Veneto Palladio & Prosecco

Villa Foscari
Brenta Canal
Bridge of Sighs
Bassano del Grappa

Prosecco, Palladio & Venice

Discover the natural beauty and some of the most magnificent architecture along the Brenta Riviera, including the Palladian Architectural Jewel “Villa Foscari”, designed by Andrea Palladio in 1559. Drive through the gentle, rolling hills of the Prosecco Wine Road, and sample some of the famous sparkling wines of the Veneto. Venice comes to life with a walking tour, as you take in St Mark’s square with its Byzantine Basilica, the lavish Doge’s Palace, and the famous Bridge of Sighs.

Price is per person sharing and double or twin room and is based on 25 passengers. Single supplement applies.

Itinerary/Excursions

Day 01

Transfer from your chosen pick-up point to the airport, and be greeted by an English-speaking tour guide at the VCE airport, who will stay with you for the transfer to your hotel.

Day 02

Take a boat ride on the River Brenta, from Stra to Malcontenta. The Brenta River connects Venice to Padua, and is famed for its grand Venetian villas and unique countryside. A trip down the 36 km river will depict art, culture. nature, and history. After this scenic boat ride, visit Palladio's Villa Foscari, perhaps the most famous of Palladio's villas. Designed in 1559, this UNESCO World Heritage monument has an air of beauty, charm, and melancholy. The story of La Malcontenta portrays the villa as a gilded cage, constraining the wife of one of the Foscari brothers centuries ago. Compared to the comfort of the villa today, as it is still in use as a private residence, the story will stay with you as you leave.

Day 03

Drive along the Prosecco Wine Road, which starts in Coneglanio and winds through the gently rolling hills to Valdobbiadene. The first wine road in Italy, in 2019 the vineyards gained recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you drive through the verdant countryside dotted with villas and castles, stop for a tasting at a local winery, and sample their excellent sparkling wine. Bassano del Grappa is the medeival town you will be visiting next, which lies close to its namesake, Mount Grappa. The town is renowned for its wooden footbridge built by Palladio in the 16th-century. Venetian-style arcaded streets, squares, and wooden Alpine balconies make up the town, giving it an Austrian aura. Grappa, the famous Italian grape spirit originated here, so stop for a tasting before heading back to the hotel.

Day 04

Take the train into Venice, before enjoying a boat ride from Venice station to St. Mark's Square. From here, an English speaking tour guide will take you on a 2 hour walking tour of Venice, where you will see all the highlights, including the stunning Bridge of Sighs and Doge's Palace. In the afternoon, dive into the history of the romantic city with some free time to explore at leisure.