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This single centre cycling holiday is a perfect choice for people wanting a genuine grass-roots Italian experience
Arrive at your friendly agriturismo in Villaganzerla where you'll be kitted out with a bike and go through the various cycling choices available to you before dinner (time permitting).* (Staying at l'Albara for 7 nights)*
*/Option: 1/* Sunday is market day (morning only) in Bastia, so we've built in an easy cycle along quiet country lanes criss-crossing the Paduan plain to get you in your stride. Stroll around the stalls before heading off to the tiny village of Lovolo, a charming village square with its ancient lime kiln, for lunch. Your return route takes you through the delightful hamlet of Monticello as you wind your way back to Villaganzerla. */Option: 2/* /https://www.exodus.co.uk/sites/exod/files/styles/panopoly_image_original... alt="" class="media-element file-default panopoly-image-original" data-delta="1" width="127" height="38">* 84km / 52mi* / Today you ride through the Paduan plain to Bastia (market on Sunday mornings). It's an ideal coffee stop before you ride a succession of climbs through the hills of the national park, the Colli Euganei. You're rewarded with stunning views from this unique terrain. The medieval village of Arqua Petrarca, one of Italy's prettiest villages and, long ago, home to the poet Francesco Petrarca, is a good stop for lunch, before heading to the historic walled towns of Monselice and Este. 770m / 2526ft of ascent on this route.
Distance in Km: 25
Distance in Miles: 16
*/Option: 1/* Today's route takes you along wonderfully tranquil valley lanes and on to Lake Fimon, a totally undiscovered gem surrounded by shaded woodland. There are lots of little spots for picnicking by the water's edge, or you can take lunch at one of the lakeside trattorie. It's a lovely 5km circular cycle around the lake, before you meander back amidst the green backdrop of lush valleys and rolling hills to your agriturismo. */Option: 2/* /https://www.exodus.co.uk/sites/exod/files/styles/panopoly_image_original... alt="" class="media-element file-default panopoly-image-original" data-delta="1" width="127" height="38">* 58km / 35mi* / Today you head toward Lake Fimon, a residual feature from the last Ice Age, where you ascend the Berici hills and into the Berici Archaeological and Natural Park. Dipping into the Strada dei Vini, along the foothills of the Berici hills, you have the possibility of wine tasting at the village of Nanto, locally well known for using the red Tokay grape originating from Hungary. After a lunch stop at Barbarano you cycle back through the vineyards of the Berica plain. 1075m / 3467ft of ascent on this route.
Distance in Km: 38
Distance in Miles: 24
Heading north this morning, your first stop is the lovely village of Costozza, named after the network of caves in the cliffs above, with its impressive campanile, beautiful villas and extensive formal gardens lined with statues. Ice cream lovers should call in at the locally renowned gelateria before looping south and on to Lumignano, famous locally for its annual pea festival! Your route then follows the Northern Strada as you wind your way through rows of immaculately tended vineyards, against the rolling backdrop of the Berici Hills. This is the only area outside Hungary where the red Tai Rosso grape is grown. Stop off for some tasting, perhaps in Castegnero or Nanto, with its striking Venetian bell tower, before pedalling east and back in time for a swim before dinner. *Ride Plus option: 130km / 81mi* Start this fairly flat days riding crossing the Paduan plain through the spa towns of Abano and Motegrotto. You skirt the historic UNESCO city of Padova, home of one of the world's first universities and traditionally a centre for leather shoe manufacturing, leaving alongside the Canale Brentella towards the foothills of the Venetian pre-Alps and the medieval walled citadels of Castelfranco and Cittadella. 367m / 1204ft of ascent on this route.
Distance in Km: 25
Distance in Miles: 16
*/Option: 1/* A cycle path (those feeling lazy can catch the bus) takes you to UNESCO-recognised Vicenza, nicknamed 'Venice of the Terra Firma' for its marvellous architecture. Palladio designed dozens of the city's buildings from the Basilica Palladiana in the main square to the Teatro Olimpico, so there's plenty to explore. On the way home you can visit the famous Villa Rotonda and its surrounding gardens. */Option: 2/* /https://www.exodus.co.uk/sites/exod/files/styles/panopoly_image_original... alt="" class="media-element file-default panopoly-image-original" data-delta="1" width="127" height="38">* 87km / 54mi* / Today's ride takes you to Palladio's city of Vicenza, traditionally the centre for gold jewellery artisans. The route follows a figure of 8 through the Berici Archaeological and Natural Park where you will ascend and descend several times through vineyards before passing Lake Fimon, a residual feature from the last Ice Age. There is an option on this route of reducing the amount of climbing by turning right at 13.2km to spend more time in Vicenza. 1432m / 4698ft of ascent on this route.
