Cycling
Euganean Hills for families
- IT038 / Italy
- Cycling Cycling tours Cycling holiday with accommodation in selected facilities, luggage transport, assistance. Details
- Self-guided Self-guided Travel at your own pace following maps, roadbooks and information material. When travelling, you can always count on our assistance.
- For families For families Travel with children and teenagers: accommodation with family rooms, discounts, itineraries designed for the little ones. Details
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Comfort and accommodation
Four levels of comfort to describe the different types of accommodation.
Find out more about comfort on this trip under comfort and departures.
- Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
- 6 days
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- centre-based tour from Galzignano Terme
- Family discount
- Daily departures
- Some meals included
- Discount for 3rd person in room
Highlights
Get ready to experience the enchanting Veneto region on a family-friendly cycling tour. The spa area of Galzignano Terme is the largest in Europe and it is ideal to be discovered through the ever-expanding network of bike paths. In between bike rides, the little ones will have fun thanks to a couple of easy treks and a few cultural visits, creating the perfect balance for a nature-filled vacation.
- The benefits of thermal waters in the heart of the Euganean Hills Natural Park
- Villas, abbeys, and castles: the richness of a region full of surprises
- Easy and safe routes for a carefree family trip
What awaits you
Three easy routes, all relatively flat with a few slight ups and downs. On the fourth day, the choice is up to you: you can pedal along the cycle path of the Euganean Hills, spend the day in the spa resort, or take the train to Padova or Venice. The route is on safe bike paths or roads with little traffic and within the reach of young and old alike, as are the two easy treks planned in the program.
1. Individual arrival and first overnight in Galzignano Terme
2. A bit of cycling and a bit of walking to Villa Barbarigo, Arquà Petrarca and Monselice
Start cycling through the so-called “Valli Selvatiche” (wild valleys) to the 17th-century Villa Barbarigo at Valsanzibio, famous for its beautiful allegorical Italian-style garden with (ticket included). Then continue on to Arquà Petrarca, where the poet Petrarca spent his last days. Ranked among the most beautiful medieval villages in Italy, the town welcomes you with its authentic atmosphere and an excellent tasting of local wine and oil. From here, an easy 30-minute trek (5 km, elevation gain +200m/-200m) takes you to the Mottolone plateau to admire one of the most striking viewpoints in the Euganean Hills. Then continue on to the walled city of Monselice, with its medieval shell that preserves an all-Venetian heart. Within the ancient walls, in the green oasis of Buzzacarini Park, children will find a small lake and plenty of games to enjoy before returning to the hotel.
3. Cycle tour to Battaglia Terme and Montegrotto, among villages and castles
Back on the pedals, reach Battaglia Terme to visit the interesting Museum of Navigation, which tells the story of the boatmen (the so-called “barcari”) that transported goods from the Euganean Hills to Venice. Along the Vigenzone canal bike path, you arrive at the village of Pontemanco with its mills. In Mezzavia you will find the Castle of San Pelagio, which houses the Air Museum whose collection traces the history of human flight, from Leonardo to the Mongolfier brothers to Neil Armstrong. While in Montegrotto Terme you can visit the Butterfly Arc which houses collections of butterflies from around the world.
After Montegrotto Terme, on your way back to the hotel don’t miss a visit to the magnificent Catajo Castle (ticket included) with its frescoed halls and the Giardino delle Delizie.
4. Euganean Hills Loop
Today you can choose between an enjoyable ride along the cycle path of the Euganean Hills, which encompasses the whole chain of the Euganean hills, running among woods, abbeys, and small towns such as Este and Bastia.
If today you don’t feel like cycling, you can choose to spend the day in your spa resort and enjoy one of the many thermal treatments. After all, you are in the largest thermal park in Europe!
You can also decide to hop on the train and spend the day in Padua or Venice. In this case, we recommend leaving the bike at the hotel.
5. Biking and trekking between Villa dei Vescovi, Praglia Abbey and the Terre Bianche trail
Today’s stage takes you by bike to the majestic Villa dei Vescovi, the most accomplished example of the Renaissance in the Euganean Hills. You can admire the well-preserved frescoes and relax in the garden (ticket included).
From the villa, you can set off on foot along the Terre Bianche trail that climbs Mount Pirio among vineyards and olive groves to the little church of the Alpini (5 km, elevation gain +190m/-190m). Back on the pedals, cross the San Daniele Biotope and take the opportunity to take a short walk around the small lakes that are home to turtle colonies. Finally, reach the Benedictine Abbey of Praglia, an important world center of ancient book restoration: a place of religiosity and silence where you can pause your body and spirit before returning to your hotel.
