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!

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1 - Arrive in Villaganzerla
Our rep meets you at Vicenza and takes you (30 mins) to your friendly farm-hotel in Villaganzerla where, time permitting, he will kit you out with a bike and go through the various cycling choices with you before dinner.

Day 2 - Bastia Market - 23km/15mi
Sunday is market day (morning only) in Bastia - so we've built in an easy cycle along quiet country lanes crisscrossing the Paduan Plain to get you in your stride. Take time to stroll round the stalls before heading off to the tiny village of Lovolo - charming village square with its ancient lime kiln - for lunch. Your return route takes you through the delightful hamlet of Monticello as you wind your way back to Villaganzerla.

Day 3 - Lake Fimon - 33km/22mi or 38km/25mi
Today's route takes you along wonderfully tranquil valley lanes and on to Lake Fimon, a totally undiscovered gem surrounded by shaded woodland. There are lots of little spots for picnicking by the water's edge, or you can take lunch at one of the lakeside trattorie. It's a lovely 5km circular cycle around the lake, before you meander back amidst the green backdrop of lush valleys and rolling hills to your agriturismo.

Day 4 - Villas and Vineyards 25km/17mi
Heading north this morning, your first stop is the lovely village of Costozza - named after the network of caves in the cliffs above - with its impressive campanile, beautiful villas and extensive formal gardens lined with statues. Ice cream lovers should call in at the locally renowned gelateria before looping south and on to Lumignano - famous locally for its annual pea festival! Your route then follows the Strada del Vino as you wend your way through rows of immaculately tended vineyards, against the rolling backdrop of the Berici hills. This is the only area outside Hungary where the red Tocai Rosso grape is grown. Stop off for some tasting, perhaps in Castegnero or Nanto - striking Venetian bell tower - before pedaling east and back in time for a dip before dinner.

Day 5 - Vicenza and the Villa Rotonda 33km/22mi
A cycle path (those feeling lazy can catch the bus!) takes you to Vicenza, nicknamed 'Venice of the Terra Firma' for its marvellous architecture - Palladio designed dozens of the city's buildings from the Basilica Palladiana in the main square to the Teatro Olimpico - there's plenty to explore. On the way home you can visit the famous Villa Rotonda and its surrounding gardens.

Day 6 - Free day exploring
Why not give the bike a rest today and head off to one of the great Italian cities? Venice, Verona and Padua are all easily accessible by train from Vicenza (short bus or cycle ride). Alternatively, if you prefer to avoid the crowds, perhaps take the bus to Bassano - home to the region's famous grappa; there is even a museum here in its honour!

Day 7 - The Abbey of La Praglia 37km/25mi
In the morning, we'll give you a lift (with your bike) to Teolo, in the heart of the National Park of the Euganean Hills. A former Roman settlement, Teolo's heyday was in the C15 when it became the summer home of Venice's Doges escaping the heat of the coast. Many palazzi and formal gardens from the period remain. Your cycling starts with an exciting freewheel down through the Euganean Hills and on to the Renaissance Abbey of La Praglia, still home to an order of Benedictine monks. You then cycle to 'Castello di San Martino', a popular spot for a shady picnic, and then back along quiet country lanes by the Baccaglione River to l'Albara.

Day 8 - Leave Villaganzerla
We give you a lift to Vicenza after breakfast

Is this trip for you?
This is a 1 cycle independent single-centred holiday (See Headwater’s Cycle Rating System). Your cycling will mostly be on farm tracks and quiet country roads which link the network of villages and small towns which have grown up in and around the hills. There is also the opportunity to visit nearby Venice, Padua and Vicenza. Could there be a better combination for a cycling holiday?