Distance in Km: 34
Distance in Miles: 21.5
*/Option: 1/* Why not give the bike a rest today and head off to one of the great Italian cities? Venice, Verona and Padua are all accessible by train from Vicenza (short bus or cycle ride). If you prefer to avoid the crowds, perhaps take the bus to Bassano, home to the region's famous grappa and a museum in its honour. */Option: 2/* /https://www.exodus.co.uk/sites/exod/files/styles/panopoly_image_original... alt="" class="media-element file-default panopoly-image-original" data-delta="1" width="127" height="38">/ *91km / 56mi* A break at the Villa dei Vescovi, one of the region's best-preserved Villas, is highly recommended while climbing and descending in the Euganean Hills. After a fairly gentle start on the flat along the canals that skirt the Monte di Lozzo the route then climbs through switchbacks at upto 18%, rewarding you with numerous spectacular vistas of the hills and surrounding plains. A sweeping ride along the route of the skateboard and inline skate world championships into the pretty hill top village of Teolo is followed by ending the day descending back onto the plain and return to your hotel. 1348m / 4423ft of ascent on this route.
*/Option: 1/* Today, ride past Villa Pigafetta-Camerini, inhabited by the Camerini family since 1700, to Mossano and enjoy the stunning panorama of the Venetian plain. The wine road undulates through the vineyards between the towering Berici Hills and the Paduan plain, offering wonderful vistas on all sides. Turn back north towards the idyllic Franciscan monastery of San Pancrazio before a lovely descent to Ponte di Mossano and a ride along the quiet country lanes of the Paduan plain back to l'Albara. */Option: 2/* /https://www.exodus.co.uk/sites/exod/files/styles/panopoly_image_original... alt="" class="media-element file-default panopoly-image-original" data-delta="1" width="127" height="38">/* 96km / 60mi*/ / A climb over the hills into the Liona region to join the Strada del Recioto, a trail through the vineyards of the Garganega grape that lead you to the walled town of Soave just outside of Verona. Here as well as exploring this beautiful town you can sample the wines that the town so famously gives its name to. You return crossing the vineyards and olive groves of the Berici hills. 845m / 2772ft of ascent on this route.
Distance in Km: 25
Distance in Miles: 16
* 7 Nights , single centre
* 5 Days activity
* Departs Every Saturday from 13 Apr '19 to 19 Oct '19
* GPS route directions
* /RideWithGPS/ navigation app
* High quality bikes provided
All continental breakfasts and evening meals included.
The Veneto ranks as one of the most fertile agricultural regions in
the country. You will see fields of maize and barley everywhere. It is also
a big area for fruit; expect to eat cherries, peaches, melons, plums,
pears, strawberries and apples. The cuisine varies from the coast up into
the mountains and reflects the region’s mixed cultural past. Nearer to
Austria in the mountains, you get a more Tyrolean cuisine with dishes such
as apple strudel creeping onto the menu, whereas towards the coast, you
will find a lighter cuisine with lots of fish dishes.
Three typical dishes you are likely to find throughout the region
are baccalà (air-dried salted cod soaked and cooked to a creamy
consistency in garlic, parsley and olive oil), carpaccio (now seen on menus
throughout Italy and even internationally, this is thin slices of very rare
beef sprinkled with lemon juice and garnished with parmesan cheese,
mushrooms or even white truffles according to the season and the restaurant)
and polenta (made from maize, this is served as an accompaniment to meat
or fish).
* 7 Nights , single centre
* 5 Days activity
* Departs Every Saturday from 13 Apr '19 to 19 Oct '19
* GPS route directions
* /RideWithGPS/ navigation app
* High quality bikes provided
Activity Level: 1 (Leisurely)
Av. daily ride: 29.4km (18.7miles).
No. of days cycling: 5
Terrain & route: The suggested cycling is along quiet, tarmac roads (mainly
traffic-free). There are a few ascents and descents along the way.
Vehicle Support: A representative will be there to meet you, make sure the
bikes are all set up and will be on call throughout the trip should you need.
This is a self-guided cycling trip for those who like to cycle independently,
but with back up to take out the hard work and planning. We arrange your
accommodations, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can cycle
at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next.
It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we
make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked. Where
possible we stick to cycle tracks and quiet roads to make the journeys as
pleasant as possible, however, on occasion we have to use busier routes.
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There maybe
others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised
together. The route notes contain an emergency assistance telephone number
should you need it and in emergencies, the local representative is normally
able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge
for this service.
