Volcanic Hills, Potent Spirits, Hilltop Towns - Plus

The day starts with a flat route West 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 a longer, more hilly option loops around the Monte della Madonna and Monte Altore before returning to town.

Those with the legs can have a go at riding the route to the summit of the Monte della Madonna, which starts just outside of Teolo.

The Colli Euganei are not the only spectacular hills in the area. Today the route takes in the nearby Colli Berici for more challenging terrain and beautiful vistas. Situated just south of Vicenza, the ‘Colli’ are a well-known playground for cyclists from the city.

After descending from Terno, a flatter section brings us to the first climb of the day after leaving the town of Toara. This is followed by a short descent, then a further 9 km ascent through Zovencedo and up to the highest point of the day near the monte Lungo. The hard work is rewarded with a long downhill to the beautifully situated Lago di Fimon. Leaving the lake, an optional 5 km side trip brings you to the Piazza Biade in the center of Vicenza and the nearby Basilica Palladiana. From here, the route heads back to the Eugenei Hills and the final uphill stretch to the hotel.

For those wanting to further explore the great riding to be had in the Colli Eugani, an option that climbs up to Castelnuovo and passes through the cobbled town of Arquà Petrarca is available.

Leaving Teolo and the Colli Euganei, the mostly flat route heads due north and crosses the Brenta river, before reaching the fortified town of Cittadella. For those with a shorter ride in mind, it's a direct run to the final destination in hilltop Asolo.

The more ambitious can head first to Marostica and up the stunning La Rosina climb which offers fantastic views of the Venetian plains before descending into Bassano del Grappa. From Bassano it's mostly flat until the final push into Asolo.

Today there is climbing on the program, how much is up to you. For those wanting a tamer challenge, a scenic loop takes you up to the Canova Temple in Possagno, before hugging the Colli Asolani through Cornuda and on to Maser. From here, it's time to get acquainted again with the small ring, with a challenging 3 km up to the Forcella Mostaccin before returning to Asolo.

For the more ambitious, the imposing Monte Grappa awaits with its 17 km and 1500 m of altitude change. Whichever route you decide to take, a cool Aperitivo with beautiful views awaits you back in Asolo.

It's time to say goodbye to Asolo, 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.