This walking holiday is based in the wonderfully unspoilt Euganean Hills, tucked in a quiet corner below the beautiful medieval city of Padua, west across the plain from Venice. Once volcanic islands, these hills have a striking conical appearance; they are cloaked in an astonishing variety of plant life including holm oak, maple, orchids, heather and poppies and have been recognised as a National Park. The lower slopes give way to colourful meadows and immaculately groomed vineyards so it's little wonder the region produces such a fine variety of wines!
Starting in the tiny hamlet of Cortela, nestled amongst vines, you head across poppy fields and through forests to Valnogaredo. You discover the jumbled cobbled streets of medieval Arqua Petrarca, where the famous 14th century Italian poet, Petrarch, made his home, before continuing through fertile fruit orchards to Galzignano. A convenient stone's throw from the Italian Baroque gardens of Valsanzibio, there's time to explore its magnificent maze before a series of outstanding views leads you to panoramically perched Teolo.
Day 1: Arrive in CortelaArrive at Gabriella and Alessandro's farmhouse in time for dinner in their cosy dining room.
You stay at the Agriturismo ll Feudo (breakfast and evening meal)
Day 2: Cortela to Arqua PetrarcaYou start the day walking through vineyards and woodlands, before climbing Monte Gemola to arrive at Villa Beatrice. Onto Monte Fasolo, the highest point of the walk rewards with stunning views, before a descent enjoying glorious views of Arqua Petrarca.
You stay at the Hotel Villa del Poeta (breakfast and evening meal)
Day 3: At Arqua PetrarcaExplore Arqua Petrarca, still as it was when Petrarch came here in 1370. Visit his well-preserved house and walk up geranium-decked streets to sumptuous 15th century villas.
You stay at the Hotel Villa del Poeta (breakfast and evening meal)
Day 4: Arqua Petrarca to GalzignanoToday's walk undulates through shady woodland before dropping down to the fabulous Villa Barbarigo at Valsanzibio.
You stay at the Sporting Hotel Galzignano (breakfast and evening meal)
Day 5: At GalzignanoCatch the local bus (35 mins excl Sundays) to Padua, the region's second art city. View the Cappella degli Scrovegni (Giotto frescoes), admire Donatello's Gattamelata statue or savour a cappuccino in the largest square in Italy! You may wish to treat yourself to a spa/massage at Montegrotto - great for aching muscles!
You stay at the Sporting Hotel Galzignano (breakfast and evening meal)
Day 6: Galzignano to TeoloAscending through olive groves you reach Monte Rua hermitage, a popular lunch stop. A woodland path leads towards Rocca Pendice, an imposing volcanic stone massif. You skirt round it to enjoy breathtaking views across the chain of hills as you descend to Teolo, the only 'alpine' village here.
You stay at Villa Lussana (breakfast only)
Day 7: At TeoloSupposedly the birthplace of the Roman historian Livy, Teolo is alive with history, and many of the buildings from its Serenissima heyday remain. There are lovely walks available including a circular one up Monte della Madonna with its panoramic views (walking notes provided). For a longer day out, take the bus/train to Venice and see St Mark's Square, the Doges' Palace and the Peggy Guggenheim Museum.
You stay at Villa Lussana (breakfast only)
Day 8: Teolo to Cortela Walking through rows of lush green vines you reach the highest point of the holiday, on the flanks of Monte Venda (601m). The plain is mapped out before you, with views towards the Berici Hills near Vicenza. Then it's on through oak and chestnut forests, and down through vineyards and olive groves, back to Gabriella and Alessandro's welcoming farmhouse.
You stay at the Agriturismo ll Feudo (breakfast and evening meal)
Day 9: Leave CortelaThe tour ends after breakfast in Cortela.