You’ll be met on arrival at Verona Airport (VRN) and transferred the 20 minutes to your accommodation in town. For those arriving early in the day, you should have some time to explore this fascinating UNESCO World Heritage city. It’s the home of Romeo and Juliet and one of the world’s most famous Arenas / Roman amphitheatres (which is still used for performances today).

Bikes will be fitted and tested for the week’s cycling, and your local representative will brief you on the rides ahead.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 460 Metres Approx.

Your ride begins with a final look back at Verona before heading west into the plains leading to the Valpolicella hills. The route starts gently, following river towpaths and quiet single track that winds through farmland and open countryside. Expect mostly flat terrain early on, with a few rougher patches where you might need to hop off and push for a short stretch.

A mid-morning stop in Pescantina offers a chance to refuel with a coffee and take in the local pace of life. From here, the route climbs gradually into the hills that sit between the Adige river and Lake Garda. Some short sections on a disused railway line and then under a striking aqueduct mark the transition into Valpolicella’s vineyard country. The views open up here, and the landscape shifts to rolling hills and quiet lanes as you reach the hamlet of Affi.

From Affi, a descent on little country roads delivers you to Bardolino, a lively lakeside town and a great spot to pause before the final stretch.

The day ends with a relaxed roll south along the lake, heading toward Peschiera del Garda. As you enter the town, you’ll pass through the historic Venetian fortress walls (Fortezza di Peschiera) before arriving at your hotel. After settling in, there’s time to stretch your legs and enjoy an evening aperitivo and dinner by the water, a well-earned reward after a varied and scenic day in the saddle.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 265 Metres Approx.

Leaving Peschiera, you’ll soon pick up a quiet cycle path that hugs the Lombardy side of the River Mincio. The riding is smooth and steady as you follow the river south, soon reaching the charming hilltop town of Monzambano.

From here, a gentle gravel track leads you onward to Borghetto sul Mincio, a picture-perfect hamlet often named among Italy’s most beautiful villages. With its ancient watermills and riverside cafés, it’s the ideal place to stop for a coffee and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

Leaving Borghetto, you’ll continue along well-maintained gravel paths beside the Virgilio Canal, with the peaceful countryside opening up around you. Before long, you’ll meet the Mincio again at Goito and ride into the heart of the Parco Regionale del Mincio, a rich wetland reserve that’s a haven for birdlife. Keep your eyes peeled for cattle egrets and ibis, both now regular visitors to the region.

As you approach Mantova, the scenery shifts again. Here you’ll trace a route around the city’s unique artificial lakes, created in the 12th century as part of its historic defences. The paths here are a mix of gravel and grassy singletrack, with fantastic views across the water to the city’s skyline. A picture-postcard introduction to one of Italy’s lesser-known Renaissance gems.

Once checked in, take the time to wander through Mantova’s elegant streets and expansive piazzas. Don’t miss the impressive Duomo, the grand Basilica di Sant‘Andrea, or the perfectly round Rotonda di San Lorenzo, the city’s oldest church. When the sun begins to dip, join the locals for a well-earned aperitivo in the atmospheric Piazza delle Erbe, surrounded by medieval towers and palaces. It’s the perfect end to a rich and rewarding day on two wheels.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 265 Metres Approx.

Leaving the elegant streets of Mantova behind, you’ll head east this morning, rejoining the cycle paths that skirt the city’s historic lakes. A stretch of singletrack sets the tone, before the trail leads you back into the peaceful surrounds of the Parco Regionale del Mincio. With its wide gravel paths and smooth double track, the riding here is easy-going and scenic, with open countryside rolling out on either side.

As you continue, the surface gradually shifts back to tarmac and you’ll soon arrive in the riverside village of Governolo. This marks the confluence of the Mincio and the mighty River Po, Italy’s longest river, despite having the shortest name. Before your well-earned coffee and pastry break in the small town of Ostiglia, there’s the option to veer off into the golena, the floodplain of the Po, where gravel roads wind their way through the wild, open terrain.

From Ostiglia, a short section of busier road brings you to a quiet canal, where grassy tracks and gravel trails guide you further into rural Veneto. Keep your eyes peeled here, you might spot a few coypus (semi-aquatic rodents, similar to beavers) lazily grazing or scurrying across the path.

