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Italy

Prosecco Hills

Guided Road Bike Tour

Grade

1
2
3
4
5

Duration

7 days

Prices from

$2,335 P.P.
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Our local Italian guides will take pride in guiding you through these stunning hills, introducing you to local producers and helping you choose from mouthwatering menus and endless wine lists! 
Prosecco's sparkling white wines are amongst the world's most famous, and for good reason. The region, however has far more to offer the discerning cyclist than just enjoying an "aperitivo" whilst nibbling on bruschette and olives as the late afternoon sun casts shadows across the piazza. As enticing as that may sound on its own, sampling the local produce is even more rewarding after days spent exploring the vine-clad hills.
Set in the Venetian Prealps which separate the fertile plains surrounding Venice from the dramatic peaks of the Dolomites, Prosecco is a delightful cycling destination with an extensive network of secondary roads that meander through lush vineyards and forested rolling hills, littered with ancient castles and palladio palaces. The region was, and to some extent still is, a retreat for wealthy Venetians seeking to escape the hustle and humidity of the city's waterways.
Historically the area was also a battle ground in the great wars and towns with names such as “Nervesa della Battaglia” a testimony to the battles fought against the Germanic-Austrian fronts.
Today, the region is a Unesco World Heritage site with around 140 wine producers between the towns of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene comprising the Prosecco DOC. The industry here prefers to keep things small and local, presenting the opportunity to sample some special wines such as the Cortizze, found nowhere else in the world. The wines aren't all white and fizzy though, with high quality reds available for those who enjoy the occasional "rosso."
We can't wait to show you around this fantastic part of Italy! 

Highlights

  • Beautifully scenic cycling in the UNESCO vineyards of Prosecco
  • Plenty of opportunities for wine tasting at the end of a day’s ride
  • Superb regional cuisine with terraced osterias overlooking vineyards
  • Pretty medieval towns and historic castles
  • Wandering through picturesque villages and towns such as Follina and Asolo
  • Taking a stroll over the famous Bassano del Grappa bridge

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Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival Venice - Transfer to Treviso

Following arrival at Venice airport, we’ll transfer as a group to the charming town of Treviso. With its meandering waterways and tranquil atmosphere, it’s an ideal starting point for our trip.

Arrival time permitting, there should be time to explore the town before enjoying an evening meal in one of the great local restaurants. With drinks in hand, we will provide you with all the information you’ll need for the duration of your trip.

Day 2
Treviso to Asolo
38 Miles / 60 Kms Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 600 Metres Approx.

We’ll make a gentle start today leaving Treviso behind, as we ride alongside the fertile, cultivated countryside towards the Montello hills that lie below the Piave River. This area was the site of a deadly battle in June 1918 during the Austria-Hungarian war, and today, a majestic military memorial below the hill commemorates the event.

A short diversion will take us to the ruins of Sant’ Eustachio Abbey before we ride onwards and into the foothills of the Montello. This is a popular ride with the locals and it’s highly likely we’ll find ourselves sharing, and enjoying, the roads with fellow Italian cyclists.

Much of the route follows a delightful tree-lined water course and enroute to Asolo, we’ll be able to check out the imposing Villa di Maser. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996, the villa, constructed in 1550, is one of the most admired works of Venetian architect Andrea Palladio.

Having rested whilst visiting the villa, we’ll be ready for the only significant climb of the day, as we make our way up to the town of Asolo. Situated on top of the hill and considered one of the most beautiful towns in Italy, Asolo has always attracted artists and writers from all over the world, including Victorian poet and playwright Robert Browning.

After strolling around the town and enjoying a drink in the main piazza, all that remains is a short, sweeping descent to our hotel.

Day 3
Bassano del Grappa Loop
43 Miles / 70 Kms Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 1,100 Metres Approx.

Today we’ll head into the heart of the Prosecco region towards Bassano del Grappa, one of the most important towns in the region. Leaving Asolo, the road meanders over rolling hills and past hamlets watched over by numerous small castles. Heading north, we’ll ride towards the imposing Mt Grappa and into its foothills, before heading into Bassano del Grappa along the Brenta cycle route.

The main attraction once in the town is the Ponte Vecchio, or “Old Bridge” of Bassano, one of Andrea Palladio’s masterpieces, which spans the Brenta River in the heart of the town. Many shops and bars surround the bridge, including Italy’s oldest distillery which dates back to the 18th century and still serves the local “Grappa” to its customers today. Maybe not the best idea to start on the Grappa so early, but we’ll arrive in Bassano in time for a morning coffee, an Italian pastry or lunch in one of the piazzas or overlooking the river.

