Day: 1 Overnight Flight

Venture to vineyards, Venice, and Verona. It’s almost time to unpack once and journey among the jewels of Northern Italy.

Day: 2 Treviso, Italy

Dinner Hotel Carlton Treviso

Arrive today 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 recently refurbished hotel in the centre of Treviso. After unpacking your things in your modern-style room, take some time to explore the lively neighbourhood. Meet your fellow travellers for dinner, while a local pastry chef shows you a few tricks for preparing some sweet tiramisu.

Day: 3 Treviso

Breakfast Hotel Carlton Treviso

Start your day with 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. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy.

Day: 4 Verona

Breakfast & Lunch Hotel Carlton Treviso

Verona (UNESCO) is for lovers. After a two-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 choose, 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 an included lunch in the city centre, 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. You will be back in Treviso in the late afternoon.

Day: 5 Asolo

Breakfast & Dinner Hotel Carlton Treviso

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. Roll up your sleeves and learn how to make a traditional pasta recipe under the expert guidance of a bona fide Italian nonna (grandmother). Enjoy your pasta dish with a tasting of wines, toasting to la dolce vita - the sweet life - in the Venetian countryside. Return to your hotel in the late evening. Rest well tonight; tomorrow is a full day exploring the Dolomites.

Day: 6 Murano Island - Venice

Breakfast Hotel Carlton Treviso

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 glass-blowing foundries, Murano’s history with glassmaking dates back 1,500 years. A local craftsperson will share the intricacies of this age-old 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.

Day: 7 The Dolomites

Breakfast & Lunch Hotel Carlton Treviso

Today will be your 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. Beside beautiful Lake Misurina, marvel at the sight of the Three Peaks of Lavaredo and more along a scenic drive. After lunch near the lake, reach Cortina, the Pearl of the Dolomites, and enjoy some free time and, weather permitting, a cable-car ride to the top of impressive Mount Faloria,** a favourite with hikers and bikers alike. Reminisce on your mountain adventure tonight on your way back to the hotel.

Day: 8 Bassano del Grappa

Breakfast & Dinner Hotel Carlton Treviso

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 has had on the town, including the ancient distillery in one of the pillars of the historic Palladian Bridge. Take some time to wander around 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. Tour the sprawling villa and its gardens, 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.

Day: 9 Treviso - Tour Ends

Breakfast

It’s time to say ciao, Italia. Have a buon viaggio back home with fond memories of Northern Italy.

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