Italy by Bike and Barge

A voyage of discovery along Italian canals and rivers, onboard a piece of Holland.

Welcome to Hooked on Cycling holidays and our cycling holidays in Italy. This biking vacation in Italy is a bike and barge guided cycle tour. Overnight you sleep on a barge and during the day cycle to a new location to re-board the barge again. This is a wonderfully relaxing way to experience Italy with a new perspective.

The itinerary winds its way along the Mincio and the Po rivers, penetrating through rural areas of the Italian countryside that are still untouched 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 alternates with natural canals, fishermen’s huts are camouflaged in the reeds, and bridges formed of boats reduce the distances between strips of sand. We run the trip in both directions Mantova to Venice and the following week Venice to Mantova.

Vita Pugna and Ave Maria are available from 6^th April to 26^th October 2023.

Vita Pugna starting from Venice on 20/4, 4/5, 18/5, 1/6, 15/6, 29/6, 13/7, 27/7, 10/8, 24/8, 7/9, 21/9, 5/10, 19/10.
Vita Pugna starting from Mantova on 13/4, 27/4, 11/5, 25/5, 8/6, 22/6, 6/7, 20/7, 3/8, 17/8, 31/8, 14/9, 28/9, 12/10.
Ave Maria starting from Venice on 13/4, 27/4, 11/5, 25/5, 8/6, 22/6, 6/7, 20/7, 3/8, 17/8, 31/8, 14/9, 28/9, 12/10, 26/10
Ave Maria starting from Mantova on 6/4, 20/4, 4/5, 18/5, 1/6, 15/6, 29/6, 13/7, 27/7, 10/8, 24/8, 7/9, 21/9, 5/10, 19/10.

The programme has been planned to feature the navigation along the Fissero/ Bianco canal, which runs parallel to the Po river and connects Mantua to the Adriatic Sea. Due to organisational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the holiday. Issues with high and low water, as well as logistic obstacles such as officially ordered – previously not announced – 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 are only taken by the barge’s captain.

Route Characteristics

This cycling holiday is largely on the flats of the Po Plains on mostly tarmac cycle paths alongside rivers and canals or quiet country roads. Sometimes parts of the route are undertaken by boat, this allows for easier access onto the cycling paths or simply to enjoy the cruise.

Accommodation

There are 2 barges on this route, Vita Pugna meaning, ”Life is a battle”, equivalent 3 stars, is 36 metres long, 5.4 metres wide Dutch barge boat. The 11 cabins can accommodate up to 23/25 guests. Each cabin has low twin beds and a private bathroom with shower.

The barge also has a restaurant and a spacious outside deck area, which is ideal for parking your bikes and of course sunbathing. The second barge Ave Maria is 4-star equivalent and is 41 metres long, 7.5m wide. 17 cabins can accommodate 40 guests.13 double cabins and 4 single cabins (or double with bunk beds), each with bathrooms and air-conditioning. There is a living room with a restaurant and lounge area, two sun decks and a large parking area for 40 bikes.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Hooked on Cycling that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the chosen activity and for emergency evacuation and hospital care.

NOTE: During the weeks in which departures are from Venice to Mantova, the “daily programme” needs to be read in reverse order.

Still fancy a bike and boat trip, if this trip is not quiet what you are looking for look at our Moselle Bike and Boat tour or even our River Danube Bike and Boat trip.

How to get there

By Plane To Venice, Vicenza or Verona airports where you can transfer to Mantova or Venice by train

2024 Prices – For a complete tour price breakdown please click the book now button and select your holiday tour date. Prices will then be listed.

Special terms and conditions apply:- 40% deposit at the time of booking, cancellation up to 42 days prior loss of deposit, 26-41 days 60%, 0-25 days 100%.