Day 1 - Thursday, September 12: Overnight flight.
Overnight flight to Venice.
Day 2 - Friday, September 13: Treviso
Treviso, Italy - Tour Begins
This tour has sweet beginnings: Kick off your travels in Treviso,
hometown of Italy’s most iconic dessert – tiramisu. Treviso also has a
long history tied to the nearby island city of Venice. Founded as a
mainland (terraferma) settlement, Treviso was an early outpost with
the look and feel of Venice. With your feet on “firm ground,” settle
into your home for the next seven nights — a charming villa nestled
in the suburbs of Treviso. After dropping your things in your modern style room,
take some time to explore the property’s lush, green garden. Work up an appetite because tonight you’ll dive into regional foods and Italian wines at a welcome dinner with your fellow travellers. (D)
Day 3 - Saturday, September 14: Treviso
Start your day with a short ride to downtown Treviso. Embark on a
walking tour in the city commonly called “Venice on the Mainland.”
Take in the Old Town’s gothic-style windows, marble latticework,
and the Sile and Botteniga rivers – humble elements all reminiscent
of its famous island neighbour. After your guided tour on foot, take
some time to explore more of Treviso at your own pace. Maybe
you’ll wander through the weekly vegetable and housewares market?
Or you can check out the picturesque Canale dei Buranelli and nearby
Pescheria, where fishmongers have set up shop for centuries. When
you stop for lunch on your own, consider noshing on radicchio
trevigiano, an autumnal delicacy consisting of red chicory grilled
with a generous helping of extra virgin olive oil. After, reconnect
with your fellow travellers. Meet a local pastry chef and try your hand
at preparing some sweet tiramisu in its homeplace. (B, D)
Day 4 - Sunday, September 15: Verona
Verona (UNESCO) is for lovers. After a 2-hour bus ride, find
yourself in the romantic city of Romeo & Juliet. In Verona, it’s your
choice! Explore Verona’s painted houses during a walking tour of the
Old Town -OR- stroll along the town’s riverbanks in search of its
bridges and lesser-known monuments. No matter what you pick,
you’ll catch a glimpse of the city’s must-sees: Juliet’s balcony and the
impressive exterior of the Arena, the ancient Roman amphitheatre.
After, enjoy some free time to explore Verona how you’d like.
Whether you’re following in the footsteps of Shakespeare’s most
famous dramatic characters or retracing Italian history, savour time
wandering in Verona’s medieval city centre. After lunch on your own
in the city, return to your villa in the late afternoon to relax before
dinner. (B, D)
Day 5 - Monday, September 16: Murano Island and Venice
Board the coach and head to Venice (UNESCO). You’ll trade wheels
for water and take a boat to the isle of Murano. Famous for its glassblowing foundries, Murano’s history with glassmaking dates back
1,500 years. A local craftsperson will share the intricacies of this ageold trade during a glass-blowing demonstration. After, set sail for the
area surrounding St. Mark’s Square. Take in the Basilica and the
ornate Gothic façade of Doge’s Palace. During your free time,
consider an optional gondola cruise to experience Venice’s most
famous pastime. Regardless of how you spend your afternoon, pause
for an early dinner in town before journeying back to your villa for
the night. (B, D)
Day 6 - Tuesday, September 17: Asolo
Get to know a hilltop haven for artists today in Asolo. After your
Tour Manager helps you get acquainted with the village during an
orientation walk, enjoy some free time. Find inspiration and trace the
steps of author Ernest Hemingway, poet Robert Browning, composer
Igor Stravinsky, and many other famous virtuosos throughout history.
Later, continue your journey into the rolling hills of Italy’s Prosecco
region (UNESCO), for a visit to a local vineyard where you’ll taste
the region’s sparkling specialty. Toast to la dolce vita - the sweet life
- in the Venetian countryside. You’ll return to your hotel in the late
afternoon to relax and sit down for dinner together. Rest well tonight;
tomorrow will be a full day exploring The Dolomites. (B, D)
Day 7 - Wednesday, September 18: The Dolomites
Today will be our biggest trek yet.* You’re on your way to what
UNESCO says is one of the world’s most beautiful mountain chains:
The Dolomites. Weave through the winding roads tucked within
jagged rocks for a couple of hours en route to your first stop: the
village of Alleghe. Venture into the village to catch a glimpse of
Monte Civetta – a mountain noted for its rugged appearance and
massive northwestern rock face. When in season,** pause at the
Flazarego Pass for a cable car ride to get a unique perspective on the
surrounding peaks. Take some time to have lunch on your own before
returning to the coach for a trip to Cortina –– the Pearl of The
Dolomites. Your Tour Manager will show you around on foot and
then you can enjoy a short break to explore this resort town on your
own. Reminisce on your mountain adventure tonight on your way
back to the villa for a late dinner. (B, D)
Day 8 - Thursday, September 19: Bassano del Grappa.
Begin your day with a trip to the quaint town of Bassano del Grappa.
The town’s name is associated with the locally produced grape-based
schnapps. Explore its cobblestoned piazzas and see the impact the
beverage had on the town, including the ancient distillery in one of
the pillars of the historic Palladian Bridge. Take some time to wander
the town and grab a bite to eat for lunch (maybe paired with some
grappa?). Tonight, step back in time at a classic Venetian villa.
You’ll tour the sprawling villa and its gardens that’s still owned by
the descendants of a noble family of Venice. After you follow the
family’s history within the villa’s walls, gather with your fellow
travellers and savour Venetian dishes prepared with fresh local
ingredients at this evening’s farewell dinner. (B, D)
Day 9 - Friday, September 20: Treviso - Tour Ends
It’s time to say ciao, Italia. Have a buon viaggio back home with
fond memories of Northern Italy. (B
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