Cycling Veneto & the Prosecco Hills
The Fabulous countryside between Venice and the Alps
Home to 8 out of the 58 UNESCO World Heritage Sites to be found in Italy, the Veneto offers a ‘smörgåsbord’ of geography: from the flat plans in the south to the high mountains in the north.
The Pre-Alps, which sit just below the Dolomites are composed of a number of minor ranges between 700m and 2200m in altitude and are famous for their caves, chasms and WWI tunnels. On the surface, though they are home to many monumental cycling climbs none more so than the Monte Grappa rising up from the flat Venetian plain and boasting a colossal 10 different routes to the summit.
Our Veneto & Prosecco Hills Bike Tours
Points of Interest
Tullio Campagnolo Memorial
At Monte Grappa's summit stands the memorial unveiled in 1995, celebrating November 11, 1927, when Campagnolo's frozen hands struggled with wing nuts during a ride, inspiring the quick-release system that revolutionized cycling. Your app provides detailed historical context and optimal photo locations at this cycling pilgrimage site.
Nardini's Grappa Distillery
Bassano del Grappa, where legend claims Roman soldiers first distilled grappa, houses the world-famous Nardini distillery established in 1779. This historic location offers post-ride tastings and tours, with our curated recommendations ensuring you experience the finest spirits in an authentic setting.
Brevetto del Monte Grappa Challenge
Complete all 10 routes to Monte Grappa's summit within one year to earn this prestigious cycling achievement. Your Hammerhead device tracks progress across different ascents, while our app provides detailed information about each route's characteristics, gradients, and historical significance.
WWI Tunnels and Memorials
The giant white stone memorial atop Monte Grappa contains the remains of 22,910 Italian and Austro-Hungarian soldiers, while Passo San Boldo features tunnels carved by Austrian forces. These sites offer a profound historical perspective accessible through our guided audio content available via the app.
UNESCO Prosecco Vineyards
Cycle through World Heritage Prosecco vineyards where traditional cultivation on steep terraced hillsides creates stunning landscapes. Our route selections include stops at family-run estates for tastings, with detailed vineyard histories and winemaking insights provided through the app.
"It was this moment on the Croce d’ Aune that eventually led to the invention of the quick release skewer and the start of the Campagnolo story."
Why Choose the Veneto and Prosecco Hills for Your Next Cycling Trip?
Despite its proximity to Venice, one of the most famous cities in the world, the Veneto region and Prosecco Hills remain an underrated gem for cyclists. The variety and quality of cycling in the Prosecco Hills and the Veneto region are simply outstanding. A cycling trip to the Prosecco Hills and the land of Venice will rival the best cycling regions in the world.
Of course, this area is famous for its Prosecco wine, grown on rolling hills that provide the perfect vantage point for panoramic views of its terraced vineyards. But the appeal goes beyond wine—cycling in the Prosecco region offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and scenic landscapes. Ride through the charming towns of Asolo, Bassano del Grappa, Vicenza, and Vittorio Veneto, each rich in heritage and cycling tradition.
The region is also home to legendary climbs like Monte Grappa and Passo San Boldo, both of which have featured in the Giro d’Italia and offer thrilling routes with significant elevation gain. Whether you seek challenging ascents or leisurely rides, cycling trips to the Prosecco Hills cater to every rider’s preference.
Veneto is also a cycling industry hub, home to prestigious brands like Pinarello, Wilier Triestina, Basso, Sidi, Sportful, Castelli, Elite, Scicon, and Selle Italia. Lastly, this is the home region of CyclingHero, ensuring that when you explore the best cycling in the Prosecco Hills and the land of Venice, you’re in very good hands.
Why Choose the Veneto and Prosecco Hills for Your Next Cycling Trip?
Veneto & Prosecco Hills Cycling Tours FAQ
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME FOR CYCLING HOLIDAYs IN VENETO AND PROSECCO HILLS?+
The cycling season runs from April to October, with each period offering unique advantages. April and May provide ideal conditions with mild temperatures, fewer tourists, and occasional spring showers, adding dramatic atmosphere.
June and July offer excellent weather for riders planning Dolomites extensions, while August requires early morning starts to avoid peak heat.
September mirrors early summer conditions, while October and early November bring cooler weather and spectacular vineyard foliage during harvest season, transforming rides into journeys through Italian masterpieces.
WHAT ARE THE MOST FAMOUS CLIMBS IN VENETO AND PROSECCO HILLS?+
Monte Grappa dominates with 10 different summit routes, regularly featured in Giro d'Italia, most recently in Pogačar's legendary 2024 stage victory.
Passo San Boldo offers 18 switchbacks, including WWI tunnels carved by Austrian forces.
Passo Croce d’Aune above Feltre marks Campagnolo's innovation birthplace.
Although it is not a true pass like the others, the Ca’ del Poggio is worth a mention, a steep climb through the heart of Prosecco country, often featured in Giro stages.
Ca' del Poggio provides steep Prosecco heartland climbing frequently featured in modern Giro stages. The Colli Berici and Colli Euganei offer scenic, rewarding ascents perfect for discovering quieter roads with stunning views over the Venetian plain.
HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE TO RIDE VENETO AND PROSECCO HILLS?+
Our multiple daily route options accommodate every fitness level through technology-enhanced flexibility. Moderate fitness suffices for rolling Prosecco vineyard terrain or flatter areas around Treviso and Bassano, accessible via easier route selections on your Hammerhead device. Monte Grappa, San Boldo, and steeper Colli Berici climbs require good cycling fitness and climbing comfort, with gradient profiles and pacing strategies provided through our comprehensive app.
WHAT GEAR RATIOS ARE RECOMMENDED FOR TRIPS IN VENETO AND PROSECCO HILLS?+
We recommend compact or subcompact setups: 50/34 or 48/32 chainrings paired with 11-34 cassettes for comfortable spinning up steep gradients like Monte Grappa's 12% sections, San Boldo's tight switchbacks, and sharp ramps like Ca' del Poggio reaching 18%. Your app provides specific gear recommendations for each major climb based on gradient analysis and optimal cadence maintenance.
WHAT ARE THE BEST KNOWN CYCLING EVENTS HAPPENING IN VENETO AND PROSECCO HILLS?+
The Veneto and the Prosecco Hills region host a packed cycling calendar:
Nova Eroica Prosecco Hills (late April): A scenic, non-competitive gravel event with surprisingly tough sections. The Epic Route is 227 km long and lives up to its name!
Monte Grappa Bike Day (early June): A car-free day to conquer this iconic climb.
Giro d’Italia (late May): Multiple stages regularly pass through the area.
Prosecco Cycling (late September): A festive Granfondo through the vineyards.
VenetoGO Social Ride (mid-October): A casual and fun ride to close the season hosted by ex-pro Pippo Pozzato.
Let Us Help You Create the Perfect Cycling Adventure
Tell us about your dream tour, and we’ll send you customised recommendations. Let us show you why CyclingHero is one of the best cycling tour companies in Italy for avid cyclists.