Hidden Italy

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6 Days - Classic Escorted Tours

Uncover the unseen gems of the breathtaking Veneto and beyond: astonishing architecture, cities steeped in history with deep cultural connections, and some of Italy’s best wines. The mere mention of the Veneto conjures up images of Venice, the ‘floating city of canals’, but there is so much more to discover in this northeastern region. The lush plains of the Po are dramatically offset by the rugged peaks of the Dolomites rising majestically to form the northwestern border, while the mirror-like Adriatic to the south embraces the gently curving Venetian coast. To the west is picturesque Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake, surrounded by pretty villages on its flower-laden banks. Spread across the Veneto are miles of undulating countryside dotted with classically beautiful cities dating back to ancient times. Even before the arrival of the Romans, the Veneti prospered on this fertile land and many cities became cultural centres. Under Venetian rule, wealth from agriculture, commerce and the spoils of war funded their beautification, and numerous Renaissance palaces and public buildings emerged. Many were designed by Andrea Palladio, one of the greatest architects of all time and a great influence on British architecture in the 18th century. Our fascinating tour takes us back in time to some of the most illustrious towns and cities. We unearth the spectacular past of each destination, rich in history and captivating attractions, many with ancient remains revealing pre-Roman origins. We stay close to the heart of the Veneto in charming Castelfranco, a medieval town defended by perfectly preserved walls and towers. Chosen for its location and wonderfully atmospheric ambience, it is the perfect introduction to the region and the ideal base for exploring the Veneto. From here we visit extraordinary Vicenza, one of the world’s most beautiful cities and still one of Italy’s wealthiest, celebrated for its splendid and varied architecture. The perfect marriage of old and new, this thriving cosmopolitan city is home to some of Palladio’s best works. Whether you’re an architecture aficionado or not, it’s nigh impossible not to be impressed by the classic sophistication of the Palladian buildings, which were bold innovations miles ahead of their time. Next, we journey west of the Veneto to cultural Mantova, a picturesque city bordered on three sides by serene lakes. Known to the Italians as La Bella Addormentata – a sleeping beauty which has changed little since the middle ages – Mantova boasts an impressive list of cultural connections. This is the birthplace of poet Virgil and composer Monteverdi, the playground of the Gonzaga dukes, and the setting for Verdi’s tragic opera, Rigoletto. We visit Bassano del Grappa, a beautiful town nestled serenely in the foothills of the Prealps, where the river Brenta flows from the valley and traverses the lowlands on its meander to the Adriatic. This wonderfully photogenic yet unassuming town is renowned for its grappa, a strong liqueur responsible for relieving generations of northern Italians from the pain of poverty. You’ll have a chance to taste the tipple for yourself on our visit to one of its top producers and learn how it is made. Our insightful tour continues to ancient Padova which exudes a youthful exuberance thanks to its prestigious university, affiliated with not one, but two of the greatest mathematicians and astronomers who ever lived: Galileo once taught here and Copernicus was a student! Much more than a university city, Padova was described by Shakespeare as a ‘nursery of Arts’ where Renaissance Englishmen could enjoy the ‘sweets of sweet philosophy’. Then there is the exemplary cuisine for which Italy is so famous, and as with all our thoughtfully balanced tours, there is time to sample regional specialities and more. Often found on the menu are fresh fish and seafood, complemented by seasonal produce. Pasta is enjoyed throughout the northeast, but more typical of the region are polenta and risotto. The Veneto produces an excellent variety of fine wines including Prosecco, which you’ll taste when we visit the underground cellars of one of Veneto’s top wine producers. For us, one of the greatest joys of visiting Italy is meeting the Italians, famous for being friendly, accommodating and possessing an infectious zest for life. Join us on our eye-opening tour of spectacular northeastern Italy and experience all the wonders this tremendous region has to offer.

