Bikes and Boats in Italy: From Venice to Mantua, MS Ave Maria

Your journey by bike and boat in Italy begins in Venice. Located in the south-eastern part of Lombardy, the city impresses with a number of outstanding buildings and a beautiful old town. Embarkation is possible from 17.00 hrs. A meeting with the tour guide is planned before dinner at around 6.30 pm. Spend your first evening of your vacation having fun on board or in the old town.

The day is all about La Serenissima, as Venice is often called. Take the opportunity to get to know the city on a guided walk off the beaten track. Discover the uniqueness of Venice with its squares, churches, bridges and winding alleyways - simply wonderful! You must see St. Mark's Square, the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge in particular!

The island of Pellestrina is only a few hundred meters wide and is famous for its mussel fishing. Cycling right by the water, you can enjoy the scent of the sea and the view of the beautiful lagoon. You cross over by boat to the Lido de Venezia, another narrow island. The tour continues to the island of Murano. There you will have the opportunity to take part in a demonstration of the centuries-old art of glassblowing. A final crossing takes you to the ship's pier - on the opposite side of St. Mark's Square in Venice.

Pure nature is on the agenda today. Your boat will first take you to Porto Viro. Here you can already smell the salty air of the nearby sea! Cycle through the labyrinth of the Po Delta, an untouched paradise between lagoons and waters. Flamingos and herons feel at home here. In Chioggia you reach the southern end of the Venice lagoon. A short crossing takes you to the island of Pellestrina.

Today's stage of your journey by bike and boat in Italy takes you to Ferrara. The many cycle paths and the enthusiasm of the locals for cycling have earned the city the name City of Bicycles. Ferrara's historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and presents itself in the style of the 14th century. A bus transfer takes you to Adria. The small town gave its name to the Adriatic Sea, short for Adria.

The first stop on the boat is Governolo. This is where the River Mincio flows into the Po. You follow this not far from the shore via the village of Ostiglia to Bergantino. There you can sample a variety of regional cheeses in a cheese dairy and visit the Museo della Giostra e dello Spettacolo Popolare, which is dedicated to the history of the fair. You will reach Zelo along the Canal Bianco. Your ship will anchor here overnight.

Today, on the second day of your trip by bike and boat in Italy, you have plenty of time to get to know Mantua. Take part in a guided tour of the city, which will take you to the most beautiful corners and introduce you to the history of the city. Historic buildings such as the Palazzo Ducale and the richly decorated cathedral will catch your eye. If you are drawn beyond the city limits, the surrounding area of Mantua with its flat paths is ideal for a detour by bike.

After breakfast, your journey by bike and boat in Italy comes to an end. After disembarking, you will embark on your individual journey home.