The Riviera del Brenta flows from Padua to Venice and its banks are lined by sumptuous villas. The strip of land was greatly favoured by the Doges for their summer residences. At Strà look out for the Villa Pisani (18C), surrounded by a superb garden. Stop at Mira to admire the Palazzo Foscarini and Villa Widmann-Foscari (18C), before continuing on to Malcontenta. Built in 1574 by Palladio, Villa Foscari is named 'Malcontenta', so the story goes, after one of its former occupants who was unhappy at being consigned to the villa.