Mantova warm-up ride
We gather in the southeast of Lombardy in Mantova, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meet at our hotel at 1 pm for lunch, introductions and a quick spin. The relatively flat terrain is ideal for today’s warm-up ride.
Mantova loop along the Mincio river
Today we’ll follow the course of the Mincio, a river which descends from the Lake Garda, on a delightful loop that includes Parco del Mincio. Today allow some time to visit the main landmarks in town like the different buildings like Palazzo Te, Palazzo Valenti Gonzaga, the Ducal Palace and the main Cathedral right before our well-deserved dinner.
Mantova to Ferrara
Today we start with a boat ride on the Mincio river and then we keep biking eastward, through the lovely Po Valley. Our destination is Ferrara, UNESCO world Heritage Site, one of the centers of Italian Renaissance history and an outpost of papal power in the north. Ferrara, with its uniquely well-preserved walls, is home to the stupendous monuments from the 13th-15th century.
Ferrara to Chioggia
Sprint eastward to the Adriatic coast today, through the Veneto region to reach Chioggia, known as “little Venice.” It is set on the southern entrance to the Lagoon of Venice and it offers a great opportunity to enjoy a stroll in town, to explore the local colorful market through the narrow alleys in the center of the town. One of the highlights todays is a spectacular picnic at the Corte Benedettina of Corezzola, to discover the local delicacies of the area
Chioggia to Venice
Today we have a short bike and ferry rides just to allow more time for activities in the afternoon to enjoy Venice, our final destination, probably one the most romantic towns in the world. Before dinner, stroll along the maze of waterways, have a break for a “spritz” in one of the campi (squares) and take a unique insider’s look at Venice. Our last dinner is followed by a late night stroll to Piazza San Marco.
Arrivederci!
Following breakfast at around 9am we shuttle you to the lido docking area (1km from the hotel) to catch your waterbus to the airport or the train station. Buon Viaggio!