Venice Con Gusto
A leisurely, gustatory journey through the Po Valley
In Italy’s northern province of Lombardy, Emilia Romagna and Veneto, the cuisine is a journey in itself. Tortelli di zucca, pumpkin-stuffed ravioli. Stufato d’asino, donkey stew. Risotto alla cipolla, rice with onions. The soft, ever-present taleggio cheese. Radicchio cooked in different ways. The sbrisolona and pampepato sweets. The peoci, clams from the Venetian lagoon. The piadina, the flatbread made with simple ingredients like flour and water, perfect for a panino. You’ll feel like every turn is leading you to an exciting new flavor on this new Ciclismo tour. Best of all, you’ll taste the region from the perspective of our most knowledgeable guide —your trip specialist Andrea, who always knows where to find food at its best!
This bicycling adventure travels along a delicious route and crossing three regions, ending in the romantic and famous Venice. Appetites will be treated to irresistible dishes from the breadbasket of Italy as we cycle from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the less-touristy Mantova along the Po river in Lombardy. We continue in the Emilia Romagna region visiting the cyclist-friendly and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ferrara, famous for its fortress and its medieval atmosphere. The fertile alluvial plain of Emilia-Romagna with its rich agricultural countryside full of fruit orchards and grazing plains is the region where pasta has achieved the status of an art form, where syrupy-rich aceto balsamico (balsamic vinegar) is measured in drops, and where Parmigiano Reggiano cheesemakers still follow a 700-year old tradition.
The tour will end in the Veneto region, famous for its villas and seldom-touristed fishing villages like Chioggia, called also “the mini Venice” given its canals and narrow streets. Our last destination, Venice, is the perfect place for a final celebration after a full immersion in the northern Italian culture, history, and culinary experience through some undiscovered areas of the bella Italia: andiamo! Forza, forza!
Tour Essence
- Unparalleled cycling along Venetian lagoons
- Tranquil riding on level terrain along the Po River
- Discover Mantova, Ferrara and Venice, UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Spectacular fish dinner in Venezia
- Explore the unspoiled wilds of Parco del Mincio on a fun boat ride
What to Expect
Terrain
FlatStart Location
MantovaEnd Location
VeniceMileage
Average Daily: 27 miles Total: 135 milesOnce you have a trip confirmed, we will feed you a steady diet of additional pre-departure information that includes: How to train, prepare, pack and all the wonderful, inspirational and practical things you want and need to know before you go! Our Travel Advisors will be available to help plan your pre- and post-tour travel.
- Van support
- Expert, bilingual guides
- Walking tours of Venezia and Ferrara with a local guide
- Wine tasting at Il Brindisi
- Explore Parco del Mincio on a fun boat ride
- Regional cuisine cooking lesson
- Shuttle at the end of the tour
What’s Included
- Use of our exclusive carbon road bike, La Classica Ribelle (or Equivalent Carbon Road Bike)
- Garmin Edge Touring GPS loaded with the GPX tracks of your rides
- Two water bottles
- Saddle bag with repair kit
- Optional: Map holder on handlebar
Pedal Options
- Flat pedals
- Half-toe pedals (without straps)
What’s Not Included
- Helmet
- Optional: clipless/SPD pedals with shoes
- Optional: your own saddle
- All Accommodations
- All breakfasts
- 1 lunch
- 4 dinners
In Italy’s northern province of Lombardy, Emilia Romagna and Veneto, the cuisine is a journey in itself. Tortelli di zucca, pumpkin-stuffed ravioli. Stufato d’asino, donkey stew. Risotto alla cipolla, rice with onions. The soft, ever-present taleggio cheese. Radicchio cooked in different ways. The sbrisolona and pampepato sweets. The peoci, clams from the Venetian lagoon. The piadina, the flatbread made with simple ingredients like flour and water, perfect for a panino. You’ll feel like every turn is leading you to an exciting new flavor on this new Ciclismo tour. Best of all, you’ll taste the region from the perspective of our most knowledgeable guide —your trip specialist Andrea, who always knows where to find food at its best!
This bicycling adventure travels along a delicious route and crossing three regions, ending in the romantic and famous Venice. Appetites will be treated to irresistible dishes from the breadbasket of Italy as we cycle from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the less-touristy Mantova along the Po river in Lombardy. We continue in the Emilia Romagna region visiting the cyclist-friendly and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ferrara, famous for its fortress and its medieval atmosphere. The fertile alluvial plain of Emilia-Romagna with its rich agricultural countryside full of fruit orchards and grazing plains is the region where pasta has achieved the status of an art form, where syrupy-rich aceto balsamico (balsamic vinegar) is measured in drops, and where Parmigiano Reggiano cheesemakers still follow a 700-year old tradition.
The tour will end in the Veneto region, famous for its villas and seldom-touristed fishing villages like Chioggia, called also “the mini Venice” given its canals and narrow streets. Our last destination, Venice, is the perfect place for a final celebration after a full immersion in the northern Italian culture, history, and culinary experience through some undiscovered areas of the bella Italia: andiamo! Forza, forza!
Start Location
MantovaFly Into
Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP) or Venice M. Polo Airport (VCE)End Location
VeniceFly Out Of
Venice M. Polo Airport (VCE)Mantova Warm-Up Ride
Meals Provided
Lunch, DinnerAverage Mileage
14 milesRiding Terrain
FlatMeals Provided
Lunch, DinnerAccommodations
Hotel Rechigi
Hotel Rechigi, located in the historic centre of Matua, hosts a permanent collection of contemporary art. An elegant atmosphere, minimalist design and quality services all make for a luxurious stay in the heart of Mantova.
Mantova Loop Along the Mincio River
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
40 milesRiding Terrain
FlatMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Hotel Rechigi
Hotel Rechigi, located in the historic centre of Matua, hosts a permanent collection of contemporary art. An elegant atmosphere, minimalist design and quality services all make for a luxurious stay in the heart of Mantova.
Ferrara
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
41/47 milesRiding Terrain
Flat and rollingMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Hotel Annunziata
The 4-star Hotel Annunziata is a stone’s throw away from the famous Estense Castle of Ferrara and offers amazing views of this very historic landmark. It also has stylish comfortable rooms for its guests.
Ferrara to Chioggia
Meals Provided
Breakfast, LunchAverage Mileage
44 milesRiding Terrain
Flat along marshes and farmlandsMeals Provided
Breakfast, LunchAccommodations
Hotel Grande Italia
In the most charming spot of Chioggia, Piazzetta Vigo, stands the 4-star Hotel Grande Italia. Modern comforts, a fitness center and the famous “Alle baruffe chiozzotte”restaurant make it the ideal spot for leisurely travel.
Chioggia to Venice
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
13 milesRiding Terrain
FlatMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Grande Albergo Ausonia & Hungaria
This 4-star hotel is unique in style and service. Situated on the Venetian island of Lido, it’s a 5-minute walk from its private area on the most renowned beach of the island and the central boat terminal with trips to main tourist sites of Venice, such as San Marco Square and the Canal Grande. Comfortable and elegant guest rooms equipped with the latest amenities provide the perfect ambiance for rest and relaxation.