Once back on the bikes, the route heads towards the Piave River and into the rolling hills of Ezzellino and the Colli Asolani, surrounded by Prosecco vineyards and topped with hamlets and castles.

Day 4
Asolo to Follina
31 Miles / 50 Kms Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 800 Metres Approx.

Today we’ll head into the heart of what is known as the UNESCO Prosecco region. The route heads towards the Piave River and into the rolling hills of Ezzellino and the Colli Asolani. Having crossed the Piave River, the vineyards become ever-more obvious and there is no mistaking that you have entered the heart of the Prosecco region.

As we head towards Follina, the road from Valdobbiadene rises upwards as the vineyards spread themselves extensively on the steep hills below.

On arrival at our accommodation, we’ll enjoy a well-deserved glass of Prosecco in the satisfying knowledge that it was produced within a 20 km radius, and very likely in the hills through which you we’ve ridden.

Day 5
Classic Prosecco Loop
40 Miles / 65 Kms Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 950 Metres Approx.

Local riders consider today’s route to be something of a classic “must ride” as it takes in some of the best scenery and presents some of the best riding that the Prosecco region has to offer.

Leaving the accommodation, our ride begins along the fertile lower valley, separated by the high Monti dei Visentini and the lush rolling hills of Prosecco. Next, we’ll ride past the small lakes of Lago di Lago and Lago di Santa Maria, surrounded by lush woods and prairies. Heading south beyond the lakes, we’ll start climbing through the hills as the woods give way to vineyard after vineyard clinging to the rolling hills.

A popular beauty spot, and well worth a visit to take a few photos, is Molinetto della Croda, a water mill set below a picturesque waterfall, just off the road between the villages of Rolle and Refrontolo. Later, looping west through Compea, you’ll ride through the 117 hectare DOCG region of Valdobbiadene, famed for its high quality Valdobbiadene Superior of Cartizze Prosecco.

A well deserved light lunch overlooking the vineyards will be one of the highlights of the day.

Partially retracing some of the latter stages of yesterday’s route, we’ll pass through Follina where a visit to the abbey with its stunning cloister is a must-see before finally making our way back to base. Later this evening just before dinner, we have a special “aperitivo” treat in store with wine tasting from several different small producers.

Day 6
Follina to Treviso
43 Miles / 70 Kms Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 700 Metres Approx.

It’s time to bid farewell to Valmareno and head back to Treviso. The journey south leads us past numerous medieval castles such as the castle of Collalto di Susegana, the tower and bastions of which still stand having withstood first world war bombardments and the privately-owned Castello di San Salvatore with imposing walls and towers telling tales of great imposing dominance in the region.

As we ride once again through Nervesa della Battaglia, our week of riding draws to a conclusion. We follow the tyre marks of the many local riders and head into the Montello Hills before one last sweeping descent through the countryside surrounding Treviso.

We should arrive in Treviso in time to enjoy our final afternoon and evening exploring the beautiful, and oft-overlooked city before sitting down to enjoy one last Italian dinner.

Day 7
Departure Treviso - Transfer to Venice
  • Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, it’s time to pack up our gear for the last time and take the transfer bus to Venice Airport and say our final farewells.


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The Cycling

Terrain

This ride through the Italian Pre-Alps will be 100% on asphalt roads. The route uses a mixture of single lanes and quiet double roads with minimal traffic. There will also be occasions where you’ll be riding on some busier roads, especially when cycling through built up areas and bigger towns such as Treviso and Bassano del Grappa. Overall the quality of the roads is very good, although there are sections that are potholed and gravelly at times.

The Prosecco hills are of course, by nature, hilly, and so some climbing can be expected (see daily itinerary for approx. elevations). The daily distances (between 30 and 50 miles / 50 and 75 kms) mean this tour falls into our grade 2 category, you will, however, need to be a semi-regular cyclist with a decent level of fitness to take on the daily elevations and some individual climbs might be more challenging than you would typically find on a grade two tour.

