Teachers' Travel       HF

 Cycling and Barging     2012

Waterways to Venice,  Italy

Follow the course of the Po Rover from the beautiful city of Mantova to the Venetian Lagoon passing unspoiled countryside and staying aboard a barge "Vita Pugna" or the "comfort" barge Ave Maria.

Cost per person:
Vita Pugna
Low season  April and October  715 GBP (Great Britain pounds)       Single supplement 357 GBP   
High season May - Sept             849 GBP

Ave Maria
Low Season March & April       905 GBP
High season May - Sept          969 GBP

2012 Tour Dates:  Vita Pugna starts Saturdays April 29 - 27 Oct
                             Ave Maria starts Sundays March 24 - Sept 29

Duration: 7 nights

Tour profile: Easy - mostly cycle paths along the River Po as well as quiet roads. There are some busier sections when entering or leaving cities. 

Included:  Seven nights accommodation in a cabin with private bath, three meals a day, 27 gear bike hire, Assistance of an English-speaking tour leader.

Barge: 
Stay on board the Dutch barge, the Vita Pugna, for the duration of this cycling holiday. Accommodation is in a twin bed cabin. Although accommodation on board the barge is 
compact, it is comfortable. All cabins have a private bathroom with shower, toilet and wash basin. The Vita Pugna has 11 cabins and can accommodate around 23-25 guests. 
The Ave Maria offers capacity for 40 guests.

 Meeting point: Mantova (cruise operates in reverse on alternate weeks starting in Venice instead of Mantova)

ITINERARY:

Day 1: Arrival in the beautiful city of Mantova situated on the shores of three lakes. Your cabin on board the Vita Pugna will be ready from 16:00.

Day 2:  (31 miles) Cruise to Governolo and then cycle along the Po to the village of Ostiglia. Continue along the Canal Bianco to Zelo where you will spend the night.

Day 3:  (31 miles)  Cycle to Ferrara with its impressive castle, 12th century cathedral and ancient city walls. A bus transfer will then take you to the ancient Greek port of Adria.

Day 4: (34 miles) Cruise to Porto Viro from where you will pedal through the Po Delta with its marshes and lagoons boasting hundreds of bird species. End your day at the island of Albarella.

Day 5: (25 miles)  Head towards Chioggia- known as ‘Little Venice’- with its busy fish market, narrow streets and network of canals. Cycle between the Delta and River Adige, later joining the Po-Brandolo waterway towards the Venetian lagoon.

Day 6: (18 miles)  Enjoy a short sail before cycling along the lagoon to Pallestrina. Cycle to the ferry which will take you up the Lido, stopping in the ancient harbour of Malamocco. Overnight in the Venetian lagoon.

Day 7: Enjoy a free day to explore Venice with its atmospheric canals, wealth of art galleries and attractive islands.

Day 8:  Departure after breakfast.

Tours starting in Venice

Day 1: Arrival in Venice where you will be able to board the Vita Pugna from 16:00.

Day 2: Enjoy a free day in Venice to explore the city’s atmospheric canals, wealth of art galleries and attractive islands.

Day 3: (19 miles) Cycle along the islands which separate the sea from the lagoon. From the Lido, cycle to Malamocco from where a ferry will take you to the island of Pellestrina. Spend the night in the busy fishing harbour of Chioggia.

Day 4: (25 miles) Cycle along the Po-Brondolo waterway before entering the Po Delta with its marshes and lagoons boasting hundreds of bird species.

Day 5: (34 miles) Cycle deep into the Po Delta towards the ancient Greek port of Adria.

Day 6: (25 miles) After a short cruise, cycle towards Ferrara with its impressive castle, 12th century cathedral and ancient city walls. A bus transfer will then take you to Zelo where you will spend the night.

Day 7: The barge will take you to Torretta on the Fissero/ Bianco canal from where you will follow the Po to Ostiglia. Your final destination will be the beautiful city of Mantova, situated on the shores of three lakes.

Day 8: Departure after breakfast.

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