Barging in Italy

1 Week river cruise

BARGING IN ITALY Venice

1

river boat

16

cabins

Mantua

full

services

tailor your tour

BARGING IN ITALY Sail along rivers and canals, with coach excursions to some of the finest cities and sites of artistic excellence in northern Italy.

Sleep aboard the 4* hotel-barge Ave Maria, the most comfortable river cruise vessel built in Italy to date.

MARCH TO OCTOBER WEEKS

You can book a one-week river cruise from Mantua to Venice (or reverse).

WINTER BREAKS

From November to February you can either charter the barge for a shorter period, tailoring your tour. How about celebrating Christmas, New Year‘s Eve or Carnival on board?

Quotes are by request and based on the chosen package and the options you wish to include.

ntu a Ma

Venic e

GARDA LAKE 50 min

VICENZA 1 h + 20 min

VERONA 45 min

ADRIA city tour

MANTUA city tour

MANTUA LAKES

MANTUA

ZELO

ADRIA

BERGANTINO 20 min FERRARA 1h

CREMONA 1h

S. BENEDETTO PO 55 min

BARGING IN ITALY Tailor your tour into taste, nature, culture and relax.

TREVISO 1 h + 15 min DOLOMITES 3h

VENICE city tour

PADUA 1h ALBARELLA beach

CANAL BIANCO

CHIOGGIA

CHIOGGIA city tour

VENICE LAGOON

ALBARELLA

PO DELTA nature excursion

RAVENNA 1 h + 30 min

VENICE

VENICE ISLANDS 15 - 30 min

The cruising speed minimises riverbank erosion and ecosystem disturbance.

THE BARGE Modern, bright and spacious, the Ave Maria was designed by a well-known team of Italian architects and launched in 2011.

“ We did it: the most comfortable river cruise vessel built in Italy to date! The Ave Maria boasts innovative solutions in its construction and carefully chosen materials and shapes to create an inviting, unpretentious environment.

Pierpaolo Romio - shipowner

�

IN FIGURES

• • • •

Capacity: 16 cabins Length: 41 m / 134.5 ft.

Width: 7.5 m / 24.5 ft.

Draught: 1.05 m / 3.5 ft.

Enjoy the cruise from the panoramic deck.

A “FLOATING HOTEL�

A great home-from-home to come back to every day.

The barge Ave Maria has 3 decks: panoramic deck; main deck with restaurant, lounge and superior cabins; lower deck with all other cabins, all en-suite.

THE BARGE | CABINS 12

CABINS The boat has 16 cabins with 30 low beds and can accommodate up to 40 guests adding bunk beds.

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

FEATURES

Most cabins can be arranged either as a double or a twin All cabins are en-suite Bed size: 80x200 cm / 31,5x78,75” Ample storage space below each bed (110x32x80 cm / 43,3x12,6x31,5”) Independent air conditioning Closet plus hooks and hanging area Three 220V sockets in each cabin (Types L and F) Large safe, suitable for devices up to 15” Hair dryer Welcome kit (manual with practical information, welcome cookies) Vanity kit (shampoo, shower gel, soap, conditioner) Towels (shower, hands, face cloth, bath mat) Two pillows per bed available if required

Main deck

Windows can also be opened.

Double beds can be separated into two single beds.

SUPERIOR CABINS 4 Superior Doubles on main deck (approx. 11 m

/ 119 ft2).

Two of these can accommodate up to 4 people with the addition of 2 bunk beds.

2

Closet, hooks and hanging area

Lower deck

Ample storage space below each bed (110x32x80 cm / 43,3x12,6x31,5�)

Twin beds can be joint into a double bed.

STANDARD CABINS 10 Standard Doubles on lower deck (approx. 11 m

/ 119 ft2).

Three of these can accommodate up to 3 or 4 people with the addition of bunk beds.

2

You can add 1 bunk bed

Lower deck

Ample storage space below each bed

STANDARD SINGLES 2 Standard Singles on lower deck (approx. 7.5 m

/ 119 ft2).

Possibility to add 2 more single cabins usually assigned to the crew.

These are also available as twin cabins with the addition of 2 bunk beds.

2

THE BARGE | PUBLIC AREAS 20

PUBLIC AREAS On the main deck is the ample living area measuring 11x7.5 m / 36 x 24 ft. and divided into: Restaurant accommodates up to 33 diners.

Lounge accommodates up to 22 seats.

Panoramic deck with chairs and tables – used also for al fresco dining.

