Italy by bike, from Venice to Padoue and Vicenza
Discover northern Italy by bike with this tour of Veneto. The itinerary guides you in the footsteps of the splendor of the Venetian Republic. The entire region benefited from the wealth of the "Serenissima," of which Venice is the most striking example. Cycle through towns rich in heritage, admire splendid villas, discover Palladian architecture, and appreciate the resplendent nature of the Euganean Hills or the valleys of the Bacchiglione, Sile, and Brenta rivers.
Highlights of the trip:
- Venice, the Serenissima
- Palladian architecture
- Prosecco vineyards
- Vicenza, Treviso, and Padua, remarkable cities
- The Burci Cemetery, archaeological site
- Euganean Hills Regional Park
Day 1: Mestre/Venice
Venice, its canals, and exceptional architecture welcome you with open arms. Many treasures can be discovered on foot or by gondola. Don't miss St. Mark's Square, the Basilica, the Doge's Palace, or the Rialto Bridge. Stroll through the narrow streets, explore the islands of Murano and Burano, and let yourself be enchanted by the timeless magic of the Serenissima.
Overnight in Mestre.
Day 2: From Mestre to thermal district of Padua (55 km / + 240 m)
This first stage of the cycle tour in northern Italy begins along the Brenta Canal. The beautiful villas (Malcontenta, Widmann, Pisani) of the former Venetian nobility overlook the canal and accompany you to the hamlet of Stra. The Piovego Canal takes over and leads you to the city center of Padua. The city is home to one of Europe's leading universities and boasts a rich historical and artistic heritage. You'll take a towpath along the Battaglia Canal before arriving at the Euganean Hills, of volcanic origin. It's the largest thermal spa in Europe!
Day 3: Loop of the Padua Thermal Area (45 km / + 320 m)
Today, you'll explore the Euganean Hills Regional Park and its magnificent panoramas. Your first stop is the gardens of Villa Barbarigo in Valsanzibio. This imposing garden (complete with a labyrinth) is a perfect example of the classical Italian style. Get back on your bike for a few kilometers before visiting the medieval towns of Arquà Petrarca and Monselice, with their charming town halls. The route continues along the Vigenzone Canal cycle path through the hamlet of Pontemanco, with its mills, and continues to the village of Mezzavia. At the San Pelagio Castle, you can learn the entire history of human flight, from the inventions of Leonardo da Vinci to the Montgolfier brothers and Neil Armstrong. On the way back, don't miss the Catajo Castle.
Day 4: From thermal district of Padua to Vicenza (50 km + 255 m)
Leave the Euganean Hills behind the Bacchiglione River, which will guide you to your destination for the day, Vincenzo. Outside the city, you can admire Palladio's masterpiece, the Villa Rotonda. The city center also bears the hallmarks of Andrea Palladio, with numerous splendid public buildings and beautiful private palaces.
Day 5: From Vicenza to Bassano del Grappa (40 km / + 255 m)
The itinerary suggests a first stop in Marostica, a town known for its castle and charming main square decorated with a giant chessboard. Today's destination, Bassano del Grappa, is famous for its grappa drink and its "Ponte Vecchio," also known as the "Alpine Bridge." Made entirely of wood, covered, and reserved for pedestrians, it spans the Brenta River in the center of the town.
Day 6: From Bassano del Grappa to Treviso (65 km / + 395 m)
Enjoy a substantial breakfast. The first part of the route includes most of the day's elevation gain. Climb to Asolo before descending gently through the Prosecco vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a cultural landscape. In Maser, admire Villa Barbaro, another Palladian masterpiece beautifully decorated by the painter Paolo Veronese. Your ride ends in Treviso, whose city center was designed around ancient waterways.
Day 7: From Treviso to Mestre/Venice (45 km / + 190 m)
This final cycling leg begins along the Sile River. Follow its course to Casale. Along the way, don't miss the amazing Burci Cemetery in Casier, an archaeological site housing wrecks of wooden boats that were used for transporting goods until the 1970s. At the end of the route, Venice awaits you, right on the water. Your hotel is located in Mestre, Venice's mainland extension.
Day 8: Mestre/Venice
End your cycling holiday in northern Italy after breakfast. If you wish to enjoy Venice and its surroundings, additional night(s) are possible.
