Day 1 – Arrival in Mantova & embarkation
My journey began with a train ride to Mantova. From there, I walked about 30 minutes with my suitcase over cobblestones to the ship. Thanks to the route description I had received in advance, it was easy to find the boat.
At around 5 p.m., I was warmly welcomed by Alberto & Elena. After settling into my cabin, I met my fellow passengers on the sun deck. At 6 p.m., snacks and aperitifs were served in the lounge: Aperol Spritz, Campari Spritz, non-alcoholic fresh juice, accompanied by chips, nuts, and puff pastries with tomato sauce.
The crew introduced themselves: two people from the kitchen and bar, the captain, a mechanic, and our guide. Everyone helped with dinner—and that was a highlight right from the start:
Appetizer: Prosciutto with melon
Main course: Ravioli with ricotta, walnuts, and gorgonzola
Dessert: White chocolate tart with fresh fruit
The bar was self-service with a list for recording drinks. Every evening there was a menu presentation, always with a surprise effect and wine recommendation.
After dinner, the guide offered a first private walk through Mantova. This was followed by a short meeting to discuss the schedule for the next day. The language on board is exclusively English – those who have difficulty with this will find it challenging.
Day 2 – First bike tour & city tour of Mantova
We received our bikes in fantastic weather. The first stage led along cornfields and small canals, out of town on flat paths – ideal for beginners.
In the afternoon, there was a city tour of Mantova (1 hour, guided in English). The tour was informative, even if my knee suffered a little.
From 5:30 p.m., we had free time in Mantova. Dinner was to be organized individually – and here’s a tip: every beer comes with free snacks!
Day 3 – Boat trip & bike stage to Zelo
After a hearty and varied breakfast, we took a two-hour boat trip from Mantova to Malcantone. From there, we cycled via Bergantino to Zelo. The route was a nice contrast to the previous day, with 98% bike path and about 6 km of gravel.
Highlights:
- Circus & Amusement Park Museum in Bergantino
- Grana Padano cheese tasting and guided tour
- Coffee break in Ostiglia
- In the evening, we had a delicious BBQ with panna cotta for dessert.
Day 4 – To the Renaissance city of Ferrara
In the morning, we set off for Ferrara, a city that was already considered the cultural center of northern Italy during the Renaissance. The route there took us 20 km on country roads and another 30 km on well-developed bike paths. It was a pleasant, flat route that allowed plenty of time for breaks and enjoyment.
Once we arrived in Ferrara, we had about two hours to explore the city. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and rightly so. The mighty city walls, the imposing Castello Estense with its moat, and the wide streets lined with palazzi tell of a heyday under the Este family, who made Ferrara a center of art, architecture, and science.
We strolled through the historic center, past the Cathedral of San Giorgio, the old university, and numerous small alleys that still exude the charm of centuries past. Despite the heat, it was a pleasure to be here – not least because Ferrara is significantly less crowded with tourists than other cities in the region.
We were picked up by bus in Ferrara and taken to one of the oldest grappa distilleries in Italy – including a tour and tasting.
Back on the ship, a relaxed dinner awaited us, matching the elegant flair of the day: fresh caprese, a hearty portion of lasagna, and to finish, a wonderfully light soft cake.
An all-around successful day – with culture, exercise, and enjoyment.
Day 5 – First sea breeze & Chioggia, the “little Venice”
The day began with a leisurely two-hour boat trip, during which we saw the landscape gradually change. The expanse grew larger, the vegetation sandier – and with every kilometer, a hint of salt came into the air.
After about 10 kilometers on the bike, the moment finally arrived: the first real smell of the sea – a special moment! The salty breeze, the sound of the waves in the distance, and the warmth of the day combined to create a feeling that is difficult to put into words. It was clear: we had arrived at the Adriatic Sea.
The route took us about 8 km directly along the coast, with a magnificent view of the water. The boat trip from Chioggia to Pellestrina was particularly impressive – about 45 minutes on the water, with sweeping views and anticipation of the next destination.
Chioggia itself, often referred to as “little Venice,” was an absolute highlight: small canals, colorful fishing boats, historic bridges, and narrow streets conveyed a genuine Venetian flair – but without the typical mass tourism. What’s more, it smells much nicer here than in its larger counterpart!
In the evening, we were once again treated to culinary delights: tender artichokes with onion cream and cod mousse, fresh pasta with pesto and calamari, and to finish, a wonderfully refreshing lemon ice cream.
Day 6 – Pellestrina & Lido Islands + Entrance to Venice
The ferry took us from Pellestrina to Lido in 10 minutes. There we cycled about 25 km, past colorful fishermen’s houses (whose colors originally came from the fishing boats).
Lido itself is known as the island of the rich – rather modest in the south, chic in the north. Famous for its film festival.
In the afternoon, we took a boat trip from Lido to Murano, including a visit to a glass factory, followed by another trip to Giudecca. There we finally reached our destination port. The crowning glory was the passage through Venice – past St. Mark’s Basilica – simply beautiful.
Evening menu: Carrot soup with feta cheese and dill, roast pork loin with pesto, green beans, and parsley potatoes, amaretto cake with ice cream and mousse.
Day 7: Venice
After another delicious breakfast, the day began with a walk through the beautiful city. What more can be said – if you’ve never been to Venice, it’s an absolute MUST!
We were dismissed at lunchtime and had the afternoon free.
The farewell dinner consisted of risotto with shrimp, fried cod, and tiramisu.
Day 8: Farewell & journey home
Conclusion: This trip was a perfect combination of enjoyable cycling, culinary highlights, and the special experience of traveling through northern Italy by boat. The routes were mostly flat and easy to manage, the boat was comfortable, the crew was friendly, and the food was excellent. Highlight: Entering Venice by water – a moment I will not soon forget.
Interested? Click here for the trip: Po River by bike and boat from Mantova or in the opposite direction: Po River by bike and boat from Venice
