The ancient Venetians, who lived in the territory of the Euganean Hills, knew well the water sources at the foot of the Euganean Hills, considering them sacred waters with a “divine” healing power. It was then the Romans who, as early as two thousand years ago, appreciated the therapeutic properties of the hyperthermal water of the Euganean Hills, and they led Euganean thermalism to the peak of its splendor. The largest thermal area in Europe is still today the ideal destination for wellness and fun, thanks also to the cycle paths that surround the Euganean Hills Natural Park, for those who love outdoor activities and above all for families with children.
1st day Galzignano Terme
Arrival in the afternoon and check in your hotel at Terme Euganee.
2nd day Arquà Petrarca and Valsanzibio 30 km by bike
You will follow the same road that Francesco Petrarca traveled from Padua to reach his home in Arquà at the end of the fourteenth century. You will reach the walled city of Monselice and then Arquà Petrarca, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, where you can taste the famous Brodo di Giuggiole, the local liquor. Then you will reach the Lispida Castle and the Garden of Valsanzibio, also called “the little Versailles of the Euganean Hills”, that is the third most beautiful baroque garden in Europe thanks to its beautiful labyrinth, the island of rabbits, the statues and fountains and there children will have a great time.
3rd day Battaglia Terme and Pontemanco 25 km by bike
This easy itinerary connects two fascinating river ports: Battaglia Terme on the Battaglia canal and Pontemanco on the Biancolino canal. In Battaglia Terme, you can visit the River Navigation Museum, the only one of its kind in Italy, which preserves models of boats that sailed along inland canals and rivers. In fact, cereals, timber, fruit, wine barrels and above all the volcanic stone to pave the Piazza San Marco left from the Euganean Hills. You will reach the village of Pontemanco with the oldest mill in the Veneto region. The Castle of San Pelagio deserves a stop for the Air Museum which traces the history of human flight, while the labyrinth in the garden is full of symbols. Stop for the last visit of the day at the Catajo Castle, the most visited private Villa in the Veneto, a real palace with original Renaissance frescoes, which for centuries has hosted extravagant parties and illustrious guests.
4th day Villa dei Vescovi and Praglia Abbey 40 km by bike
Start your day with the Villa dei Vescovi, that has been for centuries the residence of the bishops of Padua, recently restored and opened to the public by the FAI Italian Environment Fund. The Villa is a noble residence inspired by the themes of classicism, which dialogues with the external landscape thanks to the frescoes of its loggias and interiors. After the picnic in the garden of the Villa, you will reach the Praglia Abbey, the most important Benedictine monastery of the Euganean Hills. Here the monks pray, work and restore ancient books. In their shop you will find wine, honey, cosmetics and even the candies produced by them.
5th day Terme Euganee
Before leaving, enjoy a relaxing day at Euganean Spas with access to the thermal pool with Spa. The Euganean thermal baths of Abano and Montegrotto Terme are the largest thermal area in Europe. Rainwater infiltrates the subsoil and flows from the Small Dolomites for about 80 km at a depth of 3000 m, at high temperatures and pressures, enriched with mineral salts and geothermal energy to then spontaneously escape as thermal water in the eastern area of the Hills Euganei. The natural temperature of the water from 87 ° C is lowered and taken to the thermal pools. Pool water is salt-bromo-iodine thermal water. The pools are equipped with whirlpools, cervical waterfalls and a Kneipp path.
You will feel the benefits of this day at the spa on yourself and you will want to come back here soon!
When: from March to November
Individual fee: adults € , one child up to 16 years € , 2 children up to 16 years € each child
Included: 4 overnight stay in B&B, insurance, bike rental (with helmet, padlock and bags), route map with detailed description, entrance tickets to:Villa dei Vescovi, Garden of Valsanzibio, Catajo Castle, entrance to Thermal pools.
Not included: transport, lunches and dinners, tourist tax and anything not specified under the heading “Included”.
Extra: ebike, wine tasting in a local cellar
How to book: the reservation is valid with the payment of a deposit of 25% of the total amount. The balance has to be paid 7 days before your arrival in the apartment.
For further information and reservation:
Viaggiare curiosi – incoming tour operator
tel. 328 4089272
e-mail: info@viaggiarecuriosi.com
Cover picture: Rob Emme
