The unexplored Veneto

The tour starts with pick-up at Venice airport and arrival at your 4* hotel in Abano Terme, Europe’s most important spa destination.
Accommodation in your room and free time. We suggest some relaxation at the hotel’s SPA.
Take your time and swim in the relaxing, warm thermal water of the pool.

After breakfast, you will meet your Local Tour Leader at the hotel and begin your tour of the unexplored Veneto on board a private minivan that will take you to the Euganean Hills Regional Park. The area covers an area of approximately 19 thousand square hectares of hills of volcanic origin. Woods of centuries-old oaks and chestnut trees alternate with Mediterranean macchia and wide terraced slopes with fruit trees and vines. Ancient villages, hermitages and the refined architecture of sumptuous Venetian villas tell centuries of history, art and tradition.

The first stop is the walled city of Monselice and a visit to its medieval castle, a veritable treasure trove of ancient weapons, splendid tapestries and wonderful furniture from all over Italy. You will take a walk along Via del Santuario, which is called the most beautiful scenic walk in the Veneto region. With its villas and seven churches (reminiscent of the seven churches of Rome), it is uniquely beautiful. There will be no lack of viewpoints from which to admire the city and you will have the opportunity to admire the walled city.

You will then move on to Arquà Petrarca, one of the most beautiful medieval villages in Italy, located at the foot of Monte Piccolo and Monte Ventolone. Francesco Petrarca, one of Italy’s most famous poets, made Arquà Petrarca his home, a pearl surrounded by this pretty medieval village, where time seems to stand still. But Arquà is also the cradle of a strong food and wine tradition. A visit to a well-known oil mill awaits you, where the oil producer will explain his daily work and the olive oil production process. At the end, you will conclude this visit with a guided tasting of Euganean Hills olive oil.
You will continue your tour with a visit to a small business of a producer of local delicacies: here you will taste the famous Brodo di Giuggiole liqueur.

Time for lunch. You will then move on to a renowned winery in the Euganean area, to discover the best wine production in the area. Here the particular volcanic origin of the soil and the good climate allow the cultivation of various grape varieties. Among the white wines: Serprino, a biotype of the Glera vine, is the ‘volcanic’ version of Prosecco; Pinot Bianco; Garganega, Chardonnay and Manzoni. Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Carmènere found space among the reds. Between a stroll through the vineyards, a visit to the cellar and several wine tastings paired with typical local products, you will listen to the winemaker’s expert account of the expressions of his best wines.

After breakfast at the hotel, your tour guide will be waiting for you. On board your private minivan you will reach Cittadella, one of the most beautiful walled cities in the Veneto region and the only one that still retains its ramparts and can be visited on foot. 

After lunch you will move on to Bassano del Grappa the town of the famous Ponte degli Alpini, which crosses the river Brenta and is the main attraction in the town centre. Every visit to Bassano del Grappa begins with a walk across the bridge, where you can stop to take photos of the breathtaking mountain panorama or shop for handicrafts in nearby shops.

At the eastern end of the bridge, locals gather for happy hour at Nardini, the oldest distillery in Italy, which dates back to 1779 and still serves drinks in the retro atmosphere of the original workshop. Here you should order a round of ‘half-and-half’ the house speciality, or a ‘acqua di Cedro’ or cider water. A few steps further on, Nardini’s competitor, Poli, has its Grappa Museum where you can smell and taste many different grappas.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will have the morning free today for some relaxation at the hotel’s SPA. Take your time and swim in the relaxing, warm thermal water of the pool.

After lunch, your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby. On board a private minivan, you will depart for a tour to Chioggia, the little Venice. Admire the charm and elegance of this city, the Venetian-style palaces overlooking the canals, the typical colourful little boats known as “Bragozzi”, the fish markets, Piazza Vigo with its famous and beautiful bridge. At sunset, contemplate the lagoon while sipping a glass of wine paired with a local cicchetto.

After breakfast, you will meet your tour leader at the hotel and depart by private minivan for a full day in the Veneto hinterland.

First stop, a visit to the historical centre of Asolo. You will walk under the porticoes with its small shops selling typical products such as handmade pasta, sweets and wines. You will then arrive in Possagno, for a visit to the Museum dedicated to Canova. 
You will then continue with a gentle uphill walk to the top of Col Draga at 342 metres above sea level, where the Tempio Canoviano, designed by Canova in several stages between 1804 and 1818, stands. 

After lunch, continue your tour in the Prosecco Superiore Docg and Marca Trevigiana area. Here you will be surrounded by vineyards, where the air smells of grapes and wine and you will have a wine tasting combined with typical local products.

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your tour leader and transfer by private minivan to the Riviera del Brenta.

This well-known waterway between Padua and Venice is a scenic area of historical, natural, artistic and cultural interest. It is a natural extension of the Grand Canal and is dotted along its banks with picturesque Veneto villages and majestic villas.

For lunch, a pleasant stop in Dolo where, in the 16th century, a mill was built just above the river Brenta. In the adjacent restaurant, you will have lunch while enjoying breathtaking views in an atmosphere of bygone days.

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to Venice Marco Polo Airport for the return flight home.