The paths outside of Venice wind along the region of Italy rich with Renaissance art, succulent cuisine, and vibrant culture. Your custom tailored tour will take you from the Venetian Lagoon to the foothills of the Italian Alps to enjoy the splendors of the impressive architecture and the captivating landscape. Marvel at the lush cherry orchards and vineyards around Vicenza, and then delight in the aromas of sage and pumpkin near Soave. Follow the trails that connect the Venetian islands for a...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Venice – Arrive in Venice and Enjoy an Introductory Walking Tour
Venice is the city of the Grand Canal and lavish architecture, labyrinthine lanes and opulent palaces. Your flight will arrive at Marco Polo International Airport, and your private transfer will greet you at baggage claim. You will venture to the edges of the waterway and board a private boat that leads you along Venice’s celebrated Grand Canal. The iconic bulbous domes of St. Mark’s Basilica rise above the elegant pillars that frame the edge of the piazza, which belongs to Doge’s Palace. Gondolas float on the water between speeding vaporettos as locals linger at tables that overlook the canals in view of brickwork homes accented with blossoming hydrangeas on the windowsills.
Large umbrellas cast shade over the café patrons as they enjoy their afternoon espresso. Your boat will moor at the hotel private dock, and you will step onto the quay and into luxury as you walk in the lobby of the Venetian palace turned hotel. Take your time to relax and settle into the comforts of your room before you meet your guide for an introductory walking tour. The scent of creamy risotto emanates from the restaurants hidden by the stone ledges and lion statues as bridges arch over the narrow canals of the backstreets off the main artery of the Grand Canal. The impressive white marble façade of the 16th-century Scuola Grande di San Rocco catches your eye. The interior contains décor equally as remarkable as the extravagant exterior with frescoes that drape across the walls with a ceiling painted by master Renaissance artist Tintoretto.
What's Included:
Day 2
Venice – Embark on a Full Day Tour of the Brenta Canal and Villas a
Day 3
Castelfranco – Explore the Town of Treviso en route to Castelfranco Veneto
Day 4
Bassano del Grappa – Discover the Hills and Trails to Bassano del Grappa
Day 5
Vicenza – Venture to Vicenza by way of Marostica and a Wine Tour
Day 6
Vicenza – Relish the Scenery and Culture on Trails through the Berici Hills
Day 7
Verona – Visit Soave for a Cooking Class before Reaching Verona
Day 8
Venice – Return to Venice with an Encompassing Tour of the Grand Canal
Day 9
Venice – Relax in Venice with a Day to Explore the Famous City at Leisure
Day 10
Venice – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Traverse the paths that connect the various islands and small towns around the Venetian Lagoon
- Enjoy the lavish landscape of Veneto as it leads from the foothills of the Italian Alps to the lush valleys carpeted in vineyards
- Explore the beautiful hills around the medieval walled city of Marostica and savor a private wine tasting experience
- Relish the beauty of the cobblestone streets and the stone walls of Soave before partaking in a private cooking lesson based on provincial favorites
- Witness the unique history and evolution of grappa in a town known for its production of the herbaceous liqueur
- Bask in the grandeur of Venice with a complete tour of the Grand Canal and the small network of canals that wind through the city
- Follow the Brenta Canal that leads from Padua to Venice on a mixture of paths and boat rides to enjoy the lush greenery of the countryside along with the opulent Venetian villas
- Follow the Old Roman Road around Monte Grappa in search of the same route Ernest Hemingway took during his tenure as an ambulance driver
Detailed Description
The fame of Veneto derives from the rich landscape and medieval towns, opulent palaces and extraordinary frescoes. Your 10-day tour offers you an exciting, active discovery of a region that touches both the Adriatic Sea and the Dolomite Mountains, and extends from the manmade canals to the Italian Alps. You will arrive at Marco Polo International Airport to meet your private transfer as a vaporetto will escort you from the canal shore to your hotel’s private dock. Your guide will greet you in the lobby ready to show you the beauty of Venice first-hand during your private introductory walking tour of the iconic architecture and labyrinthine streets. Next day, you will enjoy an excursion to the edge of Padua to wind along the canal-side paths that border the Brenta Canal. You will stop along the way to visit the small towns and lavish Renaissance villas that once belonged to Venetian aristocracy.
The next day, you will Venice behind and take the paths to Castelfranco, a 12th-century city surrounded by medieval walls. En route, you will make a stop in Treviso, a town with as much beauty as Venice, but much smaller and easier to navigate. Travel next to the small town of Asolo before you will reach Bassano del Grappa. Asolo stands on the foothills of Monte Grappa and lends itself to the pristine beauty of the countryside. Once in Bassano del Grappa, you will have a chance to enjoy the streets and museums, including the Grappa Museum, which culminates in a tasting of the famous liqueur. You will then trek along the old Roman Road, on which Hemingway once traversed in his ambulance during World War One.
Delight in a visit to the enchanting town of Marostica the following day, known for its life-sized chessboard and delicious cherries. Visit a local vineyard for a wine tasting experience before you continue to the gorgeous city of Vicenza. The next morning will bring you out into the Berici Hills to discover the hidden villages and remarkable history of the undulating countryside, and then on the following day, you will have a chance to tour Vicenza before moving on to the city of Verona. En route, you will stop at Soave, a captivating town known for unique regional cuisine. You will meet your private cooking instructor to create a luxurious and delectable lunch, and then continue to Verona and relax among the castles and cobbled streets. The next morning, you will enjoy a private tour of Verona before returning to Venice.
Next, you will board a vaporetto to explore the grandeur and impressive details of the Grand Canal. Take your time and enjoy the stunning culture and architecture of the islands on the lagoon. The evening is at your leisure to delight in the city as you desire, and the next morning your private transfer will meet you at the private dock of your hotel ready to escort you to Marco Polo International Airport for your flight home.
Starting Price
$4,500 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.89 stars based on 5481 reviews.
Reviewed By crystal l.
Reviewed By Frank D.
Reviewed By Sherry L.
Reviewed By Sheri W.
Reviewed By Russ W.
Reviewed By Jason W.