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Tours in Veneto
Veneto
The capital of Veneto is Venice. Other important towns include Verona, Padua, Treviso, Belluno, Rovigo and Vicenza. This region is very rich in cultural and historic treasures. Its architectural heritage includes the unique buildings and bridges of Venice, and many of Palladio's villas.
Verona's arena is an ancient Roman amphitheatre, traditionally reserved for opera. The thermal baths at Abano Terme are also an attraction. Although the most famous, Abano is by no means the only thermal town in the area. It is however one of the prettiest and most tranquil.
The university of Padua is one of the oldest in Europe and has counted among its many famous professors Galileo Galilei. To this day it is world renound for being at the forefront of medicine. There are some fine wines from the Veneto region of Italy, these include: Soave, Prosecco and Valpolicella. Asiago, the origin of Asiago cheese is also here. Vacation spots are Jesolo, Cortina d'Ampezzo, Lake Garda. The regional economy, which used to depend entirely on agriculture, is now highly oriented towards manufacturing industry and fashion (Benetton and Marzotto were a major employer), together with cultural tourism.
Veneto is one of the two Italian Regions whose inhabitants are granted the status of "popolo" (i.e. people) with Constitutional Law by the Italian Parliament.
Vicenza
Vicenza lies in the green Venetian lowlands, surrounded by the Berici Hills, at the confluence of the River Retrone and the River Bacchiglione. The town of Vicenza is known all over the world as "the town of Palladio". It is famous for its art, refined architecture, harmony of forms and proportions. Vicenza lies at the foot of the Berici Hills, at the confluence of the Retrone and the Bacchiglione. Universally acclaimed as "Palladio's town", an artistic gem of a town among the most important in the Veneto, Vicenza is enchanting in the nobility of its architectural forms and the harmony of its proportions. Of early Veneto origin, the town was declared a Roman "Municipium" in the year 49 B.C.; considerable traces of that time can still be seen (the Criptoportico, mosaic floors, bridges, the Lobia aqueduct, the Berga theatre). Like other town in the Po Valley, Vicenza too underwent a series of invasions at the hands of the Eruli, Ostrogoths, Visigoths and later of the Longobards who chose the town as the headquarters of one of the 36 Duchies. After the period of temporal power exerted in Vicenza by the count-bishops, the town became a free Commune in 1164; later it fell under the rule of the Da Carrara family of Padua, the La Scala family of Verona and the Visconti family of Milan, until it made the Act of Surrender to Venice (28 April 1404). It was under the rule of the Serene Republic that Vicenza acquired that unmistakable appearance that was to earn it the name of "mainland Venice". Occupied by the French (1796), it was handed over to the Emperor of Austria under the Treaty of Campoformio (1797). From 1806 to 1813 Vicenza was part of the Italian Kingdom and returned to the Austrians after the fall of Bonaparte. The people of Vicenza led a victorious uprising against Austrian rule in March 1848, proclaiming the Provisional Government and adhering to the Veneto Republic.
Famous Villas
Villa Barchessa Balmarana
On one of the most suggestive and scenic bends in the Brenta stands the architectural complex of Villa Valmarana. The main part of the great country house - dating from the 16th century - was, alas, demolished in the early 20th century to avoid payment of a wealth tax. In 1734 the property originally belonging to the Valier family was purchased by the Valmarana family and two L-shaped barchesse (colonnaded wings) were added, both featuring a monumental Venetian window and imposing colonnades. One wing was used as a grange and the other as guest quarters. The guest quarters, the only part open to the public, is the most interesting: in point of fact, the interior still displays original furnishings and is richly frescoed by Michelangelo Schiavoni (1712-1772) known as 'Chiozzotto'.
Villa Foscari
Villa Foscari, a great creation by Andrea Palladio, is better known as La Malcontenta. A nickname which it received when the spouse of one of the Foscaris was locked up in the house because she allegedly didn't live up to her conjugal duty.
This villa is splendidly located along the Brenta canal. Its construction was commissioned by Nicolo and Luigi Foscari, members of a Venetian family that produced many doges. The house was built between 1550 and 1560 and lies on a massive pedestal, characteristic for the villa construction of Palladio.
