Bike & Palladian Villas: Scenic Ride Along the Brenta from Venice

Meeting Point: Zattere, Venice: Our journey begins at Zattere, the historic waterfront promenade in Dorsoduro, known for its stunning views of Giudecca Island and Palladio’s Church of the Redentore. This location was once the landing point for logs transported via the Brenta River to Venice, giving the area its name ("Zattere" means rafts in Italian).

Water Bus to Fusina – Gateway to the Brenta Riviera: A scenic vaporetto ride takes us from Venice to Fusina, historically the river port where travelers switched from Venetian boats to river barges. The Brenta was once the preferred summer retreat route of Venetian nobility, who traveled on the Burchiello, an elegant barge pulled by horses along the riverbanks.
Once in Fusina, we'll pick up our bikes and begin the ride along the Brenta River, following the same path taken by Venetian aristocrats for centuries.

Villa Foscari "La Malcontenta" – A Palladian Masterpiece: Designed by Andrea Palladio between 1555 and 1560, this elegant villa was named La Malcontenta after a noblewoman exiled here for her infidelity. Its imposing Ionic façade and beautifully restored frescoes by Giovanni Battista Zelotti make it one of the most romantic and iconic villas along the Brenta.

Villa Widmann Rezzonico Foscari – A Rococo Jewel: Originally owned by a noble Persian-Venetian family, this 18th-century rococo villa is famous for its:Frescoed grand ballroom with an upper viewing gallery, Murano glass chandeliers shaped like sea monsters, Elegant gardens featuring statues and water features
This villa gives us a glimpse into the decadent aristocratic lifestyle before the fall of the Venetian Republic.

Villa Barchessa Valmarana – A Hidden Gem: Although much of the 17th-century villa was demolished in the 19th century to avoid luxury taxes, its barchessa (former boathouse) became a guesthouse for aristocratic summer visitors. The highlight? Michelangelo Schiavoni’s frescoes, depicting lavish Venetian feasts and historical figures.

Villa Pisani – The "Versailles of Venice": The grandest of all the Brenta villas, Villa Pisani Nazionale was built in 1774 to showcase the power of Doge Alvise Pisani. This opulent palace features: ✔️ 114 rooms, once home to Napoleon and Mussolini; a famous hedge maze that challenged even Casanova; the magnificent Tiepolo fresco in the ballroom, symbolizing Venice’s grandeur
Here, history, politics, and scandal intertwine, making it one of the most fascinating stops of our journey.

Villa Pisani – The "Versailles of Venice": The grandest of all the Brenta villas, Villa Pisani Nazionale was built in 1774 to showcase the power of Doge Alvise Pisani. This opulent palace features: 114 rooms, once home to Napoleon and Mussolini; a famous hedge maze that challenged even Casanova; the magnificent Tiepolo fresco in the ballroom, symbolizing Venice’s grandeur.
Here, history, politics, and scandal intertwine, making it one of the most fascinating stops of our journey.

Scenic Ride to Dolo – A Charming Riverside Town
We’ll conclude our ride in Dolo, a picturesque village halfway between Venice and Padua. Once an important trade hub, Dolo was home to an ancient water mills that powered the local economy, historic boatyards (squeri) where river boats were built, locks and bridges that controlled trade along the Brenta
After dropping off our bikes, we’ll return to Venice by bus, reflecting on the centuries of history we’ve just cycled through.

Since this is a private tour, the itinerary can be customized based on your preferences, cycling speed, and interest in villa visits. Let me know if you have a favorite stop, and we’ll tailor the experience just for you!