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

FEATURES

Air conditioning throughout Free WiFi Free hot drinks machine Water dispenser (filtered cold water, still and sparkling) Ice dispenser Self-service Honesty Bar (soft drinks, beers, wines, spirits) Wide selection of regional and Italian classic wines Choice of games (chess, cards, board games), Bring & Borrow bookcase Large 55” screen for video/internet Music system Conference facilities (if required) Dedicated external bike storage for approx. 40 hanging bikes Additional sundeck at front of main deck

Main deck

RESTAURANT The on-board catering is simple but subtle, with a good selection of local wines and excellent service. The Ave Maria chefs boast plenty of experience and, in the words of our clients, their dishes alone are worth the trip.

Main deck

LOUNGE You can relax here at any time during the day with a variety of table games, books, tourist brochures, a 55� multimedia screen and free WiFi connection.

Main deck

Tables and chairs can be set for courses and group activities.

CONFERENCE ROOM Ave Maria have proved popular with groups of colleagues and clubs who want a quiet environment in which to spend some time bonding.

Panoramic deck

PANORAMIC DECK Extensive, covered panoramic deck measuring 18x7.5 m / 59x25 ft.

While sailing or moored at the docks, is perfect for relaxing outdoors in the sun or in the shade.

MOORING PLACES The Ave Maria can dock near historical city centers and natural parks, making it a convenient starting point for all kinds of tours.

Use our list of suggestions to shape your own tour, including the option of pre- or post-tour add-on days.

“ My sincere appreciation for our incredible journey from Mantua to Venice. A really Top Notch trip! Our tour managers were totally on top of things and the town tours were much appreciated. The world class chefs served us delicious, gourmet meals that I will always remember! Thank you for an incredible journey!

�

Gregory Robinson - Monterey, California

MOORING PLACES | PLAN YOUR TOUR 32

MANTUA Enchanting Renaissance town embraced by 3 lakes.

It offers many cultural highlights and is a good base for shopping.

SUGGESTED EXCURSIONS

• Mantua full day. Visit the town, including entry to Ducal Palace and Te Palace.

• Verona full day. Visit the town, including entry to Roman Arena.

• Verona half day including entry to Roman Arena + Mantua half day with entry to Ducal Palace.

• Sabbioneta half day with entry to Teatro all’Antica + Mantua half day with entry to Ducal Palace.

• Mantua half day with entry to Ducal Palace + 30-km bike excursion.

• Cremona full day. Visit the town, including entry to the Violin Museum.

MOORING PLACES | PLAN YOUR TOUR 34

ZELO This tiny village will give you a warm welcome on the Canal Bianco, the waterway which runs parallel to the Po river, the longest in Italy.

SUGGESTED EXCURSIONS

• Verona full day. Visit the town, including entry to Roman Arena (excluding Mondays).

• Verona half day including entry to Roman Arena + Bergantino half day including entry to Museum of Funfair Rides and Street Entertainment.

• Vicenza full day. Visit the town, including entry to historic Olympic Theatre (excluding Mondays) and Villa Valmarana (with Tiepolo frescoes).

• Vicenza half day including entry to Villa Valmarana (with Tiepolo frescoes) + half day with wine tasting or Bergantino half day including entry to Museum of Funfair Rides and Street Entertainment.

• San Benedetto Po and Revere half day including visits to (respectively) Abbey and Ducal Palace + Bergantino half day including entry to Museum of Funfair Rides and Street Entertainment or visit to cheese factory.

MOORING PLACES | PLAN YOUR TOUR 36

ADRIA An ancient Greek port, famous for trading Baltic amber.

Its remarkable museum also bears witness to its Etruscan, Roman and Venetian heritage.

SUGGESTED EXCURSIONS

• Ferrara full day including entry to Estense Castle and Schifanoia Palace.

• Bergantino half day including entry to Museum of Funfair Rides and Street Entertainment + Ferrara half day including entry to Schifanoia Palace.

• Ferrara half day including entry to Schifanoia Palace + Adria half day including entry to Archaeological Museum.

• Vicenza full day. Visit the town, including entry to historic Olympic Theatre (excluding Mondays) and Villa Valmarana (with Tiepolo frescoes).

MOORING PLACES | PLAN YOUR TOUR 38

ALBARELLA Situated in the Northern Adriatic, just a few kilometres from Venice, this island is a rare natural gem.

SUGGESTED EXCURSIONS

• Ferrara full day including entry to Estense Castle and Schifanoia Palace.

• Half day visit to the Palladian Villa Badoer in Fratta Polesine + Ferrara half day including entry to Schifanoia Palace.

• Po Delta full day with nature excursion in flatboat or by bike.

