ROUTE PROFILE

The tour is entirely on level ground and the daily cycling stages vary from 30 km to 55 km. Much of the pedalling is along rivers and canals on tarmac cycle paths or roads with a low volume of car traffic. It is envisaged that the boat will sail some of the way during breakfast or evening meal to make getting out of the towns easier or to shorten the stages.

Day by day itinerary

1st DAY Venice.

Welcome on board! Vita Pugna is moored at the Giudecca island, not far from St. Mark’s square. The cabins are available from 4 p.m. The meeting with the tour leader and the crew is scheduled at dinner-time, at 7 p.m.

2nd DAY Venice.

Free day at disposal. After waking up to a wonderful view over the lagoon, the tour starts with a whole day at your disposal, discovering the wonderful historical centre of the capital of the “Repubblica Serenissima”, or its wonderful islands.

3rd DAY Venice – Chioggia (approx. 30 km).

This is the most exciting day of the tour, riding along the two little narrow islands, which build the border between the sea and the lagoon. From Lido, one of the most impressive resorts and site of the cinema exhibition of Venice, you ride up to Malamocco, the first seat of the republic of the Doges. A short boat ride will then take you to the isle of Pellestrina with its nature reserve of Ca’ Roman and after the final few kilometres the boat leads you to the lively fishing harbour of Chioggia.

4th DAY Chioggia –Albarella (approx 40 km).

You will leave the so called “small Venice” going south along the Po-Brondolo waterway and through the mouth of the River Adige. Pedalling between the wonderful nature reserve of the Po Delta, with its incredible number of bird species, you will then approach the island of Albarella.

5th DAY Albarella–Porto Levante–Adria (approx 55 km).

You go deep into the maze of the Po Delta, pedalling in the heart of nature. The destination today is Adria, an ancient Greek port, famous for trading amber coming from the Baltic.

6th DAY Adria–Ferrara–Zelo (approx 40 km by bike + 35 km by bus).

After a short navigation in the morning, you start cycling in the middle of the nature towards Ferrara, “the town of the bicycles”, still surrounded by the spectacular old city walls. In the afternoon a short bus transfer will bring you up to Bergantino, for a visit of a cheese factory and a short tasting session, before reaching Zelo.

7th DAY Zelo –Mantova (approx 50 km).

A short stretch of navigation brings you to Torretta on the Fissero/Bianco canal. You cycle following the Po as far as Ostiglia, a small village with the ruins of a medieval fortress. After a few kilometres you finally reach Mantova, one of the most beautiful Renaissance towns of Northern Italy. A guided visit of the town will let you discover its famous jewels.

8th DAY Mantova.

After breakfast end of services, if you haven’t booked any extra night.

THE BOAT: VITA PUGNA

TOURS Mantova-Venezia, Venezia-Mantova, Bolzano-Mantova-Venezia
CAPACITY 21 guests max
SIZE 36 m x 5,4 m
DRAUGHT water rod: 1,60 m - air rod: 3,90 m

CABINS
› 10 double cabins (one of these can be sold as triple) of 7/8 m2
Each cabin boasts twin low beds, en-suite facilities and pretty portholes, which can be opened. The cabins can use the air conditioning of the corridor along which they are located.

BEDS

Bed size is 1,90/2 m x 0,75/0,80 m

THE LIVING ROOM

There is a spacious air-conditioned living room with 5 tables, accommodating up to 23 guests.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

› 1 sundeck
› 1 internet point with a computer available
› free wi-fi
› large 37” flat screen TV

STORY
After many years as cargo boat Vita Pugna was totally renewed at the beginning of the 1990s in order to start her new life as floating hotel along the Dutch canals. After a famous long journey from Holland to Italy, this charming dutch lady keep on sailing with great success between Venice and Mantova since 2008. On board Vita Pugna you will find the same style and cosy atmosphere of the bike & boat cruises in Holland enhanced by the friendly and homely management of our international crew. A surplus is surely represented by the high quality meal served on board. The typical wooden cabin area and the comfortable air-conditioned living room will welcome the customers for a well deserved rest after a day on bike.

NAVIGATION ON RIVERS AND CANALS

The programme has been planned to feature navigation along the Fissero/Bianco canal, which runs parallel to the Po and connects Mantova to the Adriatic Sea. A few weeks in the year, when the waters of the Po are favourable, the barge will be allowed to navigate along the Po river. This means that some of the overnight stays will be modified. Issues with high and low water, as well as logistic obstacles can modify some of the daily stretches or embarkation points. These decisions are taken by the boat's captain.

BICYCLES

Different frame sizes of unisex bikes with 27-gears Shimano Deore will be available on board. They are fully equipped with 1 side-bag, 1 water bottle, 1 padlock per bike, 1 map holder/front bag (only for Self-Guided) and 1 repair kit per couple (only for Self-Guided). Due to high transportation costs of the bikes in Venice and logistical issues it is advised not to bring your own bikes.