The route winds its way along the Rivers Mincio and the Po, deep into the unspoilt Italian countryside, and ends in the charming lagoon of Venice. Much of this area has been reclaimed from the marshes for many centuries and is framed by green pine-woods, offering protection for numerous species of birds and animals. The work of man overlaps with nature in a constant twist of roles: reclaimed land alternates with natural canals, fishermen’s huts are camouflaged in the reeds, and bridges formed from boats reduce the distances between strips of sand.

The tour is entirely on level ground. Much of the cycling is alongside rivers and canals on tarmac cycle paths or quiet roads. 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.

The Vita Pugna, meaning ”Life is a battle“, is the name of the 36 metres long, 5.4 metre wide Dutch boat. The 11 cabins can accommodate up to 23/25 people. Each cabin has low twin beds and private bathroom with shower. It also has a restaurant and there is a spacious outside deck for relaxation, where your bikes are also parked.

Day 1 (Saturday): Mantova.

Bicycles are available from 11a.m. at the boat, which is moored at Porto Catena, just a short walk from the centre of Mantova.

Day 2 (Sunday): Mantova to Zelo/Castelguglielmo, 18/24 miles (28/38km).

The boat takes us to Governolo, stronghold of the Mincio Pirates. Here, we take the bikes and start our ride. We cycle towards San Benedetto Po, home of an ancient monastery. We continue following the Po as far as Revere, summer residence of the Gonzaga dynasty. The last stretch of road brings us to the harbour of Ostiglia on the Fissero/Bianco canal, where we board the boat. A short stretch of navigation brings us to either Zelo or Castelguglielmo, where we will moor for the night (overnight in Revere if the level of the Po is suitable).

Day 3 (Monday): Zelo/Castelguglielmo – Ferrara – Adria, 34/40 miles (55/65km).

In the morning we set off for Ferrara, a town whose historic centre is still surrounded by the old city walls. The numerous cycle paths and bikes have earned Ferrara the name of “the city of bicycles”. Then its back on board Vita Pugna and onwards to Adria, the pearl of the Polesine, an ancient Greek port famous for trading amber, that gave its name to the sea it faced (overnight in Ferrara if the level of the Po is suitable).

Day 4 (Tuesday): Adria – Porto Levante, 30 miles (48km).

We go deep into the maze of the Delta, an unspoilt paradise between the marshes and lagoons of the Po, pedalling in the heart of this watery landscape. The destination today is Porto Levante, a small marine village of ancient traditions. Keep your eyes open for Flamingos!

Day 5 (Wednesday): Porto Levante – Chioggia, 21 miles (34km).

Vita Pugna leaves us on the other bank of the Po di Levante. We are approaching Albarella, set on an island, as we pedal between the Delta and the mouth of the River Adige. From Cavanella d’Adige, the farthermost border between the provinces of Rovigo and Venice, we then follow the Po-Brondolo Waterway, which links the river to the Venetian lagoon. We will stay overnight in Chioggia, “Little Venice”, and a visit to the fish market at dawn is an absolute ‘must’.

Day 6 (Thursday): Chioggia – Venice, 18 miles (28km).

Vita Pugna brings us to the Oasis of Ca’ Roman, a sandy islet surrounded by pine-woods. Pedalling along the edge of the lagoon, we reach Pellestrina: from here, we ride on the new cycle path as far as the ferry landing stage. A short boat ride takes us back up the Lido, along the ‘Murazzi’, with a stop in Malamocco, the ancient harbour. Overnight in the Venetian lagoon.

Day 7 (Friday): Venice – Riviera del Brenta – Venice, 28 miles (45 km).

After waking up to a wonderful view on the lagoon, we will ride along the Brenta canal in the direction of Padova. This is a very famous area thanks to its wonderful Venetian villas. We will then return to Venice, for the last overnight stay.

Day 8 (Saturday): Venice.

After breakfast it is time to say goodbye which gives you free time for sightseeing in Venice before returning home.

During the weeks in which departures are from Venice to Mantova, the “daily programme” needs to be read in reverse order.