The accommodation for this tour is Galzignano Resort Terme & Golf, a beautiful resort located in the natural park of the Euganean Hills, just a few kilometers from Padua. The resort consists of three facilities: Hotel Majestic, Hotel Sporting, and Hotel Splendid. All are 4-star hotels with an on-site restaurant, thermal pools, spa, wellness center, golf course, and tennis club.
2025
Multiple departures
go to online quote
Accommodation
- 5 nights accommodation
Meals
- 5 breakfasts
- 5 dinners
Hotels usually serve a continental breakfast. However, in some smaller hotels you may find the typical Italian breakfast, consisting of a hot drink, such as cappuccino or coffee, with fresh pastries, such as cake, croissants or toast and jam.
Tour information
Before departure you will receive by email:
- the link to download the tour information material in Pdf (Tour notes and Final tour details)
- the hotel list
- the hotel vouchers to show to the hotel reception upon arrival
- the link to download the App including maps, roadbook, points of interest and GPS tracks (you can use the App offline, too)
When you arrive at the first hotel you will find the voucher for the wine and oil tasting and the entrance tickets.
Assistance
In the Final Tour Details you will find the contact phone numbers you can call during the tour in case of emergency.
Additional services included
- Wine and oil tasting in Arquà Petrarca
- Entrance to the garden of Villa Barbarigo
- Entrance to Castello Catajo
- Entrance to Villa dei Vescovi
Cancellation policy
In the event of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances occurring at the place of destination or in its immediate surrounding area and having a substantial impact on the execution of the package or on the transport of travellers towards the destination, the traveller has the right to withdraw from the agreement before using the package, without paying withdrawal costs.
In all the other cases of withdrawal from the travel agreement, the traveller is always required to pay a withdrawal penalty. Read more
Withdrawal penalties
- 20% up to 30 days prior to departure date
- 25% from 29 to 21 days prior to departure date
- 50% from 20 to 14 days prior to departure date
- 80% from 13 to 6 days prior to departure date
- 100% from 5 days prior to departure date and no-show
Round trip
Travel to and from start and finish points not included
To pay on the spot
- Meals not mentioned in the section “What’s included”
- Tourist taxes (approx 6 € per person)
They must be paid directly by you at check-in or check-out at the hotels. This fee varies depending on the hotel category, on the season and the number of days of stay. - Tips
Rental bikes and accessories
You can rent Girolibero bikes and accessories.
You can also cycle with your own bike, just make sure that all parts are functioning properly.
Additional excluded services
- Accommodation in single room
- Extra nights
It is possible to book extra nights in Galzignano Terme before or after the tour. Rental bikes are not included in case of extra nights. - Everything not mentioned in the section “What’s included”
You can rent the bike type that suits you best. You will find it at the starting point of the tour and you have to return it at the end of the last cycling stage: easy, isn’t it? Touring bikes, electric bikes, tandems, accessories: our mechanics know them down to the last bolt, assemble them and continually overhaul them at our headquarters or at the nearest base of operations. The rental of Girolibero bikes includes insurance against theft and irreparable damage. See Girolibero bikes in detail.
Unisex touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
- the only one suitable with children’s accessories
Unisex touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
- the only one suitable with children’s accessories
Specifically assembled by our mechanics, our touring bikes feature components and accessories that make it reliable and easy to ride, a perfect companion for your bike tour. Furthermore, thanks to the step-through frame, getting on and off your bike is easier.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12,5 l)
- repair kit (1 per room)
- handlebar bag (1 per room)
- lock
On guided tours, the handlebar bag and repair kit are only provided to those who ride individually.
Bosch unisex e-bike
- 28” wheel
- 9 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Bosch unisex e-bike
- 28” wheel
- 9 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Our e-bike is the right choice if you do not feel trained enough to spend more days on a saddle. You can easily adjust the assistance of the electric motor: from a mild pedaling support, to a more intense boost, which is especially useful on starts and uphill climbs. The battery charge covers an entire cycling stage, or even more if you don’t use it at full power all the time, and you can recharge it at the end of the day at the hotel .
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- frame lock
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12,5 l)
- handlebar bag (1 per room)
- battery charger
- battery key
- repair kit
- lock
On guided tours, the handlebar bag and repair kit are only provided to those who ride individually.
Men's touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Men's touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Specifically assembled by our mechanics, our touring bikes feature components and accessories that make it reliable and easy to ride, a perfect companion for your bike tour.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12,5 l)
- repair kit (1 per room)
- lock
- handlebar bag (1 per room)
On guided tours, the handlebar bag and repair kit are only provided to those who ride individually.
Men's Hybrid Bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
- suitable for individuals with a body height of 165 cm and above
Men's Hybrid Bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
- suitable for individuals with a body height of 165 cm and above
A sportier, lighter model with thinner tires than the touring bike. Straight handlebars allow a comfortable stance while pedaling.