Agriturismo L'Albara, Villaganzerla
Your base for the week is the charming AAA nine-room, Agriturismo l'Albara,
nestled just outside the tiny village of Villaganzerla, in the heart of the
Venetian countryside. Run by the affable Valfrido and Angelina, their
daughter, Romina, and son, Federico, this is one of the friendliest places
we've encountered. Don't be surprised if you're invited to take part in fruit
picking or whisked away to the local grappa distillery just down the road!
The bedrooms here are cheerfully decorated with wrought iron bedsteads,
brightly coloured throws and polished wooden floors. The dining room is light
and airy and serves fresh, regional cuisine according to what's in season.
Everything, even the wine, comes from the farm!
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. A local
representative is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the beginning of
the week to go through the route notes and point out particular places of
interest. Your luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided.
Please note: the walking and luggage transfers included in this tour are
subject to a minimum of 2 people (in total) booked on the departure. A
supplement (payable in advance) to cover these transfers and sole occupancy
of a room will apply if only 1 person travelling on a departure date.
All continental breakfasts and evening meals included.
The Veneto ranks as one of the most fertile agricultural regions in
the country. You will see fields of maize and barley everywhere. It is also
a big area for fruit; expect to eat cherries, peaches, melons, plums,
pears, strawberries and apples. The cuisine varies from the coast up into
the mountains and reflects the region’s mixed cultural past. Nearer to
Austria in the mountains, you get a more Tyrolean cuisine with dishes such
as apple strudel creeping onto the menu, whereas towards the coast, you
will find a lighter cuisine with lots of fish dishes.
Three typical dishes you are likely to find throughout the region
are baccalà (air-dried salted cod soaked and cooked to a creamy
consistency in garlic, parsley and olive oil), carpaccio (now seen on menus
throughout Italy and even internationally, this is thin slices of very rare
beef sprinkled with lemon juice and garnished with parmesan cheese,
mushrooms or even white truffles according to the season and the restaurant)
and polenta (made from maize, this is served as an accompaniment to meat
or fish).
The tour itself normally begins at the start hotel in Villaganzerla on the
afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary.
Prices include our standard flights/transfers
British Airways Gatwick to Venice Marco Polo 07:30/10:50 then rail Venice
Mestre to Vicenza 13:32/14:03 and transfer to hotel 30 minutes. Return:
Transfer to station 30 minutes then rail Vicneza to Venice Mestre 13:56/14:28
then British Airways Venice Marco Polo to Gatwick 17:25/18:35.
Business/club/first class seats are available on request.
Alternative transfers
If you require alternative transfers (because you will be arriving at a
different time to our standard flights), then we can usually arrange these
for you (there may be an additional charge).
Standard transfers
Transfers included from Vicenza train station at 14:03, and back to at 13:15.
In Veneto, the temperatures are cool/mild in spring and autumn and warm/humid
in summer, with potential summer storms.
Local Self-Guided Bikes
All bikes are supplied with:
- 1 front bar bag with a plastic folder for your route notes and maps - 1 per
2 people (if you are travelling together)
- 1 set of rear panniers
- 1 bike lock per 2 people
- 1 repair kit per 2 people, which includes 1 spare inner tube and a pump,
plus a lock
- Front and rear lights
Seat and handlebar heights will have been set up in advance from the heights
you have given us on booking. However, when you receive your bike there will
be the opportunity to test and adjust. Electronic bikes are available for
this trip, please request one as early as possible as they are subject to
availability. Helmets can be requested if you wish, but please be aware we
can never guarantee the quality of these so we do recommend bringing your
own.
We recommend you bring the following items:
Normal daily clothes
Padded cycling shorts
Cycling gloves
Water bottles
Breathable cycling top
Cycling helmet
A couple of warm layers
Sunglasses, sun cream and sunhat
Stiff-soled shoes suitable for cycling
Waterproofs and long cycling trousers
For earlier departures you may need some warmer layers
Mobile phone with roaming capabilities
You may find that you want to take some cycle-specific clothing such as cycle
gloves and padded cycling shorts. In addition to this it is worth taking some
leggings and long sleeved tops for the mornings and evenings when it may be
cooler. It is also recommended that you take a swimming costume so you can
take advantage of any bathing opportunities that come your way.
Lunch is not included in the itinerary and some dinners are left open where
there are good restaurant choices, please allow some spending money for this.
We recommend approximately €10-20 per lunch.
* Travel insurance
* Single accommodation (available on request -compulsory supplement)
* Visas or vaccinations
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.