9
14 330
Wonderfully easy hotel-to-hotel cycling route exploring the pretty villages, villas and castles of the Venetian countryside.
Arrive at your friendly agriturismo run by Gabriella and Alessandro, in time for dinner. *(Staying at Agriturismo Il Feudo)*
The day starts along the canalside path to Este. This delightful mediaeval town with its pastel, arcaded buildings boasts a C14 castle and an altar piece by Tiepolo in its Cathedral. Your next stop is Monselice. You can visit its mediaeval castle (converted into a sumptuous residence for a Venetian noble in the C15). From Monselice you follow the canal past the C19 Villa Italia, before arriving at Sig Ottolitri's friendly, family run hotel just outside Galzignano. *(Staying at Belvedere Resort ai Colli)*
Distance in Km: 37
Distance in Miles: 24
It's a lovely circular cycle (route notes provided) to Arqua Petrarca, unchanged since the 1370's when Petrarch lived here. Visit his well-preserved house before pedalling off through vineyards to the fabulous Villa Barbarigo at Valsanzibio, the delightfully manicured C17 Italian gardens here are the best in the region. *(Staying at Belvedere Resort ai Colli)*
Distance in Km: 17
Distance in Miles: 11
Cycling through swaying vines you reach the charming village of Battaglia where there's time for a spot of wine tasting. You must try the local Serprino, a medium dry frizzante wine often compared to Prosecco, before carrying on through the spa towns of Montegrotto Terme to the pre-Palladian villa at Luvigliano. After admiring the elegant villa you cycle upwards to Teolo, your hotel is an elegant villa perched high above the town. *(Staying at B&B Tito Livio)*
Distance in Km: 34
Distance in Miles: 22
A former Roman settlement, Teolo's heyday was in the C15 when it became the summer home of Venice's doges escaping the heat on the coast. Many palazzi and formal gardens from the period remain. You could take a walk in the encircling Euganean hills (360 degree views from here) or maybe take the bus into Padua to admire the town's Giotto frescoes. Or, for a longer day out, take the bus/train to Italy's most romantic city, Venice. Enjoy a cappuccino in St Mark's Square, take a gondola under the Bridge of Sighs, admire the opulent gold decor of the Doge's Palace or visit the Peggy Guggenheim Exhibition. The list is endless! *(Staying at B&B Vito Lovio)*
*/Option: 1/* Today starts with a 1km climb from the hotel, followed by an exhilarating freewheel down through the Euganean Hills to the mediaeval castle at San Martino. Then, cycling by the Bacchiglione River you reach Cervarese Santa Croce in time for a relaxed lunch in the square. Onwards, it's into wine country once more to reach your charming farm hotel at Villaganzerla where you'll receive a warm welcome from Valfrido and Angelina. There's time for a dip in the pool (typically open June - early September) before dinner. *(Staying at Agriturismo L'Albara)*
Distance in Km: 38
Distance in Miles: 24
You could laze by the pool but it's a shame to miss out on Vicenza! A cycle path (those feeling lazy can catch the bus) takes you there past the famous Palladian villa, La Rotonda. 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. There's plenty to explore. *(Staying at Agriturismo L'Albara)*
Distance in Km: 38
Distance in Miles: 24
*/Option: 1/* Today's route follows the Strada del Tocai Rosso (the only area outside of Hungary where the red Tocai is grown). The wine road links a string of pretty villages, each with their own Venetian campanile. Then it's out across the plain to reach Vo Vecchio, criss-crossed with canals. The Euganean hills are spread out in front of you as you cycle through the vineyards to Gabriella and Alessandro's farmhouse for your last dinner. *(Staying at Agriturismo II Feudo)* */Option: 2/* */[[{"fid":"151306","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default"},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"4":{"format":"default"}},"attributes":{"height":"40","width":"127","class":"media-element
file-default","data-delta":"4"}}]] 80km / 50mi /* Start the day following the Strada dei Vini along the foothills of the Berician with the possibility of wine tasting stops at the villages of Costozza and Nanto locally well known for using the red Tokay grape originating from Hungary. You then climb over the Berici for a stunning view and descent into the horseshoe valley carved by the Liona river, before heading back across the plains to the Euganei and into the vineyards of Villa Sceriman. A picturesque final wine tasting opportunity before arriving back to your Agriturismo for a well-earned chilled locally produced glass of bubbles! 587m / 1926ft of ascent on this route.
Distance in Km: 40
Distance in Miles: 25
* 8 Nights, hotel-to-hotel
* 6 Days cycling
* Departs every two days
* GPS route directions
* /RideWithGPS/ navigation app
* High quality bikes provided
* Luggage transfers between hotels
All continental breakfasts and 6 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).
* 8 Nights, hotel-to-hotel
* 6 Days cycling
* Departs every two days
* GPS route directions
* /RideWithGPS/ navigation app
* High quality bikes provided
* Luggage transfers between hotels
Cycling Conditions
Classification: Self-Guided
Activity Level: 1 (Leisurely)
Average daily distance on move on days: 34km (21.5 miles).
No. of days cycling: 6
Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to cycle
independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the
logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodations, provide you with a
map and route notes so that you can cycle at your own pace. 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.
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.
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 a 24-hour 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.
We take you across the Venetian plain, past cherry orchards and swaying vine
terraces, with the outline of the conical shaped Euganean Hills and imposing
Colli Berici acting as a constant backdrop. The cycling is wonderfully
gentle, over the flatlands of the plain and the low foothills of the Colli
Berici, along peaceful canalside paths, cycle tracks and quiet country roads,
passing sumptuous villas and historic towns with wine-tasting opportunities
on the way.
Hotels
En route the cuisine is fabulous, home cooked fayre and you'll stay with some
of the friendliest people we've ever met. In Teolo you'll stay at Tiziana's
lovingly restored Liberty villa, whilst there's a warm welcome at Valfrido
and Angelina's charming agriturismo near Vicenza, and at the Ottolitri
family's hotel just outside Galzignano.
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 6 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).
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 50 minutes. Return:
Transfer to station 50 minutes then rail Vicenza 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 Vicenza
train station at 12:45.
In Veneto and the surrounding areas the temperatures are cool/mild in spring
and autumn and warm/humid in summer, with potential summer storms. You can
find more information on the weather in Veneto on
"www.arpa.veneto.it.
You will need spending money for meals not included in the itinerary and all
drinks. We suggest €25 per day to cover a few drinks if not then €10 per
day. On the days where lunch is not included expect to spend €10-€15.
* Travel insurance
* Single accommodation (available on request) Please enquire for prices
* Visas or vaccinations
* Arrival & departure transfers (available on request)
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.