dossier

Villas and Vineyards Cycling

Day 1: Arrive in Cortelà
We pick you up in Vicenza and take you to our friendly farm hotel (40 mins) run by Gabriella and Alessandro in time for dinner.

Day 2: Cortelà to Galzignano  36km/22mi
You start along the canal path to Este. This delightful mediaeval town with its pastel, arcaded buildings boasts a 14C castle and an altar piece by Tiepolo in its cathedral. Next stop Monsélice. You can visit its mediaeval castle (converted into a sumptuous residence for a Venetian noble in the 15C). From Monsélice you follow the canal past the 13C Villa Emo and the 19C Villa Italia, before arriving at our friendly hotel just outside Galzignano.

Day 3: At Galzignano
It’s a lovely circular cycle to Arquà Petrarca, still as it was when Petrarch came here in 1370. Visit his well-preserved house before pedalling off through vineyards to the fabulous Villa Barbarigo at Valsanzibio - the C17 Italian gardens here are the best in the region.

Day 4: Galzignano to Teolo  25km/16mi
Cycling through swaying vines you reach the charming village of Torreglia. Time for a spot of wine tasting - try the local Semprino, a medium dry frizzante wine often compared to Prosecco - before carrying on to the Renaissance Abbey at Praglia, still home to an order of Benedictine monks. After admiring the elegant cloisters and 15C church you cycle to Treponti for a refreshing drink. We meet you here for the short transfer up to your hotel in Teolo, an elegant Liberty Villa.

Day 5: At Teolo
A former Roman settlement, Teolo’s heyday was in the 15C when it became the summer home of Venice’sdogesescaping the heat on the coast. Many palazziand formal gardens from the period remain. You could take a walk in the encircling Euganean hills (360-degree views from here) or maybe take the bus into Padua to admire the town’s Giotto frescoes. Or, for a longer day out, take the bus/train to Italy’s most romantic city, Venice. Enjoy a cappuccino in St Mark’s Square, take a gondola under the Bridge of Sighs, admire the oppulent gold decor of the Dogés Palace or visit the Peggy Guggenheim Exhibition. The list is endless!

Day 6: Teolo to Villaganzerla  28km/17.5mi
Today starts with an exhilarating freewheel down through the Euganean Hills to the mediaeval castle at San Martino. Then cycling by the Bacchiglione River you reach Cervarese Santa Croce in time for a relaxed lunch in the square. Onwards, it’s into wine country once more to reach your charming farm hotel at Villaganzerla where you’ll receive a warm welcome from Valfrido and Angelina. There’s time for a dip in the pool before dinner.

Day 7: At Villaganzerla
You could laze by the pool but it’s a shame to miss out on Vicenza. A cycle path (those feeling lazy can catch the bus!) takes you there past the famous Palladian villa, La Rotonda. Nicknamed “Venice of the Terra Firma” for its marvellous architecture - Palladio designed dozens of the city’s buildings, from the Duomoto the Teatro Olimpico– there’s plenty to explore.

Day 8: Villaganzerla to Cortelà  35km/22mi
Today’s route follows the Strada del Tocai Rosso(the only area outside of Hungary where the red Tocai is grown). The wine road links a string of pretty villages, each with their own Venetian campanile. Then it’s out across the plain to reach Vo Vecchio criss-crossed with canals. The Euganean hills are spread out in front of you as you cycle through the vineyards to Gabriella and Alessandro’s farmhouse for your last dinner.

Day 9: Leave Cortelà