Venice and its islands, from beach to beach
The lightest cycling holiday, covering largely flat terrain, suitable for everyone and people of all ages; with distances to 45 kilometers. You spend about 4 hours on your bicycle.
Discover beaches, islands, and unexpected corners where time seems to slow down, like in Lio Piccolo. Every day brings a new beach: between stretches by boat and pedaling by bike, there is plenty of room for swims and relaxed moments on the long sandy shores of Pellestrina, the Bacan, the Lido, and Cavallino.
By bike, you will also explore the islands of Albarella and Sant’Erasmo, riding along the water’s edge on the Via delle Valli and the river Sile all the way to Treviso/Venice.
• Plenty of swims and relaxation between the sea and sandy beaches
• Venice in summer and its islands: Burano, Murano, Albarella
• Traditional onboard cuisine, with local recipes and fresh, regional ingredients
We welcome you aboard your new home-from-home from 5.00 p.m. onwards, and then regroup for the introductory briefing – at 6.00 p.m. – with your tour leader and crew, along with a first refreshing aperitivo. After dinner on board, we can stroll into town and savour the historic centre at its most evocative: Benvenuti a Treviso!
Bid farewell to Treviso and set off by bike, following the Sile River along its towpaths toward Portegrandi. Then arrive at the evocative Cimitero dei Burci in Casier, where you can see the half-sunken remains of these large wooden boats, once used until the 1970s to transport goods along the Sile. Depending on the day’s schedule, stop for a refreshing swim at the Casale sul Sile outdoor pool. Once you reach Portegrandi, hop back on board: after about an hour’s cruise, the boat enters the Lagoon and continues on toward Burano, famous for its brightly colored houses and its exquisite handmade lace. Tonight the boat stays moored in Burano or nearby.
Beach of the day: how about a dip in the pool?
The day begins with a short cruise to the island of Sant’Erasmo, the second largest after Venice itself and known as “the Venetians’ vegetable garden.” Here you’ll find vegetable fields, fruit orchards, and vineyards, which also produce a white wine called “Orto di Venezia” in tribute to the island. But the true star is the purple artichoke of Sant’Erasmo, a prized crop harvested in spring that in summer covers the island in beautiful purple blooms. A stop at Bacan beach is a must: enjoy some time on this beach, popular mainly with locals. Tonight the boat stays moored in Burano or nearby.
Beach of the day: Bacan
Enjoy the cruise to Murano, where you have the chance to step inside a historic glassworks and watch a demonstration of the centuries-old art of glassblowing. Then it’s time to hop on your bike and discover two islands with very different personalities: first the Lido, home to the Venice Film Festival, with its Belle Époque hotels and elegant beach clubs, then Pellestrina, a genuine fishing village with brightly colored houses. There is also time for a refreshing swim: the beach is just steps from where the boat is moored!
Beach of the day: Pellestrina
Today the boat carries you to Cavanella d’Adige, where you disembark and cycle to the island of Albarella. Here there’s time for a swim before setting off again on a short cruise to Moceniga, the starting point of today’s bike leg along the Via delle Valli, one of the most spectacular cycling routes in Italy and Europe! Ride along the embankment, passing distinctive “water gardens,” elegant “casoni” fishing huts, and traditional “cavane” boat shelters. The ride continues on to Chioggia, the “Little Venice” with its colorful fishing quarter. After visiting the historic center, return to Pellestrina for the night.
Beach of the day: Albarella
After breakfast, the boat takes you to Punta Sabbioni, the tip of the Cavallino-Treporti peninsula, where the lagoon meets the sea. Disembark with your bikes and venture into the small islands and canals of Lio Piccolo, a magical lagoon hamlet of vegetable gardens and fish farms. Continue cycling on a scenic ride along the water’s edge on the brand-new cantilevered cycle path over the lagoon. After the ride, plenty of swimming awaits at Cavallino, one of the best-loved beaches in this area. Then the barge takes you back to Venice. Tonight dinner is not included.
Beach of the day: Cavallino
Following a wander off the beaten track with your tour leader you have the day free to enjoy the city at your own pace. Christened La Serenissima ("The Most Serene"), the Venetian Republic held sway over much of the Mediterranean (and beyond) for centuries – both as a military power and a beacon of culture. And to round off the day, why not take a dip? The beaches of the Lido are just a vaporetto ride away.
