Bike & Boat: Venice to Mantua

After an off-the-beaten-path stroll with your guide, you'll have the day free to enjoy the city at your own pace. For centuries, the Serenissima ruled much of the Mediterranean (and beyond), both as a military power and a beacon of culture, and its explorers reached as far afield as China and Newfoundland. Dinner in Venice not included.

Overnight stay: Venice

You start with a visit to a historic glassblowing workshop on the island of Murano, where you will be shown the centuries-old art of glassblowing. This is the most magical day of the whole tour, as you cycling through the two long islands that separate the lagoon from the Adriatic SeaFrom the Lido, one of the most impressive beach resorts of the Adriatic and seat of the international Filmfestivals, cycle south to malamoccoThe small town was the first seat of the Doges of the Republic of Venice. A short boat trip takes you to the Pellestrina Island with its picturesque fishermen's houses. You reach the ship not far from Chioggia, a lively and colourful fishing port.

Overnight stay: Pellestrina Island

You will leave Pellestrina and then Chioggia , the so-called "Little Venice," heading south along the Po-Brondolo river and across the Adige estuary. After cycling through the diverse flora and fauna of the Po Delta , you will reach the town of Adria , formerly an ancient Greek port.

Overnight stay: Adriatic Sea

After a short boat trip in the morning, you'll cycle through the countryside towards Ferrara , which has earned the nickname "City of Cyclists" due to its numerous cycle paths and the widespread popularity of cycling . You're sure to be enchanted by the beautiful historic center with its imposing city walls . In the afternoon, a short bus transfer will take you to Zelo , where the ship awaits.

Accommodation location: Zelo

After a few kilometers by bike, you'll reach Bergantino , where you can visit the "Museum of the Carousel and Popular Theatre" and enjoy a cheese tasting at a dairy. You'll cycle along the Po River to Ostiglia , a small town with medieval castle ruins, and then on to Governolo . Here lies the largest river basin in Italy. Afterwards, you'll leave the Po River and finally arrive in Mantua in the late afternoon via a wonderful boat trip.

Overnight stay: Mantua

A day dedicated to discovering this cultural gem and its three picturesque "lakes." In the late afternoon, a guide will accompany you through the city: from Piazza Sordello with its magnificent cathedral and Palazzo Ducale, the tour leads through the historic center to Piazza delle Erbe . Here you will admire the bell tower, the Rotonda di San Lorenzo (the oldest church in the city), and the Cathedral of Sant'Andrea , a jewel of Renaissance art and architecture. You will also learn why Mantua, once a city-state ruled by the Gonzaga family , is today often called the "Sleeping Beauty of Italy." (Program subject to change)

Departure after breakfast and individual journey home.