VENICE AND IT'S PEARLS
The "Serenissima"

The Veneto is world famous - and yet there are numerous secrets to discover in this area. Soft green hills, dreamy lagoons, sleepy villages and pulsating cities and of course the splendid villas of the famous architect Palladio will accompany you in your discovery of the region around Venice. You can still feel the magnificence and power this city once held over centuries. Experience a combination of past and modern way of life.

TOUR PROFILE:
You bike on asphalted side streets and on cycle paths. Some gravel roads. Two days are somewhat hilly. Every day you can choose between a shorter or longer cycle tour

ROUTE:
Day 1: Vicenza
Individal arrival.
Day 2: Vicenza - Bassano del Grappa (approx. 42/63 km/26/39 miles)
From Palladio´s city Vicenza, you follow the foothills of the Alps till Marostica and continue to Bassano del Grappa, a charming old town on the Brenta river, crossed by a marvellous wooden bridge, done by - of course Palladio.
Day 3: Bassano del Grappa - Treviso (approx.59/71 km/33/44 miles )
Along the route today you will be able to find the famous Palladio villas Barbaro and Emo. You will pass the Prosecco vineyards, do not miss to taste this famous sparkling wine. On your arrival in Treviso there is lots to discover in this wonderful city crossed by many canals.
Day 4 Treviso - Venice (Malcontenta) (approx. 36/75 km/23/47 miles)
It is very relaxing to cycle along the canals, which were used in the past to transport goods from Venice to the mainland. Soon you reach another of the beautiful buildings of Palladio, the villa Foscari. Your hotel is close by and you can easily reach Venice from here by public transport.
Day 5: Venice (Malcontenta) - Chioggia (approx. 32 km/20 miles)
Via the bridge "Ponte della Libertà" you reach the lagoon city Venice and take the ferry to the Lido. Here you will pedal past picturesque stone houses and along the seashore past bobbing boats and fishing nets. A boat will bring you to Chioggia, a miniature Venice with cobblestone streets and canals. Chioggia is also one of the main fishing ports of the Adriatic Sea.
Day 6: Chioggia - Padua  (approx. 55/76 km/34/48 miles)
Cycling along ancient canals and locks you arrive at Stra, the beginning of the "riviera del Brenta" with the famous villas of the Veneto, the first one you see is Villa Pisani Once you arrive in Padua, we suggest a stroll through this renaissance city, where even Galileo did his studies.Do not miss a visit to the dazzling Scrovegni Chapel with the frescoes of the life of Christ, recently restored by Giotto.
Day 7: Padua – Vicenza (approx.45/56 km/28/35 miles)
As you leave Padua you pass the Euganei Hills and reacht he foothills of the Berici Hills and continue to the old Stone Caves of Costozza. Before returning to Vicenza you can visit the Villa da Schio (you can taste some fine wines here) and Villa ai Nani.
Day 8: Vicenza   Individual departure or extension

ACCOMMODATION: Cat. A: ***/****- hotels, centrally located
Cat. B: **hotels, B & Bs, not centrally located

SERVICES INCLUDED: 7 nights in booked category, private facilities, breakfast, luggage transport till hotel in Vicenza, bike rental, maps and information material.

BICYCLES: 21-speed trekking bike, on preference 7 speed touring bike with back peddal brake, panniers

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