Do you only have one or two nights at Casa Luna but don't want to miss the opportunity to discover the wonders of the area? Perfect! The Euganean Hills and the surroundings offer many possibilities for those who have little time but a great desire to explore. Here we propose some micro-adventures designed specifically for you: short but intense itineraries, to be experienced in half a day (morning or afternoon), without stress and with the certainty of returning to Casa Luna relaxed and satisfied. Whether you are by car or prefer to move by train from the nearby Terme Euganee station (only 100 meters from us!), there is always a perfect adventure for your available time.
Morning on the Hills: trekking with a panoramic view
Duration: 3-4 hours | Difficulty: easy-medium | Means: car Start the day with a beautiful walk in the Euganean Hills, the green lung just a stone's throw from home. Our hills are perfect for those looking for nature and breathtaking views without having to travel miles.
Option 1: Monte Venda (601 m - the highest)
Depart from Casa Luna by car (15 minutes) to Teolo or Galzignano. From here, several paths lead to the summit of Monte Venda. The climb is peaceful, among chestnut and oak forests, and takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. At the top, a 360° view awaits you that on clear days reaches as far as the Dolomites and the Venice lagoon. Tip: bring a snack and enjoy breakfast with a view at the summit. On the way down, stop at the Monastery of Monte Rua, a spiritual and silent place that deserves a stop.
Option 2: Monte Fasolo and Regional Park
For those who prefer a simpler excursion, the loop around Monte Fasolo (432 m) starts from Arquà Petrarca. It is a loop path of about 2 hours, perfect for families, which crosses woods and rocky areas with beautiful glimpses of the medieval village below. Bonus: after the walk, pop into the historic center of Arquà Petrarca (one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy) for a coffee in the square.
What to bring
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Trekking or comfortable sports shoes
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Water
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Hat (in summer) or windbreaker (in other seasons)
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Camera for the views
Cultural Afternoon: Padua, the city of the Saint Duration:
3-4 hours | Difficulty: none | Means: car or train Padua is only 20 minutes by car or 15 minutes by train from the Terme Euganee station. It is the perfect destination for a rich but unhurried cultural afternoon.
The essential itinerary
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Basilica of Saint Anthony (45 min): start from the majestic Basilica, a destination for pilgrims from all over the world. Entry is free and the atmosphere is truly special. Don't miss the side chapels and the tomb of the Saint.
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Prato della Valle (20 min): a 5-minute walk away, this is one of the largest squares in Europe. An ellipse surrounded by a canal and 78 statues. Perfect for a walk or to sit on a bench and watch life go by.
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Historic Center and Caffè Pedrocchi (1 hour): lose yourself in the streets of the center, shop under the porticos and stop at the legendary Caffè Pedrocchi, the "café without doors" (once open 24/7). Order a mint coffee, the house specialty.
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Scrovegni Chapel (1 hour - by reservation): if you are an art lover, this masterpiece by Giotto is unmissable. Reservation is mandatory but it is absolutely worth it. The frescoes are among the most important in the world.
Tasty alternative
Instead of the Scrovegni Chapel, dedicate time to the market in Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza della Frutta (open every morning except Sunday). It is an explosion of colors, scents, and local flavors. Buy fresh fruit, cheeses, or cured meats for an evening picnic at Casa Luna!
Discovering the Venetian Villas Duration:
2-3 hours | Difficulty: none | Means: car Veneto is famous for its splendid Palladian villas and the Euganean Hills host some of the most beautiful. A visit is a dip into the elegance of the past.
Villa dei Vescovi in Luvigliano (15 min from Casa Luna)
This 16th-century Renaissance villa dominates the plain from the top of a hill. It is managed by FAI (Fondo Ambiente Italiano) and the guided tour lasts about 1 hour. The frescoes, the furnishings, and especially the panoramic loggia are spectacular. After the visit: the surrounding garden invites a quiet walk among olive trees and vineyards.
Villa Barbarigo Pizzoni Ardemani in Valsanzibio (20 min)
If you prefer gardens, this is the right choice. The Garden of Valsanzibio is one of the most important monumental gardens of the Italian seventeenth century. Boxwood mazes, baroque fountains, water games, and statues create a fairy-tale atmosphere. Perfect for a relaxing walk of 1-2 hours. Tip: visit it in the late afternoon when the light is softer and there are fewer visitors.
Food and Wine Experience: between vineyards and cellars
Duration: 3 hours | Difficulty: none (but be careful if you drive!) | Means: car The Euganean Hills are also a land of excellent wines. A visit to a cellar is a relaxing and tasty experience, perfect for the afternoon.
Euganean Hills Wine Route
Several cellars offer visits and tastings without needing to book too far in advance. We recommend:
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Cantina produttori Colli Euganei (Vo'): historic cooperative, informal visit, and affordable prices. Taste the Fior d'Arancio, the typical sweet wine of the area.
