Internationale groepsreis Heart of Veneto Cycling

Arrive at your friendly agriturismo in Villaganzerla where you'll be kitted out with a bike and go through the various cycling choices available to you before dinner (time permitting). (Staying at l'Albara for 7 nights)

Sunday is market day (morning only) in Bastia, so we've built in an easy cycle along quiet country lanes criss-crossing the Paduan plain to get you in your stride. Stroll around the stalls before heading off to the tiny village of Lovolo, a charming village square with its ancient lime kiln, for lunch. Your return route takes you through the delightful hamlet of Monticello as you wind your way back to Villaganzerla. 

Today's route takes you along wonderfully tranquil valley lanes and on to Lake Fimon, a totally undiscovered gem surrounded by shaded woodland. There are lots of little spots for picnicking by the water's edge, or you can take lunch at one of the lakeside trattorie. It's a lovely 5km circular cycle around the lake, before you meander back amidst the green backdrop of lush valleys and rolling hills to your agriturismo. 

Heading north this morning, your first stop is the lovely village of Costozza, named after the network of caves in the cliffs above, with its impressive campanile, beautiful villas and extensive formal gardens lined with statues. Ice cream lovers should call in at the locally renowned gelateria before looping south and on to Lumignano, famous locally for its annual pea festival! Your route then follows the Northern Strada as you wind your way through rows of immaculately tended vineyards, against the rolling backdrop of the Berici Hills. This is the only area outside Hungary where the red Tai Rosso grape is grown. Stop off for some tasting, perhaps in Castegnero or Nanto, with its striking Venetian bell tower, before pedalling east and back in time for a swim before dinner.

A cycle path (those feeling lazy can catch the bus) takes you to UNESCO-recognised Vicenza, nicknamed 'Venice of the Terra Firma' for its marvellous architecture. Palladio designed dozens of the city's buildings from the Basilica Palladiana in the main square to the Teatro Olimpico, so there's plenty to explore. On the way home you can visit the famous Villa Rotonda and its surrounding gardens. 

Why not give the bike a rest today and head off to one of the great Italian cities? Venice, Verona and Padua are all accessible by train from Vicenza (short bus or cycle ride). If you prefer to avoid the crowds, perhaps take the bus to Bassano, home to the region's famous grappa and a museum in its honour. 

Today, ride past Villa Pigafetta-Camerini, inhabited by the Camerini family since 1700, to Mossano and enjoy the stunning panorama of the Venetian plain. The wine road undulates through the vineyards between the towering Berici Hills and the Paduan plain, offering wonderful vistas on all sides. Turn back north towards the idyllic Franciscan monastery of San Pancrazio before a lovely descent to Ponte di Mossano and a ride along the quiet country lanes of the Paduan plain back to l'Albara. 

The tour ends in Villaganzerla.