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Italy: Veneto

Walking in the Venetian Hills

Trip code: W08VN

Average customer rating 4.7 / 5(53 verified reviews)

Self-Guided Walking
8 nights hotel-to-hotel
Steady
Flights available
CO₂ rating 1/5
Headwater Navigation app

Trip highlights

Untouched verdant walking country: rolling hills, shady forests, vineyards and olive groves

Amazing array of wild flowers: heather, poppies, wild orchids and Mediterranean maquis

Venetian architectural treasures: villas, churches and monasteries

Option to visit historic Padua and romantic Venice

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Trip details

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!

What's included

Included

  • 8 nights in 2-star equivalent, 3-star equivalent and 3-star accommodation
  • All breakfasts and 6 evening meals
  • Briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Headwater navigation app
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Walk transfer on day 6

Not included

  • Flights
  • Local taxes/fees
  • Travel insurance

Travel options

Flights and rail

Our air-rail prices include standard flights, onward rail and station transfers.

Itinerary

Route map, with each night's stop marked
The full route, night by night. Select the map to view it full screen.

Day 1 · —Arrive in Cortela

Arrive in Cortela

Arrive at Gabriella and Alessandro’s farmhouse in time for dinner in their cosy dining room.

You stay at Agriturismo Il Feudo

AGRITURISMO IL FEUDO, CORTELÀ
Image 1 of 3
equivalent

Agriturismo Il Feudo

Cortela

  • American Express
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard

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.

Day 2 · 14km/8.7miCortela to Arqua Petrarca

Cortela to Arqua Petrarca

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.

Elevation

Cortela to Arqua Petrarca elevation profile

You stay at Hotel Villa del Poeta

Villa del Poeta - exterior at dusk
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Hotel Villa del Poeta

Arqua Petrarca

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Safe
  • Television
  • Wifi access

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.

Day 3 · —At Arqua Petrarca

At Arqua Petrarca

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.

Elevation

At Arqua Petrarca elevation profile

Day 4 · 11km/6.8miArqua Petrarca to Galzignano

Arqua Petrarca to Galzignano

Today’s walk undulates through shady woodland before dropping down to the fabulous Villa Barbarigo at Valsanzibio.

Elevation

Arqua Petrarca to Galzignano elevation profile

You stay at Sporting Hotel Terme di Galzignano

Sporting Hotel Terme di Galzignano
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equivalent

Sporting Hotel Terme di Galzignano

Galzignano Terme

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • Diners Club
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Swimming pool
  • Tea & coffee
  • Television
  • Visa cards

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.

Day 5 · —At Galzignano

At Galzignano

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!

Day 6 · 12km/7.5miGalzignano to Teolo

Galzignano to Teolo

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.

Elevation

Galzignano to Teolo elevation profile

You stay at Villa Lussana

Villa Lussana ext.
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Villa Lussana

Teolo

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Other email access
  • Tea & coffee
  • Television

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.

Day 7 · —At Teolo

At Teolo

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.

Elevation

At Teolo elevation profile

Day 8 · 11km/6.8mi or 16km/9.9miTeolo to Cortela

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.

Elevation

Teolo to Cortela elevation profile

You stay at Agriturismo Il Feudo

AGRITURISMO IL FEUDO, CORTELÀ
Image 1 of 3
equivalent

Agriturismo Il Feudo

Cortela

  • American Express
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard

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.

Day 9 · —Leave Cortela

Leave Cortela

Extending your holiday

Giulietta e Romeo, Verona

Giulietta e Romeo

Verona

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • ATM
  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Market
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Other email access
  • Safe

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.

HOTEL KETTE, VENICE (4 STAR)

Hotel Kette

Venice

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • ATM
  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Other email access
  • Safe
  • Shops

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).

What our travellers say

We had a very enjoyable walking holiday in Northern Italy which was absolutely stunning. The walks were varied and interesting and notes clear.

Miss Deadman

Beautiful hilly countryside and plenty of variety of terrain on the walks. The best Prosecco ever! We recommend an extended stay in Venice.

Ms Pilgrim

We enjoyed our holiday in the Euganean hills. Even at the end of May/first few days of June, the temperatures were pushing 30 degrees most days, which made the walks a little more demanding than we had expected, but as occasional walkers there was nothing that pushed us too much, however we used walking poles and would not have wanted to be without them. The scenery was magnificent and the views were always worth the effort of any climb.
Accommodation and food was of a good standard, particularly Hotel Villa del Poeta, where Carla and the restaurant staff provided outstanding service to match the excellent food. The only downside to Villa del Poeta is that the restaurant is closed on a Monday and if James hadn’t been kind enough to ferry us to and from the (very good) local restaurant that provided dinner that night, I don’t believe we would have enjoyed the walk back in the dark, as the hotel is a little way outside of town.
A mention should also go to Villa Lussana for excellent comfort, food and hospitality. As others have mentioned it is a pity about the motorbike noise from the cafe opposite, although we were there on a public holiday weekend, so perhaps our experience was not typical.
Route notes were generally very good but it was a pity that the route shown on the map provided was not totally accurate, causing a little doubt and confusion during one of our walks.

Mr Weaver

Excellent holiday in beautiful countryside. Even though we walk regularly the walks were on the tough side for two people over 75,! The plus sign after the 1 was obviously very significant! There was however scope for visiting nearby cities or exploring the countryside by bus instead of doing all the walks. We appreciated a short alternative walk for the last day. This holiday was recommended to us by a couple we met on a previous holiday. It took us 3 years before we booked it but were very glad that we eventually did.

Mrs North

Another excellent holiday with Headwater. Our Manager James was one of the best we have experienced with Headwater. Nothing was too much trouble and he provided very useful information at our introductory meeting. Hopefully we will be fit enough to embark on another walking holiday with Headwater in future .

Mr Duncan

First time with Headwater, didn’t know what to expect , had a fantastic time, thought the moderate title was a little under exaggerated , there were some steep climbs but overall we had a laugh getting lost a few times but always found our way to the next hotel, didn’t feel guilty eating all the lovely food and drinking the best procecco as we had earned it. Will be booking again in the future but
With less hills.

Ms Hoggan

A lovely combination of stretching but not impossible walking, lovely unknown countryside, and fine food.

Mr Thornton

Overall we had a really good week in the Euganean hills; the weather in late September was a bit warmer than we had expected and this made the walking slightly more strenuous and the insects were numerous – take plenty of repellent! The accommodation does vary quite a lot; the Villa Lussana is excellent, everything works and the food and service are all you could hope for. Il Feudo is fairly basic, though the staff are friendly. Villa del Poeta was very good, excellent food and service however they do often host weddings at the weekend which can be noisy. Our least favourite was the Belvedere.
The walking is very good and the directions generally ok though we found having a GPS device useful at times. James our rep was extremely helpful with transfers, advice and updates on routes. There were plenty of suggestions for rest days – our favourite was visiting the Villa di Vescovi from Teolo…..where we were able to use our National Trust cards; the villa is magnificent – but check opening hours as its not open every day.

Mr Magirr

A quiet but attractive area of Northern Italy well worth discovering.

Mr Kell

For us this was the perfect combination of quite challenging walks and the opportunity to visit villas, gardens, monasteries en route. The Euganean Hills were a delightful landscape of vineyards ,woods and olive groves. We also particularly enjoyed visiting Vicenza on the way back.

Mrs Aston
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Positive impact

Carbon score for this trip

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

From the journal

From£1,169per person