Testimonials
"A full day of magnificent, breathtaking vistas. The Dolomites are the most fascinating mountains I have ever seen beautiful, dramatic panoramas give way to rugged, jagged peaks that tower above the tree line. Driving through mountain passes allows a closer look at these majestic mountains that reveals, even to the novice eye, the geological formation of our earth. An awe-inspiring experience from spectacular scenery to the delicious, entertaining lunch. It is, for us, a day that will forever redefine Italy. The tour was awesome ! Jean and Steve Dickerson Gulfport, MS USA
Buongiorgno Renzo! You took us on the Gastronomy Tour to Fruili on May 24th. We had a wonderful time! The countryside was so beautiful and we loved the local places that we visited. It was refreshing to see some "real" Italian life after all the tourism in Venice! - Thank you again .Joanna and Jeff
You drove us for a lovely day to Cortina and the Dolomites on the 21st September. We remember the mountains and the company, and the wonderful lunch in that dear little village.Thank you again very very much and our best wishes for the New Year. - Helen & Dugald Campbell, Australia
"I wanted to send back a quick "thank-you" and to let you know the tour was just perfect for what we wanted - a short trip to see a bit of the Brenta with a guide who had a wonderful way of describing the area and the particular Villa/s we visited. The tour provided an insight into the an aspect of Venetian life I think many people miss when they stay in the "city centre". We appreciated the extra effort to pick us up at the hotel and the day was lovely. - The Culshaw Family
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Culture + Wine Tours
Once a year in this small village, the town square turns into a life size chess board and the locals become the chess pieces.
Tours to Verona, Vicenza, Padua, Bassano & other Art Cities
Veneto is one of the twenty Regions of Italy. It is located in the northeastern part of the country, bordering on the Italian regions of Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy, the autonomic regions of Trentino-South Tyrol and Friuli Venezia Giulia and the republic of Austria. It lies between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea and is traversed by the rivers of Po, Adige, Brenta and Piave.
Minivans hold only eight passengers, ensuring you'll enjoy the benefits of a small group tour.
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Visit the Medieval Towns
For this tour we have chosen the most picturesque hill towns of the Veneto. From Venice we travel into the countryside and head towards the hills.
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Medieval Towns of Asolo, Marostica , Bassano and Treviso
Full Day Tour
For this tour we have chosen the most picturesque hill towns of the Veneto. From Venice we travel into the countryside and head towards the hills where we find the medieval walled town of Marostica with its imposing castle. It's a town famous for ' a living game of chess' that takes place once a year on a giant chessboard in its main square , an event that dates back to the 15th century. The rampart walk from the Castello Inferiore to the Castello superior has fine views. Moving on we visit the peaceful town of Bassano del Grappa , synonymous with its production of the potent liquor Grappa - 'firewater of the mountains'. Crossing the celebrated Palladian bridge over the Riviera del Brenta we visit the famous distillery with its shop situated right on the bridge and enjoy a taste of the famous Grappa! Then onto Asolo , 'the pearl of the Veneto' and known as the town of a thousand horizons, a tiny town perfectly situated among the cypress-clad foothills of the Dolomites, where we find the castle of Caterina Cornaro - Queen of Cyprus, dating back to 15th century. Many poets have fallen in love with Asolo, including Robert Browning. This is a relaxing day out, and you can choose where to take lunch (with helpful suggestions from your guide/driver). Locanda Cipriani at Asolo is perfect, or a local 'hosteria' in the town centre to taste local specialities.
On our way back to Venice , we stop at the pretty town of Treviso , full of attractive balconied houses overlooking willow-fringed canals.
•Tour departs: Friday 8.30 am •Meeting point: left hand side of Piazzale Roma, near porters stand
•Tour costs: Euro 109 per person (maximum 8 people, minimum 2 people unless booked as a private tour) •Optional lunch extra - approx 20 euro p.p.
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Visit Verona
Visit one of the gratest outdoor arenas in the world and the familly homeof the legendary love of Romeo - Julliette.
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Verona and Amaraone
Discover the magic of Verona & the Amarone/Valpolicella with us!
We arrive in Verona at Piazza Bra where world famous 1st century outdoor arena is located. With it's over 22,000 seats under the stars everyone from Andrea Bocelli, Celine Dion, U2 and Sting have sung there as well as numerous operas.
You will have a few hours to visit the house of Juliet (Romeo's girlfriend), historical Piazza dell Erbe and some of the exclusive shops around the city. After Verona , we will head on over to the medieval towns of the Valpolicella region for a delicious lunch in a typical local restuarant. With time permitting we will have a chance to visit the 13th century church S. Giorgio with it's splendid altar dating back to 712 a .d. where they have some of the most beautiful panoramic views of Sirmione and Lago di Garda.
From here we drive to a vineyard to have a guided visit and learn more about the famous "Amarone" wine of the region. We will enjoy tasting some of the different wines they produce and have a chance to purchase a few bottles to take with you such as Amarone & Recioto della Valpolicella. Then just sit back and enjoy the views as we head back to Venice .
• Tour departs: Thurs. 8:30am • Meeting point: Left hand side of Piazzale Roma, near porters stand.
• Tour cost: 145 euro p.p. (min. 2 pax/max 8 , unless booked as a private tour) • Lunch and wine tastings included.
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Visit Collio Friuli
If you love Italian food and wine, you’ll love this tour! crossing the vineyards of the Veneto Orientale and then Friuli.
