Burgundy & Loire Valley - Mantova to Venice

Bike & Barge Tour - France & Italy

Biking is optional, non-cyclists welcome

23 April to 07 May 2016

Burgundy & Loire Valley, France

23 April – 30 April 2016

Daily Itinerary

The area of the Valley of the Loire between the cities of Nevers and Montargis in France is a very suitable region for a relaxing bike & barge holiday. This area, approximately 100 kilometers in length, offers a landscape with slightly rolling hills and a mild climate. During the summer it is dry but never too warm. The Loire Valley region also knows a rich history and culture. The many impressive castles and small villages make this cycling holiday a unique experience. Of course you will get a taste of the fine Loire wines during this holiday! Saturday Halfway the afternoon you leave from Gare du Nord by coach to Cours-les-Barres. You arrive in the beginning of the evening at the ship where you meet the crew and settle in. Subsequently dinner will be served aboard. Sunday Cycle trip: +/- 50 km. From Cours-les-Barres you cycle to the town of Apremont. You may visit the 12th century castle and its fabulous gardens. After that we cycle on to the beautiful town of Nevers. The trip ends again in Cours-les-Barres. Monday Cycle trip: +/- 55 km. First we sail in the morning to the village of Beffes. The cycle trip takes you to La Charite-sur-Loire, an ancient Roman town. Crossing the 16th century stone bridge to the centre, you have a splendid view over the town and its Notre Dame church. Then you enter the region of the

Pouilly Fume wines. In Menetreol, situated under the Sancerre vineyards, you will be given the opportunity to try some wine. Tuesday Cycle trip: +/- 50 km. For a start you visit Sancerre and then take a picturesque route right across the Sancerre vineyards. Your cycle ride continues and passes several wine villages that are situated in impressive and attractive scenery. The trip ends in Beaulieu, the stop for the night.

Wednesday Cycle trip: +/- 40 km. By bicycle you pass the historic locks of Chatillon-sur-Loire and the aquaduct that will take you over the river Loire later on. After St. Brisson, where you pass a nice castle, you start your way back to the barge, while enjoying the fresh forest air in the Foret de St. Brisson. In the evening you cross the river Loire through the magnificent aquaduct and stop for the night in Briare. Thursday Cycle trip: +/- 45 km. First you have some time to explore Briare. The cycle trip leads to the castle .Pont Chevron which is picturesquely situated at a small lake. Via Ouzouer-sur-Trezee you go right across an area with some lakes to the 16th century castle near Bleneau. Your trip ends in the village Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses, known for its seven historical locks. Friday Cycle trip: +/- 50 km. The barge will stay in Rogny. Today you will cycle to the market in Chatillon-Coligny, from where the trip continues to the castle in La Bussiere. Via Escrignelles the tour ends back in Rogny. Saturday In the morning you may wish to go for a stroll. At approximately 11.30 hrs. Your guide & crew will say good-bye and you travel by coach to Paris.

Barge in France - Anna Maria IV

This ship is especially suited to motor the narrow French canals. The relaxed atmosphere aboard

makes you feel at home. Most cabins have private facilities though two cabins share a bathroom.

All cabins have a sliding window and an electrical fan.

Capacity: 18 passengers

Length x Width: 38 x 5.05 meters

Bed length: 1.90 x 0.70 meters Cabins: 7 bunk bed cabins with private facilities; 2 cabin with shared bathroom

All the cabins have a with only 2 per cabin

Included in tour:

Stay aboard in double cabin (8 days/7 nights) Full board breakfast & packed lunch + 3-course dinner Tour leader Visit to Castle Visit Winery Information booklet Bicycle with 21 gears and cycle bag

Transfer Paris/Gare du Nord-Barge v.v.

Not included in tour:

Journey to and from Paris Gare du Nord

Helmets are not available on board Bicycle insurance 16.5 Euro per

person Excursions not in program Drinks on board Gratuities to crew Travel Insurance

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Mantova to Venice, Italy. The River Po.

30 April – 07 May April 2016

Starting from the enchanting Renaissance town of Mantova this itinerary winds its way along the Mincio and the Po, following the natural course of the longest Italian river. After a wonderful trip from the countryside to Po Delta, with its unbelievable wildlife, the most beautiful town of the world is waiting for you: Venice! This cycling tour is largely along the flats of the Po plains, and the daily stages vary from 30 to 55 km – mostly on tarmac cycle paths along rivers and canals, or quiet country roads. The boat is moored at night and typically sets sail after breakfast, meeting up with the bikes in the afternoon. Some parts of the itinerary are undertaken by boat, to allow easier access onto cycling paths.

Daily Itinerary Day 1: Mantova

Your cabin on the barge are available from 4:30 p.m. The meeting with the tour leader and the crew is

scheduled at dinner-time, at 7 p.m.

