 Summary
This cycle tour takes you towards the Julian Alpes to Bassano del Grappa, situated on the banks of the river Brenta and known for its many grappa distilleries. After some small climbs and maybe a short walk uphill you enter the wonderful medieval town of Asolo. A beautiful tour along the river Sile brings you to your hotel in Mestre. After a short train ride you can enjoy the beauty of Venice for the rest of the day and evening. By bike and by ferry you hop from the island Lido to the island Pelestrina and finally you reach Chioggia, the small Venice. After a visit to the market, you start biking along the Bacchiglione river to the lively university town of Padova, famous because of the fantastic frescoes by Giotto and the former roman theatre Prato della Valle where you can walk past 78 statues. Alongside the hills of Colli Eugani and the stone pits of Costozza you return to Vicenza, the starting point of your tour.
You can begin this tour on a Saturday or Sunday in Vicenza or a Tuesday or Wednesday in Mestre.
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 heading to Sandrigo, home of the "Baccalà alla Vicentina". Then alongside the walls, the castle and the "Square of chess" of Marostica, 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 by the one and only gradient of the whole tour. 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, which, in the past, was an important trading route. 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, although by paying a surcharge is possible to stay in Venice. The city itself is a short ride by public transport.
Day 5: Mestre to Chioggia, 21 miles (33km)
 Leaving Mestre heading to the harbour of Tronchetto (Venice), where you will catch the ferry along the canal Giudecca to reach the island of Lido. Cycling alongside picturesque houses and fishing boats you take a boat to the island of Pellestrina, a narrow eleven kilometre-long barrier suspended between sea and lagoon. A third ferry ride takes you to Chioggia, a miniature Venice, with cobblestone streets and canals. Chioggia 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)
Cycling through countryside, along country lanes and beside two rivers that, along with the Sile, were the main trade routes in this Venetian region. Alongside 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. Visit the old Ice cave of the Villa now a very unique wine bar. 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. |
Freedom Holiday 
