Vicenza Province

Discover Vicenza province of the Veneto Region of Italy

The Province of Vicenza sits in the center of the Veneto Region and has a varied geography which offers plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy throughout the year. Bicycle touring, mountian biking, hiking, rock climbing, and ski/snowboarding are the main activie vacation choices·but you could also cross country ski, parasail, cave, and kayak. Combine these activities with visiting Palladio villa's, walled cities, wine producers, and industrial complex's and you have a great vacation destination.

The Province of Vicenza (Provincia di Vicenza) is considered the heart of the Veneto region. The capital of the province is the city of Vicenza. The province has an area of 2,723 km², and a total population of 840,000 (as of 2006). There are 121 comuni (municipalities) in the province, due to the historical fragmentation of the territory (the highest in the Veneto) . Important towns in the province include Bassano del Grappa, VI -  Montecchio Maggiore, VI - Torri di Quartesolo, VI -  Schio, VI -  Noventa Vicentina, VI - Thiene,VI - Marostica,VI - Lonigo, VI - Arzignano,VI - and Valdagno, VI.

Population is unevenly spread throughout the province. More than 60% of the populace resides in densely industrialised areas in the eastern, western, and northern (known as Alto Vicentino) industrial zones, as well as the area surrounding Bassano del Grappa, VI. The remaining 40% reside in predominantly rural ares in the southern part of the province (the Colli Berici and Basso Vicentino) or the Asiago plateau. 

Travel planning for the Vicenza province

As with any areas you visit with him Italy you have to understand a bit about the geographical and historical footprints of each area so that you can effectively get the most out of your time.  I broken province into specific geographical zones that a bicyclist, hiker, or climber, you would want to visit. These areas overlap the commercial and urban network in a way that offers you an insight on where you can acquire basic needs throughout your trip.

• Vicenza City - walking and city bike
• Colli Berici (Berici Hills) - road bike, mountian bike, have walking, climbing
• Vicentine Plain - road bike, train walking
• Asiago Altopiano - mountain bike, hiking, classic bike climbs
• Alto Vicentina (Piccolo Dolomiti) - mountain bike, hiking, classic bike climbs
• Postumia Road - road bike, train walking

The best place to stay if you are visiting the is in Vicenza.  It allows you to get by without a car and if you utilize the public transportation your travel range will be greatly extended.  In addition on an off day or after your ride you have plenty to keep you busy.

If you are traveling by train the best hotel selections are:

• Hotel Campo Marzo: just over 100 meters from the train station.
• Hotel Continental: Near the soccer stadium and just outside the main square.· Easy to reach by city bus and it is a good value for comfort and price.

If you prefer outside the city:

• Locanda degli Ulivi; sits in the Berici hills and is a tranquil location.· Only draw back is there is no regular bus into the city.·
• Agriturismo San Michele;· Just outside the city and is near a bus stop so moving around is not difficult.

The only other place to base yourself I would suggest if you are doing a self supported travel is Bassano della Grappa.  Located at the base of the mountains and beginning of Valley Suguna, Bassano is not a bad base but due to the train and bus flow it is more difficult to get back to on long rides or walks if you need to use public transportation.· Also I find individuals tend to bore after two or three days due to the lack of variety, there are some great rides and walks but many look the same.·

If you are planing a giro or gran touring type excursion the key points stop at and visit would be Vicenza - Recoro - Asiago - Bassano dellla Grappa, then you could extend your vacation to Rovereto and the Trentino or over to Treviso and the Prosecco wine roads.

NOT TO MISS IN THE VICENZA PROVINCE: