Individual arrival. A nice and cosy city centre characterised by the buildings of the famous architect Andrea Palladio (16th century).

You will start following the Brenta Canal, overlooked by the countryside villas of the ancient Venetian nobility (Villa Malcontenta, Villa Widmann, Villa Pisani) until you reach the hamlet of Stra. From here you will cycle along the Piovego Canal, which will lead you to the city centre of Padua, home to one of the oldest Italian (and European) universities and rich in art and history. Finally, along the cycle path of the Battaglia canal, you will head towards the Euganean Hills, where you will have the chance to relax in the largest European thermal district.

Discover the Regional Park of the Euganean Hills and its wonderful sights. You will first stop in the gardens of Villa Barbarigo in Valsanzibio, one of the most important examples of classical Italian garden (with a real labyrinth, too) and then visit the medieval towns of Arquà Petrarca and Monselice with its town walls. Along the cycle path of the Vigenzone canal you will reach the hamlet of Pontemanco with its mills and then you will continue through Mezzavia, where the Castle of San Pelagio hosts the Air Museum with the history of the human flight, from Leonardo da Vinci to the Mongolfier brothers, to Neil Armstrong. Cycling back do not miss the visit of the Catajo Castle.

Cycling out of the Euganean Hills, you will head towards the cycle path of the river Bacchiglione, which will lead you into Vicenza, architect Palladio’s personalshowcase. Before entering the town, along the way you can admire the Palladian masterpiece Villa La Rotonda. Let yourself be fascinated by the old city centre of Vicenza, characterized by beautiful private palaces and public buildings by Andrea Palladio.

From Vicenza you will cycle towards Marostica, famous for its castle and the chessboard on the main square. Today’s destination is Bassano known for the famous drink “grappa” and for the “Ponte Vecchio,” also known as the Bridge of the Alpini. This is a historic covered wooden bridge, which spans the Brenta River in the center of the city.

You will enter Asolo, which represents the only real uphill section of this ride. The downhill run will take you to the land of Prosecco vineyards and on to Maser, until you reach Treviso, whose city centre is characterised by ancient waterways.

Leaving Treviso behind you, you will follow the course of the River Sile up to Casale. At the end of the trip Venice will await you for an evening among canals and narrow streets. Accommodation is in Mestre, Venice mainland.

Individual departure after breakfast.