The Beauties of Veneto by Bike: one-base Tour from the Euganean Thermal district

WHY YES

• The charm of the most beautiful art cities of Veneto, easily accessible with a stationary tour  
• Overnight stays in hotels at the Euganean Thermal district with a bit of relaxation in the thermal pool after cycling  
• Wine tasting included to discover the region with all your senses

 

PROGRAM

Day 1 – ARRIVAL  

Arrival and check-in at the hotel

Day 2 – ARQUÀ PETRARCA, VALSANZIBIO, AND VILLA DEI VESCOVI (45 km, elevation gain 250 m)  

Today, you will cycle part of the road that Francesco Petrarca used to walk from Padua to reach his home in Arquà at the end of the 14th century. You’ll have the chance to walk through this fascinating medieval village that still retains its ancient charm. Today’s highlights include the Gardens of Valsanzibio, also known as “the small Versailles of the Euganean Hills,” and the Villa dei Vescovi, a noble residence inspired by classical themes.  During the day you will have a wine tasting experience.

Day 3 – VICENZA AND THE BACCHIGLIONE RIVER (approx. 50 km, no elevation gain, transfer in the morning)  

In the morning, transfer to Vicenza, the city made famous by the renowned Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio. Numerous villas and buildings designed by him still shape the urban landscape: the Teatro Olimpico and the Basilica Palladiana are among the most significant landmarks he left behind. Leaving the city, you’ll be captivated by the beauty of Villa La Rotonda, a Palladian masterpiece that inspired the White House in the United States. You’ll follow the Bacchiglione River cycle path, passing through fertile fields and returning to your hotel.

Day 4 – PADUA AND THE BRENTA RIVERBANK (50 km, no elevation gain, transfer for return)  

Departure by bike towards Padua, where you will cycle through Prato della Valle, the Basilica of St. Anthony, and the historic city center with its squares, the University, and the Pedrocchi Café. You’ll leave the city, following the old river port of Portello, and join the Piovego Canal, which leads to the Stra along the Brenta River. The beautiful Villa Pisani welcomes you along the Riviera, which continues with a series of villas up to Malcontenta. You’ll cross the center of Dolo, with its traditional boatyard and ancient mill built on an island in the canal. Return to the hotel by bus.

Day 5 – LOOP OF THE EUGANEAN HILLS (65 km, elevation gain +70 m)  

A completely flat bike path loops around the volcanic hills of the Euganean Hills. You will cycle through walled cities like Monselice and Este, river villages like Battaglia Terme and Marendole, the Abbey of Praglia, castles, and Venetian villas. As the day progresses, different landscapes will unfold before your eyes. You will cycle along ancient waterways that once carried goods from the Euganean Hills to Venice: corn, wheat, sugar beets, wine barrels, olive oil, the jujube fruit of Arquà, chestnuts, and above all, trachyte, the volcanic stone used to pave Piazza San Marco in Venice. Lunch today will be at a local agriturismo.

Day 6 – CHIOGGIA (55 km, no elevation gain, transfer for return)  

Today’s destination is rightfully called the “Little Venice”. Many small bridges and canals remind you of its larger sister city. Most of today’s cycling follows the ancient course of the Bacchiglione River, once used by merchant ships, the so-called “burci”, which carried beets to the sugar refineries in Pontelongo and returned from Venice loaded with salt, a valuable preservative. At the end of the stage, you’ll have time to enjoy the atmosphere of Chioggia before transferring back to the hotel.

Day 7 – DEPARTURE  

Check-out and return to accommodations

 

EXTRA – FREE DAY  

You can add a day of rest in the middle of the tour. We recommend a free walk in Venice, easily reachable by direct trains from the Terme Euganee station.