Exploring Medieval Hilltowns & Palladian Villas
The Veneto is the region stretching to the west of Venice to the alpine
foothills of the Dolomites. The contrast between the steep, rugged beauty
of the foothills and the soft, dreamy plains is intriguing. We wander
through an idyllic landscape of rolling green hills and vineyards
criss-crossed by many waterways, canals and rivers. The Veneto is also
blessed with splendid architecture, the legacy of the Doges of Venice. We
visit Palladian villas, the country estates of the Venetian nobility, built
by the best Renaissance architects and artists of their time. The Veneto
is also a region of beautiful, small Medieval centres such as Asolo,
Bassano del Grappa and Treviso. Last but not least the region is also home
to Prosecco; the Italian equivalent of champagne which flows liberally in
the Veneto.
Days 1 & 2
Bassano del Grappa: guided tour of the historic centre; visit to a 17th-century Grappa distillery and the Grappa Museum; visit Marostica famous for
its outdoor chess competition; walk the vineyards of Breganze and meet one
of the stars of Italian wine production.
Days 3 & 4
Asolo: walk on Monte Grappa on trails carved out by the Italian troops
during the First World War; explore the Medieval buildings and Venetian
architecture of Asolo; watch silk weavers use 18th-century looms; visit
Palladio's breathtaking Villa Barbaro; see Canova's Gypsoteca with
monumental plaster casts of his works.
Day 5, 6 & 7
Follina: enjoy a wine tasting at a boutique Prosecco producer; stroll
through vineyards and fields to Mulinetto della Croda a small mill built in
the 1600's; visit the Abbazia di Follina a 12th-century Cistercian Abbey;
stroll country lanes to a lunchtime cooking lesson; hike to Praderadego
and get a glimpse of the Dolomites; farewell dinner at one of the Veneto's
most famous restaurants.
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7 nights/8 days