VITA PUGNA
Casual Barge Biking Cruise in Italy
Mantova to Ferrara and Venice
The itinerary winds its way along the Mincio and the Po, penetrating into rural areas of the Italian countryside that are still uncontaminated, and ends in the warm embrace of the Venetian Lagoon. This territory has been reclaimed from the marshes for many centuries now and is framed by green pine-woods, which offer protection for numerous species of animals. The work of man overlaps nature in a constant game of roles: reclaimed land alternate
Venice Region of Italy
8 day barge & bike cruise
Rate includes: 8 days, breakfast, packed lunch, dinner, bed linen, bike rental, tour guide.
You can book this trip as a bike & barge trip or as a cruise. If you book a bike & barge trip, you can make a bike tour of 20 - 40 km
Itinerary: Mantova - Mantova - Zelo - Castelguglielmo - Ferrara - Adria - Porto Levante - Chioggia - Venice
Highlights: maze of the Delta - marshes and lagoons of the Po / Ferrera - old walled city / Venice - romantic city - Brenta canal - beautiful old Venetian villas
DAY 1 Mantova.
Individual arrival in Mantova, where you board the Vita Pugna.
DAY 2 Mantova - Zelo (approx 50 km).
The boat takes us to Governolo, stronghold of the Mincio Pirates: here,
you take our bikes and start our ride. We cycle towards San Benedetto Po, home
of an ancient monastery. We continue following the Po as far as Revere, summer
residence of the Gonzaga dynasty. The last stretch of road brings us to the
harbour of Ostiglia on the Fissero/Bianco canal, where you board the boat. A
short stretch of navigation brings us to Zelo or Castelguglielmo, where you will
moor for the night (overnight in Revere if the level of the Po is suitable).
DAY 3 Zelo - Ferrara - Adria (approx 50 km).
Departure for Ferrara: the historic centre is still surrounded by the old city
walls. The great number of cycle paths and the widespread use of bikes have
earned Ferrara the name of "the city of bicycles". At the end of the day, on
board Vita Pugna, you reach Adria: the pearl of the Polesine, an ancient
Greek port, famous for trading amber coming from the Baltic, which gave its name
to the sea it faced (overnight in Ferrara if the level of the Po is suitable).
DAY 4 Adria - Porto Viro - Albarella (35/55 km).
We go deep into the maze of the Delta, an uncontaminated paradise between the
marshes and lagoons of the Po, pedalling in the heart of nature. The destination
today is Porto Levante, a small marine village of ancient traditions.
DAY 5 Albarella - Chioggia(approx 40 km).
Vita Pugna leaves us on the other bank of the Po di Levante. We are
approaching Albarella, suspended between water and land, as you pedal between
the Delta and the mouth of the River Adige. From Cavanella d'Adige, the
farthermost border between the provinces of Rovigo and Venice, you then follow
the Po-Brondolo Waterway, which links the river to the Venetian lagoon. We will
stay overnight in "Little Venice".
DAY 6 Chioggia - Venice (approx 30 km).
Vita Pugna brings us to the Oasis of Ca' Roman, a sandy islet surrounded by
pine-woods. Pedalling along the lagoon, you reach Pellestrina: from here, you
ride as far as the ferry landingstage. A short boat ride takes us back up the
Lido, along the 'Murazzi', with a stop in Malamocco, the ancient harbour.
Overnight in the Venetian lagoon.
DAY 7 Venice
Free day.
At your disposal you have a free ticket allowing you to use the boat
transportation network and some suggested itineraries.
DAY 8 Venice. Departure.