Beach of the day: Lido di Venezia
Departure after breakfast.
Cycling from Treviso to Venice
Route profile
Total length: 180 km
Level: easy
Terrain: 75% tarmac, 25% unpaved
Summary: The bike week takes place on paved and unpaved bike paths along rivers and canals, or on quiet country roads. The boat is moored at night and usually moves after breakfast. Some parts of the route take place by boat, to allow easier access to the bike paths or simply to enjoy the cruising. This tour can either be self-guided or guided: choose to cycle at your own pace using our detailed App, or with the whole group following the tour leader.
Tour programme variations: The navigation takes place along the Canale di Valle, the Venice Lagoon and the River Sile. Due to organizational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the holiday. Issues with high and low water, as well as logistic obstacles such as officially ordered - previously not announced - repair work on locks or bridges can modify some of the daily stretches or overnight stays and may even request a transfer by bus. These decisions are only taken by the barge’s captain.
If you are vegetarian/vegan, gluten-intolerant or allergic to some specific ingredients/substances please indicate it at the moment of booking.
A supplement applies for gluten-free, dairy-free, lactose-free or vegan diets (to be paid in advance).
Once on board, make sure that the kitchen staff is aware of your allergies, in order to avoid unpleasant situations.
Saturday is the day of arrival on board and you will start cycling the following day. On the day of arrival you can leave the luggage on board anytime during the day but cabins will be available from 4.30 p.m. At 6.30 p.m. a meeting with the tour guide and the crew is scheduled. The departing harbour in Mantua is located in Porto Catena.
Mantua is connected with the following airports: Verona: 45 km, Venice: 120 km, Treviso: 130 km, Bergamo: 150 km, Milan: 180 km. VERONA VILLAFRANCA CATULLO (VRN) - www.aeroportoverona.it
Connection shuttle bus + train: from airport to Verona train station: every day the Aerobus shuttle service leaves MILANO MALPENSA (MXP) - www.milanomalpensa-airport.com
Connection by shuttle bus/train + train: - from airport to Milano Centrale train station: the Malpensa Express train leaves every 30 minutes from 5:43 a.m. to 09:43 p.m. and at 10:43 p.m. (transfer: ca. 50
min; ticket: 13 €). There is also the Malpensa shuttle bus, which leaves from the airport about every 20 minutes, from 5 a.m. to 1.20 a.m. (transfer: ca. 60/70 minutes; ticket: 10 €); - from Milano Centrale train station to Mantua: direct connections or with change in Verona Porta Nuova (transfer approx. 120/150 min, ticket about 11-35 € depending on the type of train).
For further information on timetables and prices you can consult the following website: www.trenitalia.com.
The city of Mantua is located near the Brennero highway A22. You can park your car in Mantua in several parkings. From these parkings you can walk to the harbour (about 20 min. from the farthest parking) or you can take a taxi.
You will have to leave the boat after breakfast, no later than 9.00 a.m. At the check-out you must return the keys of the cabin to the crew and pay the extra drinks (cash or by credit card). Please remember also to return the books and/or brochures you used for consultation. At the end of the tour - if you need to return to Mantua, the easiest and cheapest way is to take the train.The towns of Mantua and Venice/Mestre are well connected by train, there are about 15 trains per day between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. There are no direct connections, you always have to change in Verona Porta Nuova or Monselice.The transfer takes approx. 2.5/3.5 hours and costs about 20-35 € per person depending on the type of train. For further information on times and costs please consult the website www.trenitalia.com.
Private transfer: it must be requested and paid at the booking time (quotations on request).
On this tour the following barges are scheduled
This barge has been completely designed by a renowned architectural Italian firm in order to meet the highest client’s’ requests. Its shapes, colours and materials have been chosen carefully in order to create a warm, sober and yet sophisticated atmosphere. Read more....
On board the Vita Pugna the friendly crew creates a cozy atmosphere. 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 the bike. Read more....
The Ave Maria Portegrandi is an elegant, latest-generation electric river barge, built in Italy and sails between Mantua and Venice. Read more...
Rental bikes are available in different sizes in unisex model:
- Touring bike 27-gear Shimano Deore
- E-bike 9-gear Shimano
Own bicycles are not allowed on board.
Limited availability for E-bikes.
Features:
Accessories
All rented adult bikes are equipped with:
Important notes
In order to cycle smoothly following our App, we recommend you to bring a holder for your mobile phone to be fixed on the handlebar, as well as a power bank (even if the App can be used offline, too).
