2010 Dates

26 June to 3 July (Sat to Fri)

25 September to 2 October.

A diverse region located along the shores of the Adriatic sea and at the foot of the Dolomite mountains, the Veneto, once a world power is a remarkable reflection of Italian history and style: full of Renaissance art, fine food and wine. Our biking follows one of the old trade routes that brought goods from the east: we wonder through the flat farmlands, by stately 16th & 17th century villas, volcanic hills and into the foothills of the Pre-alps. By day we follow gentle routes, in the afternoon learn about foods and the art of cooking with Jody, and by night we savor parts of the dolce vita with classic Veneto cuisine, all the while being hosted in opulent villa hotels.

We begin along the Brenta River touring Palladian estates and villa's from the "Venezian Empire", in the afternoon we are hosted by the Dal Corso family for a cooking class. Next, we visit the old market of at the Rialto, in Venice, with Jody, to select the ingrentient for our Antipasti class later in the day. Our next stop is Vicenza, the “City of Palladio”. Along the wall we will taste wines from local producers in the Eugienia Hills and Tacai Rosso wines of the Berici Hills. Then it is on to Asolo, considered by many to be one of the lovelyist towns in Italy. It is a tiny hamlet with an abundance of quaint, winding streets and a graceful piazza overlooking the valley. On our way we stop in Bassano del Grappa , famous for its wooden bridge and strong grappa made from a distillation of local grapes. We wil of course sample the grappa, which ranges in taste from a mild honey, to a fiery herb-infused concoction. As we close out our week we head into the foothills and vineyards of the Strada del Prosecco , to taste some of the sparkling wine which has made this area so famous.

Biking works up our appetites for some wonderful Northern Italian meals. Jody will introduce us to many local dishes and specialties. The noble region of the Veneto is home to risotto and polenta, as well as homemade pastas spiced with radicchio, rucola and endive. Seafood lovers will rejoice in the freshly caught frutti di mare prepared in the Venetian tradition.

Some Veneto Favorites

• Cheese tasting and selection with Jody
• Venice's Rialto market
• Volcanic hills of the Eugienia, and olive oil
• Grappa tasting in Bassano
• Sampling classic Venetian antipasti at a local, family-run trattoria
• Biking through the Prosecco vineyards
• Sipping a Bellini in Villa Cipriani’s magnificent garden

Days 1, 2, and 3

Riviera del Brenta, Lido di Venezia, and the Venetian Lagoon

Meet at Marco Polo Airport Saturday morning and transfer to Villa Marghertia, an elegant 4 star villa near the Brenta River. Our first afternoon is spent sizing bicycles and introducing the overall program, before a welcome apertivi on the terrace and a superb dinner at our inn. The next day we are off with a morning bicycle ride along tiny-canalled streets. Signora Adriana takes us on a special tour of the private Villa Malcontenta, a gracious patrician estate designed by perhaps the world’s most famous architect, Andrea Palladio. In the afternoon we have a private cooking class with Jody and the Dal Corso family were we will learn to make some traditional Venetian dishes..

On Day 3, we head to the Rialto market with Jody to explore the variety of fish and produce available and seletect the ingredients for our Antipasta class by Jody, later in the day. After the market and a couple of "tramizzini" and glass of wine at one of Jody's favoriate Wine Bars, we have a bit of time to explore the city or go on a short walk near the hotel. In the afternoon we are with Jody in the Kitchen were she and Kathy will show us how to make some delicious antipasti. For anyone still hungery we will have dinner at a typical Venetian neighborhood osteria.

Three nights in Mira Porte at Villa Marghertia, a luxuriously decorated 16 th century villa with vintage furniture, Venetian artwork and wood-burning fireplaces.

Our bike routes: Day 2: 32 miles on flat terrain. Day 3: 23 miles on flat terrain.

Day 4 and 5

The Venetian Plain, Abano Terme and Arcugnano

Our biking today heads through the flat prairies just south of Padua towards Abano Terme and the foothills of the Colli Euganei. The Romans discovered two remarkable features of this area – mineral springs and wine! Monti Berici and its foothills loom in the distance as we bike towards Arcugnano, just outside Vicenza. Vicenza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the adopted city of Palladio and host to some of his most renowned legacies. Our inn’s elegant restaurant opens up to a spectacular garden setting and features upscale renditions of la cucina vicentina, such as baccalà alla vicentina. The next day we have a private guided visit of Vicenza “City of Palladio”. After tracing the Tacio Rosso Wine road we will enter the city through the powerful 11 th c. Porta Castello, we pass the monumental Palazzo Breganze and Gothic Duomo, and have time to sip a cappuccino in the regal Piazza dei Signori , a showcase of Palladio’s skill and talent in his adopted city. This evening we have a wonderful dinner at a local Osteria located in the Berici Hills.

Two nights in Arcugnano at Hotel Villa Michelangelo, an exclusive 18 th century stately residence. Rooms are uniquely decorated with marble, hardwood, Venetian antiques, and rich fabrics. Amenities include an indoor pool and outstanding views.

Our bike routes: day 4 is 40 miles of flat to gently rolling terrain. Day five's route is 25 miles of rolling hills.

Days 6, 7, and 8

Vicenza, Bassano del Grappa, Prosecco Wine Road and Asolo

Next, we pedal to the Alpine village of Bassano del Grappa for a tasting of locally made grappa at the Jacopo Poli distilleries. Take time to wander through the old town or stroll across Palladio's covered bridge. This afternoon, we arrive in Asolo, a magical walled hill-village, once the home of painter Robert Barrett Browning and visited by numerous other illustrious artists, actors and writers. The evening is free to dine in one of the many excellent restaurants in Asolo. From the local pizzeria to a formal restaurant with a view of the valley below, you are sure to discover some regional culinary delights.

Day 7 biking takes us north towards the Pre-Alps for some striking scenery. Farmlands give way to vineyards as we pedal along the Strada del Prosecco in the Prosecco wine region. We ride through the foothills and into the rolling vineyards for an afternoon tasting of sparkling Prosecco at a small producer. Cristina teaches us how to distinguish between the many varieties of Prosecco in the 18 th century cellar. We also learn how Prosecco is made, and how different methods will result in a variety of tastes. Tonight’s farewell dinner overlooks the sumptuous gardens at the Villa Cipriani’s acclaimed restaurant featuring carpaccio, bresaola with shaved Parmesan and risotto spiced with Amarone wine.

Day 8 our trip will conclude with a Buffet breakfast and late morning transfer to Marco Polo Airport or Venice/Piazzale Roma.

Two nights in Asolo at Villa Cipriani, a legendary 4 star inn set amidst a lush and colorful garden of pomegranate trees and fragrant flowers. Amenities include a buffet breakfast with handmade pastries and a state-of the art wellness spa.