Villas and Vineyards Cycling

Location: Venetia, Italy. Holiday type: Independent cycling, hotel-to-hotel. Managed locally by Headwater employed rep. Activity level: 1 bike Duration: 9 days (8 nights) Hotels: A mix of mid range/good value, friendly/quirky. Meals: Continental breakfast and evening meals. Prices from: Please call. Departs: Every two days from 5 May '12 to 16 Oct '12   JFMAMJJASOND

Highlights Wonderfully flat hotel-to-hotel cycling route exploring the pretty villages, villas and castles of the Venetian countryside. Lots of historic interest and great regional cooking! A day trip to Venice is a 'must' with Padua and Vicenza also within reach.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Cortela

We pick you up in Vicenza and take you to our friendly farm hotel (50 mins) run by Gabriella and Alessandro in time for dinner.

Day 2 - Cortela to Galzignano 38km/24mi

You start along the canal path to Este. This delightful mediaeval town with its pastel, arcaded buildings boasts a 14C castle and an altar piece by Tiepolo in its cathedral. Next stop Monselice. You can visit its mediaeval castle (converted into a sumptuous residence for a Venetian noble in the 15C). From Monselice you follow the canal past the 19C Villa Italia, before arriving at Sig Ottolitri's friendly and family run hotel just outside Galzignano.

Day 3 - At Galzignano

It's a lovely circular cycle to Arqua Petrarca, still as it was when Petrarch came here in 1370. Visit his well-preserved house before pedalling off through vineyards to the fabulous Villa Barbarigo at Valsanzibio - the C17 Italian gardens here are the best in the region.

Day 4 - Galzignano to Teolo 28km/17mi or 36km/22mi

Cycling through swaying vines you reach the charming village of Battaglia. Time for a spot of wine tasting - try the local Serprino, a medium dry frizzante wine often compared to Prosecco - before carrying on through the spa towns of Montegrotto and Abano Terme to the Renaissance Abbey at La Praglia, still home to an order of Benedictine monks. After admiring the elegant cloisters and 15C church you cycle to Villa di Teolo where we meet you for the short transfer up to your hotel in Teolo, an elegant Liberty Villa.

Day 5 - At Teolo

A former Roman settlement, Teolo's heyday was in the 15C when it became the summer home of Venice's doges escaping the heat on the coast. Many palazzi and formal gardens from the period remain. You could take a walk in the encircling Euganean hills (360o views from here) or maybe take the bus into Padua to admire the town's Giotto frescoes. Or, for a longer day out, take the bus/train to Italy's most romantic city, Venice. Enjoy a cappuccino in St Mark's Square, take a gondola under the Bridge of Sighs, admire the oppulent gold decor of the Doge's Palace or visit the Peggy Guggenheim Exhibition. The list is endless!

Day 6 - Teolo to Villaganzerla 27km/16mi or 38km/24mi

Today starts with an exhilarating freewheel down through the Euganean Hills to the mediaeval castle at San Martino. Then cycling by the Bacchiglione River you reach Cervarese Santa Croce in time for a relaxed lunch in the square. Onwards, it's into wine country once more to reach your charming farm hotel at Villaganzerla where you'll receive a warm welcome from Valfrido and Angelina. There's time for a dip in the pool (typically open June - early September) before dinner.

Day 7 - At Villaganzerla

You could laze by the pool but it's a shame to miss out on Vicenza. A cycle path (those feeling lazy can catch the bus!) takes you there past the famous Palladian villa, La Rotonda. 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.

Day 8 - Villaganzerla to Cortela 34km/21mi or 39km/24mi

Today's route follows the Strada del Tocai Rosso (the only area outside of Hungary where the red Tocai is grown). The wine road links a string of pretty villages, each with their own Venetian campanile. Then it's out across the plain to reach Vo Vecchio criss-crossed with canals. The Euganean hills are spread out in front of you as you cycle through the vineyards to Gabriella and Alessandro's farmhouse for your last dinner.

Day 9 - Leave Cortela

You return home after breakfast.

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.