Spotlight on Veneto

Overview

The northern Italian region of Veneto needs little introduction, home as it is to Venice, one of the finest cities in the world. However, the area as a whole has so much more to offer, including numerous historic towns and rural idylls. This tour includes visit to three of Veneto’s other worthy cities: Verona, famously the setting for Romeo and Juliet; Padua, with its picturesque arcaded streets and Giotto frescoes; and Vicenza, whose abundance of Palladio-designed buildings never fails to impress. Embark on a mix of cultural excursions and rural expeditions to experience the region’s wines, cheeses and other produce, whilst being based for the week in a beautifully converted, 18th-century villa in Castelfranco Veneto.

The Cox & Kings signature experiences

• – Centre based tour staying in historic Castelfranco Veneto

• – Day tours to Verona, Padua & Asolo

• – Risotto cooking class

• – Wine tasting the Prosecco Hills

• – Free day to explore Venice independently

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Verona

Take a morning flight from London to Verona. Transfer to the Hotel Alla Torre in the small historical town of Castelfranco Veneto. (N)

Day 2: Padova & Cantina La Mincana Winery

Once a medieval city state, Padua is steeped in history, home to the second oldest university in Italy and particularly famous for its fresco cycle recalling the golden age of renaissance art. Your entrance to Cappella Scrovegni is followed by a guided tour. Continue to the Cantina La Mincana Winery (or similar) for lunch and wine tasting before returning to the hotel. (B, L)

Day 3: Isola della Scala & Lake Garda

In the morning, transfer to the small historical commune of Isola della Scala for a course in risotto making following by lunch. Continue to Desenzano on the shores of Lake Garda and board the ferry to Sirmione. Enjoy a guided stroll of the town followed by time at leisure. (B, L)

Day 4: Day at leisure

Today is yours to spend as you wish. Relax at your hotel, or embark on an optional excursion to Venice just an hour away by train from CastelFranco. (B)

Day 5: Verona & Vicenza

Today explore two of Venetos most beautiful cities. Enjoy a guided tour in both, taking in highlights such as Juliets House, Verona Arena and Piazza delle Erbe in Verona; and Teatro Olimpico and the Villa Rotonda in Vicenza. Return to the hotel early evening. (B)

Day 6: Prosecco hills & Palladian Villa Emo

Travel into the heart of the Prosecco hills with a tour of the region followed by wine tasting and lunch. Continue with a visit to the sumptuous Palladian Villa Emo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the many creations conceived by Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio. (B, L)

Day 7: Bassano del Grappa & Asolo

Visit Bassano del Grappa, a city in the foothills of the Alps famous for its 13th-century wooden bridge, which spans the river Brenta. Enjoy a tour of the town including one of the grappa distilleries, before continuing to Asolo, where youve time to enjoy the atmosphere of this unique walled town. After free time, return to the hotel via a grappa distillery. (B)

Day 8: Fly to London

Transfer to the airport and fly to London. (B)

Meals basis:

As per itinerary B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.

Important information

Private & tailor-made travel

This itinerary can be taken privately on a date that suits you, for which guideline prices are shown. Alternatively, it can be tailored to your exact requirements. Please call to speak with a Cox & Kings consultant or enquire online.