Cycling the Prosecco Hills

Those of us on the group flight touch down in Venice Marco Polo airport and will be driven 30mins north to the charming capital province Treviso, a real hidden gem often overlooked and perhaps overshadowed by the neighbouring Venice. Rebuilt and restored after Second World War bombing, the town centre is a rambling maze of streets lined with arcaded walkways. The town is circled by a pretty wall and by waterways, which add to its very picturesque and elegant style. After checking in at our central hotel, we will take an orientation tour of the historic centre accompanied by our tour leader and enjoy a drink in the lively Piazza dei Signori, Treviso's main square.

This morning we set off on our bikes to explore the picturesque hilly area surrounding Asolo. Cycling from our hotel, we follow a picturesque northeasterly route which crosses pleasant rolling hills, with a constant view of the Prealps. This is one of the key local certified production areas of Prosecco and along the route we will get a view of some of the finest vineyard sites. They are interspersed with orchards, vegetable crops and wooded areas which we pedal through, with a constant alternating of ups and downs and a couple of short more demanding climbs, until reaching Possagno, birthplace of the sculptor Antonio Canova. The town is home to the temple he designed, which was completed in 1830. From this point onwards the route becomes easier as we descend towards the valley and cycle all the way to Bassano del Grappa, in the neighbouring province of Vicenza, across the plains, on quiet back roads passing through small villages and cultivated fields. Bassano takes its name from the nearby Monte Grappa, scene of epic battles during World War I. The historic centre is very pretty and compact therefore perfect to explore on foot. After leaving out bikes we will enjoy some free time to walk on the 13th century wooden covered bridge over the Brenta River, sample the famous local grappa liqueur, learn of the town's military history in the Museo degli Alpini or perhaps purchase some of the locally-produced ceramics. We return to Asolo in the afternoon by public bus (approx. 30 mins journey).

Leaving the hotel on our bikes, we cycle on quiet back roads to Molinetto della Croda. Situated in a delightful spot, this old mill is a lovely example of 16th-century rustic architecture, partially built out of the rock. From here start a steady 4km climb to the enchanting village of Rolle, perched on a hill situated along the historic Prosecco wine route. The ascent is steep in places but we tackle it at our own pace with a the needed rest stops along the way. It was actually along these roads in the past few years that the Gran Fondo Pinarello took place, one of the most important and popular races of Italian amateur cycling. Continuing up for another 3km, we pedal surrounded by lush hills that, in some places, open up to offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and vineyards. From the village of Resera starts a rewarding descent all the way to the romantic shores of the Revine Lakes, where we stop for a picnic. The rest of ride is leisurely, as we cycle on flat cycle paths and roads back to Soligo, stopping en route for a visit to the charming villages of Cison di Valmarino and Follina, famous for its ancient Cistercian abbey.

Our final ride starts with an undulating route all the way to Conegliano, where we pedal along the historic Prosecco wine route surrounded by an explosion of natural colours, especially dramatic during the autumn season, and vast expanses of vine rows. The initial part of the route is full of ups and downs but also includes a spectacular 2km descent on a scenic hairpinned road, soon followed by a steep 1.3 km long ascent with an average gradient of 15% with peaks of 19%. Those not keen to face this challenge may opt to get off their bikes and walk it! We reach Conegliano in time for lunch and we take a well-deserved break to explore the town on foot. Overlooked by a castle, Conegliano’s historic centre is intact, boasting wonderful 16th-century architecture with frescoed facades. This afternoon we continue cycling along a panoramic castle route west of Conegliano. After a short but steep climb we reach the fortified castle of San Salvatore, which was built in the 13th century but is still well preserved and inhabited to this day. Continuing up and then through a shaded forest trail we reach the castle of Collalto, built in the 1100s and badly damaged during the First World War. We take a final descent to Pieve di Soligo and get back to our hotel. This evening we celebrate this week's achievements with a group dinner in one of the best local restaurants in the area!