Volcanic Hills, Potent Spirits, Hilltop Towns - Plus

The day starts with a flat route West from Treviso that skirts the edge of the city of Padua and joins a section of the Treviso-Ostliglia cycling route. Turning Southward, the striking Colli Euganei or Euganean Hills come into view, a collection of volcanic hills that is a paradise for spa-goers and cyclists alike. The more direct option takes in only one climb before reaching Teolo, while those with the legs can have a go at first riding the route to the summit of the Monte della Madonna, which starts just outside of Teolo.

This day has a lot of variety in terrain and sights. For those looking for a short, challenging ride, an option that passes through the cobbled town of Arquà Petrarca before returning to Teolo is a possibility. A longer, flatter loop in the same area takes in the towns of Este and Arquà Petrarca as it follows the periphery of the volcanic hills. The most challenging loop heads to the nearby Colli Berici for more hilly terrain and beautiful vistas. Situated just south of Vicenza, the ‘Colli’ are a well-known playground for cyclists from the city, and the area is now the largest park dedicated to cycling in Italy. After a mostly flat return from the Colli Berici, a last uphill push has you back in Teolo.

Leaving Teolo and the Colli Euganei, the route skirts the edge of the Colli Berici and passes through Vicenza before heading north and reaching the wine area around Breganze. For those with a shorter ride in mind, it's a mostly flat run to the final destination of Bassano del Grappa via the beautiful town of Marostica.

For a little extra climbing take the short detour up the stunning La Rosina climb which offers fantastic views of the Venetian plains before descending into Bassano del Grappa.

Today there is climbing on the program, how much is up to you. For those wanting a tamer challenge, a scenic loop takes you through the charming hilltop town of Asolo then up to the Canova Temple in Possagno, before returning along a route that hugs the base of the Monte Grappa. For the more ambitious, the imposing Monte Grappa itself awaits with its 17 km and 1500 m of altitude change. Or you can combine these routes for the ultimate finale. Whichever route you decide to take, a cool Aperitivo with beautiful views awaits you back in Bassano.

It's time to say goodbye to Bassano and say hello to an equally stunning region, the Prosecco. In addition to its reputation for bubbly wine, the Prosecco region’s unique geography has recently earned it a place on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. After leaving Asolo via Monfumo, the ride enters the Prosecco after crossing the river Piave at Vidor.

First on the program is a visit to the town of Valdobbiadene, where many of the larger Prosecco producers are based. From Valdobbiadene there is the option to take on the challenging Pianezze climb or continue on a less arduous uphill into the Prosecco towns of Santo Stefano and Guia. The routes converge again below the town of Combai and loop through the town of Refrontolo before reaching your final destination in Soligo.

For this final day of the tour, there are amazing vistas on the program, as well as a few challenging climbs. The first (optional) obstacle is the Passo San Boldo, a road that is featured in many iconic images of the region because of its curved tunnel switchbacks.

Those who wish to can carry on into the valley of Belluno and past Lago Santa Croce, or alternatively, return back the same way and take the medium loop through Vittorio Veneto. A shorter option explores the many unique vistas to be had in the area as it takes on the short but steep Ca' del Poggio climb before returning to Soligo.

After a last breakfast in Bassano, it’s time to head back to Venice or Treviso for your trip home or further explorations in the area.