Your ride continues past the sleepy hamlet of Zelo, before we roll into Trecenta, a village with roots dating back to Roman times, named for its distance (Centum Triginta or “130” Roman leagues) from ancient Rimini. Your accommodation sits right on the central square, offering a warm welcome after a fulfilling day in the saddle.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 180 Metres Approx.

From Trecenta, you’ll pedal off into the heart of the Veneto countryside. Quiet backroads lead you gently towards the town of Badia Polesine, where you’ll loop around its edges before rejoining the broad, steady flow of the Adige river.

From here, your gravel path follows the river downstream, offering peaceful riding and sweeping views. Keep an eye out for the striking cable-stayed bridge overhead, soaring 110 metres into the air and stretching over a kilometre in length, it’s a dramatic contrast to the calm rural scenes around you.

Continuing along the river, you’ll soon reach the small village of Sant’Urbano, where you’ll leave the Adige behind and begin heading north. The scenery shifts, as a patchwork of canals and waterways takes you through the fertile plains that lie beneath the Colli Euganei hills.

Among these is the Canale Santa Caterina, which guides you along part of the Anello delle Città Murate cycle route, a scenic loop connecting the region’s walled towns. As you approach Este, you can either navigate the grassy bank on one side of the canal or stick to the smoother, hard-packed path on the opposite. Either way, you’re closing in on the day’s destination with lovely views of the hills ahead.

A quiet gravel path leads you under the expressway and gently into the historic town of Este, where you’ll arrive near the castle gardens. The town is dotted with elegant Venetian villas, many inspired by the timeless style of Palladio, the perfect backdrop for an evening stroll and a taste of Veneto’s rich cultural heritage.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 585 Metres Approx.

Today’s ride will test your legs a little with the biggest climbs of the trip, but don’t worry, the stunning views across the Colli Euganei hills will make every pedal stroke worth it. You’ll set off from Este along a peaceful gravel path beside the Canale Bisatto, heading north into the hills to the village of Baone. Here the first local wines appear; crisp Serprino, fragrant Tai, sun-soaked Garganega, and sweet Moscato, all part of this enchanting wine region.

Winding along quiet country lanes and some fun off-road stretches, you’ll make your way to the hilltop village of Arquà Petrarca, steeped in history and charm. The hills continue to roll as you pass the elegant 15th-century Villa Barbarigo, famed for its stunning gardens, before reaching Galzignano Terme, the perfect spot to stop for a coffee, pastry, or ice cream.

The route then leads you through peaceful lanes and gravel tracks to Torreglia and the grand Villa dei Vescovi. From there, you’ll circle Monte Ortone on some easy fun singletrack before leaving the hills behind.

Descending into Abano Terme, you’ll feel the change in atmosphere, from sleepy vineyards to bustling spa town, with its chic hotels, lively bars, and tempting restaurants. If you fancy a little afternoon boost, this is your chance to refuel before hopping back in the saddle.

Following a mix of tarmac and gravel, you’ll ride on towards Canale Battaglia and finally into the historic city of Padova. Known for its network of waterways, including the Bacchiglione River and its canals. Padova’s roots stretch back to Roman times and its ancient streets are waiting to be explored.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 250 Metres Approx.

Your last day on the bike, and a great one to finish on. Leaving Padova, you’ll follow the peaceful Bacchiglione river, winding through riverside parks and winding embankments. A quick coffee stop in Montegalda will give you just the right boost before you reach Longare, at the foot of the scenic Colli Berici hills.

From Longare, take a short detour beneath the rocky cliffs, past elegant Villa Carli, to the charming village of Lumignano. Known for its bisi (peas), it’s a great spot for a relaxed lunch in a local trattoria.

Afterward, you’ll return to Longare and pick up the cycle path to Vicenza, where your journey ends with a flourish at the beautiful Basilica Palladiana in the city centre. Vicenza’s UNESCO-listed architecture owes much to Andrea Palladio, whose masterpieces are scattered throughout the city and surrounding countryside.

Once checked in, freshen up and head out for a final Italian ritual: an aperitivo. Try a classic spritz in Piazza dei Signori, then wander to one of the many excellent trattorias for a last delicious dinner. For a relaxed evening, visit Piazza delle Erbe, or for something livelier, explore the bars around Corso Palladio.

After a leisurely breakfast we’ll transfer you the (60 minutes approx) to Verona Airport for onward journeys. Or we’d be delighted to help book some extra nights in Vicenza for you.

(Venice isn’t too far away if you fancy spending some more time exploring this beautiful region of Italy!)