From Vicenza, the departure point is marked by the imposing Arco delle Scalette, a gateway that for centuries served as the entrance to the spiritual ascent along the 192 steps that separate the city from the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Monte Berico.

Also passing through here was the interurban tram line that connected Vicenza with Montagnana from 1887 to 1979.

Today, that symbolic starting point marks the beginning of our journey along the Riviera Berica Cycle Route. Immediately on the right, a short slope leads us to the gates of a gem nestled in the Berici Hills, Villa Valmarana ai Nani.

As you continue, the space becomes more expansive and, dominating a hill overlooking the landscape, Villa Capra La Rotonda reveals itself in all its magnificence.

But once we leave the city behind, we enter the heart of the Berica Riviera and immediately come across the first turn-off for Lake Fimon, a 5 km stretch of road through the enchanting valley that leads to the lake, a splendid example of biodiversity and ecological value.

Returning along the Berica Riviera, we pass the turn-off for the village of Costozza, an ancient medieval village that also hosted the famous Galileo Galilei, who came here to carry out his studies. Here we find ourselves in an oasis of human and geological history, embraced by imposing rock faces rich in caves and caverns (“covoli”), which seem to protect the village below, enriched by several villas that once belonged to the Trento family.

Continuing along a stretch of road at the foot of the hills parallel to the cycle path, we reach Lumignano, a small village now famous for rock climbing, with a strong spiritual heritage.

Here, nestled on a cliff, we can catch a glimpse of the Hermitage of San Cassiano.

Back on our itinerary, we pass Castegnero with its Tipicoteca managed by Coldiretti Vicenza, which organises a market selling local wines and products every Wednesday afternoon, and then we pass Nanto.

Heading back towards the foothills, we reach the village of Mossano, where we can marvel at the Valle dei Mulini (Valley of the Mills), a perfect example of how humans have harmoniously adapted to these places, shaped over time by the presence of water.

As we descend, we pass a hill on the right from which we can glimpse the bell tower of the Convent of San Pancrazio. The Riviera Berica Cycle Route opens up into the countryside, with the Berici Hills on the right and the Euganean Hills on the left.

But just a few kilometres away is another Palladian masterpiece, Villa Saraceno, wisely preserved and enriched by a unique barchessa.

Crossing the countryside, we enter the village of Noventa Vicentina, where Piazza IV Novembre welcomes us with its monumental barns surrounding Villa Barbarigo, the town hall, sided by two tall dovecote towers.

But it is in Pojana Maggiore that the cycle route effectively ends, in front of the magnificent façade of Palladio’s Villa Pojana, representing the wonders we have encountered along the way.