Holiday Highlights

Stay in medieval Castelfranco with fantastic views of the walled old town
Experience extraordinary Vicenza, both ancient and modern, and the best place to view Palladio’s architectural masterpieces – complimentary museum pass included
Visit atmospheric Mantova, the inspiration for artists, poets and composers
See the enchanting riverside town of Bassano del Grappa in the foothills of the Prealps, and sample its famous liqueur
Tour Villa Sandi, the palatial headquarters of a renowned Prosecco producer, and its impressive underground cellars
Choose an included visit to Palazzo Ducale, or to Sigurtà Garden Park
Visit ancient Padova with its astonishing array of architectural styles and the famed university where Galileo once taught

What's Included

The price of this holiday is per person, based on two people sharing a twin room. Single rooms and are subject to availability at the relevant supplement. The price includes:
Return flights
Five nights’ accommodation
Daily breakfast
All local taxes and transfers
All tours as mentioned
Entrances to Parco Sigurtà or Palazzo Ducale, Grappa Museum, Vicenza Museum Pass
The services of a Riviera Travel tour manager

Itinerary

Day 1

You fly to Venice, Treviso or Verona airport. On arrival, we transfer by coach to Castelfranco Veneto and your hotel, the four-star Albergo Roma, for the next five nights. Castelfranco Veneto’s historic centre is a maze of narrow streets and tiny squares, protected within remarkably preserved, red-bricked ramparts. The town was established when the rulers of Treviso had a castle built in 1199 to defend against the neighbouring Padovans. Over time, it grew into a key trading post between Venice and northern Europe. Every corner of Castelfranco Veneto proudly evokes the presence of its most famous resident, the artist Giorgione whose pièce de résistance, the Madonna and Child, can be found in the town’s magnificent cathedral. Also worth a visit is the beautiful 18th-century Academic Theatre with some of the best acoustics in Italy. Just beyond the walls and a stone’s throw away from your hotel is Piazza Giorgione, one of the largest squares in the region.

Day 2

Soon we arrive in Padova, a dynamic city which deserves to be recognised for more than its remarkable university, founded in 1222 and Italy’s second oldest. Explore the fine piazzas of the historic centre and be amazed by the diverse architectural styles: the Baptistry of the Duomo contains one of the country’s most complete medieval fresco cycles; the Renaissance Loggia della Gran Guardia once housed the Council of Nobles; and bustling Caffè Pedrocchi, ever popular with students and intellectuals, was built to resemble a Classical temple. Particularly outstanding is the exotic Basilica di Sant’Antonio, one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in Italy. Beneath its distinctive Byzantine domes rests the tomb of Padova’s patron saint. Or you may choose to visit the museum complex which occupies a group of 14th-century monastic buildings attached to the church of the Eremitani, a reclusive Augustinian order.

Day 3

Today we head southwest to Vicenza, situated at the northern base of the cypress-clad Monte Berico astride the Bacchiglione river. This spectacularly sophisticated city is wonderfully cosmopolitan yet doubles as an open-air museum dedicated to the legacy of Palladio, a miller’s son who became the most prominent architect of the Italian High Renaissance and gave rise to the Classical style of Palladianism. The local gentry, eager to decorate their city with grand new buildings, gave him plenty of opportunities to realise his vision; as a result, many of central Vicenza’s streets are graced by a Palladian mansion. We’ll see many of these on our guided tour this morning through the historic centre. At the heart of Vicenza is the Piazza dei Signori, dominated by the Basilica with its marvellous clock tower and distinctive, green roof surrounded by statues of Greek and Roman gods. Not a church but a remodelling of a Gothic courthouse, the basilica’s most notable feature is the loggia, one of the earliest examples of the Palladian window. Nearby is the renowned Teatro Olimpico, Europe’s oldest surviving indoor theatre, seemingly constructed from marble but upon closer inspection, you’ll discover masterfully painted wood and plaster. Its atmospheric auditorium is simply stunning, intended to resemble the outdoor theatres of ancient Greece and Rome. This astounding landmark, together with the Palladian Villas of the Veneto in the surrounding area, is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is time to explore these wonderful sights this afternoon should you wish. You will receive a complimentary museum card, granting free entry to the city’s various world-class attractions.

