8 days - Self-guided cycling

Day 1: Vicenza Arrival in Vicenza: The town of Andrea Palladio, famous architect of the 17th century, that had influenced the architecture to the 19th century (for example the White House). Vicenza hasn't only Palladio. Discover its palaces, churches and little streets. between the small lanes one can still find the domicile of Pigafettas, the seafarer and the companion of Magellan.

Day 2: Vicenza - Bassano del Grappa (40 km.) From Vicenza you pass along the venetian fields heading to Sandrigo, home of the "Baccalà alla Vicentina". Then along the walls, the castle and the „Square of chess“ of Marostica, scene of the famous chess-game with alive pawn. 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 - Treviso (55 km.) Passing gentle hills you get to Asolo by the one and only gradient of the whole tour. This wonderful old town was isolated domicile of the Ezzelini during the italian age of community. The descent leads you between the wine-fields of the prosecco up to Maser where one can have a look at the most splendourous villa of Palladio: Villa Barbaro. The drive ends in Treviso, founded on and surrounded by water. But in the wine one find the antique dimensions; numerous old osterias constituting the centre of the urban and social life, like it was also in the Italy of the fifties. Not to forget the fontana della tettona, which spittet white and red wine in former times.

Day 4: Treviso - Mestre (40 km.) Leaving Treviso, you follow the silent course of the river Sile who accompanies you up to Casale. This is the most impressing stretch of the tour, sunken in a luxuriant nature. Small villages reflect on the water, which, in the past, was an important tradeway. Have a look at the cimitero dei Burci (cemetery of the burcis). The burcis are old barges, which now lay semi-sunken in an lively river fauna consisting of a variety of different waterfowls. At the end of this stage, Venice awaits you with an evening between little lanes and canals. Overnight stay in Mestre. By paying a surcharge is possible to stay in Venezia.

Day 5: Mestre - Chioggia (25 km.) Leaving Mestre heading to the harbour of Tronchetto (Venezia). From there you take the ferry along the canal Giudecca and reach Lido, of course not before having admired from the top the Piazza San Marco. This is the most entusiastic day of the tour, riding along the two little narrow islands which build the border between the sea and the lagoon. From Lido, one of the most impressing resorts and seat of the cinema exhibition of Venezia, you ride up to Malamocco, the first seat of the republic of the Doges, today a region of the tearing rythm of the modern life. The isle Pellestrina with its natural oasis of Ca’Roman. A third boarding takes places in the lifely fisher harbour in Chioggia, an harbour corresponding to the venitian taste. Obligatory and unique is the daily fishmarket.

Day 6: Chioggia - Padua (60 km.) A drive through countrysides, on secondary streets and along two rivers that, along with the Sile, made the trade depending of them in this venetian region in the past centuries: the Bacchiglione and the Brenta. Now, you pass by the small locality Strà, famous for the Villa Pisani, the most majestic villa of the Brenta. Finish this stage in Padua, seat of one of the most antique universities (1222). Have a look at the huge Basilica del Santo, the historical caffé Pedrocchi, the Prato della Valle, the three central places and the astronomical clock. It’s possible as well to visit Giotto’s masterpiece, the Cappella degli Scrovegni, by night.

Day 7: Padua - Vicenza (45 km.) The river Bacchiglione will show you the way to leave the town and to arrive finally in Costozza, a small village on the foot of the Berici hills. To admire is the garden of the Villa da Schio offering the best view. Galileo came here as well to put his field glasses. Really unique is the the former fridge which has been changed into a wine stock. The cyclepath runs along the Villa Rotonda, the most famous villa of Palladio. Before getting into Vicenza, you see the villa Valmarana ai Nani. The name is given because of the statues with whom the property wall is decorated. In the inside one can admire the frescoes of Tiepolo.

Day 8: Vicenza After breakfast, end of service.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ROUTE.
The itinerary is completely in the lowlands. You will cover 281 km in 6 stages, riding on secondary streets with low traffic or paved bike paths. Trains with bike transportation connect the main cities of the tour, so in case of bad weather, or if you need a day of rest, you can reach your destination by train.