Day 2: Mantova, round tour (40 km up 0 m).

An entire day dedicated to the discovery of this little visited cultural gem, its three picturesque “lakes”

formed by the Mincio, and its surrounding countryside – once a City State ruled by the Gonzaga family

and now considered by many as Italy’s “Sleeping Beauty”. In the late afternoon a local guide will lead

you through the most known highlights of the town.

Day 3: Mantova-Governolo-Zelo (50 km by bike, elevation up 0 m)

A short cruise along the lush banks of the Mincio takes us to Governolo, where it flows into the Po and

forms the largest inland basin in Italy. At Governolo Lock, once a vital staging post for local navigation,

we saddle our bikes and follow the Po through Ostiglia (famed for its medieval fortress and floating mill)

and on to the village of Bergantino. Here we visit the charming Carousel and Street Entertainment

Museum. Finally, we reach Zelo, a sleepy village on the Canal Bianco, the waterway which runs parallel

to the Po.

Day 4: Zelo-Ferrara-Adria (50 km by bike + 60 km by bus, elevation up 0 m)

Following breakfast we continue our bike and boat adventure cycling towards Ferrara, another key City

State of ancient Italy. You will visit this historic town and discover its little touched centre, still

surrounded by the original city walls. From Ferrara a short transfer by private coach will take you to

Adria. Once close to the shores of the sea which bears its name, Adria was an ancient Greek port, famous

for trading Baltic amber. Its remarkable museum also bears witness to its Etruscan, Roman and Venetian

heritage.

Day 5: Adria-Porto Viro-Chioggia (40 km, elevation up 0 m).

Your exhilarating day of discovery, alternating sailing and cycling starts, with a short cruise to our drop-

off point at Porto Viro and the exploration of the Po’s delta. This unique wetland park is the prime reserve

in Europe for herons and home to several colonies of flamingos. At the mouth of the River Adige, which

flows fast and cold from the Dolomites, we then follow the Po-Brondolo waterway and reach the Venetian

lagoon. Our overnight stop is the bustling and colourful fishing port of Chioggia, known as “Little

Venice”.

Day 6: Chioggia -Venice (30 km, elevation up 0 m)

A morning visit to the fish market is recommended and, time allowing, we also climb up Chioggia’s

millennial clock tower – the oldest in the world – for some breathtaking views. We then enjoy some island

hopping in the lagoon itself by bike and boat, starting with our barge dropping us off on Pellestrina

(home to the Ca’ Roman nature reserve); and continuing by public ferry for the short crossing to the Lido

island. Celebrated by Thomas Mann (Death in Venice) and particularly fashionable with the artists and

aristocracy of the Belle Époque, the Lido di Venezia is now home to the International Venice Film Festival

and its galaxy of stars. Finally, our floating hotel takes us to our marina in Venice, for the culmination of

our bike and boat holiday.

Day 7: Venice

In the morning a local guide will let you discover the capital of the ancient “Serenissima Republic of

Venice”, which held sway over much of the Mediterranean (and beyond) for centuries. After that you

have a lot of time to soak up its timeless beauty or explore its islands.

Day 8: Venice

After breakfast and the customary goodbyes if you haven’t booked any additional nights your tour has

ended.

What is Included What is Not Included

. 7 nights’ accommodation aboard the Comfort barge Vita Pugna

. Bicycle and helmet rental

. Full board (breakfast, dinner and a self-made/packed lunch)

. Tea/Coffee and other hot drinks on board

. Bed and Bath linens for cabin

. Detailed route description and maps

. Bus transfer Ferrara-Adria/Ferrara-Zelo

. Accompanying Tour leader

. Mid-week cabin service and change of linens

. Guided visit in Venice & Mantova

. Visit of a cheese factory with tasting of typical Grana Padano

. Visit of Carousel and Street Entertainment Museum

. Harbour charges

. Bus transfer Ferrara-Zelo/Ferrara-Adria

International Airfare

Museums and extras in general

One ferry-boat stage in Pellestrina

(about 9 EU)

Alcoholic beverages available on

board

Gratuities to crew (please tip in

Euros)

Transfer between airport and barge

Personal purchases

Travel Insurance

Barge in Italy, The Vita Pugna

In the early 1990s barge Vita Pugna was totally renovated. After many years as a cargo boat, she was

ready to start her new life as a floating hotel on the Dutch Canals. On board the Vita Pugna you will find

the same style and cozy atmosphere of the bike & boat cruises in Holland, enhanced by the friendly

management of our international crew. The typical wooden cabin area and the comfortable air-

conditioned living room will welcome you for a well-deserved rest after a day of bike riding.

Route Map