Heart of Venetia Cycling

Location: Venetia, Italy. Holiday type: Independent cycling, single centre. Managed locally by Headwater employed rep. Activity level: Choose 1 or 2 bikes Duration: 8 days (7 nights) Hotels: Mid range/good value, friendly/quirky. Meals: Continental breakfast and evening meals. Prices from: Please call. Departs: Saturdays from 5 May '12 to 13 Oct '12   JFMAMJJASOND

Highlights This single centre cycling holiday is a perfect choice for people wanting a genuine grass-roots Italian experience. You'll stay on a family-run farm, in the heart of the Venetian countryside, with private pool and vineyards. Venice, Verona and Padua are all possible day trips.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Villaganzerla

Our rep meets you at Vicenza and takes you (30 mins) to your friendly farm-hotel in Villaganzerla where, time permitting, he will kit you out with a bike and go through the various cycling choices with you before dinner.

Day 2 - BastiaMarket - 23km/15mi

Sunday is market day (morning only) in Bastia - so we've built in an easy cycle along quiet country lanes crisscrossing the Paduan Plain to get you in your stride. Take time to stroll round the stalls before heading off to the tiny village of Lovolo - 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.

Day 3 - Lake Fimon - 33km/22mi or 38km/25mi

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.

Day 4 - Villas and Vineyards 25km/17mi

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 Strada del Vino as you wend 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 Tocai Rosso grape is grown. Stop off for some tasting, perhaps in Castegnero or Nanto - striking Venetian bell tower - before pedaling east and back in time for a dip before dinner.

Day 5 - Vicenza and the Villa Rotonda 33km/22mi

A cycle path (those feeling lazy can catch the bus!) takes you to 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 - there's plenty to explore. On the way home you can visit the famous Villa Rotonda and its surrounding gardens.

Day 6 - Free day exploring

Why not give the bike a rest today and head off to one of the great Italian cities? Venice, Verona and Padua are all easily accessible by train from Vicenza (short bus or cycle ride). Alternatively, if you prefer to avoid the crowds, perhaps take the bus to Bassano - home to the region's famous grappa; there is even a museum here in its honour!

Day 7 - The Abbey of La Praglia 37km/25mi

In the morning, we'll give you a lift (with your bike) to Teolo, in the heart of the National Park of the Euganean Hills. A former Roman settlement, Teolo's heyday was in the C15 when it became the summer home of Venice's Doges escaping the heat of the coast. Many palazzi and formal gardens from the period remain. Your cycling starts with an exciting freewheel down through the Euganean Hills and on to the Renaissance Abbey of La Praglia, still home to an order of Benedictine monks. You then cycle to 'Castello di San Martino', a popular spot for a shady picnic, and then back along quiet country lanes by the Baccaglione River to l'Albara.

Day 8 - Leave Villaganzerla

We give you a lift to Vicenza after breakfast so that you can connect with your flight home.

NB: Please note that, from spring 2011, cycling helmets are compulsory in Italy for under 16's. As we cannot provide these, we strongly recommend that you bring your own.