Child bike 24"
- age: 8-10 years old
- body height: min 135-max 148 cm
- 24” wheel
- 7 speed
Child bike 24"
- age: 8-10 years old
- body height: min 135-max 148 cm
- 24” wheel
- 7 speed
Equipped with anti-puncture tires and comfort gel saddle.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- rear rack
Accessories included
- repair kit
Child bike 20’'
- age: 6-8 years old
- body height: min 120 cm -max 135 cm
- 20″ wheel
- 7 speed
Child bike 20’'
- age: 6-8 years old
- body height: min 120 cm -max 135 cm
- 20″ wheel
- 7 speed
Equipped with anti-puncture tires and comfort gel saddle.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- rear rack
Accessories included
- repair kit
Adult tandem
- 28” wheel
- 24/27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Adult tandem
- 28” wheel
- 24/27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Tandem for two adults: the driver sits in the front and both of them pedal.
Recommended for body height: min 155 and max 200 cm.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- front bag (7 l)
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12.5 l)
- lock
- repair kit
Family tandem
- 1 adult + 1 child 6-8 years old
- 26” wheel
- 11 speed
Family tandem
- 1 adult + 1 child 6-8 years old
- 26” wheel
- 11 speed
Tandem to carry an adult and a 6-8 year-old child. The adult sitting in the back rides, while the child sits in the front and may not pedal.
Recommended for body height: adult min 155 cm and max 200 cm; child min 120 cm and max 135 cm.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12.5 l)
- lock
- repair kit
Child trailer
- Age: between 11 months and 4 years old
- weight: max 35 kg
- height: min 120, max 135 cm
- compatible only with unisex non-electric rental bike
Child trailer
- Age: between 11 months and 4 years old
- weight: max 35 kg
- height: min 120, max 135 cm
- compatible only with unisex non-electric rental bike
Appendix to be attached to the back of the adult bike. Complete with belts to secure the child, windproof semi-waterproof fabric cover, clear pvc window. Recommended for carrying a child 11 months-4 years old, max 35 kg. Upon request, the "hammock" seat can be included to carry a baby younger than 11 months old. Can only be mounted on unisex touring bikes.
Rear seat
- age: 1-5 years old
- weight: max 22kg
- reclining backrest
- compatible only with unisex non-electric rental bike
Rear seat
- age: 1-5 years old
- weight: max 22kg
- reclining backrest
- compatible only with unisex non-electric rental bike
Accessory to be attached above the rear rack of the adult bike. The backrest reclines, which is useful when the child falls asleep. Approved for a child 1-5 years old, maximum weight 22 kg. Can only be mounted on unisex touring bikes.
Handlebar bag
- dimensions: 27cm x 18cm
- depth: 6cm
- 4 velcro straps
Handlebar bag
- dimensions: 27cm x 18cm
- depth: 6cm
- 4 velcro straps
Ortlieb bag
- material: PD620/PS490 waterproof
- dimensions: 30×25×14 cm. (HxWxD)
- weight: 1300 g
- capacity: 12,5 l
Ortlieb bag
- material: PD620/PS490 waterproof
- dimensions: 30×25×14 cm. (HxWxD)
- weight: 1300 g
- capacity: 12,5 l
Waterproof side bag whose compact size makes it the ideal partner for short trips or shopping. Through the QL1 mounting system, it can be quickly and easily attached to the bike.
Repair Kit
Kit includes:
- 1 pump
- 1 inner tube
- 2 allen keys
- tyre levers
- patch
- glue
Repair Kit
Kit includes:
- 1 pump
- 1 inner tube
- 2 allen keys
- tyre levers
- patch
- glue
A repair kit (one for every two bikes) containing what is needed to change the inner tube in case of a puncture is provided for each reservation.
Route profile
- Level: easy
- Total length: 150 km
- Shorter version total length: 85 km
- Total length of trekking: 10 km
- Terrain: 85% tarmac, 15% unpaved
* According to the schedule of the wine/oil tasting and the days on which the included monuments are open, the sequence of the stages may be modified by yourself.
How to get there
Galzignano Terme is the starting point of the tour to be reached independently.
By plane
Galzignano Terme is connected with the following airports: Venice: 60 km, Treviso: 65 km, Verona: 100 km.
