Internationale groepsreis Venetian Villas and Vineyards Cycling

Arrive at your friendly agriturismo run by Gabriella and Alessandro, in time for dinner. You stay at the Agriturismo Il Feudo (breakfast and evening meal)

The day starts along the canalside path to Este. This delightful medieval town with its pastel, arcaded buildings boasts a 14th century castle and an altar piece by Tiepolo in its Cathedral. Your next stop is Monselice. You can visit its mediaeval castle (converted into a sumptuous residence for a Venetian noble in the 15th century). From Monselice you follow the canal past the 19th century Villa Italia, before arriving at Sig Ottolitri's friendly, family run hotel just outside Galzignano. You stay at the Sporting Hotel Galzignano (breakfast and evening meal)

It's a lovely circular cycle to Arqua Petrarca, unchanged since the 1370's when Petrarch lived here. Visit his well-preserved house before pedalling off through vineyards to the fabulous Villa Barbarigo at Valsanzibio, the delightfully manicured 17th century Italian gardens here are the best in the region. You stay at the Sporting Hotel Galzignano (breakfast and evening meal)

Cycling through swaying vines you reach the charming village of Battaglia where there's time for a spot of wine tasting. You must try the local Serprino, a medium dry frizzante wine often compared to Prosecco, before carrying on through the spa towns of Montegrotto Terme to the pre-Palladian villa at Luvigliano. After admiring the elegant villa you cycle upwards to the pretty village of Teolo, home for the next 2 nights. You stay at Villa Lussana (breakfast only)

A former Roman settlement, Teolo's heyday was in the 15th century when it became the summer home of Venice's doges escaping the heat on the coast. Many palazzi and formal gardens from the period remain. You could take a walk in the encircling Euganean hills (360 degree views from here) or maybe take the bus into Padua to admire the town's Giotto frescoes. Or, for a longer day out, take the bus/train to Italy's most romantic city, Venice. Enjoy a cappuccino in St Mark's Square, take a gondola under the Bridge of Sighs, admire the opulent gold decor of the Doge's Palace or visit the Peggy Guggenheim Exhibition. The list is endless! You stay at Villa Lussana (breakfast only)

Today starts with a 1km climb from the hotel, followed by an exhilarating freewheel down through the Euganean Hills to the mediaeval castle at San Martino. Then, cycling by the Bacchiglione River you reach Cervarese Santa Croce in time for a relaxed lunch in the square. Onwards, it's into wine country once more to reach your charming farm hotel at Villaganzerla where you'll receive a warm welcome from Valfrido and Angelina. There's time for a dip in the pool (typically open June - early September) before dinner. You stay at the Agriturismo L'Albara (breakfast and evening meal)

You could laze by the pool but it's a shame to miss out on Vicenza! A cycle path (those feeling lazy can catch the bus) takes you there past the famous Palladian villa, La Rotonda. 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. There's plenty to explore. You stay at the Agriturismo L'Albara (breakfast and evening meal)

Today's route follows the Strada del Tocai Rosso (the only area outside of Hungary where the red Tocai is grown). The wine road links a string of pretty villages, each with their own Venetian campanile. Then it's out across the plain to reach Vo Vecchio, criss-crossed with canals. The Euganean hills are spread out in front of you as you cycle through the vineyards to Gabriella and Alessandro's farmhouse for your last dinner. You stay at the Agriturismo II Feudo (breakfast and evening meal)

The tour ends in Cortela.