Veneto Bike & Boat Premium Electric

Own arrival in Mantova (Mantua) and the boat moored at Porto Catena, a short walk from the city centre. The cabins are available from 5pm. There will be a briefing and aperitivo with the tour guide and crew at 6.30pm, just before dinner. After dinner we can stroll into town. Mantova is one of the most beautiful towns in northern Italy. A Renaissance jewel, it is famous for its rich artistic and architectural heritage. Benvenuti a Mantova!

Today is dedicated to the discovery of this wonderful city, which was ruled by the powerful Gonzaga family for four centuries from the early 1300s. We'll cycle around the three picturesque "lakes" formed by the Mincio river and its surrounding countryside. In the afternoon we meet our local guide for a walking tour (approx 1.5hrs) through the highlights of the town: Piazza Sordello with its magnificent cathedral and Palazzo Ducale, Piazza delle Erbe with its Clock Tower, Rotonda di S. Lorenzo (the oldest church in town) and the Cathedral of St Andrew. (The walking programme may be subject to change). +115m/380ft, -115m/380ft

The boat takes us along the Mincio river to Governolo, where the Mincio flows into the Po and forms the largest inland basin in Italy. At the lock, we leave the boat and start cycling, following the river to the village of Ostiglia and its ruins of a medieval fortress. We continue to the village of Bergantino where we will visit the Carousel and Street Entertainment museum and on to a local cheese factory in the heartland of Grana Padano - the arch-rival of Parmesan. Finally, we ride along the Canal Bianco, parallel to the Po, to the sleepy village of Zelo. +115m/380ft, -125m/412ft

After breakfast we will start cycling towards Ferrara. Ferrara is known as "the town of bicycles" and under its ruling family, the Este, the city state attracted architects, artists and scholars for centuries, pioneering town planning principles that have been emulated through time. Its university ranks among Italy's best. There's time to explore the city before a bus transfer will take us to the boat in Adria, an ancient Greek port with a rich Etruscan, Roman and Venetian heritage and famous for trading amber from the Baltic. An after-dinner passeggiata into town for a well-earned grappa or gelato is in order. +-145m/480ft, Transfer by bus: 60km/37mi, approx 75 minutes.

After a short cruise, we cycle into the Po Delta. This unique wetland is the prime reserve in Europe for herons and home to a sizeable colony of flamingos (in season). Weather permitting, as we continue towards Chioggia, we can enjoy a break at a fine-sand beach nearby for a dip in the Adriatic – not forgetting a hot savoury piadina! Chioggia is also known as "Little Venice" and is a colourful fishing hub. The boat will moor overnight on the island of Pellestrina, just in front of Chioggia. +-110m/363ft

Venice beckons, but first we explore Pellestrina, one of two islands we traverse today. It has a humble and tranquil fishing area, and is picturesque with its cottages, boats and nets. A short ferry ride takes us to the island of Lido. Celebrated by Thomas Mann (Death in Venice) and particularly fashionable with the artists and aristocracy of 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. Our boat then takes us to the ancient harbour of Venice. We will stay overnight on Giudecca island*. Note: on arrival in Chioggia, we recommend buying a 48 hour-ticket (available from the ACTV ticket office at Piazzetta Vigo, allow 35 € - subject to change). When you take the first ferry, you have to validate it and then it will be valid for the next 48 hours. *mooring place can change +-115m/380ft, Ferry transfer 15mins

This morning join your tour leader on foot and off the beaten track to uncover 'La Serenissima', the ancient Republic of Venice, which held sway over much of the Mediterranean and beyond for centuries. The rest of the day is free to explore Venice, to discover the magnificent historical centre or the wonderful surrounding islands. Farewell dinner on board this evening.