From Venezia Marco Polo airport (VCE):
- ATVO shuttle service/ACTV line 15 from the airport to Venezia Mestre train station (approx. 20/25 min). From here train to Terme Euganee-Abano-Montegrotto station (approx. 30/50 min) and then taxi to the hotel
From Treviso Canova (TSF) airport:
- taxi or Airlink shuttle bus from the airport to Treviso train station (approx. 10 min). From here train to Terme Euganee-Abano-Montegrotto station, with a change in Venezia Mestre (approx. 50/80 minutes), and then taxi to the hotel
- alternatively, ATVO shuttle bus from the airport to Venezia Mestre train station (approx. 1 hour). From here train to Terme Euganee-Abano-Montegrotto station (approx. 1 hour), and then taxi to the hotel
From Verona Villafranca Catullo airport (VRN):
- Airlink shuttle bus from the airport until Verona Porta Nuova train station (approx. 15 min). From here train to Terme Euganee-Abano-Montegrotto station, with a change in Padua (approx. 1,5-2 hours), and then taxi to the hotel
For an overview of prices, airlines and flight schedules we suggest rome2rio.com or Google Maps, which also show options via train or bus, even for the last mile. For reliability and security, we recommend purchasing your flight on the official website of your chosen airline.
By train
Terme Euganee-Abano-Montegrotto is the closest train station. From here you can reach the hotel with a taxi. For information on timetables and prices you can consult the Trenitalia official website.
By car
If you arrive by car, you can park at the hotel in Galzignano for the whole duration of the tour.
Documents
If you are a citizen of the EU or of a Schengen country – i.e. most EU countries and four European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland – you are free to travel to other Schengen countries without having to go through border controls.
Even if you don’t need a passport for border checks within the Schengen area, it is still always highly recommended to take a passport or ID card with you.
If you are a non-EU national wishing to visit or travel within the EU, you will need a passport:
- valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU country you are visiting,
- which was issued within the previous 10 years
- and possibly a visa
You should apply for a visa from the consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. If your visa is from a Schengen area country, it automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as well.
Do not forget your travel, health and/or car insurance documents.
For further information visit Your Europe official website.
Do not forget your travel, health and/or car insurance documents.
Always thoroughly check the document you travel with: expiration date and integrity.
Registration of documents is compulsory at check-in in hotels.
Language and time zone
The official language is Italian.
Italy is in the Central European Time (CET) Zone, 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time zone (GMT), and observes Daylight Saving Time.
Internet, telephone, electricity
Internet and telephone
With a European SIM card, roaming services are free throughout Europe. Please check your rates with your mobile/internet provider before departure.
The international phone prefix for Italy is +39.
Emergency telephone numbers
112 – Common Emergency Number. This is the European emergency number which can be called in any emergency from any telephone (landline and mobile phone). Calls are free.
113 – Police Help Number
115 – Fire Department
118 – Medical Emergencies
Electricity
The Italian electrical net is 220V – 50Hz.
Sockets are Schuko bipolar and comply with European regulations. In most hotels you will find adaptors for different types of plugs.
Currency
The currency in Italy is the euro (€).
Equipment and clothing
Cycling essentials
- handlebar mobile phone holder (we recommend the SP Connect™ system: if you buy it online you get a 20% discount using the code TRAVEL20)
- a power bank
- comfortable shoes with stiff soles
- padded cycling shorts
- a reusable water bottle
Personal equipment
- basic first aid kit which includes sticky bandages, gauze, and low-grade disinfectant
- sunglasses for eye protection
- protective sun lotion
- insect repellent
Clothes
- light weight waterproof/windproof tops
- leggings and long-sleeved tops for cooler mornings or evenings
- small close-fitting rucksack to carry small items during the day while cycling
- swimsuit
- clothes to cover your shoulders when you visit churches
Read carefully
Tour programme variations
- Due to organisational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way you may find temporary deviations caused by roadworks, which cannot be foreseen; in this case please follow the indications you will find on site.
Special diets
- If you are vegetarian, gluten-intolerant, allergic to some specific ingredients/substances or if you suffer from any other kind of allergies please indicate it at the moment of booking. We will pass the information on to the hotels, but we cannot guarantee that all dietary requests will be met. Sometimes it is difficult to find particular food, for example gluten-free food, so we suggest that you bring your own snacks just in case.
Travel insurance
- It is advisable to take out an insurance policy against expenses arising from cancellation of the tour package, accidents, luggage (loss and damage), as well as a contract covering expenses in case of repatriation. Insurance policies are not included in the tour package offered by the operator.
Davide
Published: 21 Jul 2021
Bella gita, il paesaggio è piacevole e ci sono molte cose interessanti da vedere/fare.
Consiglio però di spostare ad un giorno successivo la prima tappa ad Arquà Petrarca altrimenti rischia di iniziare in salita tutta la vacanza!
Alessandro
Published: 20 Aug 2020
Se volete andare a un museo controllate che sia aperto il giorno che volete fare quel percorso. Consiglio di non fare il percorso più lungo il primo giorno
Federica
Published: 20 Aug 2020
Un bel giro, adatto ai bambini perché il percorso è prevalentemente pianeggiante e su piste ciclabili. Noi lo abbiamo fatto in agosto e forse non è il periodo migliore per il grande caldo della zona.
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