• Fondamenta Zattere - Meeting Point: Zattere, Venice: The adventure starts at Zattere, the historic waterfront promenade in Dorsoduro, renowned for its breathtaking views of Giudecca Island and Palladio’s Church of the Redentore. This area was historically the landing site for logs transported via the Brenta River to Venice, which is how it got its name (“Zattere” means rafts in Italian).
• Fusina - Water Bus to Fusina – Gateway to the Brenta Riviera: Enjoy a picturesque vaporetto ride from Venice to Fusina, historically the river port where travelers transitioned from Venetian boats to river barges. The Brenta was once the favored summer retreat route of Venetian nobility, who traveled on the Burchiello, an elegant barge pulled by horses along the riverbanks. Upon arrival in Fusina, we’ll collect our bikes and start our journey along the Brenta River, following the same path taken by Venetian aristocrats for centuries.
• Villa Widmann – Foscari - Villa Foscari “La Malcontenta” – A Palladian Masterpiece: Designed by Andrea Palladio between 1555 and 1560, this exquisite villa was named La Malcontenta after a noblewoman exiled here for her infidelity. Its grand Ionic façade and beautifully restored frescoes by Giovanni Battista Zelotti make it one of the most romantic and iconic villas along the Brenta.
• Villa Widmann Rezzonico Foscari - Villa Widmann Rezzonico Foscari – A Rococo Jewel: Originally owned by a noble Persian-Venetian family, this 18th-century rococo villa is renowned for its: Frescoed grand ballroom with an upper viewing gallery, Murano glass chandeliers shaped like sea monsters, Elegant gardens featuring statues and water features. This villa offers a glimpse into the lavish aristocratic lifestyle before the fall of the Venetian Republic.
• Villa Valmarana - Villa Barchessa Valmarana – A Hidden Gem: Although much of the 17th-century villa was demolished in the 19th century to avoid luxury taxes, its barchessa (former boathouse) became a guesthouse for aristocratic summer visitors. The highlight? Michelangelo Schiavoni’s frescoes, depicting lavish Venetian feasts and historical figures.

Villa Pisani – The “Versailles of Venice”: The grandest of all the Brenta villas, Villa Pisani Nazionale was built in 1774 to showcase the power of Doge Alvise Pisani. This opulent palace features: ✔️ 114 rooms, once home to Napoleon and Mussolini; a famous hedge maze that challenged even Casanova; the magnificent Tiepolo fresco in the ballroom, symbolizing Venice’s grandeur. Here, history, politics, and scandal intertwine, making it one of the most fascinating stops of our journey.

• Museo Nazionale di Villa Pisani - Villa Pisani – The “Versailles of Venice”: The grandest of all the Brenta villas, Villa Pisani Nazionale was built in 1774 to showcase the power of Doge Alvise Pisani. This opulent palace features: 114 rooms, once home to Napoleon and Mussolini; a famous hedge maze that challenged even Casanova; the magnificent Tiepolo fresco in the ballroom, symbolizing Venice’s grandeur. Here, history, politics, and scandal intertwine, making it one of the most fascinating stops of our journey.
• Dolo - Scenic Ride to Dolo – A Charming Riverside Town: We’ll conclude our ride in Dolo, a picturesque village halfway between Venice and Padua. Once an important trade hub, Dolo was home to ancient water mills that powered the local economy, historic boatyards (squeri) where river boats were built, locks and bridges that controlled trade along the Brenta. After dropping off our bikes, we’ll return to Venice by bus, reflecting on the centuries of history we’ve just cycled through.

Since this is a private tour, the itinerary can be customized based on your preferences, cycling speed, and interest in villa visits. Let us know if you have a favorite stop, and we’ll tailor the experience just for you!

• Local top-rated guide (licensed tour guide - registration number 06000001)
• Meeting point in Venice. Flexible bike drop-off in Dolo allowing for an easy return to Venice
• Organisation and booking of rental bikes

• Gratuities are at your discretion
• Water Bus ticket from Venice to Fusina (8 Euro)
• Bus ticket from Riviera del Brenta back to Venice (4 Euro)
• Bike rental (pick at Fusina and drop off at Dolo: 25 Euro). Regular or e-bike, to be paid on-site
• Entrance fees to the villas (optional, can be decided on the spot)
• Food and drinks

Pedal like a Venetian aristocrat along the Brenta Riviera, uncovering breathtaking Palladian villas and tranquil waterways.

For generations, Venetian aristocrats marked the summer by journeying to their opulent countryside estates along the Brenta River. This cycling tour allows you to trace their route! After a vaporetto ride from Venice, collect your bicycle and ride past magnificent villas, verdant gardens, and historic canals. Marvel at Palladio’s Villa Foscari “La Malcontenta”, the sophisticated Villa Widmann, and the majestic Villa Pisani, known as the “Versailles of Venice.”

With over 3,000 villas constructed between the 15th and 18th centuries, the Brenta Riviera presents a unique blend of history, architecture, and nature. This adaptable ride lets you decide your endpoint, with a convenient bus return to Venice. Ideal for history enthusiasts and adventure seekers, this tour provides an unforgettable way to explore the Venetian countryside—on two wheels!

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.