8 Day Piedmont & Veneto

Veneto Discovery

This morning your guide will meet you at your hotel and together you will set out for a full day of exploring Asolo and the surrounding areas. The beginning of the day will consist of a brief walking tour of Asolo to see the highlights of the village such as the medieval Castle and the Cathedral which houses beautiful paintings by Lorenzo Lotto.

Afterwards, we will head to Bassano del Grappa, a beautiful city along the River Brenta. The famous wooden bridge, the Ponte Vecchio, is the center of old town and main attraction which has been a staple since the 13th century. Enjoy a breathtaking walk along the promenade where you will be able to take n the panoramic mountain views and discover the nearby shops.

Stop for lunch today at Locanda Sandi, or similar, in the heart of the beautiful Prosecco hills.

This afternoon, transfer to the town of Possagno where you can enjoy a guided visit of Gipsoteca Antonio Canova. See the work of the famous sculptor Andrea Canova and explore the fascinating museum.
The most important evidence of the great Neoclassical sculptor, Antonio Canova is located on his birth town of Possagno. In 1829, his brother Giovanni Battista Sartori decided to reunite all the plaster cast models that were found in the Roman workshop of the artist after his death.

The Museum of Possagno, one of the first Museums of the Veneto region, offers a complete overview on the life and work of Antonio Canova. In fact, the Museum not only comprises the plaster cast models (that is, the original statues of which many marble copies, the replicas, are disseminated around the world), but also oil and tempera paintings, drawings, memories, clothes, tools, books. All these Canovian works are kept inside beautiful buildings that create the perfect atmosphere to admire them.

After your visit, your guide will deliver you back to your accommodation.

Asolo at Leisure

The day is yours to explore Asolo at your own accord and pace. We will happily provide suggestions for points of interest. There may be local celebrations this day, an enjoyable immersion in cultural traditions of the Veneto.

Asolo to Verona

This morning, after checking out, you will be collected by your private local driver and brought to Verona.

On the banks of the fast-flowing River Adige, enchanting Verona has timeless monuments, a picturesque town center, and a romantic reputation as the setting of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

En route, you will be welcomed for a visit to a producer in the Soave region such as Pieropan Winery or similar. Where a personal Sommelier will lead you to discover the vineyards, the secrets of the production, and the wine cellar: then sit down for a tasting session of Soave white wine! After the visit, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Next, your guide will bring you to see the Soave castle. Built in the 10th century to protect the area against the Hungarians, the castle of Soave was further restored by the Scaligeri, as testified by two inscriptions that can be seen in the walls of the Prefecture. The castle now serves as a backdrop for medieval pageants and cultural events appreciated by many visitors worldwide.

After the visit, you will be taken to Verona for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon getting adjusted to your new surroundings.

Dinner at your leisure and overnight at your accommodation.

Valpolicella Classico

This morning you will be met by your guide and enjoy a day of wine touring through the Valpolicella valleys and hills. You will visit two premium local producers, and enjoy exquisite tastings of Amarone wines paired with local produce.

The Valpolicella Blend is based on three indigenous red-wine grape varieties grown in the Veneto region in Italy's northeast. Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara are the trio primarily involved in the Valpolicella DOCG, although it could easily be argued that the production method is equally as important – the three varieties are semi-dried to make Amarone, possibly their most famous incarnation.

As you travel along the Valpolicella wine route, your local guide, who has extensive knowledge of the region and its history, will share with you more about the story of the birth of famous Amarone. Moreover, you will discover the entire range of DOC and DOCG Valpolicella. Enjoy the stunning landscape, gazing out at the rolling hills and the vineyard planted upon them.

During the day, lunch will be arranged in one of our favorite Trattorias, such as Enoteca della Valpolicella, where you will be able to further dive into the food and wine this renowned region is known for.

Some of our favorite quality wineries, representative of the region, we will consider include:
• La Giuva - An incredible small winery in the remote hills of Montorio with a small quantity of production. Managed in a French style with some vineyards exposed to the north resulting in very flavorful wines with strong aromatics sold to some of the most famous restaurants of Verona and London.

• Le Marognole - A family business, the vineyards extend to the North East of Verona. Located on the hills of Valgatara, in the Marano Valley, in the heart of Valpolicella Classico, you can enjoy wonderful panoramic views of the vineyards, along with its history, culture and traditions. In fact, the vines originate from the deep history and viticultural traditions of the valley. The land is ideal for the cultivation of the finest Valpolicella grapes that are hand selected for the production of remarkable DOCG wines, such as Amarone.

• Coali Tenuta Savoia - Owned by the Savioa family, this quiet landscape is unique due to its peculiar microclimate. They have a long history of wine making and use the term ‘Coali’ on their label. This derives from the local dialect, meaning ‘lair’ and was chosen due to the family’s desire to connect the company to their territory (as Coali is the name of the area between Sant’Ambrogio hills and the Romanesque church of San Giorgio).

• Villa Della Torre Allegrini - The villa produces wines in both Valpolicella Classico and Lugana regions. The Valpolicella is obtained from the vineyards surrounding the villa, which have an interesting soil composition of limestone, basalts, and fluvial volcanic deposits. The location for their Lugana wines is part of a biodiverse nature reserve with a mild microclimate, which exploits the slow release of heat from Lake Garda through the winter. Although known for their wines, the beauty and unique features of the villa also make this estate the perfect venue for exploring. From the incredible peristyle home, to the huge gargoyle fireplaces, to the octagonal nymphaeum, the viewing of the property itself is its own experience.

You will be returned to your hotel as your day of tastings comes to an end.

Verona at Leisure

Enjoy exploring at your own pace, familiarizing yourself with your surroundings. We will provide suggestions but also encourage you to discover the narrow windy medieval center on your own and peruse this romantic city of elegance.

This morning, you will be collected by your private local driver and brought to the train station to board your train to Venice.

Morning train tickets from Verona to Venice. On arrival, we will arrange for you to receive a private boat taxi to your hotel.

Settle into your new surroundings and explore the magnificent canals of Venice. Venice is one of the most interesting and beautiful cities in the world. This sanctuary on a lagoon is virtually the same as it was six hundred years ago, which adds to the fascinating character. Founded in the 5th century and spread over 118 small islands, Venice became a major maritime power in the 10th century. The whole city is an extraordinary architectural masterpiece in which even the smallest building contains works by some of the world's greatest artists such as Giorgione, Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese, and others.

Take the remainder of the day to relax and enjoy La Dolce Vida. Savor dinner, enjoy Venice by night and make your way back to your hotel at your own pace.

After checking out of your accommodation, you will find your private boat taxi waiting to bring you to Venice Airport for your onward flight. Enjoy your final ride through the intricate canals of Venice!