Th Veneto area extends from the Dolomites into the Po Valley to the Adriatic Sea is mostly flat terrain, at the mouth of which sits one of the great Mediterranean ports, Venice. Thus bicycling is the ideal way to explore.
Day 1: Trading Canals & Life with Royalty: From San Marco’s Square board a boat for the mouth of the Brenta canal. Bike along this illustrious trading canal noted for countless palaces, mansions and villas. Our last stop is the renowned 114 room Villa Pisani, the largest of the Villas constructed in a baroque style blended with the harmony of classicism and considered to be on a par with great palaces like Versailles. Then relax in charming, picturesque Dolo.
Day 2: Asolo: After breakfast we transfer to captivating Asolo, known as the Town of a hundred horizons. Flanked by gothic arcades and houses facades decorated with frescos and gracious mullioned windows and beautiful balconies all situated below the queen’s castle and surrounded within a colorful rural landscape. Our ride takes us through a rural countryside along the crest of the gentle hills covered in rows of vineyards, orchards and tiny hamlets. A beautiful car-free bike path skirts along the flowing canals then stop to view what is considered one of Palladio’s finest works--the Villa Barbaro and soon invite you for a glass of the sparkling regional prosecco before dinner.
Day 3: Amazing Villas & Sculpture: As we loop through the gentle hills we make our way to the birthplace of the 18th C. sculptor Antonio Canova. We visit the exquisite temple he built, as well as the museum which house models of his indescribable marble statues. Our ride continues past the many gardens and villas of the region before we engage in a splendid prosecco wine tasting tour.
Day 4: Grappa & Ceramics: Riding through the rolling fields of the Po Valley into the medieval heartland of the Veneto region makes one realize why this has always been known as the bread basket of Italy. As we make our way for the grappa region we first visit a ceramic museum & the famous wooden bridge "Ponte degli Alpini." Our visit to the grapperia is essential, as well as surprising, if one is to feel they have truly visited the Veneto region. We pass through many market towns and villages as we make our way to the "City of Gold", Vicenza.
Day 5: Wine Tasting & City Tour: A local guide leads us on a tour, which gives insight into the Vicenza lifestyle through the ages. This visually perfect city was a showcase of architectural master Andrea Palladio. We then bike past the often-copied Villa Rotonda and into the quiet countryside of the Berici foothills. As we pass the many vineyards, a stop to taste the local Tocai Rosso is scheduled before we set our sights on the 24 towers of the completely walled medieval city of Montagnana.
Day 6: Benedictine Abbey & Gardens: Meander through the Euganeii hills, where history has scattered the landscape with jewels of villas, gardens, medieval castles and the parks of Venetian nobility. Then visit the largest Benedictine Abbey in Italy. Here we tour this unusual domicile of not just monks, but homeopathic herbal teas, cosmetics and honey. This region of volcanic origin has been famous for centuries for the curative thermal waters of its many spas and mud/fango bathes, making it an ideal area to end our week of cycling.
Day 7: After warm croissants and steaming cappucini on the sunny Piazza of this beautiful town, we transfer anyone who is capable of tearing himself or herself away to the Padova train station.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Inclusions & highlights:
* 6 nights quality 3-star inns w/ bkfst
* 5 full course dinners & 1 lunch
* Multi-lingual guide(s)
* Visits to selected Palladian Villas
* Entrance to Ceramics museum
* Visits to grapperia & selected wineries for tastings
* All entrances fees
* BIKE RENTAL of quality bikes
* City tours of Vicenza
* Visit of Benedictine Abbey
* Bike accessories & helmets
* All tour transfers including meet and departure
* Daily van support while biking & luggage transfer
* Route notes, maps, snacks & supplies
* Multiple rides are offered daily to suit your preferred pace and distance.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Italy
Bicycle Touring
Email it to a friend:
Click here to email this vacation to a friend
|
