Veneto – The Hidden Italy

About this excursion

£ 1289 per person

Stretching across a swathe of north-east Italy, the joy of the Veneto is its extraordinary variety: prosperous towns are situated amongst coastal lagoons, marshlands, rolling hills and the Alpine air of the Dolomites. The imprint of Venetian dominance can be seen in the region’s elegant towns, Palladian villas dot the landscape, and thermal waters offer relaxation. This is also the region of prosecco and grappa, and tastings provide an enjoyable way to get to know the region.

 

Our Hotel - Bonotto Hotel Belvedere

This historic hotel, dating back to 1404, has an enviable location just outside the old city walls and a short walk into the lovely historic centre. The restaurant is on the ground floor and is renowned for its homemade pasta! There is a bar and  various seating areas throughout the hotel. The 81 air-conditioned bedrooms are equipped with a TV, hairdryer and safe, and are decorated in an elegant, classic style.

Our Itinerary

Day 1

We fly to Italy and upon arrival we will be met by our guide.  We’ll travel to a lovely trattoria to enjoy an authentic meal with wine before continuing to our hotel.

Day 2

Today we travel to the romantic capital of Europe, Verona. Situated on the banks of the River Adige, it is perhaps best known for its association with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and is one of northern Italy’s most attractive cities.  Boasting a rich array of art and architecture, its heart is dominated by a mammoth, remarkably well preserved 1st century Roman amphitheatre, the venue for the city’s annual summer opera festival. Verona is a shoppers’ paradise with something for everyone – from the daily market in Piazza delle Erbe to the stylish designer shops on Via Mazzini – while the Piazza Bra is the largest piazza in Verona, lined with numerous cafés and restaurants.

Day 3

We begin our day with a visit to Veneto’s best kept secret, Asolo. Blessed with a hilltop position in the foothills of the Dolomites, this pretty hamlet easily earns its romantic nicknames of ‘the pearl of the Veneto’ and ‘the city of a hundred horizons’.  Mountains, rolling hills and verdant plains combine around the town to create the most breathtaking views from this medieval stronghold. We have some free time here to uncover this picturesque old town that has been an inspiration for many poets, writers, artists and travellers. We then head to Villa di Maser. Also known as Villa Barbaro and venerated as one of Palladio’s greatest constructions, it was commissioned by the powerful Barbaro family of Venice in the 16th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a historic vineyard within the estate. We visit the Villa’s six rooms open to the public.  (Please note: for groups larger than 30, the group will be split due to the size of some rooms within the Villa.)

Day 4

Today we enjoy Bassano del Grappa at leisure. The old centre is pretty and compact, so it’s ideal for exploring. We can enjoy learning about and sampling the location’s namesake fiery spirit at Grapperia Nardini distillery, which is just a 10 minute stroll from the hotel and located on the famous Ponte Vecchio, a 13th century wooden bridge stretching over the River Brenta. Back at the hotel, we can learn how to make a real Aperol spritz (originally created in Bassano)!

Day 5

Our full day excursion first takes us to Tronchetto this morning, from where we take a water bus to St Mark’s Square in Venice, where we spend the rest of the day exploring at leisure. Stunning architecture and a labyrinth of mysterious passageways await in the alluring city built on a lagoon. Explore the Grand Canal, reflecting the glories of Venetian architecture lining its banks, the Doge’s Palace and the Basilicas of San Marco & Santa Maria della Salute. Venture into the back streets and discover churches and museums lined with priceless marble and antique treasure aplenty, and take a ride in one of the world-famous gondolas before we return by water taxi to Tronchetto. (Please note: a Venice landing tax will be payable per person either in advance online or on arrival.)

Day 6

This morning we travel to the medieval city of Padua, where we can explore the fine piazzas of the historic centre and be amazed by the diverse architectural styles. We might like to visit the Scrovegni Chapel, with its priceless frescoes by Giotto, and the Basilica of St. Anthony. In the afternoon we travel to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vicenza, or the ‘city of gold’, known for its trade in precious metals and fine 16^th century architecture. We enjoy free time to explore the beautiful town centre with its attractive shops and impressive buildings.

Day 7

After breakfast, we begin our journey back to the airport for our flight home.

Your holiday includes:

• Return flights from London Heathrow Airport  (May change to London, Luton)
• Return transfer from Milton Keynes to airport
• 6 nights half-board accommodation
• Services of a Tour Manager throughout the tour.
• Porterage on arrival and departure
• Continental cold buffet breakfast
• 3 course set menu on arrival night
• 3 course menu with 2 choices per course, including vegetarian option – choice made at breakfast from Day 2
• 4 course speciality meal on one night – set menu
• Dinner will be served at 19.00 on all nights
• Tables of 2, 4 and 6 in the main restaurant for all meals.
• Tea/coffee after dinner
• How to make a ‘real aperol spritz’ experience on 1 day
• ‘Tiramisu Experience’ 1 hour – Participation in making Tiramisu and to eat the same evening at dinner
• All stay/city tax is to be paid/collected at resort
  

  Plus:

• Full day excursion to Verona
• Full day excursion to Asolo and Villa Maser
• Full day excursion to Venice
• Full day excursion to Padua and Vicenza

Your holiday does not include:

• Single supplement, if needed.
• Tips

 

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