Veneto & Venice Tour 2026

Our tour begins with three nights based in Venice, the capital of the Veneto and, historically, the centre of the vast Venetian maritime republic, a leading power in medieval and Renaissance Europe. Arrive at our hotel and check in. We meet in the evening for aperitivi and welcome dinner.

Overnight: Venice

This morning, we begin our Venetian adventure with a walking tour led by a local expert. Our guide will provide a fascinating introduction to Venice, revealing how this remarkable city was built and how it evolved into the marvel it is today. You’ll hear captivating stories about Venice’s rise and decline, and learn about the unique aspects of its history and architecture and discover the stories behind the grand palaces and gain insights into the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Following our morning guided tour, the afternoon is free for you to explore at your leisure, allowing you to discover Venice’s hidden treasures at your own pace. You may choose to visit San Marco or the Doge’s Palace (please consider booking in advance – ask Philippa for help!).

Overnight: Venice

This morning, we’ll explore a different side of Venice—one shaped not by grand monuments but by the work of its artisans. For centuries, skilled craftspeople were the backbone of everyday life in the city. Today, only a handful remain, quietly continuing their trades in small workshops tucked away from the busy tourist routes.

With our local guide, we’ll visit some of these studios, where traditional techniques are still used to produce masks, paper, glass, and other beautiful objects. These visits offer insight into the crafts and a way of life under real threat. Meeting the artisans and learning about their stories is a chance to understand Venice through the people who help preserve its cultural identity.

Overnight: Venice

Today, we’re taking a relaxed journey into the heart of the Venetian Lagoon aboard a private boat. Burano greets you with its vibrant colours, pretty houses, and lanes; Torcello, with its ancient church, offers a window into the lagoon’s beginnings, with dazzling mosaics and weathered stones. It’s a day to sense the daily rhythms, where history isn’t distant but right there in the peeling paint and aged bricks.

After our boat adventure, our transfer will take us to our new base in the Prosecco Hills.

Overnight: Rolle (Prosecco Hills)

Today, we begin exploring the Prosecco Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its steep vineyards and quiet charm. We’ll visit the village of Cison di Valmarino, with its elegant stone houses and long history, and stop at nearby Follina, home to a striking 12th-century abbey that once served pilgrims and monks.

We’ll take a scenic drive through some of the most iconic parts of the Prosecco wine road, where vines cling to hillsides and the landscape changes at every bend. Along the way, we’ll stop for a guided tasting at a renowned boutique winery, where you’ll learn more about the production process and taste the wines that have made this region famous.

Overnight: Rolle (Prosecco Hills)

Today, we head deeper into the countryside to explore some of the lesser-known corners of the Veneto. Our first stop is Valmorel, where we’ll visit the Latteria Turnaria. This small community-run dairy still produces cheese using traditional methods. It’s a rare chance to see how local life and cooperative practices continue in this tucked-away village.

From here, we make our way to Serravalle, the historic centre of Vittorio Veneto, known for its peaceful streets, Renaissance architecture, and lovely setting at the foot of the mountains.

We’ll also visit the medieval church of San Pietro di Feletto, where you can admire centuries-old frescoes, and stop at the Molinetto della Croda, a picturesque old watermill nestled into the hillside. It’s a gentle day, full of quiet charm and rural stories that bring another side of the Veneto to life.

Overnight: Rolle (Prosecco Hills)

This morning, we’ll say goodbye to the Prosecco Hills as we set out for our next base in Vicenza. We’ll stop at the picturesque town of Asolo, often called the “town of a hundred horizons” thanks to its breathtaking hilltop views. Asolo has long attracted poets, artists, and even royalty, including Queen Caterina Cornaro of Cyprus, who retired here and helped establish the town as a centre of Renaissance culture. It’s a perfect spot for a morning coffee and a gentle stroll through the town’s historic centre.

In the afternoon, we’ll stop in Marostica, a town famous for its medieval castle and unique piazza paved like a chessboard. Marostica’s history is rich with legend: every two years, the piazza hosts a giant chess game played with live costumed players, commemorating a 15th-century event. After soaking up the town’s charm and enjoying some free time, we’ll continue to Vicenza, where we’ll check into our hotel and settle in for the next few days.

Overnight: Vicenza

Today, we’ll delve into the elegance and history of Vicenza with a guided walking tour led by a local expert. Our morning will take us through the city’s graceful streets, focusing on the legacy of Andrea Palladio, the renowned Renaissance architect whose designs shaped much of Vicenza’s character. A morning highlight will be our visit to the Teatro Olimpico, Palladio’s stunning indoor theatre, with its intricate stage set and perfect proportions.