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Smaller cellars: many family-run farms around Arquà Petrarca, Baone, and Cinto Euganeo offer tastings in intimate settings, often accompanied by local cured meats and cheeses.
The tasty alternative: olive oil mills
The Euganean Hills also produce PDO extra virgin olive oil. Many mills open their doors to visitors to tell the story of production and let them taste their oils. A different experience than usual, perfect from October to December during the pressing. After the tasting: buy a few bottles to take home. They will be the best souvenir of your stay!
Bike among the spas: relaxing ride
Duration: 2-3 hours | Difficulty: easy | Means: bike (rental available) For those who love to pedal without too much effort, the surroundings of Abano and Montegrotto offer flat and panoramic cycle paths.
Spa Loop (12 km)
A loop route that connects Abano Terme, Montegrotto, Battaglia Terme, and Galzignano. Pedal among villas, thermal parks, and canals. It is all flat and well-signposted. Recommended stops:
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Battaglia Terme: the village with the medieval castle and the canal.
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Villa Selvatico: a stop to admire the Italian garden.
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Local Gelateria: every village has its historic gelateria, find yours!
Towards the Euganean Riviera (8 km one way)
Pedal to the Battaglia Canal following the cycle path. It is a quiet, green area, with glimpses of water and some herons if you are lucky. Once in Battaglia, stop for an aperitif along the canal before returning. Bike rental: just ask us, we will point you to the nearest rental points!
Total Relaxation: a day at the spas
Duration: half day or full day | Difficulty: zero effort! | Means: on foot If your stay is very short but you still want to relax, the spas are literally at your fingertips. Many thermal hotels in the area offer daily passes to the thermal pools, even for those who are not guests.
What to do
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Thermal pools: natural hot water at 32-37°C, hydromassages, neck waterfalls.
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Kneipp paths: alternating hot and cold water for circulation.
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Wellness area: saunas, Turkish baths, relaxation zones. Dedicate 3-4 hours to complete relaxation and then return to Casa Luna for a regenerating nap before dinner. Tip: book in advance, especially on weekends!
Special Sunset: aperitif with a view
Duration: 1-2 hours | Difficulty: none | Means: car Conclude your micro-adventure with an unforgettable aperitif at sunset.
Eremo Monte Rua
Drive to the Hermitage of Monte Rua (20 minutes). The panorama at sunset over the Hills is magical. Bring something to drink and snacks and enjoy the spectacle of nature.
Panoramic Venues
Several agriturismos and restaurants on the hills have panoramic terraces where you can enjoy an Aperol Spritz as the sun sets behind the hills. Ask us for our favorites!
Practical tips for your micro-adventures
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When to leave: mornings are perfect for nature excursions (cooler in summer, better light). Afternoons are ideal for culture, cellars, and relaxation.
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Weather: always check the forecast, especially for excursions on the hills. We always have alternative tips for rainy days!
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What to bring:
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Comfortable shoes (always!)
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Reusable water bottle
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Camera or charged smartphone
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Cash for small purchases in villages
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Parking: almost all destinations have free or cheap paid parking. We will give you precise directions for each.
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Return to Casa Luna: always calculate a 30-minute margin to return without stress, take a shower, and maybe squeeze in a nap before dinner!
Your perfect starting point
Casa Luna is strategically positioned for all these micro-adventures. 100 meters from the Terme Euganee station, in the heart of the thermal area, but quiet enough to let you truly rest.
Before leaving: have breakfast calmly, ask us for updated advice, take our maps and directions. We are here to make your adventure perfect, even if brief!
On your return: our rooms await you for a well-deserved rest. And if you want to dine nearby, we always have some restaurants to recommend based on your tastes.
Ready for your micro-adventure?
Even a stay of one or two nights can give you authentic experiences and unforgettable moments. The Euganean Hills and Padua are territories rich in surprises, where every corner tells a story and every landscape deserves a photo. You don't need a week to fall in love with these places: just a few hours lived with curiosity and a desire to discover are enough. And Casa Luna is here precisely for this: to be your comfortable, welcoming, and strategic base camp to explore the best of the territory, even when time is short. So, what will be your first micro-adventure? Write to us or ask us upon your arrival: we will be happy to help you plan the perfect day based on your interests, the weather, and the time available.
Good adventure!
❓ FAQ
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Can I move around without a car? Certainly! Padua is reachable in just 15 minutes by train from the station 100 meters from Casa Luna.
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Where can I rent a bike? There are several rental points in Montegrotto; ask us for the nearest address.
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Are the Venetian villas open every day? Hours vary; Villa dei Vescovi, for example, is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays; we always recommend checking the official sites.
Read the Pillar article: "Micro-adventures and Local Life"
Back to: "Local experiences and activities"
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