









Italy: Veneto
Average customer rating 4.7 / 5(53 verified reviews)
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!
Our travel specialists can arrange flights, rail and transfers to this holiday from wherever you are. Call us to plan your journey. +44 1606 720099


Arrive at Gabriella and Alessandro’s farmhouse in time for dinner in their cosy dining room.
You stay at Agriturismo Il Feudo

Cortela
This lovely agriturismo is a charming, tranquil place in the middle of vineyards. Run by Gabriella and Alessandro – it’s been in their family for over 200 years! – the family make their own olive oil and honey as well as their own wine. Your evening meal is Gabriella’s home-made regional fayre.
The agriturismo offers 6 rooms, which are simple but comfortable, with polished pine floorboards, brightly coloured counterpanes and ensuite bathrooms. The dining room also has quite a rustic but homely feel to it, with stone walls, exposed wooden beams and brightly coloured table cloths.

You 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.
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You stay at Hotel Villa del Poeta

Arqua Petrarca
This tranquil retreat, located just outside the medieval village of Arqua Petrarca in the Euganean Hills Natural Park, offers fabulous, panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The hotel’s restaurant, Il Canzoniere (The Songwriter in English) features two terraces with wonderful views over the estate. The chef combines locally sourced seasonal produce with ancient recipes to create some fabulous dishes, with a special flare for grilled meats, and wines to accompany them.
The hotel’s bar and rooftop terrace are great places to relax, the latter with great views over the surrounding olive groves and pine trees. All the rooms are simply furnished and have parquet flooring. They are all air-conditioned, have an ensuite bathroom and a TV, safe and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Please note that the restaurant is closed every Monday. For all stays on this day we will arrange evening meals at a local restaurant.

Explore 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.
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Today’s walk undulates through shady woodland before dropping down to the fabulous Villa Barbarigo at Valsanzibio.
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You stay at Sporting Hotel Terme di Galzignano

Galzignano Terme
The Hotel Sporting is in verdant grounds with lush vegetation in the Euganei Hills of Galzignano Terme. A full range of services such as restaurants, lounge bar, large lobby, outdoor and indoor pool are offered at this property. A wellness centre with massage services as well as Turkish and hot spring baths can also be found here.
All 110 rooms at the hotel include a patio or balcony with stunning views over the surrounding countryside and are equipped with air-conditioning, minibar and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The private bathroom includes either a bath or shower.

Catch 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!

A short transfer this morning, then ascending 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.
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You stay at Villa Lussana

Teolo
Villa Lussana is a beautifully restored Liberty villa, with an attractive peach and white facade. Being slightly above the main square at 160m, the Villa’s large terrace enjoys glorious views over the picturesque collection of houses of Teolo and the surrounding, imposing Euganean Hills.
The rooms are bright and elegantly furnished to match the Liberty decor, which has been
maintained throughout. They have all the modern comforts too, which are cunningly concealed behind the grandiose decor.
Villa Lussana has its on site restaurant which offers a variety of international dishes and local specialties, alternatively a choice of restaurants are a short walk from this property.

Supposedly 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.
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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.
Elevation

You stay at Agriturismo Il Feudo

Cortela
This lovely agriturismo is a charming, tranquil place in the middle of vineyards. Run by Gabriella and Alessandro – it’s been in their family for over 200 years! – the family make their own olive oil and honey as well as their own wine. Your evening meal is Gabriella’s home-made regional fayre.
The agriturismo offers 6 rooms, which are simple but comfortable, with polished pine floorboards, brightly coloured counterpanes and ensuite bathrooms. The dining room also has quite a rustic but homely feel to it, with stone walls, exposed wooden beams and brightly coloured table cloths.


Verona
The Giulietta e Romeo hotel, named after the town’s most famous lovers, lies in a quiet side street just yards from the Arena. The hotel is fairly modern in style and very comfortable. There is a large lobby area, which leads onto the breakfast room, which is decorated in white with subtle lighting and art deco friezes on the windows.
The rooms are all carpeted and traditionally decorated in blue and red decor with cherry wood furniture. They are all en-suite and have double-glazing so there is little noise from the street. A couple of rooms even have the famous Juliet style balcony if you fancy a re-inaction!
Parents of under 10 year olds should be aware that some rooms at the Hotel Giulietta e Romeo have a balcony with a step up.

Venice
The Hotel Kette is set in the heart of Venice, a short distance from Teatro La Fenice, from via XXII marzo, the elegant shopping street, 2 minutes from piazza San Marco and only 10 minutes from Ponte di Rialto. So this is an excellent base for exploring the many delights Venice has in store.
The 63 en suite rooms are immaculately furnished and are fully worthy of the four-star rating.
It is possible to reserve a non-smoking room (please contact us and we will request this for you).
11.0
Kg CO₂e
per person, per night
Relative to other Headwater trips
We measure emissions from the parts of the holiday we organise — including accommodation, in-trip transport, meals and activities — and express them as CO₂e per person, per night. Our label doesn’t include your travel to and from the start of the trip. As a Certified B Corp, Headwater is committed to reducing this figure and to positively impacting local communities, the local environment and our staff. Learn more