Cycling Through the Heart of Veneto: Walled Cities, Palladian Masterpieces, and Breathtaking Views
If you're dreaming of a weekend getaway filled with art, nature, and culture, hop on your bike and explore the wonders of Veneto! This cycling itinerary takes you through fortified towns, architectural masterpieces, and landscapes that change with every pedal stroke.

The first stop is Cittadella, a true gem and one of a kind in Europe: its perfectly preserved medieval ramparts and fully walkable defensive walkway offer stunning views over the walls and the historic center. Just a few kilometers away, you'll reach Castelfranco Veneto, elegant and compact, the birthplace of Giorgione-where art fills every corner, from the walls and towers to the charming little streets.

As you continue toward Marostica, you'll step into a timeless atmosphere centered around the famous Piazza degli Scacchi, home to the renowned living chess game. A little further on, Bassano del Grappa welcomes you with the iconic Ponte degli Alpini, a symbol of tradition and history, perfect for enjoying a lively aperitivo along the Brenta River.

The final day is dedicated to Vicenza, the city of Palladio: from the Villa La Rotonda to the Basilica Palladiana, every building is a masterpiece that takes you on a journey through the harmony and elegance of Renaissance architecture.

A weekend among Veneto's most beautiful art cities, best experienced on two wheels-slow, authentic, and unforgettable. Ready to ride?

Travel Program

Day 1

Arrival in Cittadella and immediate departure by 10:30 a.m. for the first bike excursion. It is possible to request an additional overnight stay on Thursday evening, so you're ready to start the next morning.
The destination will be Castelfranco, a walled town in the province of Treviso. The symbol of the town is certainly its medieval castle, built toward the end of the 12th century by the Municipality of Treviso as a strategic fortress to counter the rise of rival Padua.
Fun fact: the town is the birthplace of the great painter Giorgione (1478�\"1510), one of the most enigmatic and celebrated figures in Italian painting.
Return to Cittadella, a fortified city founded in 1220 and the only walled city in all of Europe to have an elliptical medieval rampart walk that is entirely accessible. A guided visit is therefore highly recommended, walking 15 meters above ground level.

Route info: approx. 30 km

Day 2

Bike tour of the walled cities. Immerse yourself in history as you cycle between Cittadella, Bassano, and Marostica.
Stop in Bassano del Grappa, where you'll cross the town squares, the famous Ponte Vecchio, and top it off with the typical "mezzo e mezzo" aperitif at Nardini.
For lunch you can head to Marostica, land of cherries and chess! Park your bikes and, through medieval alleys, climb the path leading to the Upper Castle, up to the rampart walk along the city walls.
The lush surrounding vegetation and elevated position offer a breathtaking view of the Venetian Prealps. A stop is a must in the famous Chess Square, which every two years hosts the historical reenactment of the live "Human Chess Game" dating back to 1454. Return to Cittadella in the late afternoon.

Route info: approx. 55 km with 300 meters of elevation gain

Day 3

Today your pedaling follows in the footsteps of Andrea Palladio. The first stop is Piazzola sul Brenta, a small town in the province of Padua known for its luxurious Palladian villa overlooking the town center and square: Villa Contarini, originally designed by Palladio.
Just a few steps away you'll join the Treviso�\"Ostiglia cycle path, which will take you to Montegalda, where you'll connect with the Riviera Berica bike path all the way to Vicenza, passing by Villa Almerico Capra, known as La Rotonda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994.
You'll drop off the bikes at the rental shop and head out on foot to explore the beautiful streets of the city, including the famous Basilica Palladiana, the Olympic Theatre, and Palazzo Chiericati.
Return to Cittadella by train for farewells.

Route info: approx. 50 km