SUGGESTED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 Verona
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 Treviso & Castello di Roncade
This morning we head to the medieval walled town of Treviso, with time to stroll around its attractive historic centre and enjoy a cappuccino in one of the many elegant cafés. After lunch at our leisure we head to Castello di Roncade, a simply stunning Venetian villa. Here we enjoy a guided tour of the villa and its gardens, detailing the 500-year history of the Venetian family who still live here today, before taking a stroll through the vineyards and ending our visit with wine-tasting in the villa’s intimate wine bar.
Day 4 Bassano del Grappa Driver’s Day Off
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 Venice
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 Gothic Doge’s Palace and the Basilicas of San Marco and Santa Maria della Salute. Venture further into the back streets and discover churches and museums lined with priceless marble and antique treasure aplenty, and, of course, 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 Departure
After breakfast, we begin our journey home.
