The vineyards of Italy’s Veneto region spread from the edges of the Venetian Lagoon to the foothills of the Alps and produce unforgettable flavors that are influenced by the sea breeze and undulating terrain. Wine trails crisscross the region to connect the vines to the local villages that brim with historical culture and preserved architecture. During your custom tailored tour you will traverse the countryside to sample celebrated wines, from hidden accumulations of Malbec to the offerings of...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Venice – Arrive in Venice and Relish an Introductory Tour of the City
Venice embodies the majesty of the Veneto region with its architectural, artistic, and cultural grandeur. The shores of the canal offer a sweeping view of the domed and spired skyline of the city that leads outward to the rolling mountains in the distance. Gondolas and vaporettos cruise along the water. The city harkens back to the day of maritime might and regal opulence when a structure meant prestige and Venice acted as a center of the world’s trade. You will land at Marco Polo International Airport where your private transfer will meet you.
Once on the shores of the city, you will step aboard a private boat ready to embark on an introductory cruise of Venice’s famous canals. The waterway acts an artery in the same way that roads crisscross in other cities. The scent of grilled fish with lemon and thyme emanates from a waterside restaurant as gondolas moor alongside the cobblestone walkways and wade in the water’s gentle current. Bridges arch overhead to connect the lanes of the city. Old women dressed in black watch the movement of the streets and canal from the comfort of their open window.
The Ponte dell’Accademia was erected in the mid 19th-century to connect San Marco to Dorsoduro and take away the Ponte di Rialto’s claim as the only bridge to cross over the Grand Canal. The Ponte dell’Accademia connects to the 16th-century structure of the Monastery of Santa Maria della Carita, which now contains the Academy of Fine Arts. Your guide will point to the opposite bank and the three-storied Palazzo Grassi. The façade includes elements of Classical and Baroque architecture, and the palace was the final structure erected during the reign of the Venetian Republic before the city-state’s collapse in the late 18th-century.
What's Included:
Day 2
Bardolino – Travel to Bardolino and San Zeno for Culture and Wine Tasting
Day 3
Soave – Explore the Wines of Valpolicella and the Medieval Town of Soave
Day 4
Arqua Petrarca – Sample the Flavors and History of the Euganean Hills
Day 5
Friuli – Delight in Village Ambiance and Bold Vineyards of the Dolomites
Day 6
Venice – Visit the Home of Prosecco near Valdobbiadene en route to Venice
Day 7
Venice – Indulge in a Tour of Venice’s Architecture and Cultural Cuisine
Day 8
Venice – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Discover the variety of flavorful DOC wines produced in northern Italy’s Veneto Region
- Relax like a Venetian as you tour the Bacari, the local restaurants and bars known for Venice’s version of an aperitivo
- Relish the charming landscape of the countryside that ranges from the shores of Lake Garda to the foothills of the Italian Alps
- Revel in the fantastic artwork and architecture of Venice during a private tour of St. Mark’s Square, which includes an exploration of the Doge’s Palace
- Bask in the simple pleasures of Veneto villages that brim with medieval architecture that overlooks the lush hills and plains of the region
- Sample the distinct flavors of Prosecco in the home of the Italian sparkling wine
- Experience the opulence of the lasting cultural and architectural influences of the Venice Republic in the Veneto region
Detailed Description
The wines of Veneto emulate the graceful monuments of Venice, and the historical walls of medieval villages invoke a powerful and expansive history, along with a long, celebrated tradition. Your 8-day wine tour will celebrate the complexity and the variety of the wines along the various routes that traverse Italy’s northeast. You will arrive at Marco Polo International Airport and meet your private transfer to venture into the heart of Venice to explore the gorgeous palaces, churches, and homes along the Grand Canal. Your introductory tour of the city will end at the private dock of your hotel.
Next day, you will travel inland to the province of Verona to travel the Bardolino Road. The wines offer an introduction to the bouquet, flavors, and hues of the western Veneto, along with how the vintners till the land. Explore the charming palaces and museums, including the wine museum, which offers a brief history and introduction into the traditions of wine in Veneto. Visit three wineries along the route to find the unique properties of Bardolino. Next day, you will follow the Valpolicella Road where wine has appeared in the history books since the Middle Ages. Visit the vineyards around Verona that overlook the shores of Lake Garda en route to Valpolicella and discover the historical churches, palaces, and medieval streets along the way before you reach Soave.
Make your way into the Euganean Hills the next day, the home to 13 different DOC wines of both white and red varietals. Bask in the gorgeous scenery that surrounds the villages and vineyards before you settle into the town of Arqua Petrarca, near to the natural thermal baths. Travel next to relish the enchanting ambiance of Portogruaro. Traverse the streets and canals of town before you explore the various vineyards of the Lison Pramaggiore DOC and the bubbly quality of Prosecco will brighten the ambiance of your day.
Your guide will lead you along the hills between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene to follow the history and evolving flavors of Prosecco en route to your evening in Venice. Move next to a private tour of St. Mark’s Square, followed by an in-depth tour of Venice’s cultural eateries known as Bacari, similar to wine bars with small, delectable bites. Your private transfer will meet you at the dock of your hotel the following day and escort you to Venice’s Marco Polo Airport for your flight home.
Starting Price
$3,600 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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