Weekend between the Village of Petrarca and the Venetian Villas

Day 1: Galzignano Terme
Individual arrival to the charming hotel nestled in the protected area of the Euganean Hills Park. Meeting in the late afternoon to get to know our guide and the rest of the group. A chat admiring the profile of the hills, dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2: Euganean Hills Ring (35 Km)
After a rich breakfast at the hotel, we take our bikes and dive into the nature of the hills: the tour begins uphill a bit, but immediately the view opens and accompanies us to the prestigious Villa dei Vescovi, a noble residence inspired by the themes of classicism, which dialogues with the exterior landscape thanks to the frescoes of its lodges and internal environments. The Villa dei Vescovi was the residence of the Bishop of Padua for many centuries and has recently been restored and opened to the public by FAI, Fondo Ambiente Italiano. An Italian gem really not to be missed! Lunch in company and we are ready to leave: we reach the Abbey of Praglia, one of the most important Benedictine monasteries of the Euganean Hills where the monks pray, work and restore ancient books. Along the Cycling Ring of the Hills, some stretches are simply spectacular, such as the one where the view is dominated by Villa Draghi and Catajo Castle. With our eyes full of these splendid landscapes we reach Battaglia Terme, a riverside settlement and ancient river port, a real open-air museum with curious hydraulic artifacts and Venetian bridges. Having left this characteristic town on the water, we finally arrive at the Little Versailles of Veneto: the Gardens of Villa Barbarigo in Valsanzibio with its baroque architectures, water tricks, fountains and statues. Before going back to the hotel, tasting in a local winery of the wines they produce, including the Fior D’Arancio DOCG of the Euganean Hills.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.