantova by night! Benvenuti a Mantova!

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 111 Metres Approx.

A day dedicated to the discovery of this cultural gem, its three picturesque “lakes” formed by the river Mincio and the surrounding countryside.

We have a loop ride available in the morning to explore the lovely countryside surrounding the city, and in the afternoon we’ll meet our Mantuan guide for a walking tour across the historic centre: starting from Piazza Sordello with its magnificent cathedral and Palazzo Ducale, we will walk through the city centre up to Piazza delle Erbe. Here we will admire the Clock Tower, the Rotonda di S. Lorenzo (the oldest church in town) and the Cathedral of St. Andrew, a jewel of Renaissance art and architecture. We will learn why Mantua, once a City State ruled by the Gonzaga family, is now considered by many as Italy’s “Sleeping Beauty”. (The programme may be subject to changes

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Ascent: 116 Metres Approx.

This morning we’ll take a short cruise along the lush banks of the Mincio to Governolo Lock, where the river runs into the Po and forms the largest inland basin in Italy.

At Governolo Lock, we’ll be straight into the saddle, following the Po through Ostiglia (famed for its medieval fortress and floating mill) and on to the village of Bergantino (home of the distinctive Museum of Fairground Rides and its collection of street organs, all expertly restored).

But, first things first, since we‘re now in the heartland of Grana Padano (the arch-rival of Parmesan) we simply must stop to visit a local cheese factory, to sample some well seasoned Grana!

Finally we’ll reach the sleepy village of Zelo on the Canal Bianco and meet our barge again.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Ascent: 142 Metres Approx.

After breakfast, we’ll cross the Po and ride southwards through a patchwork of farmland, orchards and hamlets, as far as Ferrara. Under its ruling family, the Este, this city state attracted architects, artists and scholars for centuries, pioneering town planning principles that have been emulated worldwide ever since. To this day, Ferrara University ranks among the best, and the town is dubbed the ‘Cycling Capital of Italy“.

A private bus (and trailer for the bikes!) will then take us back to our floating hotel in Adria, an ancient Roman port once washed by the sea which bears its name.

An after-dinner passeggiata (a leisurely stroll) into town for a well-earned Grappa or gelato is in order.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Ascent: 109 Metres Approx.

After a short cruise, we’ll cycle into the delta of the life-giving Po. This unique wetland is the prime reserve in Europe for herons and home to a sizeable colony of flamingos. Weather permitting, as we continue towards Chioggia (a colourful fishing hub known as little Venice), we can also enjoy a break at a fine-sand beach nearby for a dip in the Adriatic – not forgetting a hot savoury piadina!

The overnight takes place on the Island Pellestrina, just in front of Chioggia.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Ascent: 100 Metres Approx.

Venice beckons us today, but first we’ll be heading to Pellestrina, a humble and tranquil fishing backwater, picturesque with tranquil cottages and fishing nets. A short island-hop by ferry lands us on the Lido. Fashionable in high society ever since the Belle Époque, the Lido di Venezia is now home to the International Venice Film Festival and its galaxy of stars. We will also visit a historic glass factory on Murano island, with a glassblowing demonstration by a master artisan. After rejoining your barge, you will cruise in front of St Mark’s square and continue on to your final destination.

After dinner we can savour Venice at night, now free of the crowds and at her most romantic: Benvenuti a Venezia!

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

After waking up to a wonderful view on the lagoon, you are free to enjoy your day exploring the city, with its atmospheric canals, wealth of art galleries and attractive islands.

• Meals: Breakfast

Departure after breakfast.

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.

Occasionally, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the tour. Issues with high and low water, as well as logistical obstacles such as those officially ordered – and previously not announced (e.g. repair work on locks or bridges) can modify some of the daily stretches or overnight stays and may even request a transfer by bus.

These decisions will be taken by the boat’s captain.