Itinerary
Ciao
Verona!
Mantova
Loop Ride
Pedal south to the city of Mantova, with its pretty lakes built around it as fortifications and now a great green area surrounding the city. Mantova was home to the princely Gonzaga family, that ruled between the 1400-1800’s and made Mantova an artistic, musical and architectural centre. Visit the Palazzo Ducale and Palazzo Te,Piazza Virgiliana, Castello San Giorgio and Piazza delle Erbe before returning to our small town later this afternoon.
Daily distance: 69 km (43 miles)Elevation gain: +279 m (920 ft)Meals: BreakfastAccomodation:Al Cacciatore Hotel and Restaurant or similar.
Lake Garda
& Valpolicella
Head north to reach the shores of Lake Garda, one of Italy’s most famous lakes nestled south of the Italian Alps. Visit the historic and colorful town of Peschiera del Garda, then journey to the renowned vineyards of Valpolicella, home to the grapes for Italy’s strongest red wines, Amarone. We will also be able to enjoy a wine tasting hosted by the owner of tonight’s lodging, set on a lovely terrace overlooking the vineyards.
Daily distance: 42 km (26 miles)Elevation gain: + 532 m (1745 ft)Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Villa San Giorgio, or similar.
Verona
& Soave
Explore Verona’s rich history and architecture beyond the legendary tale of Romeo and Juliet. Have a glimpse at the iconic arena, still used for outdoor theatre, and Juliet’s balcony. Then ride to Soave, a medieval town in the Veneto wine country with a castle overlooking vineyard-covered hills. Enjoy local wine and a stroll in this charming town near our centrally-located hotel.
Daily distance: 67 km (41 miles)Elevation gain: + 258 m (846 ft)
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Locanda ai Capitelli, or similar.
Home of
Andre Palladio
We head to Vicenza, a famous art city that prospered under Venetian rule from the early 15th to the end of the 18th century. Its most famous son is surely Andrea Palladio whose work has been declared the biggest influence in Western architecture since his time. His architectural designs, based on a detailed study of classical Roman architecture, gives the city its unique appearance and you can see many of his villas and buildings still standing.
Daily distance: 37 km (23 miles)Elevation gain: + 420 m (1378 ft)
Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Key Hotel or similar.
Villa La
Rotonda
Leave Vicenza along the foothills of Monti Berici. Enjoy an optional stop at the famous Palladian Villa la Rotonda’s gardens, the best-known and most influential of Andrea Palladio’s villas. Continue riding to Padova (or Padua) also known as the City of St. Anthony, home to Italy’s second oldest university, which acted as the setting for most of the action in Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.
Daily distance: 43 km (26 miles)Elevation gain: + 86 m (282 ft)
Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Casa del Pellegrino, or similar.
Discovering
Venice
We’ll take the train into Venice, where we will explore less well-known areas of the “Serenissima”, as the majestic city is often called. Visit the Jewish Ghetto, the Cannaregio neighborhood and the Fondamente Nove before arriving near the Rialto bridge. From here, you’ll have free time to visit the highlights of Venice. Regroup later this afternoon to return to Padova together for our celebration dinner in a local restaurant.
Daily distance: No Biking TodayMeals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Casa del Pellegrino, or similar.
Farewell
Padova!
For those wishing to continue their time in Veneto or Northern Italy, Padova is a great starting point. Venice is a short distance away—a bucket list destination for ending your dream Italian holiday. The Lakes and Dolomites regions of Northern Italy are also nearby. If further travel is in your plans, please let us know, and we’ll be happy to provide suggestions. If your travels end today, we will provide tips for arriving to nearby Venice, Milan, Treviso or Verona airports.
Meals: Breakfast included at the hotel this morning
