Cycling in the land of Venice

CYCLING IN THE LAND OF VENICE

Self-guided bike tour

 

PROGRAM:

 

DAY 1 – ARRIVAL AT THE EUGANEAN SPA

Arrival and hotel accommodation.

 

DAY 2 – FROM PADUA TO VICENZA ALONG THE BACCHIGLIONE RIVER (55 km – no elevation gain)

Starting from the Euganean Spa by bike you quickly reach Padua. Along the route there are many Venetian villas, such as the magnificent Villa Molin, designed by the architect Scamozzi. The success of Padua is linked to three great figures of the past: Saint Anthony, whose remains are preserved inside the Franciscan Basilica, Galileo Galilei, astrophysicist professor of the ancient University and Giotto, one of the greatest artists between the 14th and 16th centuries. After visiting the historic center, you follow the Bacchiglione river bank that connects the city of Padua to Vicenza. The pleasant riverside route allows you to enjoy wide panoramas animated by the presence of the Euganean Hills first and then the Berici Hills. The arrival in Vicenza is anticipated by the high bell tower of the Sanctuary of Monte Berico and by two masterpieces by Andrea Palladio: Villa Almerico Capra “La Rotonda” and the nearby Arco delle Scalette. 

 

DAY 3 – TOWARDS THE LAND OF CHERRIES: MAROSTICA AND BASSANO DEL GRAPPA (45 km – elevation gain 80 m)

Between Vicenza and Bassano del Grappa there is a route rich in landscape and artistic suggestions. At the foot of the Asiago Plateau lies a territory rich in underground waters that re-emerge giving life to numerous springs. Continuing in the direction of Bassano, we come across Sandrigo, a town known for the tradition of the famous Vicenza-style cod. The next stop is Marostica, which welcomes visitors with its walls and its castles. Famous throughout the world for the chess game that takes place every two years in the beautiful square, Marostica is also known for the production of cherries. The itinerary ends in Bassano del Grappa which amazes and enchants those who discover it with its architectural and landscape peculiarities. The city, located along the Brenta River and at the foot of Grappa Mountain, is famous for the wooden bridge designed by Palladio and which has become the symbol of the Alpini. A glass of grappa at the end of the day is the right reward for the fourth day of this journey through the Veneto.

 

DAY 4 – FROM THE HILLS OF ASOLO TO TREVISO (60 km – elevation gain 150 m)

The massive Grappa Mountain marks the beginning of the route, amidst winding hills, small valleys, and plateaus that alternate, creating ever-changing landscapes. On a hill, the romantic and elegant Asolo, “the city of a hundred horizons,” can be seen, with the imposing form of its Rocca standing out over a lush landscape of olive trees and cypress trees. A short distance away is Maser, a village known for the Palladian villa of the same name, a gem of 16th century architecture. From Montebelluna, just a few pedal strokes are enough to immerse in a natural setting rich in history: the Montello. This hill, nestled on the Treviso plain, is an ideal destination for pleasant excursions, with stops at farmhouses. The final stretch of the road crosses the Marca region, where history blends with modernity; secondary routes lead to Treviso, whose historic center is enclosed within the original Renaissance city walls.

 

DAY 5 – THE SILE RIVER AND VENICE (55 km – no elevation gain)

Following the course of the Sile River, the longest spring-fed river in Europe, you leave 14th century Treviso and head down toward the Venetian Lagoon. Along its banks, points of interest follow one another, such as Casier, a center of trade between the countryside and the lagoon since ancient times, where you can hear the sound of a unique water clock; next, you encounter Casale sul Sile, a strategic point for controlling river traffic, as evidenced by the medieval tower built in the 14th century by the noble Carraresi family. Reaching Quarto d’Altino, the sea breeze brings the scents of the lagoon. Not far from the modern town center there is the archaeological site of a port city built by the Romans. With the barbarian invasions, the city was demolished, and its inhabitants found refuge in the lagoon, contributing to the founding of Venice. The lagoon city is a fascinating destination on this loop itinerary through the ancient domains of the Serenissima empire.

 

DAY 6 – THE ISLANDS OF THE LAGOON AND CHIOGGIA (35 km – no elevation gain)

After visiting the historic center of the lagoon, take a ferry to the Lido of Venice, where the cycling journey begins. The excursion follows the coastline facing the lagoon, then crosses the Santa Maria Elisabetta avenue, from which the main urban axes of the town diverge. Soon you reach the Marconi seafront, where the most prestigious buildings of the tourist center stand: the Gran Hotel des Bains, the Casino, the Cinema Exhibition Palace, and the unique Moorish palace of the Grand Hotel Excelsior. Reaching the natural oasis of Alberoni, you take the ferry to the island of Pellestrina. Disembarking at Santa Maria del Mare, continue towards the port of S. Pietro in Volta, with its 18th-century church surrounded by low fishermen’s houses and gardens. Heading south, you first encounter the village of Portosecco, where it’s still possible to see women working on lace, and then the picturesque center of Pellestrina with 16th and 17th century houses. From Pellestrina, take the vaporetto to Chioggia, today’s destination.

 

DAY 7 – TOWARDS THE EUGANEAN HILLS (55 km – no elevation gain)

The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the ancient church of Sant’Andrea, and the medieval tower are the main monuments of the picturesque historic center of Chioggia, nestled between narrow alleys and canals. Don’t miss the colorful fish market, located between the square and the Canal della Vena. This itinerary retraces the ancient salt route that connected the lagoon to the Venetian cities. In Correzzola, you’ll find the 16th century Benedictine court, a testament to the great land reclamation works carried out by the monks in this area. After Pontelongo, continue along the river bank and pass through the fortified center of Bovolenta. The journey continues towards the Euganean Hills, which appear on the horizon with their characteristic volcanic profiles. The numerous Venetian villas, the river village of Pontemanco, and stone bridges are all elements encountered along the route. The itinerary ends in Battaglia Terme, a characteristic town where an original museum preserves the history of river navigation.

 

DAY 8: DEPARTURE

Check-out and return to accommodations.