Arrival and check-in at the hotel.

This full-day ride will surprise you with the richness of cultural heritage: prestigious Venetian villas, well-preserved walled towns, and castles. The first stop is Villa Emo in Rivella, worth a quick photo break. You will soon reach the walled town of Monselice, then continue along the Bisatto Canal — a faithful companion on our journey. For centuries, Euganean trachyte, the stone used to pave St. Mark’s Square in Venice, was transported along this canal.

After the river village of Marendole, you’ll arrive in Este — another walled town featuring the imposing Carrarese Castle and elegant piazzas that will surely win your heart. You will then head into the western part of the hills, characterized by vast countryside, silence, and unspoiled nature, where you’ll enjoy the peacefulness of being far from the city. The sharp profiles of the hills, a sign of their volcanic origin, and the rounded plateaus dotted with olive trees and vineyards will keep you company.

You’ll then pedal toward the northern part of the hills, reaching Praglia Abbey, the most important Benedictine monastery in the Euganean Hills. Here, monks pray, work, and restore ancient books. On your way back, you’ll pass by the elegant Villa Draghi and the magnificent Castle of Catajo.

Bike handover and departure for the first excursion. You will reach Battaglia Terme, an ancient river port, and the walled town of Monselice. A pleasant detour from the Euganean Hills Cycling Ring will take you to the charming village of Arquà Petrarca, one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in Italy,” where you can taste the famous Brodo di Giuggiole in a local wine bar.

Next, you’ll stop at a winery along the Euganean Hills Wine Route to learn about the production, vinification, and aging process of the volcanic wines of the Euganean Hills. You’ll enjoy a tasting of 4 wines paired with typical local products: cured meats, cheeses, and locally produced extra virgin olive oil.

On the return route, you will pass near the estate of Castello di Lispida, a historic residence home to important wine cellars. From the hill behind the castle, trachyte — the Euganean stone used to pave St. Mark’s Square in Venice — was once quarried. Return to the hotel in the afternoon with time to relax in the thermal pool.

• Total Distance: 110 km
• Elevation Gain: 320 m
• Difficulty: Easy – short stages suitable for children in bike trailers or on their own bikes
• Terrain: Mainly flat routes on cycle paths, gravel roads, and low-traffic roads
• Tour Type: Hub-and-spoke tour

• Bike rental for the excursions
• Navigation app rich in content and detailed information about the route
• 1 wine tasting at a winery along the Euganean Hills Wine Route
• 1 tasting of Brodo di Giuggiole liqueur in Arquà Petrarca
• 1 Pannaghiaccio ice cream in Este (the original wafer ice cream from Este, dating back to 1949)
• Phone assistance