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Venetian Hills Walk, Italy

Based in the wonderfully unspoilt Euganean hills, this walking tour takes you through rolling hills, shady forests, vineyards and olive groves to discover villas, churches, monasteries and a wonderful array of wild flowers en-route.

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Type of Holiday: Self-guided Walking Holidays, Walking Holidays

Price:

From £858 self drive; £837 tour only

Duration: 9 days

Departures: Every two days from May 5 to Oct 16

Start point: Cortela

End point: Cortela

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Overview of Venetian Hills Walk

This walking holiday is based in the wonderfully unspoilt Euganean hills, tucked in a quiet corner below the beautiful mediaeval city of Padua, west across the plain from Venice. Once volcanic islands, these hills have a striking conical appearance and are cloaked in an astonishing variety of plantlife – holm oak, almond, maple, heather, orchids and poppies are just a few that you’ll see on the way. The lower slopes give way to colourful meadows and immaculately groomed vineyards - little wonder the region produces such a fine range and variety of wines! The peacefulness of the region holds an eternal appeal as a haven for locals to escape the punishing summer heat of Venice. Venetian nobles built sumptuous villas here - you’ll pass by many on the way, and even stay in one. More recently, the hills have become a National Park, with clearly way-marked footpaths.Detailed Itinerary: Day 1 - Arrive in Cortela We pick you up at Vicenza station and take you to Gabriella and Alessandro's farmhouse (50 mins) in time for dinner in their cosy dining room. Day 2 - Cortela/Este 18km/11mi/6hr Walk across bright poppy fields, then through mountain ash and oak forests to the hamlet of Valnogaredo. The convent of Beatrice d'Este crowns the next hill, Monte Gemola. Glorious views over Este as you descend through woodlands, past Byron's former villa, into the old town. Our hotel lies opposite the castle. Day 3 - In Este Everyone loves Este. It has a very Venetian feel, criss-crossed by a narrow canal and with an imposing golden clocktower and immaculately preserved C14 mediaeval walls. There's a public pool (June-Sept), or it's a short bus ride to the walled city of Montagnana, famous for its hams. Day 4 - Este/Galzignano 11km/7mi/4hr or 13km/8mi/4.5hr A lift to Arqua Petrarca, still as it was when Petrarch came here in 1370. Visit his well-preserved house, then walk up geranium decked streets and past sumptuous 15C villas into the serene hills, not a soul in sight except for the odd wine grower in the fields. You descend through cherry and plum orchards to the fabulous Villa Barbarigo at Valsanzibio, whose 17C Italian gardens are the best in the region. Day 5 - At Galzignano Catch the local bus (35 mins excl Suns) to Padua, the region's second art city. View the Capella degli Scrovegni (Giotto frescoes), admire Donatello's Gattemalata statue or savour a cappucino in the largest square in Italy! Or treat yourself to a spa/massage at Montegrotto - great for aching muscles! Day 6 - Galzignano / Teolo 13km/8mi/4hr Ascending through olive and lemon groves you reach Monte Rua hermitage - popular lunch stop. A woodland path leads towards Rocca Pendice, an imposing volcanic stone massif. You skirt round it to enjoy breathtaking views across the chain of hills as you descend to Teolo, the only 'alpine' village here. Our hotel, an exquisite Liberty Villa, lies above the square. Day 7 - At Teolo Supposedly the birthplace of the Roman historian Livy, Teolo is alive with history, and many of the buildings from its Serenissima heyday remain. Or there's a lovely circular walk around Monte Della Madonna taking in a hermit's cave and cascading waterfall. For a longer day out take the bus/train to Venice: St Mark's Square, Doges' Palace, Peggy Guggenheim Museum. Day 8 - Teolo/Cortela 11km/7mi/3.5hr or 19km/12mi/5hr Walking through rows of lush green vines you reach the highest point of the holiday, on the flanks of Monte Venda (603m). The plain is mapped out before you, with views towards the Berici hills near Vicenza. Then through oak and chestnut forests, and down through vineyards and olive groves, to Gabriella and Alessandro's farmhouse for a spot of well-earned wine tasting! Day 9 - Return home Is this trip for you? This is a 2 boot independent holiday (See Headwater’s Boot Rating System), which is ideal for couples seeking a peaceful and quiet getaway. Your walking is mainly on footpaths, tracks and country lanes which link the network of villages and small towns which have grown up around the volcanic hills. The area is rich in minerals and is dotted with terraces of vineyards, almond and cherry trees. There is very little traffic on the roads and tracks and very few walkers on the footpaths. The area has long been a draw for Venetians anxious to escape their muggy heat, and you will see many of their sumptuous villas, and the panoramas of the hills are never far away. The area is ideally situated for visiting Vicenza, Padua and Venice.