• Ravenna full day including entry to the Basilicas of San Vitale and Sant’Apollinare.

MOORING PLACES | PLAN YOUR TOUR 40

CHIOGGIA Bustling and colourful fishing port known as “Little Venice”.

Don’t miss its fish market in the early morning.

SUGGESTED EXCURSIONS

• Padova full day including entry to Scrovegni Chapel and Botanical Garden • Padova half day including entry to Scrovegni Chapel + Monselice half day visit of town.

• Po Delta full day with nature excursion in flatboat or by bike.

• Ravenna full day including entry to Basilicas of San Vitale and Sant’Apollinare.

MOORING PLACES | PLAN YOUR TOUR 42

VENICE The capital of the ancient “Serenissima Republic”, which held sway over much of the Mediterranean (and beyond) for centuries. Soak up its timeless beauty or explore its islands.

SUGGESTED EXCURSIONS

• Chioggia and Malamocco half day and cruise into Venice + Venice half day.

• Cruise direct Chioggia–Venice + Venice most of the day.

• Islands of Pellestrina and Lido half/full day with bike excursions.

• Venice half day with guided visits to St Mark’s Basilica and Ducal Palace.

• Islands of Burano, Torcello and Murano (with glass factory visit) half/full day.

• Minor islands of San Lazzaro degli Armeni (a working Armenian Orthodox monastery) or San Francesco del Deserto (remote monastic island on the lagoon) half day.

• Venice (2 hrs) Visit to Accademia Galleries (world’s top collection of Venetian School works).

• Venice (1.5-2 hrs) Venetian Masks Workshop.

• Venice (1 hr) Visit historic gondola boatyard (squero).

• Padova full day including entry to Scrovegni Chapel and Botanical Garden.

• Dolomites full day. Post-tour excursion.

GET INSPIRED Three carefully-created packages, all adaptable to suit your requirements.

Quotes are by request.

MARCH TO OCTOBER WEEKS - READY TO BOOK

• A one-week river cruise from Mantua to Venice (or reverse): our expert trip designers carefully created 3 different packages to choose from.

• You can modify the planned excursions, not forgetting to reach the final destination (Mantua or Venice) at the end of the week.

GET INSPIRED | MARCH-OCTOBER WEEKS 46

CLASSICAL BARGING Explore the scenic countryside of inland cities and towns, and discover its artistic treasures.

DAY BY DAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

• Mantua, welcome aperitivo as we sail across the city’s “Lakes”.

• In Mantua, Italy’s 2016 Capital of Culture. Visit the Ducal Palace.

Lunch on board and free PM (visit to Te Palace or bike excursion both recommended).

• Sail to Governolo. Visits to: Abbey of San Benedetto Po; Museum of Funfair Rides and Street Entertainment; cheese factory, with tasting.

Overnight in Zelo.

• Ferrara, walk through the historic centre and visit Schifanoia Palace.

Sail to Adria and visit Archaeological Museum. Overnight.

• Visit Monselice and Padova, including the Scrovegni Chapel.

Arrive in Chioggia, gateway to the Venetian Lagoon. Overnight.

• Walk to the famous Fish Market of Chioggia, sail to Lido Island.

Aperitivo at Malamocco village and lunch on board as we cruise into Venice. Excursion to the islands of Burano and Murano, including visit to glass workshop.

• Venice, visit Ducal Palace and Saint Mark’s Basilica. PM visit a historic gondola boatyard (squero), then free time.

• Venice, tour ends after breakfast.

GET INSPIRED | MARCH-OCTOBER WEEKS 48

UNESCO BARGING Italy is the country with most World Heritage Sites: discover the main ones in northern Italy.

DAY BY DAY SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

• Start in Mantua, Italy’s 2016 Capital of Culture. Welcome aperitivo as we sail across the city’s “Lakes”.

• Excursion to historic Sabbioneta and visit the Teatro all’Antica (Renaissance Theatre). Back to Mantua and visit the Ducal Palace.

• Sail to Governolo. By coach to Vicenza, visit Villa Valmarana, renowned for its Tiepolo frescoes. Wine tasting. Coach transfer to Zelo. Overnight.

• Sail to Bosaro. By coach to the Palladian Villa Badoer and on to Ferrara. Walk through the historic centre and visit Schifanoia Palace.

Coach transfer to Adria. Overnight.

• Visit Padova, including the Scrovegni Chapel and Botanical Garden.

Arrive in Chioggia, gateway to the Venetian Lagoon. Overnight.