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Road Cycling Grade

1
2
3
4
5
Grade 2 : Gentle

40-50 miles / 60-80 kms per day

On undulating or rolling terrain, occasional moderate / challenging climbs

No high altitude ascents & the odd short steep climbs

For semi-regular riders / relative novices wishing to gain experience & fitness

Our grading guidelines have been carefully created based on our many years of cycling experience, as well as customer feedback from our trips. Of course, if you're still struggling to figure out where you fit on the scale, do feel free to give us a quick call and we'll be more than happy to help!

For more information about our grading system click here.

Is this suitable for you?

Maybe you’re quite new to road biking, you might not have your own road bike but if not, you’re definitely thinking seriously about getting one. You’ve probably ridden a road bike a few times and you’re keen to gain more experience. You’re up for the occasional challenge but big mountains are probably not your thing. You’re happy to spend a few hours on the bike and do so occasionally and casually on the odd weekend. You might see cycling more as a means of transport than a leisure activity and you’re interested in a holiday where there’s at least as much emphasis on sightseeing and relaxing as there is on the riding. A typical day might see you covering up to 40 miles over mixed terrain with the occasional cheeky climb. Grade 2 could be for you.

For more information about the grading of this holiday in particular, please check out the terrain section which will give you some specifics of what to expect on this tour.

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Dates & Prices

Secure Your Holiday With A Deposit

Book now with a $250 deposit and nothing more to pay until 60 days before departure. Choose a date to start your booking and see all prices, including bike hire and single room supplements.

Select a date to view prices and book
Start Date
End Date
Duration
Price p.p.
Start Date
08/06/2024
Return Date
14/06/2024
Duration
7 days
Price
$2,335.00
Start Date
31/08/2024
Return Date
06/09/2024
Duration
7 days
Price
$2,335.00

Whats Included Tick

A) Accommodation (shared twin / double en suite rooms) in 3 and 4* hotels

B) Meals as per the itinerary (B-Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

C) Full tour service, including Skedaddle guides

D) Unless stated, at least one leader qualified in First Aid

E) GPX files available on request

F) Wine tasting

G) Support vehicle and luggage transfers

H) Airport transfer on scheduled arrival day from Venice airport (VCE)

I) Airport transfer on scheduled departure day to Venice airport (VCE)

J) Financial Protection through ABTOT

What's not Included Cross

A) Bike rental (available if required)

B) Flights and charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable)

C) Meals not stated in the itinerary

D) Travel insurance

E) Single room (available if required)

F) Personal clothing and equipment

G) Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities etc)

H) Entrance fees to museums and other attractions en-route

I) Airport transfers on days other than the scheduled arrival / departure days

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Private Departures

Private Departures

Are you keen to only travel with your family or friends? Struggling to find the right date? Well, we can organise a private departure for this tour and tailor aspects to suit your group's specific needs. Contact our friendly team and we'll help you turn your dream into reality.

The Essentials

Travel Options

Your tour starts and finishes in Treviso. Group airport transfers are included in the cost of your holiday.

To join the airport transfer on arrival you’ll need to arrive into and depart from Venice airport (VCE).

We will confirm timings for the transfers as flight schedules are available.

There are various London and regional flight options from the UK to and back from Venice that work well with the schedule.

Please check with us before making any travel arrangements to ensure we have reached the minimum number required to guarantee your holiday and to make sure your arrangements fit with our scheduled transfers.

Please note If you make travel arrangements that fall outside of the scheduled transfer windows, there may be an additional charge for individual transfers.

Accommodation

As with all of our trips we aim to use accommodation which showcases the style and hospitality of the area you are visiting. We always have comfort and convenience in mind when selecting such places.

For this tour in particular we use a range of 3 and 4* hotels. You’ll be able to make yourself at home without having to pack up and move on right away, as you’ll spend multiple nights in Asolo (2 nights), Treviso (2 nights) and Follina (2 nights).

Bike Hire

Rental bikes will typically be a Giant Defy Advanced 2 or Giant Liv Avail Advanced 2 (for those preferring a women’s specific geometry) – or equivalent, with a carbon frame and hydraulic disc brakes.

These are great bikes with good quality components generally equipped with at least one bottle cage, a saddle bag and a small pump.

We can also include a helmet which should be requested at time of booking.

Please note that your bike will come with flat pedals as standard, so please do bring your own if you use clip-in pedals.

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News, Reviews & Stories

Meet our local partners in Prosecco

Discover the story behind our new Italian holidays and meet Giovanni, your expert on the local Prosecco region...

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Guide Profile: Naomi Lindfield

Meet Naomi, our Head Honcho of Skedaddle Italia!

Reviews

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