THE "LITTLE HOLLAND" IN THE VENETIAN PLAIN

(Vicenza – Montagnana, 40 km)

The “Media Pianura Vicentina” cycle touring route (www.percorsomediapianuravicentina.it) helps you discover an area of the Veneto plain spanning the provinces of Vicenza and Padua. Here, the environment is particularly rich in water from springs and rivers, and a thick network of canals and irrigation ditches criss-crosses and defines the landscape and cultural identity of the area, where high-quality farming is a way of life. Typical products of the area include two Slow Food Presidia, Vialone Nano Rice from Grumolo delle Abbadesse and Biancoperla Corn, but also Grana Padano DOP and Asparagus of Marola. The area concerned covers over 100 square kilometres and is commonly referred to as “Little Holland”. It includes the municipalities of Camisano Vicentino, Grisignano del Zocco, Grumolo delle Abbadesse, Quinto Vicentino, Torri di Quartesolo and Gazzo Padovano. The itinerary is accurately signposted with specific signage and follows existing country lanes, streets, or embankments, either on segregated paths or minor roads. The surface is mixed, either with tarmac or excellent, compact gravel, and makes it possible to enjoy an area that offers plenty of beauty and memorable experiences, whether on your own, with family or friends.

Our description of the route is not detailed, as signposting is very accurate. We also recommend making use of the comprehensive website, see above, for all information on art, history, culture, fine wine and food and more. The starting point we have chosen for this loop is the iron bridge on the Ceresone river along the former Treviso-Ostiglia railway, near the hamlet of Pojana di Granfion in the borough of Grisignano di Zocco. Here, you start pedalling north on the lush right bank of the Ceresone, and arrive in Camisano Vicentino (km 3.9). After that, you continue through the hamlet of Rampazzo (km 8.7), and Grantortino in the borough of Gazzo Padovano (km 11.3). The Palladian villa Thiene is the centrepiece of Quinto Vicentino, in the northernmost part of the route (km 17.5). Here you ride on the right bank of the Tesina river, and go past Marola (km 22.3) and Torri di Quartesolo (km 25.4), where the route leaves the embankment. Continue south-east, first on a segregated path next to regional road SR11 and then in the countryside, until you come to the borough of Grumolo delle Abbadesse and the hamlet of Sarmego, where you ride past villa Godi Piovene (km 31.7). The route continues, a short distance from the A-4 motorway, yet in a pleasant setting, then (km 35.7) it joins the segregated path of the former Treviso-Ostiglia railway and goes over the Verona-Venice railway line (km 37.9; you can go down the flyover road to get to the railway station of Grisignano di Zocco). Follow the cycle path back to Pojana di Granfion and the starting point of our excursion (km 39.9).