From Lake Garda to Venice group tour

FROM GARDA TO VENICE

Group Tour

DAY 1 – ARRIVAL AT LAKE GARDA

Arrival and check-in in hotel on the southern shore of the lake.

DAY 2 – FROM GARDA TO VERONA THROUGH THE MORAINIC HILLS (35 km – elevation gain 110 m)

The mild climate and succession of civilizations around Lake Garda have created a concentration of extraordinary beauty in this corner of Veneto. Starting from the lakeside of Peschiera del Garda, we cycle towards Pacengo and then to the countryside to the east of the lake. The route is particularly pleasant as it crosses the gentle morainic hills on quiet secondary roads. Near Bussolengo, we enter a convenient bike path that leads to the town center. Leaving the historic center, we continue on a bike path that reaches the banks of a canal parallel to the Adige River. We follow the canal to Verona, an art city and UNESCO World Heritage site. Verona deserves a deep visit. Known worldwide as the city of Romeo and Juliet, and home to the famous Arena. Overnight in Verona.

DAY 3 – ALONG THE SOAVE TERRITORY TO VICENZA (65 km – elevation gain 150 m)

The stage begins from the city of Juliet and heads towards the plains, where the Adige river stretches out in wide meanders. The surrounding countryside is cultivated with fruits and vegetables. After about thirty kilometers, we arrive in Soave, a walled city with Lombard origins. Surrounded by carefully cultivated vineyards producing the renowned Soave white wine, the town boasts numerous wineries. In Monteforte d’Alpone, we enter the Vicenza region, in the plain dividing the Prealps from the Berici Hills. Vicenza is close now, and the surrounding landscape enriches with Venetian villas, preluding to the Palladian masterpieces in the city. Once in the historic center, the charm continues with the harmony of squares, palaces, churches, and the Olympic Theatre. Overnight in Vicenza.

DAY 4 – THE BACCHIGLIONE RIVER AND PADUA (45 km – no elevation gain)

From Vicenza, we start cycling along the Berica Riviera. Leaving the city, we catch sight of the Valmarana ai Nani villa and the Almerico Capra “La Rotonda” villa, one of Andrea Palladio’s masterpieces. Upon reaching Longare, we begin the bike path along the Bacchiglione River. This watercourse, which was the main communication route between Padua and Vicenza, becomes the thread of the day’s journey. At Cervarese Santa Croce, near an ancient mill, a bridge leads us to the San Martino della Vanezza Castle. The route continues through lush green landscapes until we reach Padua, a city famous for three great figures from the past: Saint Anthony, whose relics are preserved in the Franciscan Basilica; Galileo Galilei, the astrophysicist professor at the ancient University; and Giotto, one of the greatest artists of the 14th and 16th centuries. Overnight in Padua.

DAY 5 – THE BRENTA RIVIERA AND VENICE (40 km – no elevation gain)

Departing towards Venice, we pass through the Portello district with the monumental Porta Ognissanti and continue along the Piovego Canal, followed by the Brenta Naviglio. These medieval watercourses ensured communication between Padua and Venice for many centuries, through the famous Brenta Riviera. This area is especially interesting for the concentration of Venetian villas that influenced the development of riverside towns such as Stra, Fiesso, Dolo, and Mira. Cycling allows us to admire the same landscapes that amazed travelers in the past centuries: the Pisani villa in Stra, the charming towns of Dolo and Mira, and the Foscari villa, known as “La Malcontenta,” the pinnacle of Palladian architecture. Just beyond, we reach Mestre, where public transportation will take us to Venice in a short time. Venice is the most rewarding conclusion to this artistic and architectural journey. Overnight in Mestre.

DAY 6: DEPARTURE

Check-out and return to residences.