Walking in the Venetian Hills
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating 9-day journey through the heart of Italy, where you'll experience the charm of local farmhouses, the allure of vineyards and woodlands, and the majesty of historical sites. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of nature walks, cultural exploration, and gastronomic delights. From the tranquil heights of Monte Gemola to the bustling art city of Padua, every day brings a new adventure. Whether you're exploring the medieval streets of Arqua Petrarca, marveling at the architectural beauty of Villa Barbarigo, or indulging in a relaxing spa session in Montegrotto, this tour promises an unforgettable Italian experience.
Included
All continental breakfast and 6 evening meals. The Veneto ranks as one of the most fertile agricultural regions in the country. You will see fields of maize and barley everywhere. It is also a big area for fruit; expect to eat cherries, peaches, melons, plums, pears, strawberries and apples. The cuisine varies from the coast up into the mountains and reflects the region’s mixed cultural past. Nearer to Austria in the mountains, you get a more Tyrolean cuisine with dishes such as apple strudel creeping onto the menu, whereas towards the coast, you will find a lighter cuisine with lots of fish dishes. Three typical dishes you are likely to find throughout the region are baccalà (air-dried salted cod soaked and cooked to a creamy consistency in garlic, parsley and olive oil), carpaccio (now seen on menus throughout Italy and even internationally, this is thin slices of very rare beef sprinkled with lemon juice and garnished with parmesan cheese, mushrooms or even white truffles according to the season and the restaurant) and polenta (made from maize, this is served as an accompaniment to meat or fish).
Standard transfers
If making a flight inclusive booking standard transfers are included from Montegrotto train station at 14:17 and back to Montegrotto train station at 13:35.
The hotels we've selected for you are full of character and are all family run, with warm welcomes throughout. They range from a hillside villa just outside medieval Arqua Petrarca and Gabriella and Alessandro's rustic, yet cosy agriturismo, to the exquisite Liberty Villa Lussana with its stunning position overlooking the dramatic Euganean Hills.
Managed locally by Headwater employed representative
Headwater wine service
Route notes and maps
Destinations
Padua
VeniceMap
Attractions
Castello del Catajo
Monte Berico
Doge's Palace
Piazza San Marco
Peggy Guggenheim CollectionDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival at Gabriella and Alessandro's Farmhouse
Day 1: Arrival at Gabriella and Alessandro's Farmhouse
Begin your Italian adventure by settling into the warm and welcoming Agriturismo ll Feudo (or similar) for dinner. Enjoy the rustic charm of the farmhouse as you prepare for the exciting days ahead.
Day 2 – Day 2: Journey through Vineyards and Woodlands
Day 2: Journey through Vineyards and Woodlands
- Monte Berico
- Villa Rezzonico
- More
Start your day with a scenic walk through vineyards and woodlands, leading to the majestic Monte Gemola. Visit the historic Villa Beatrice before ascending Monte Fasolo, offering stunning views. End your day in the picturesque city of Arqua Petrarca, where you'll stay at the Hotel Villa del Poeta (or similar).
Day 3 – Day 3: Exploration of Arqua Petrarca
Day 3: Exploration of Arqua Petrarca
- Piazza Cavour
- More
Spend the day exploring the medieval city of Arqua Petrarca, unchanged since the time of Petrarch in 1370. Visit Petrarch's well-preserved house and stroll through the geranium-decked streets to discover sumptuous 15th-century villas. Return to the Hotel Villa del Poeta (or similar) for a restful evening.
Day 4 – Day 4: Visit to Villa Barbarigo
Day 4: Visit to Villa Barbarigo
- Villa Molin
- More
Today's journey takes you through shady woodlands to the fabulous Villa Barbarigo in Valsanzibio. Marvel at the architectural beauty of this historical site before retiring to the Sporting Hotel Galzignano (or similar) for the evening.
Day 5 – Day 5: Art and Relaxation in Padua
- Padua
- More
- Castello del Catajo
- Monte Berico
- More
Catch a local bus to Padua, the region's second art city. Visit the Cappella degli Scrovegni, admire Donatello's Gattamelata statue, and enjoy a cappuccino in Italy's largest square. You may also choose to unwind with a spa session at Montegrotto. Return to the Sporting Hotel Galzignano (or similar) for the night.
Day 6 – Day 6: Ascend to Monte Rua and Rocca Pendice
Day 6: Ascend to Monte Rua and Rocca Pendice
- Monte Berico
- More
Ascend through olive groves to reach the Monte Rua hermitage, a popular lunch stop. A woodland path leads towards Rocca Pendice, an imposing volcanic stone massif. Enjoy breathtaking views as you descend to Teolo, the only 'alpine' village here. Spend the night at Villa Lussana (or similar).
Day 7 – Day 7: Historical Walks in Teolo and Venice
- Venice
- More
- Doge's Palace
- Piazza San Marco
- Ponte degli Angeli
- Peggy Guggenheim Collection
- More
Explore Teolo, a city rich in history, and take a circular walk up Monte della Madonna for panoramic views. For a longer day out, take a bus/train to Venice and visit St Mark's Square, the Doges' Palace, and the Peggy Guggenheim Museum. Return to Villa Lussana (or similar) for the night.
Day 8 – Day 8: Walk through Vines and Forests
Day 8: Walk through Vines and Forests
- Monte Berico
- More
Walk through lush green vineyards to reach the highest point of the holiday, on the flanks of Monte Venda. Enjoy panoramic views towards the Berici Hills near Vicenza. Descend through oak and chestnut forests, vineyards, and olive groves, back to Gabriella and Alessandro's welcoming farmhouse.
Day 9 – Day 9: Departure from Cortela
Day 9: Departure from Cortela
The tour concludes after breakfast in Cortela. Depart with cherished memories of a remarkable Italian adventure.
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