magic of Venice and its surrounding environs. Highlights (in Venice alone) include the Riatlto Bridge, Doge’s Palace, Saint Mark’s Basilica and the Palazzo Grassi. In between stays in Mestre, you’ll board a ferry and lodge in Chiogga, a smaller version of Venice, located on the south end of the Venetian Lagoon. You’ll also pedal inland and lodge in Padova (also known as Padua) one of earth’s greatest cultural hubs. This bustling city has a longstanding history for attracting world class artists, architects, writers and thinkers. Padova’s openness to creative pursuit is reflected in its streets, which house such architectural landmarks as the Palazza Del Capitano, the Basilica of Sant’Antonio and the Cathedral. The return pedal follows the Brenta Canal. Often referred to as “Venice’s Riviera,” elaborate villas and palaces built by wealthy Venetians line both sides of the canal and once even attracted the attention of Napoleon. The short length of this tour makes it a perfect vacation choice, especially during long holiday weekends. Start any Tuesday and Wednesday from May 7th to September 25th, 2013. _____________________________ Day 1: Arrive in Mestre Upon arriving, we’ll usher you to your hotel located in the heart of Mestre. This coastal city is the mainland link to Venice, separated by only 6 kilometers (4 miles) of water. The earlier you arrive, the more time you’ll have for exploring Venice, the world’s only all-pedestrian city. Trains from Mestre to Venice depart every 15 minutes. Piazza San Marco tops Venice’s Must-See List. Universally recognized as one of the planet’s greatest manmade landmarks, the piazza houses the Doge’s Palace, Saint Mark’s Basilica and Saint Mark’s Clocktower. The Rialto Bridge, another Venice icon, demands gotta-visit status as well. The oldest of four bridges (1591) that span the Grand Canal symbolizes Venice’s aquatic uniqueness more than any other landmark. Day 2: Mestre/Venice – Chioggia – 35 km (or 21 miles) Today you’ll pedal to the Venetian Lagoon via the Ponte della Libertá. This bridge spans 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) and represents the main link between Venice and the mainland. You’ll bicycle to the Tronchetto Harbor and then board a ferry to Lido, a sliver of an island that plays host to the Venice Film Festival each year. Your ferry will travel via the Giudecca Canal, passing waterside villas and palaces and bobbing gondolas. Upon reaching Lido you’ll pedal south, straddling the Venetian Lagoon on your right and Adriatic Sea on your left. Eventually you’ll reach Chioggia, home for the night. This lagoon town is often referred to as a “smaller version of Venice,” and features many architectural attractions, including the Church of San Martino, a14th century Gothic marvel. Day 3: Chioggia – Padua (Padova) - 60 km (or 37 miles) Today you’ll pedal inland into the heart of Italy’s Veneto region, following the historic paths of the Brenta Canal and the Bacchiglione River. Along the way, perched along the Brenta Canal, you’ll pass Strá’s famous Villa Pisani. Built in the 18th century, this national monument features an elaborate frescoed ceiling painted by Giovanni Tiepolo and once owned by Napoleon. At night you’ll lodge in Padova (also referred to as Padua), a bustling city that attracts artists, architects and writers. Sites abound, including the University of Padua, founded in 1222. Over the years it has attracted some of the world’s greatest scholars including Copernicus and Galileo. In addition, Padova also houses the Palazza Del Capitano, the Palazzo Della Ragione, and the Caffé Pedrocchi (one of the largest cafés in the world and former hangout of English poet, Lord Byron). Day 4: Padova – Mestre - 40 km (or 24 miles) Today feature’s another easy ride through the Veneto region’s flat countryside. You’ll follow the path of the Brenta Canal, or what many refer to as “Venice’s Riviera.” Both sides of the canal are walled with massive villas and palaces built by wealthy Venetians between the 15th and 18th centuries. These awe-inspiring structures showcase works by some of Italy’s greatest architects (Scamozzi, Contini, Jappelli) and artists (Angeli, Zelotti, Schiavoni), making the entire ride feel like you’re pedaling through one of the planet’s largest open-air art museums. In Mestre, you’ll conveniently drop your bike off at the same hotel that you initially stayed at, thus conclude your tour. Notes: Pricing: From 415 euros per person based on double occupancy. 
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