This cycling tour is largely along the flats of the Po plains, and the daily stages vary from 25 to 55 km – mostly on tarmac cycle paths along rivers and canals, or quiet country roads. The barge is moored at night and typically sets sail after breakfast, meeting up with the bikes in the afternoon. Some parts of the itinerary are undertaken by barge, to allow easier access onto cycling paths or simply to enjoy the cruise.

Individual arrival. The cabins are available from 5 pm. The meeting with the tour leader and the crew is scheduled at dinner-time, at 06:30 pm.

An entire day dedicated to the discovery of this little visited cultural gem, its three picturesque "lakes" formed by the Mincio, and its surrounding countryside – once a City State ruled by the Gonzaga family. In the late afternoon a local guide will lead you through the most known highlights of the town.

A short cruise along the lush banks of the Mincio takes you to Governolo,where it flows into the Po and forms the largest inland basin in Italy. At Governolo Lock, once a vital staging post for local navigation, you saddle your bikes and follow the Po through Ostiglia (famed forits medieval fortress and floating mill) and on to the village of Bergantino. Here you visit the charming Carousel and Street Entertainment Museum. Finally, you reach Zelo, a sleepy village on the Canal Bianco, the waterway which runs parallel to the Po.

After breakfast you will continue your bike and boat adventure cycling towards Ferrara, another key City State of ancient Italy. You will visit this historic town and discover its little touched centre, still surrounded by the original city walls. From Ferrara a short transfer by private coach will take you to Adria. Once close to the shores of the sea which bears its name, Adria was an ancient Greek port, famous for trading Baltic amber. Its remarkable museum also bears witness to its Etruscan, Roman and Venetian heritage.

An exhilarating day of discovery alternating sailing and cycling starts with a short cruise to our drop-off point at Porto Viro and the exploration of the Po’s delta. This unique wetland park is the prime reserve in Europe for herons and home to several colonies of flamingos. At the mouth of the River Adige, which flows fast and cool from the Dolomites, then you follow the Po-Brondolo waterway and reach the Venetian lagoon.

Venice beckons, but first another world altogether: Pellestrina, the first of two
islands we traverse today – a humble and tranquil fishing backwater, picturesque as ever with its cottages, boats and 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 our barge, an unrushed cruise in front of St Mark’s square takes us to our final destination. After dinner we can savour Venice at night, now free of the crowds and at her most romantic: Benvenuti a Venezia! Free dinner in Venice.

In the morning a local guide will let you discover the capital of the ancient "Serenissima Republic of Venice", which held sway over much of the Mediterranean (and beyond) for centuries. After that you have a lot of time to soak up its timeless beauty or explore its islands.

Normally you follow the canals Fissero/Bianco, which flow parallel to the river Po, connecting Mantova with the Adriatic Sea. For organizational reasons, because of the weather conditions or according to the regulations of the local authorities, some changes in the itinerary may occur before and/or during the vacation. High and low water, as well as logistical obstacles, such as (unpredictable) maintenance works over bridges or locks can change the daily routes or landing points and may even require a bus transfer may be required. The decision is made solely by the captain.