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Gastronomy tour to Collio Friuli
If you love Italian food and wine, you’ll love this tour! Crossing the countryside of the Veneto Orientale we reach the vineyards of firstly the Veneto, and then Friuli. Into the heart of the Fruilano territory, we come to the area so well-loved by gastronomy specialists 'il Collio'. Our first stop is between the hills of Corno di Rosazzo and Cividale, starting with a visit to a wine-maker & oenologist where we enjoy a guided visit of the high-tech wine production plant, and to the cellar with its oak barrels. Wine-tasting includes reds such as Cabernet, Merlot, Refosco, and whites Verduzzo, Friulano, Tocai accompanied by local products ,Montasio cheese, salamis and 'La Cubana' a Friulano sweet. We then head towards the borders of Slovenia, where we enjoy lunch in a Trattoria. Home-made specialities of Tortello, Friulano, Maialata are on the menu, all accompanied by local wine and of course Grappa! In the afternoon we take time to see an old monastery dating back to 11th century - 'Monastero delle Rose' so called due to a particular microclimate where roses flower even in the winter!
• Departs: Wednesdays 8.30 am* • Meeting point: left hand side of Piazzale Roma, near porters stand
• Tour costs: Euro 145 per person (maximum 8 people, minimum 2 people unless booked as a private tour) • Local seasonal lunch/wine-tastings included
Wine Road of the Doges
Half Day
The Lison Pramaggiore DOC wine area is set in the most eastern part of the Veneto. Vines have been grown for at least 3,000 years and even back to prehistoric times. Within a short distance from Venice we reach this rich agricultural area and visit one of the local vineyards, to see how they are producing the superlative wines today, and enjoy a variety of tastes from wines such as Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon to name but a few. Together with the wine tasting we enjoy home-made appetisers from this family run 'cantina' and of course there is the opportunity to stock up on a few bottles of 'vino'.
• Tour departs: Saturday 9.00 am • Meeting point: left hand side of Piazzale Roma, near porters stand
• Tour costs Euro 69 per person (maximum 8 people, minimum 2 people unless booked as a private tour)
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Visit the Dolomites
Travel into the exquisite mountain scenery of the Dolomites on a minivan day trip from Venice. With numerous stops throughout the day, driving time is kept to a minimum.
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Dolomite Mountains Day Trip from Venice by Minivan
Duration: 2 hrs
Cost: $177.00 pp
Itinerary Details & Secure Online Booking
To request a private guide please use the above link
After only an hour's drive from Venice, you'll emerge into a land of towering peaks and peaceful valleys dotted with villages. Before entering the Sesto region, you’ll stop for morning coffee at Pieve di Cadore, a typical Italian village surrounded by soaring peaks, the birthplace of the Renaissance painter Titian.
After stopping to admire Lake Santa Caterina, you'll visit Lake Misurina, 'the pearl of the Dolomites'. The lake is famous for its breathtaking views of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the most celebrated peaks of the Sesto region. You'll drive up to the base of the Tre Cime for truly spectacular views of the Dolomite Mountains, stretching as far as the eye can see.
Enjoy an optional lunch at a local trattoria, then a short (optional) walk is offered along a level trail to further appreciate the dramatic scenery of the area. In the afternoon, drive into the Cortina region to visit the cosmopolitan ski resort of Cortina d'Ampezzo, pausing at a panoramic viewpoint to admire the town circled by soft green meadows and towering mountains.
Enjoy free time to wander around the town of Cortina, with its streets lined with elegant boutiques, or relax at one of the street-side cafes. In the late afternoon, you'll travel back to Venice, passing several major peaks. Relax on the drive and savor the different colors of the Dolomites in the late-afternoon sun.
Cortina and Dolomite Mountains Day Trip from Venice
Duration: 2 hrs
Cost: $182.90
Itinerary Details & Secure Online Booking
To request a private guide please use the above link
Discover the exquisite mountain scenery of the Dolomites on a day trip from Venice. You'll visit the cosmopolitan ski resort of Cortina, and admire the region's breathtaking mountain scenery.
The route from Venice takes you into the Dolomites, driving through tunnels to emerge with astounding views of canyons and valleys spread before you. Arriving at Cortina, 'the Pearl of the Dolomites', take time out for a stroll to enjoy the stunning mountain vista.
Continuing your trip, you'll head toward Lake Misurina at 5,700 feet (1,756 meters) to admire the scenery of the Tre Dime di Lavaredo, the Sorapis, the Marmarole.
After your relaxing and tasty rustic lunch at Malga Misurina, journey on to admire the pretty lake of Auronzo. On the way back to Venice (time permitting), you'll make a last stop at Longarone to taste delicious home-made gelato and admire the view of the Vajont Valley.
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Visit Treviso
Half Day Theme Tours
Half-day private tour from Venice to Treviso. Choose from; castles, wine, cheese, watermills, cruises, biking and more.