Venice, Veneto & Vaporetti

Start the day by cycling across the Freedom Bridge to Venice, from where you take a ferry across to the famous Lido di Venezia. Why not interrupt your ride to the southern tip of the island with a halt to enjoy an ice cream? Take in the view back across the lagoon to Venice perhaps, or maybe go for a swim from the sandy beaches on the Adriatic shore? It’s then time to hop onto another small ferry across to the even narrower island of Pellestrina, which feels a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of nearby Venice. At the southern tip of Pellestrina, a Vaporetto takes you across the water to the heart of the fascinating old fishing town of Chioggia, set on an island at the southern end of the lagoon. Here, your stylish waterfront hotel is also a real 19th century Palazzo. Fish dishes have to be the order of the day, washed down with glass of something deliciously local as you drink in the views of course! (24 hour public transport ticket for Venice included in tour price).

Miles: 21 Kms: 35

Cycling on quiet roads, you follow the ancient river course of the Bacchiglione, a trading route once referred to as the ‘Burci’, as you pass into the province of Padua. Destination for the day is the thermal resort of Abano Terme on the plain by the Colli Euganei – the low, green Eugean hills. Explore the Viale delle Terme, the historic centre of the town with its cathedral (Duomo di San Lorenzo) or pedal out to the suburb of Montirone to view its sanctuary church which is home to some beautiful frescoes. Finally, relax like locals have here for centuries in the town’s warm thermal waters – your hotel has three themal pools and a luxurious spa facility – enjoy!

Miles: 34 Kms: 55

Let the Bacchiglione be your guide again today, leading along little used roads, through fertile fields and olive groves en route to Vicenza. You’ll have the distant Euganese hills for company as you skirt the edge of beautiful Monti Berici to arrive at your historic and truly Italian Renaissance destination. If you like Palladian architecture, you’ll love UNESCO World Heritage Site Vicenza – the showcase of medieval star, Andrea Palladio. It’s dotted with 16th century mansions and palaces designed to his manuscripts and the elegant Basilca Palladiana on the Piazza dei Signori, but don’t miss the Teatro Olimpico with its amazing trempe-l’oeil painted scenery, the oldest surviving state set in existence!

Miles: 34 Kms: 55

Time for a look around the Palazzo Barbarban da Porto, home to Museo Palladio perhaps or one last stroll around the elegant facades before your two wheels take you northwards to the walled city of Marostica. It’s famed not just for its castle, but for giant stone chess board in the main square. Later you cross the River Brenta to Bassano del Grappa where a visit and Grappa (brandy) tasting at the Poli Grappa Museo Bassano is an absolute must (so much so, we’ve included it in the tour price!).  The town is full of fascinating buildings and wartime history. Its iconic wooden pontoon bridge designed by Palladio in 1569 was destroyed many times over its history, but has been defiantly rebuilt on each occasion. The charming 18th century Venetian villa where you will stay the night was itself rebuilt to welcome guests just years ago and is set in a huge park just a short walk from the town centre.

Miles: 25 Kms: 40

Your day starts with a few small climbs that lead eventually to the narrow winding streets and frescoes of Asolo, a beautiful village which dates from Roman times. After a relaxing break, it’s down hill through Prosecco country, en route in the impressive walled city of Treviso which not only reveals its Roman and Byzantine influenced past, but claims to be the birthplace of that delicious dessert, Tiramisu. Surely that’s a good enough excuse to sample a few local treats after a day in the saddle and you can always relax the rest of the day away in the whirlpool or Turkish bath at your charming villa hotel.

Miles: 37 Kms: 60

Your final day’s cycling takes you along the River Sile to Casale where it’s onwards through relaxing country landscapes, pastures and fields to Mestre. Relax on the mainland at your first hotel, but be sure to pop back across the water for a final lingering look at Venice, washed down with a little Grappa tasting session to celebrate your tour, (close to St Mark’s Square – included in tour price).

Miles: 27 Kms: 45

Depart after breakfast following a final night in Mestre.

Extra nights can be booked in Mestre to allow more time to explore Venice. Alternatively, you can arrange your own accommodation in Venice if you prefer and simply drop off your bikes and pick up your luggage in Mestre.