In the afternoon, we’ll reconvene to visit Villa La Rotonda, one of Palladio’s most celebrated masterpieces just outside Vicenza. This harmonious villa, with its perfectly symmetrical design and elegant setting, is considered one of the most influential buildings in the history of architecture. Its classical proportions and graceful dome have inspired countless architects over the centuries. Take time to admire the villa’s exterior and landscaped surroundings before returning to Vicenza for the evening.

Overnight: Vicenza

This morning, we’ll leave Vicenza behind for a scenic drive through the Euganean Hills, known for its volcanic slopes, vineyards, and natural beauty. We’ll visit the Valsanzibio Gardens, one of Europe’s finest examples of a Baroque garden. Designed in the 17th century, the garden is a maze of elegant fountains, hidden pathways, and classical sculptures. In this peaceful escape, every turn reveals a new perspective.

After our visit, we’ll return to Vicenza, with the afternoon free for you to enjoy at your leisure. Whether you prefer to relax at a café, explore more of the city’s streets and shops, or soak up the atmosphere, the rest of the day is yours.

Overnight: Vicenza

Our itinerary for the day is to explore Padova, a delightful city that has been integral to Veneto’s history since pre-Roman times. Accompanied by our guide, we will marvel at this city: the interconnecting piazze, the beautiful urban fabric, and one of the oldest universities in the world, all of which helped earn the city’s historical centre UNESCO World Heritage status.

The highlight of the day will be the Scrovegni Chapel. Giotto’s fresco cycle is one of the most significant pieces of early Renaissance work to have reached us today. The artist used techniques and introduced aspects into his work (human emotions, realism) that were groundbreaking then and awe-inspiring to this day.

Overnight: Vicenza

Our time in Vicenza comes to a close as we head towards Verona, with a day full of stunning scenery and local flavours. First, we’ll make our way to the shores of Lake Garda, stopping in the charming lakeside town of Lazise. With its medieval walls, pretty harbour, and relaxed atmosphere, it’s perfect for a gentle stroll and perhaps a coffee by the water.

Leaving the lakeside behind, we’ll continue into the Valpolicella Hills, a landscape of rolling vineyards and stone villages. At the hilltop village of San Giorgio di Valpolicella, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views over the countryside and back towards the lake, accompanied by a relaxed lunch in a local spot.

The day continues with a visit to a Valpolicella cantina, where you’ll sample some of the region’s celebrated wines and learn a little more about the traditions of this renowned wine region. As the afternoon draws to a close, we’ll arrive in Verona, check into our hotel, and get ready to explore the city.

Overnight: Verona

Today, you will have the morning off from organised activities, and time to sit and relax in a cafe, do a spot of shopping or take a walk along the river.

In the afternoon, we will have a more formal exploration of Verona with a local guide. Amidst the historic charm, we discover architectural wonders, cultural gems, and Roman ruins scattered throughout the city. Beautiful churches adorned with frescoes and stunning piazzas contribute to Verona’s rich tapestry.

Overnight: Verona

In the morning, we’ll leave the city behind to visit the Parco Giardino Sigurtà, a magnificent garden estate just outside Verona. With its beautifully landscaped lawns, colourful flowerbeds, and shaded pathways, this vast park offers a peaceful retreat and a chance to enjoy the region’s natural beauty. It’s a relaxing way to start the day, with plenty of time to explore at your own pace.

Afterwards, we’ll head to the nearby village of Valeggio sul Mincio, known for its pretty streets, ancient fortifications, and a long tradition of producing tortellini. We’ll enjoy lunch here in a local trattoria, soaking up the relaxed atmosphere of this riverside town.

Returning to Verona in the afternoon, there will be time to unwind, perhaps with a stroll through the historic centre or a quiet coffee in one of the city’s elegant piazzas. In the evening, we’ll gather for a truly memorable finale: a performance of Aida at the Arena di Verona. This spectacular open-air opera, set within the ancient Roman amphitheatre, is an unforgettable way to end our journey through the Veneto.

Overnight: Verona

The tour finishes this morning in Verona. Verona is well connected to Venice and Milan by the fast train network, and Verona airport has flights to many European capitals. Get in touch if you’d like advice on arranging your onward travel.

Overnight: NA (B)