• Walk to the famous Fish Market of Chioggia, sail to Lido Island. Aperitivo at Malamocco, lunch on board as we cruise into Venice. Excursion to the islands of Burano and Murano, including visit to glass workshop.

• Venice, visit Ducal Palace and Saint Mark’s Basilica.

PM visit Accademia Galleries (most comprehensive collection of Venetian School paintings) then free time.

• Venice, tour ends after breakfast. Option of extending the tour with a trip to the Dolomites.

GET INSPIRED | MARCH-OCTOBER WEEKS 50

FAMILY BARGING Designed with the younger ones in mind: easy excursions and bags of fun!

DAY BY DAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

• Mantua, welcome aperitivo as we sail across the city’s “Lakes”.

• In Mantua, Italy’s 2016 Capital of Culture. Visit the Ducal Palace.

Lunch on board then visit Fire Brigade Museum. Free for the rest of the afternoon (bike excursion recommended).

• Sail to Governolo. By coach to Gardaland Theme Park. Overnight in Zelo.

• Ferrara, visit Schifanoia Palace. Lunch in town, followed by Treasure Hunt within the ancient walls. Cruise from Porto Viro to Albarella.

Overnight.

• Excursion into the Po Delta by flatboat, then by bike to Cavanella d’Adige (25 km / 15,5 miles). Lunch on board and sail to Chioggia, on the Venetian lagoon.

• Walk to the famous Fish Market of Chioggia for a spot of shopping.

Back on the bikes for an easy ride across the islands of Pellestrina and Lido (20 km / 12,5 miles). Cruise into Venice. Overnight.

• Venice, visit Ducal Palace and Saint Mark’s Basilica. PM visit Venetian Masks Workshop, then free time.

• Venice, tour ends after breakfast.

Free hot drinks machine

ON-BOARD SERVICES Tailor our on-board services by choosing specific levels of comfort and assistance.

“ Service is always at its very best aboard our “floating hotel”: comfort, hospitality, quality and... dolce vita!

”

That, we believe, is what makes your holidays unique.

Giuliano Zarantonello - Chef of Ave Maria

ON-BOARD SERVICES 54

STANDARD SERVICES Always included • • • • • • •

Overnights Dinners (3 courses) Daily cleaning Welcome Aperitivo Hot drinks Misc. on-board facilities Tour Manager

EXTRA SERVICES To be required • Cookery Class (on board) • Open Bar (ample selection of complimentary wines and other drinks available on board at any time) • Gala Dinner on last night • Free unlimited use of bikes or e-bikes • Wine tasting (on board) • 4-course dinners • Lunch (on board) • Themed events or meetings • Transfers in and out

ABOUT US

girolibero.it easy cycling holidays

We are the experts for barging, bike&barge and cycling tours in Italy and France: over 40 people work in synergy to provide you with the best possible holiday experience.

OUR BASE IN VICENZA

VIRTUAL TOUR

Our Headquarters are located in historic Vicenza, not far from Venice, and consist of 1,500 m. of offices, soundproof walls and workshops (all in equal measure). Not forgetting 70 moving desks, 15 potted lemon trees and a Staff Chillout Zone as well.

Take a virtual tour of our headquarter girolibero.it/virtual-tour

LAGO DI GARDA VICENZA

M F I U ME

INC IO

VERONA

Barging LAGHI DI MAN TOVA CONC A DI SAN LEONE GOVERNOLO LOCK

MANTOVA

FIUME PO

S.BENEDETTO

REVERE

ZELO

BERGANTINO MUSEO DELLA GIOSTR A CAROUSEL MUSEUM

DEGUSTAZ IONE GR AN A GRANA PADANO CHE ESE TAS

FERRAR A

TREVISO VENEZIA - DOLOMITI

166.5 km

FIU

ME

SIL

E

litoranea veneta

PADOVA

RIVIERA DEL BRENTA

VENEZIA

g in Italy

LAGUNA

PELLESTRINA

CHIOGGI

CE MERC ATO DEL PES Fish market

CANAL BIANCO

AlBARELLA

ADRIA

DELTA DEL PO

FIUME PO

COM ACCHIO

VENEZIA - RAVENNA

143.5 km

N

progetto grafico: no.parking.it

PADANO STING

A

ICO MUSEO ARCHEOLOG ARCHAEOLOGIC AL MUSEUM

BARBECUE

LIDO

CONTACTS

Girolibero.it Monday to Friday 8.30 to 13.00 and 15.00 to 18.30 (GMT +1) Toll Free number 1-800-347-0178 Tel. +39 0444 330724 info@girolibero.com

www.girolibero.it - www.avemariaboat.com