Itinerary Expand all Villaganzerla to Villaganzerla Day 1 Arrive in Villaganzerla 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) Meals included: Dinner Day 2 Bastia Market 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 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. Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 3 Lake Fimon 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 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. Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 4 Villas and Vineyards 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. Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 5 Vicenza and the Villa Rotonda 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 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. Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 6 Free Day Exploring 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 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. Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 7 Southern Strada Dei Vini Berici 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 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. Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 8 Leave Villaganzerla Meals included: Breakfast
Italy No visa required for British passport holders. Please note in Italy it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times. For further Brexit travel advice please visit https://www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/brexit-advice-for-travellers
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!
January 13, 2021 Europe’s Hidden Gems Like a journey through time, Europe is a fascinating fusion of historical relics, breathtaking natural beauty, delect
January 12, 2021 6 Off-the-Beaten-Track Cycling Tours in Europe for 2021 With most of us spending time exploring hidden gems across the UK in 2020, the number of bike sales sky-rocketed as m
December 17, 2020 Best Destinations to Stretch your Legs in 2021 Besides its intriguing history and lively culture, Europe possesses some of the most awe-inspiring, natural beauty in
December 17, 2020 The 7 Best Peaks and Summits to Hike in 2021 No doubt after 2020 you’re desperate to alleviate those itchy feet with a hike of a lifetime.