A Taste of Italy’s Veneto

Day 2 Bassano del Grappa and Perenzin Cheese tasting

We begin with a leisurely morning in Bassano del Grappa as it’s market day—the perfect time to experience authentic local life. Wander through bustling artisan stalls showcasing fresh seasonal produce, handmade crafts, and local delicacies. Later, join your Holiday Director for a walk through the historic centre, exploring Piazza Garibaldi, Piazza Libertà, and the Ponte degli Alpini - a masterpiece of wooden engineering that has captivated visitors for over 800 years. Afterwards, you'll have free time to continue exploring, perhaps lingering at a traditional café with an espresso or local wine.

This afternoon, we’ll visit the Poli Grappa Distillery Museum, where we'll learn the fascinating story of grappa-making—a tradition deeply woven into Veneto's identity. You'll discover what sets Veneto grappa apart: its distinctive character, craftsmanship, and the local grape varieties that give it its unique flavour. Our tasting will bring this knowledge to life.

Next, we'll travel to Perenzin, a family-run cheese producer where tradition meets quality. During our tour of their museum, you'll see how artisanal cheese is made, and our tasting will showcase the complexity and care behind every wheel. We'll return to the hotel by early evening, leaving your night free to relax, explore further, or enjoy dinner at a local restaurant of your choice.

Day 3 The White Wine Road

Today we venture into the verdant White Wine Road, one of Veneto's most scenic regions, famous for its crisp white wines and stunning landscapes.

We begin in Marostica, a fairytale medieval town surrounded by impressive, fortified walls. Legend has it that a chess match was played here in the 15th century to decide the hand of a local maiden—and the tradition continues every two years with a living chess game in the town square. We’ll continue to Maser for a guided visit of the beautiful Villa Barbaro. This Renaissance jewel, designed by the visionary architect Andrea Palladio, is adorned with stunning frescoes by Paolo Veronese, one of the Renaissance's greatest artists. Then it’s time to head to Casa Diamante Winery, where we’ll enjoy a tour, a tasting of their distinctive wines, and delightful light lunch featuring local seasonal products.

This afternoon, we’ll make our way to Asolo. Perched on a hilltop with panoramic views that stretch across the countryside, this enchanting town as inspired artists, writers and travellers for centuries. You’ll have free time to wander its streets and perhaps discover a hidden piazza or local artisan’s studio.

Day 4 The Euganean Hills and Padua

Today we’ll travel to the Euganean Hills, a distinctive wine region renowned for its volcanic soils, which impart a unique mineral character to the wines produced here. The gently rolling landscape is dotted with vineyards and punctuated by the cone-shaped hills that give the area its name. Here, we’ll visit Villa Sceriman, a beautiful estate where we’ll enjoy a guided visit, wine tasting, and a sampling of local products.

We’ll continue on to Padua, where you will have free time for lunch before we meet with our guide for a walking tour. Together we’ll explore the historic centre including the exterior of the University of Padua, where Galileo once taught, and the stunning Basilica of St. Anthony.

We’ll return to the hotel in the early evening, with dinner served at the hotel later tonight.

Day 5 The Lake Garda Wines: Bardolino and Soave

Today we discover some of the towns and wines produced around one of Italy’s most picturesque lakes - Lake Garda. Our first stop is the Ugolini Winery, where we’ll enjoy a guided tour, a wine tasting, and a sampling of local specialities.

We’ll continue to Bardolino, a striking lakeside town. You’ll have free time to explore at your own pace – perhaps enjoy a lakeside lunch, browse local shops or simply sit with a glass of wine and take in the views across the water to the surrounding hills.

This afternoon we’ll travel to Soave, dominated by its impressive medieval fortress and surrounded by terraced vineyards that produce some of Italy’s finest white wines. We’ll have time for a short visit of the historic centre before we return to the hotel where dinner is included this evening.

Day 6 Venice

Today we venture to the world-renowned floating city of Venice. We’ll begin with a guided tour of the city’s most iconic highlights including St Mark’s Square, with its magnificent Byzantine Basilica and the bustling Rialto Bridge, which has connected the two sides of the city since the 16th century.

Afterwards, you’ll have plenty of time to explore at leisure. Lose yourself in the narrow alleyways lined with galleries and boutiques, cross quaint bridges that lead to hidden piazzas and watch as gondolas glide along peaceful canals.

This evening, we will enjoy dinner together at the hotel.

Day 7 Vicenza & the Palladian Villas

Today, we’ll explore Vicenza and enjoy a guided tour of this elegant city. Highlights include a visit to the iconic Villa Capra La Rotonda – its domed designs, surrounded by columned porticoes are fine examples of Palladio’s architectural ideals, and the remarkable Teatro Olimpico, one of the oldest indoor theatres still in use. At the end of the tour, you’ll have free time to explore further or enjoy lunch at a restaurant of your choice returning to the hotel this afternoon.

This evening, we’ll travel to the Ornella Molon Winery as a finale to our Veneto journey. We’ll enjoy a visit, a tasting, and a memorable dinner featuring local flavours. The warm hospitality and exceptional wines here provide the perfect ending to our week. We’ll return to the hotel after dinner.

Day 8 Venice to UK

After breakfast, we’ll transfer to Venice airport for your return flight to the UK.