Heart of Venetia Cycling, Italy

This single centre independent cycling holiday offers a real insight into Italian country living, and is perfect for people not wanting to pack up and move on every couple of days.

Base for the week is the charming farm-hotel, Agriturismo l’Albara, nestled just outside the tiny village of Villaganzerla, in the heart of the Venetian countryside, and surrounded by olives, poplars and cherries. Run by the affable Valfrido and Angelina, and their daughter, Romina, this is one of the friendliest places in our programme – don’t be surprised if you are invited fruit picking or whisked away to the grappa distillery just down the road!

The area is excellent for cycling as the valley floor here is criss-crossed with lots of quiet country lanes. We’ve put together a selection of circular routes, of varying lengths, so you can be as active, or not, as you choose. There are a number of Palladian villas on your doorstep, and the area is rich in pretty rural villages, unchanged over the years. Further afield, the “must see” regional highlights – such as Venice, Vicenza and Padua – can all be reached on a full day out. Or, of course, you can just laze by the pool and soak up the warm Italian sun!

Staying in an agriturismo is less formal than staying in a hotel, but certainly no less comfortable. The bedrooms here are cheerfully decorated with wrought iron bedsteads, brightly coloured throws and polished wooden floors. The dining room is light and airy and serves fresh, regional cuisine according to what’s in season. Everything – even the wine – comes from the farm!