We’re excited to introduce brand new guided and self-guided gravel riding holidays in Italy, perfect for those in search of a gentler paced tour.
We caught up with Skedaddle Italia Product Manager and Guide, Lieven (pictured left), to learn more about these new gravel riding tours and what is so special about Veneto as a gravel riding and holiday destination.
What makes Veneto a great destination for gravel riding?
Firstly, Veneto has hosted several high-profile gravel races – the UCI Gravel World Championships in 2023 and the world’s biggest gravel bikepacking event Veneto Gravel (now in its 10th year) – so it’s fair to say it’s not just us who rate this region for its quality riding, although you definitely don’t have to be a pro to find your perfect gravel riding holiday here.
The Veneto plain is a prime agricultural area, and this means there are plenty of unpaved roads to explore. Rivers and canals criss-cross the plain and nearly all are flanked by mostly unpaved canal roads, inviting you to explore the picturesque countryside by bike without having to mix with cars.
As you might expect, the Veneto plain is reasonably flat which naturally lends itself to less physically and technically demanding gravel routes. It’s the perfect place for cyclists who may be new to gravel to come and experience this evermore popular sport.
How did you put the route together?
I started with what I believe are the must-see and lesser-known art cities that I wanted to feature in this trip, including Verona, Peschiera, Mantova, Este, Padova and Vicenza. When I looked at how best to connect the cities, it became clear that the gravel road network in the Veneto plain is defined by its waterways. Much of the riding is alongside rivers and canals which makes for a very pleasant journey. I then added some variation and a few little challenges to the route. For example, the Valpolicella Hills leading from Verona to Lake Garda, and the Colli Euganei hills between Este and Padova.
What’s your favourite part of the route?
I have more than one!
The ride through the Valpolicella Hills offers a bit of fun technical riding on easy singletrack. The canal roads along the Adige and Po rivers bring incredible views across the plains, dotted with farmhouses and little villages. The climb up into Colli Euganei is rewarded with beautiful panoramic views. Meanwhile, cycling along the Mantova lakes is impressive when you realise these were dug by people as part of a Medieval defence system!
What’s your favourite off-the-bike highlight?
Verona is a popular tourist destination but exploring the cultural treasures of the lesser-known art cities of Mantova and Vnicenza is equally rewarding. Vincenza has 23 buildings designed by Palladio and his 24 villas in Veneto are listed by UNESCO as part of a World Heritage Site. Mantova’s old town (centro storico) was given World Heritage Site status in 2008. Wandering the Medieval streets and piazzas is like stepping back time and the ancient church, Rotonda di San Lorenzo, is well worth a visit.
Padova is another highlight; home to one of the oldest universities in the world where Galileo and Copernicus studied or taught. The botanical garden dates back to 1545 and the buildings which form part of the UNESCO World Heritage site boast impressive frescos that date back to the 14th century.
Away from the historic cities, nature-lovers can enjoy bird spotting along the river courses where you can see storks, ibis and egrets.
What kinds of cyclists would enjoy this holiday?
This holiday is well-suited to cyclists who are new to gravel riding and road cyclists looking for a different cycling experience away from the tarmac. It’s an easy-paced gravel riding holiday with Italian flair. If you’re an experienced gravel rider, then the route doesn’t offer up big challenge rides, but it is a gorgeous journey with vistas that are very different to our other tours in Tuscany and Sardinia so I would still recommend it to anyone who enjoys off-road riding. It’s a dreamy blend of gentler gravel riding, Italian culture and cuisine in some very picturesque locations.
When is the best time of year to go?
I would say choose between spring for the colourful explosion of flowers and autumn for golden fields and the Valpolicella and Colli Euganei vineyards being picked.
What are the culinary highlights of Vento?
The most famous Italian desert, Tiramisu, hails from Veneto! I’d also recommend trying some of the traditional dishes – rice and pea soup (riso e bisi), pumpkin filled pasta with butter and grana padano (tortelli di zucca) and deep-fried bread (gnocco fritto). Along the Garda Lake and the main rivers you can find tasty second courses of lavaret (white fish), carp or pike.
Veneto isn’t one of Italy’s major wine-producing regions but as we ride through some of its the vineyards you can still enjoy several high-quality wines – crisp Serprino, fragrant Tai, Garganega with its aromas of almond, or sweet Moscato.
Choose Veneto for your next gravel riding holiday!
If you like the sound of exploring Veneto’s gravel trails and waterways, then check out our holidays for 2026:
Gravel Trails of Veneto Guided Gravel Riding Holiday
Gravel Trails of Veneto Self-Guided Gravel Riding Holiday