On day 2, leave Cortela to set off on a self-guided hike through vineyards, chestnut woods and heather-scented slopes. Climb to ascend Monte Gemola and the quiet precincts of Villa Beatrice d’Este, a former hermitage overlooking the Euganean Hills. The breeze carries wildflower scents while larks circle above the ridgelines.

Continuing onwards, you follow the ridge of Monte Fasolo, the highest point of the walk, where views sweep across the Colli Euganei to the plain beyond. The descent threads past olive terraces with glorious views of Arquà Petrarca, its stone lanes and tiled roofs appearing below. This varied stage blends pastoral Veneto scenery with the meditative calm of historic sanctuaries.

On day 3, explore one of Italy’s “most beautiful villages” as you wander geranium-decked lanes of Arquà Petrarca. Duck into shady courtyards and viewpoints, then step inside Casa del Petrarca, the poet’s well-preserved home, to see the study where he spent his final years.

Time seems to slow here: medieval walls, little oratories and 15th-century villas recall the Veneto under the Serenissima. Enjoy a quiet coffee in the square or pause for photos and reflection amid terraced gardens and vineyards. The afternoon is yours to explore further before a relaxed evening back at your hotel.

On day 4, your woodland path undulates beneath oak and hornbeam before dropping to Villa Barbarigo at Valsanzibio. Enter to wander the baroque water gardens—channels, fountains and statuary framed by cypress and box hedges—where birdsong mixes with the splash of cascades.

Created in the 17th century, this garden was designed as an allegorical journey, culminating in serenity and renewal. Take time to get lost in the historic boxwood labyrinth and admire mythic sculptures that celebrate the estate’s Venetian heritage. Emerging back onto country lanes, continue toward Galzignano with the scent of laurel and rosemary on the warm air.

On day 6, ascend through olive groves to pause at the Monte Rua hermitage, a quiet Camaldolese retreat tucked among beeches and chestnuts—an idyllic spot for a simple picnic. Bells carry faintly on the wind as you take in ridge-top views across the Euganean chain.

From here, a forest path skirts the basaltic cliffs of Rocca Pendice, a volcanic outcrop prized by local climbers. You trace the base of Rocca Pendice to balcony-like viewpoints before descending to Teolo, the area’s only “alpine” village, where wooden balconies and stone lanes reflect mountain traditions within easy reach of the Venetian plain.

On day 7, lace up for a shorter outing as you follow a circular trail to Monte della Madonna. The route climbs gently through pines and broom to the hilltop sanctuary, where you can soak in panoramic views over the Po plain and, on clear days, toward the distant lagoon.

This beloved local pilgrimage site layers natural calm with centuries of devotion. Return to Teolo along airy paths scented with thyme and broom, with time to enjoy a free afternoon in the village cafés or continue exploring nearby viewpoints at your own pace.

On day 8, the route leads through vine-rows and chestnut shade to crest the flanks of Monte Venda (601 m), highest of the Colli Euganei. From its shoulders, views open to the Berici Hills near Vicenza and the wide Veneto plain, perfect to pause for photos and reflection.

The descent threads through oak and chestnut forests, then across olive groves back toward Cortela. The volcanic soils that shaped these rounded hills also nurture today’s vineyards—an elegant reminder of the land’s restless origins as you return to Gabriella and Alessandro’s welcoming farmhouse for the evening.

On day 5, catch the local bus to Padua (about 35 minutes; excludes Sundays) for a self-guided art walk. Pre-book a timed slot to see the Cappella degli Scrovegni (Giotto frescoes), then continue to the Basilica of Saint Anthony (Il Santo) and Donatello’s Gattamelata on the piazza.

Stroll under porticoes to Prato della Valle, Italy’s largest square, and pause at historic Caffè Pedrocchi for a Venetian-style coffee. This excursion is at additional cost and bookable on tour; entrance fees and transport are not included. Return to Galzignano in time for dinner.

On day 5, treat yourself to a spa session at Montegrotto Terme, one of Europe’s oldest thermal resorts. Slip into mineral-rich pools, relax in steam grottos, or opt for a soothing massage to soothe hiking muscles after days on the trail.

The Euganean hot springs have been cherished since Roman times, and local mud therapies are renowned for their restorative warmth. This wellness visit is at additional cost and bookable on tour; access, treatments and transfers are not included. Return refreshed for the evening meal.

On day 7, ride the regional train to Venice for a self-guided day among marble palaces and rippling canals. Stroll St Mark’s Square, step into the glittering basilica, and tour the Doge’s Palace before gliding along the Grand Canal by vaporetto to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.

Wander lanes to pause on the Rialto Bridge as gondolas drift below and facades blush in the afternoon light. This optional excursion is at additional cost and bookable on tour; rail, vaporetto and museum entries are not included. Return to Teolo in the evening.

On day 1, arrive in Cortela and meet your hosts Gabriella and Alessandro at their hillside farmhouse. Settle into the rhythm of the Veneto as you enjoy a home-cooked dinner featuring seasonal produce, rustic polenta and local Colli Euganei wines. In the cosy dining room, windows frame vineyard slopes and olive groves that you’ll be walking among in the days ahead.

After dessert, your hosts will review your route notes and maps, sharing tips on trail markers, weather patterns and village cafés. This gentle orientation sets the tone for the week: walk at your own pace, pause for views, and savour the region’s small-town hospitality before turning in for a restful night.