Cycling along the Po river from Pavia to Ferrara Italy by bike, cycling along the Po river, Pavia, Ferrara

 A tour in the heart of the Po Valley sometimes along the river, sometimes crossing beautiful towns. You start from Pavia, rich and smart, famous all over Italy because of its Certosa, Carthusian monastery in Renaissance style; then you reach Piacenza, with its interesting historical centre, Cremona, the town of lute makers, Mantova, ancient seat of the noble family Gonzaga who commissioned wonderful pictures and frescos to Andrea Mantegna and other Renaissance artists. The last stop will be in Ferrara, a sort of work of art belonging to Fifteenth Century, full of cycle tracks and urban cyclists.

1st day: individual arrival to Pavia

2nd day: Pavia - Piacenza km 50

We start the day in the park of the Ticino Valley; we can stop in Belgioioso to admire the castle; reached the Po River, we continue along its shores, crossing over, to continue toward Piacenza. In the afternoon we make can stop in Calendasco, important river port in the Middle Ages and crossing along the Via Francigena. Piacenza awaits us with the Gothic Town Hall, the Basilica of San Savino and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta

3rd day: Piacenza - Cremona km 53

The path now follows almost entirely the meandering of the Po; we stop in Caselle Landi to admire its buildings and the castle; then we cross the river Adda and we pause to Crotta, a pretty village a few kilometers from the confluence with the Po. We reach Cremona, with his Torrazzo, the loggia of the Militi, the Duomo and the Baptistry; music lovers should not miss a visit to one of the many shops of violin makers.

4th day: Cremona - Casalmaggiore km 48

The path now runs entirely along the left bank of the Po, in the middle of a lush countryside and along the banks of the river. We cross numerous villages, and we can stop at the interesting Po Aquarium in Motta Baluffi. Casalmaggiore is a pretty village with many museums, and those who wish, can take the train to Colorno and see the impressive Royal Palace.

5th day: Casalmaggiore - Mantova km 49

Today we leave partially the river Po. The first mandatory stop is at the city of Sabbioneta, UNESCO world heritage, where we admire the fortifications and the monuments contained within the walls; then we cross the boats bridge in Commessaggio; back along the Po for a short distance, before turning definitively to Mantua, magnificent Renaissance city, surrounded by the lakes of the river Mincio and rich of art treasures, among which the Palazzo Ducale, Piazza Sordello and Palazzo Te.

6th day: Mantova - Carbonara di Po km 56

We cycle in the Mincio park, following the river for some stretches, until we cross again the river Po near Governolo (baroque church); We reach Ostiglia, an important city in Roman times, from which ran the Via Claudia Augusta, which connected this city to Augsburg in Germany; we cross the river and continue through Revere, to arrive at Carbonara, with its splendid natural oasis

7th day: Carbonara di Po - Ferrara km 56

The first part of the day still runs along the Po; we can make stops in Sermide and Felonica, before arriving at the beautiful Rocca of Stellata; shortly after we say a last goodbye to the Po, to head to Ferrara. This is the ideal city to end our trip: The Cathedral, the Estense Castle and the Diamond Palace are just some of the gems that await you

8th day: Ferrara, end of the tour

 
NB 2: For the return to Pavia: by train, about 3 hours and 30 minutes

Travel type  Self guided

Departures minimum 2 people; every Saturday from March 8th to October 4th; other dates of your choice for a minimum of 4 people

Duration 8 days/7 nights

Difficulty level easy
The itinerary is completely flat and therefore suitable for everyone; some sections are dirt roads passable with a bicycle with sturdy tires.

Total km 312

The number of km is indicative because they change if you travel along the right or left bank of the Po.

Type of bike city bike or touring bike

Luggage transport yes

Information meeting/briefing in the first hotel no

Tour price per person  € 995

The price includes

Overnight stays in *** hotel with breakfast 
Luggage transport from hotel to hotel (1 piece of luggage per person)
Gpx tracks
24-hour medical/luggage insurance
Emergency telephone support  
Registration fee

The price does not include

The journey to reach the meeting and return locations

Lunches and dinners

Visits and entrances

Tips

Personal extras

Everything not specified under "the price includes"

On request

Travel cancellation insurance
Additional nights in Pavia, Ferrara
Car parking

Bike guide

To book, fill in and send the registration form; pay 25% of the participation fee; pay the balance about one month before departure.