Heart of Veneto Cycling

Heart of Veneto Cycling

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Heart of Veneto Cycling

8 Days Starting and ending in Villaganzerla

Visiting: Villaganzerla, Bastia, Lago di Fimon, Costozza, Province of Vicenza, Venice, Mossano

Tour operator:

Exodus

Tour code:

C07VN

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 6

Physical rating:

Leisurely

Age range:

8 to 99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:
English
Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

Activities:

Cycling, Sightseeing, Walking

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

It's easy to become enchanted with the idyllic, back-to-nature lifestyle, that doesn't compromise on the comfort and style that genuine Italian country living boasts. The area is excellent for cycling as the valley floor here is criss-crossed with lots of quiet country lanes. We've put together a selection of circular routes of varying lengths, so you can be as active or relaxed as you choose. Further afield, the must-see regional highlights, such as Venice, Vicenza and Padua, can all be reached on a full day out. Or, of course, you can just laze by the pool (typically open June - end Sept only) and soak up the warm Italian sun!

Highlights

  • Varied day-trip options: Venice, Verona, Padua and Vicenza

  • Gentle circular routes with more challenging options available

  • Stay in a delightful agriturismo - friendly and family-run with pool, a Headwater favourite!

  • Tranquil lakes, pretty villages, ancient villas, beautifully green countryside

  • Olive groves, vineyards, cherry orchards

  • Undiscovered corner of Italy

Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1 : Arrive In Villaganzerla
Location: Villaganzerla
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Agriturismo L'Albara
Meals Included: Dinner

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)*

Day 2 : Bastia Market
Location: Bastia
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Agriturismo L'Albara
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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.

 

Day 3 : Lake Fimon
Location: Lago di Fimon
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Agriturismo L'Albara
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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.

 

Day 4 : Villas And Vineyards
Location: Costozza
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Agriturismo L'Albara
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Day 5 : Vicenza And The Villa Rotonda
Location: Province of Vicenza
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Agriturismo L'Albara
Meals Included: Breakfast, 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.

 

Day 6 : Free Day Exploring
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Agriturismo L'Albara
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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.

 

Day 7 : Southern Strada Dei Vini Berici
Location: Mossano
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Agriturismo L'Albara
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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.

 

Day 8 : Leave Villaganzerla
Location: Villaganzerla
Meals Included: Breakfast

LEAVE VILLAGANZERLA

What's Included

  • High quality bikes 

  • /RideWithGPS/ navigation app

  • All continental breakfasts and evening meals

  • GPS route directions

  • All accommodation

What's Not Included

  • Visas or vaccinations

  • Travel insurance

  • Single accommodation (available on request -compulsory supplement)

Food

All continental breakfasts and evening meals included. The Veneto ranks as one of the most fertile agricultural regions in the country. You will see fields of maize and barley everywhere. It is also a big area for fruit; expect to eat cherries, peaches, melons, plums, pears, strawberries and apples. The cuisine varies from the coast up into the mountains and reflects the region’s mixed cultural past. Nearer to Austria in the mountains, you get a more Tyrolean cuisine with dishes such as apple strudel creeping onto the menu, whereas towards the coast, you will find a lighter cuisine with lots of fish dishes. Three typical dishes you are likely to find throughout the region are baccalà (air-dried salted cod soaked and cooked to a creamy consistency in garlic, parsley and olive oil), carpaccio (now seen on menus throughout Italy and even internationally, this is thin slices of very rare beef sprinkled with lemon juice and garnished with parmesan cheese, mushrooms or even white truffles according to the season and the restaurant) and polenta (made from maize, this is served as an accompaniment to meat or fish).

Accommodation

Your base for the week is the charming AAA nine-room, Agriturismo l'Albara, nestled just outside the tiny village of Villaganzerla, in the heart of the Venetian countryside. Run by the affable Valfrido and Angelina, their daughter, Romina, and son, Federico, this is one of the friendliest places we've encountered. Don't be surprised if you're invited to take part in fruit picking or whisked away to the local grappa distillery just down the road! The bedrooms here are cheerfully decorated with wrought iron bedsteads, brightly coloured throws and polished wooden floors. The dining room is light and airy and serves fresh, regional cuisine according to what's in season. Everything, even the wine, comes from the farm!

Check out our Q&As

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    3-Star

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    8+ age people can go on this tour.

  • What is the maximum group size?

    6

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    No

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews of this Operator

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
John Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I went cycling in Albania...

19-Aug-2023

I went cycling in Albania with exodus as my first holiday with them. Such a well organised and wonderful experience where I met multiple fellow travellers who have been advocates of them for many years. You can't argue with happy repeat customers and I'm planning my next adventure with them soon

Rob Burridge (Google Reviewer)  

I'v just come back from...

17-Jul-2022

I'v just come back from an amazing Wildlife & Wilderness trip in Botswana and I highly recommend Exodus Travels. Our guide Brian, was extremely knowledgeable on both the wildlife and history of Botswana and neighbouring countries. The other three staff, Abbis, Chief & Mr T, who accompanied us through out our 2 week trip, put in the hard work and made sure our camp was always prepared and that we we're well fed and looked after. The tour took us to some beautiful places and we saw some amazing wildlife, and on several occasions this was due to Brian's knowledge of the area and wildlife behaviour. Exodus have been very quick to respond to any queries I had, and the whole experience ran smoothly. I was also pleased to hear that during lockdown they provided staff with food packages 👍. I'd normally go on self organised trips, however, with this trip, the tour and guide Brian took us to places not possible otherwise and showed us things that we would'v missed out on. All of which were the highlights of the tour.

Daphne Partridge (Google Reviewer)  

After 14 roup adventure holidays...

26-Nov-2023

After 14 roup adventure holidays with Exofus we would not hesitate to recommend them as an excitingholiday company. They take you off the beaten track but offer great support and expertise :)

Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!!

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service.

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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