Itinerary

Day 1:
Arrival in Vicenza

Arrival in Vicenza, the home town of Andrea Palladio, famous architect of the 17th century, whose influence upon architecture design carried on into the 19th century (for example the White House). Discover Vicenza's palaces, churches and small streets. Within the small lanes one can still find the house of Pigafettas, the seafarer and the companion of Magellan.

Day 2:
Vicenza to Bassano del Grappa, 25 miles (40km)

From Vicenza you cycle alongside the Venetian fields towards the town of Marostica, famous for its castle and the "Square of chess", scene of the famous chess-game with live players. Finally, you reach Bassano del Grappa, a charming town in the valley of the mountains, famous for its old wooden bridge and the grappa!

Day 3:
Bassano del Grappa to Treviso, 38 miles (62km)

Passing gentle hills, you reach Asolo, the only section on this trip with any uphills. The descent leads you between the vineyards of the prosecco up to Maser where one can have a look at the famous villa designed by Palladio: Villa Barbaro. Your ride for the day ends in Treviso, where you can roam around the pedestrianised shopping area and the old town with its maze of narrow streets and many canals.

Day 4:
Treviso to Mestre, 24 miles (38km)

Leaving Treviso, you follow the course of the river Sile up to Casale. This is one of the most impressive stretches of the tour, with small villages reflected on the water. Have a look at the Cimitero dei Burci (cemetery of the burcis), old barges, which now lie semi-sunken in a river that supports a variety of waterfowl. Overnight stay in Mestre, or consider paying a supplement to stay in Venice. The city itself is a short ride by public transport.

Day 5:
Mestre to Chioggia, 21 miles (35km)

Leaving Mestre this morning you head into Venice pedalling on the 4 km bridge “della Liberta”, then to Tronchetto harbour. From here you take a ferry along the canal Giudecca to Lido. This is a really exciting day, pedalling on two narrow islands that divide the sea from the lagoon: Malamocco and the island of Pellestrina. Chioggia is a miniature Venice, with cobblestone streets and canals and is also one of the main fishing ports of the Adriatic Sea and the daily fish market is worth a visit.

Day 6:
Chioggia to Padova, 37 miles (60km)

Cycle through countryside, along country lanes and beside two rivers that, along with the Sile, were the main trade routes in this Venetian region. Pass ancient working canals and locks until you arrive at Stra at the beginning of the Riviera del Brenta which is famous for its garden and maze. Once you arrive in Padova, the home of Italy’s second oldest university, which was built in 1222, you can take a stroll through this renaissance city, following the footsteps of Galileo. Do not miss a visit to the dazzling Scrovegni Chapel with the frescoes of the life of Christ by Giotto. Also worth a visit is the huge Basilica del Santo, the historical café Pedrocchi, the Prato della Valle, and the astronomical clock.

Day 7:
Padova to Vicenza, 30 miles (48km)

Today you cycle alongside the river Bacchiglione to arrive in Costozza, a small village at the foot of the Berici hills, where you can admire the beautiful gardens of the Villa da Schio. The cyclepath takes you past the Villa Rotonda, the most famous villa of Palladio. Before arriving into Vicenza, you have the opportunity to visit the Villa Valmarana ai Nani, so called because of the statues decorating the property. In the inside one can admire the frescoes of Tiepolo.

Day 8:
Departure from Vicenza

After breakfast it is time for your departure from Vicenza to start your homeward journey.