A sophisticated region set at the foot of the Dolomite mountains, the Veneto is a remarkable reflection on Italy: full of Renaissance art, fine food and style. The Veneto has inspired aristocrats and artists for centuries, from Queen Cathryn of Cyprus to Andrea Palladio, the master of Italian architecture. This tranquil region in the Northeast of Italy has enough gardens, Renaissance villas and sophisticated little towns to inspire us all. Our biking is through flat farmlands, by stately 16th & 17th c. villas, and along canals reminiscent of the Veneto's most famous town, Venice. We follow the Strada del Prosecco (the wine road) as we cycle past vineyards, castles and into the gentle foothills of the Dolomites. A stop to sample sparkling wines, a cooking lesson in a 1,000 year old castleand charming little towns such as a solo and Bassano del Grappa are among the highlights. At each day's end we relax and savor the dolce vita with classic Venetian cuisine and luxurious villa hotels.
Highlights:
- Cooking lesson at the castle in Serravalle;
- Window shopping in Asolo;
- Grappa tasting in Bassano;
- Sampling classic Venetian antipasti at a local, family-run trattoria;
- Gardens & frescoes at the Villa Malcontenta;
- Biking through the foothills and vineyards of the prosecco region.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - Riviera Del Brenta
Warm up ride along tiny canalled streets and by fields bursting with bright red poppies. Signora Chiara leads us through the private chambers of the Villa Malcontenta, a gracious patrician estate designed by Palladio. Palladio's mastery of beauty and function is apparent in this stunning country home that was also a working farm. We admire the graceful frescoes depicting Bacchus, Venus and Cupid, and learn why Villa Foscari was renamed Malcontenta. Overnight at Villa Margherita, an elegant 4 star Venetian villa along the Brenta River.
Day 2 & 3 - Asolo & Bassano Del Grappa
Our route takes us past the walled city of Castelfranco Veneto and quiet farmroads winding through cornfields. We stop for a visit at Villa Emo, another of Palladio's treasures. Still in excellent condition, we walk from room to room and admire the vibrant frescoes painted by Giambattista Zelotti over 400 years ago. We hop back on our bikes to our final destination, the magical hamlet of A solo, where the late afternoon sun tempts us to relax in the enchanting gardens and admire the villas that surround us. Later this evening we enjoy an exquisite meal in the Cipriani's opulent dining room.
The next morning, we pedal on to Bassano where we can taste some potent Grappa Uva Viva at the Jacopo Poli Museum. The grappas range from a mild honey to a fiery, herb-infused concoction. This afternoon we might try our hand at bocceor visit Ennio's Market for his irresistible handmade pastas, polentas and olive oils.Two nights at the legendary Villa Cipriani, a 16th c. villa in Asolo.
Day 4, 5 & 6 - Follina & Vittorio Veneto
Farmlands give way to rolling vineyards as we cycle into wine country. Cristina welcomes us to the Bisol Winery where we tour their handsome 18th c. cantina and sample their bubbly white prosecco. We bike into the foothills for a cooking lesson with Signora Anna. Creamy risotto with peas, grilled radicchio and carpaccio di zucchine highlight our lavish lunch on the castle's terrace. Our farewell dinner includes a buffet of Venetian antipasti at a local trattoria. Sample provincial favorites such as fried zucchini flowers and polenta with sopressata that have all been prepared especially for us by Signora Clementina. Two nights at Hotel Villa Abbazia, a lovely family run inn and Relais & Châteaux property.
Testimonials:
"Bike Riders delivers a tour that's saturated in the locale..." Departures Magazine
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price includes:
Meals - all breakfasts, all dinners but 1; picnic lunch;
Hotels - 4 star villas and classic country inns.
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