By this tour you can rent the following bikes:
A low entry unisex frame, ideal for an upright but relaxed riding position.
Unisex low-entry frame. Bosch motor. Range: approx 90 km (flat terrain, average speed).
Imagine a floating hotel sailing to the next stage, while you are calmly pedalling along. No lugging of luggage: that is exactly what Bike & Barge is all about! In the pleasant atmosphere on board you can have a chat, go through the day with the others, and enjoy the meals prepared specially for cyclists. In the evenings you can enjoy a drink in the salon or admire the setting sun on deck. Do not expect a cruise ship with its passive luxury. The Bike & Barge Holidays are for people who really enjoy the physical activity of cycling and who value sociability more than wholesale luxury.
Free WiFi is (limited) available in lounge and on deck.
Most cabins are 2-person cabins (twin or double), but some barges also have single and triple cabins. All cabins have airconditioning; central heating and a porthole or window; they are provided with running water (hot and cold), private shower/toilet and 220 voltage. Hair-dryers are available on request. The cabins on the Ave Maria also have a safety deposit box. There is limited storage space in the cabins. We recommend 1 suitcase per person. You can slide the suitcase under the bed.
The captain/skipper, the chef and your tour guide all welcome you warmly. They are prepared specifically for these trips and will provide good and safe passage, good meals, and a friendly, pleasant atmosphere. They will, of course, also give you a great deal of interesting information during and after the cycling and sailing. The skipper is responsible for the smooth running of things on board; the cook is in charge of the catering. The tour leaders are experienced enthusiastic travelers who have a true passion for sharing their love of the outdoors, peoples, cultures and local food. Thanks to their knowledge of the territory, they can give you useful hints and help you appreciate the place you are visiting. Of course they love cycling and will be happy to give you some advice on how to correctly use the bicycle gears and whenever necessary they can fix a flat tyre. They are all multi-lingual, and speak at least English and German.
Your chef is used to cook delicious meals for hungry cyclists. Besides an extensive breakfast, you will also be offered a packed lunch for on the road. It consists of different types of bread and sandwich fillings, juice, a snack and a piece of fruit. Lunch package needs to be prepared by yourself after breakfast. Dinner is different every day. There is a first course, main course and dessert The meals on board are included in the price, as are coffee and tea. Soft drinks and alcoholic drinks can be obtained at a reasonable charge. When you return on board after the day’s cycling, a cup of tea or coffee with a biscuit will be waiting for you.
If you have special meal requirements we ask you to mention this when booking, but at the latest until 21 days before arrival. Diets which need a special preparation or special ingredients can only be offered in limited form. We will do our best to meet your needs, but we also ask for your understanding as due to limited logistic possibilities on a barge we are not able to prepare complete specialized menus.
In case of Celiac; gluten free, lactose free and vegan diets there is an additional charge.
One of the most attractive aspects of the Bike & Barge holidays is that you encounter an international company on board. It’s a great opportunity for you to get to know various cultures at the same time! We have people of all ages, solo travelers, couples and also families with children (during the school holidays).
Before your arrival, you will receive an email from us with the digital information material. It contains:
1. Link to download the App including maps, points of interest and GPS tracks (you can use the App offline, too)
2. Link to download the tour information material in Pdf:
No, the barge does not follow the same route as the cyclists. Sometimes the route may need to be adjusted due to weather conditions or repairs to bridges or locks. In those cases, the guests and the guide can coordinate with the skipper to meet at a different location. Of course, you can always choose to stay on board for one or more days.
The size of the group depends on the barge scheduled on the tour. The capacity of the barges varies between 10 and 170 participants, but on most barges the capacity is between 10 and 24 people.
However, on the larger barges a guided cycling group never consists of more than 26 people.
Most participants simply put on their rain gear and try to make the best out of it, unfortunately the weather cannot be controlled. If the weather becomes so bad that cycling is truly impossible, which almost never happens, you can stay on board or your guide can arrange an alternative program, such as cultural excursions or city tours (at your own expense).
The average age of our guests ranges from 50 to 80, although we certainly welcome both younger and older participants as well. During school holidays, it is also possible that children may join the tour.
The main countries represented by our cycling guests are: United States and Canada. We also receive guests from United Kingdom, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Australia and New Zealand. The common language on board is English.