Day 4

Our journey today takes us west and back in time to the sleepy yet achingly beautiful Mantova, a medieval city often overlooked despite its proximity to Lake Garda. Perhaps the answer lies in the three surrounding lakes, forming a natural fortification and keeping Mantova a secret from the world, one which has remained virtually untouched for centuries. As the dramatic skyline of ancient towers, domes and cupolas comes into view, it’s easy to see why the city features in two well-loved tragedies: it is the setting for Verdi’s Rigoletto and Shakespeare had an impassioned Romeo exiled here. During our guided tour of the old town, the reasons for its UNESCO World Heritage status become strikingly evident. Although compact in size, Mantova has more than its share of artistic, cultural and architectural treasures. The city reached its zenith in the 14th century when it came under Gonzaga rule, one of the greatest Renaissance families of Italy. Their home was the sumptuous Palazzo Ducale, a highlight of the city and once Europe’s largest palace with around 500 rooms, extravagantly decorated with glorious works of art. Wander the cobbled streets and relax in the lovely squares, where locals and visitors alike meet for a coffee. This afternoon, you will have some free time before our included visit. Choose to stay in Mantova and visit the Palazzo Ducale or take the coach and visit the Parco Sigurta Gardens. The Ducal Palace was the principal residence of the Gonzagas, lords, marquises and finally dukes of the city of Mantua. It took the name of Palazzo Reale during the Austrian domination starting from the reigning Maria Theresa of Austria. Originally used for agriculture, the park is now home to beautiful tulips, roses, lilies, irises and more. See the Italian interpretation of a romantic English garden with its neo-Gothic temple and rustic grotto. Throughout the park are 18 ornamental ponds and lakes, as well as a medicinal herb garden and even an award-winning maze.

Day 5

After breakfast, we visit the enchanting town of Bassano del Grappa, nestled serenely in the foothills of Monte Grappa from which the river Brenta flows free. Connecting the halves of the town is the wooden Ponte degli Alpini bridge, cleverly designed to withstand the meltwaters in spring. Have your camera at the ready to capture the picture-postcard panoramas: the crystal-clear waters reflect the Alpine mountains and pastel hues of the historic buildings. Wander the lively town at an unhurried pace and observe the locals doing their shopping or even attempting to catch some fish along the river! Bassano is known for its superb glazed earthenware, but perhaps more so for the Italian after-dinner drink, grappa, which you’ll have the opportunity to taste on our guided visit to a local artisan distillery museum. Here, you’ll experience this fragrant, grape-based brandy with all five of your senses: listen to the story of how it’s made, observe the fascinating distillation process, feel the fresh pomace with your own hands, and even smell the different varieties. Of course, you’ll also taste a few varieties of this warming digestif. You may wish to have lunch at one of the town’s many excellent restaurants or sample the local specialities before we continue to Valdobbiadene, one of the most prestigious Prosecco-producing areas in the heart of the Treviso region. Here, we visit the prestigious wine producer, Villa Sandi, set in a vast valley protected from nearby mountains by rolling, sun-kissed hills. This fortunate position and the naturally endowed soil provide the optimum conditions for cultivating some of the finest grapes. Snaking below the palatial 17th-century villa is a centuries-old network of tunnels, used covertly by the Italian army during World War I and today provides the perfect environment for aging wine. We tour these underground cellars, home to a million bottles of wine including some of the best Prosecco, which we sample afterwards. Our guide then takes us through the villa, its spacious rooms a luxurious combination of pastel colours, stuccoes and bas-reliefs, dominated by resplendent Murano glass chandeliers. It’s easy to imagine a time when important figures such as Napoleon Bonaparte once wined and dined here.

Day 6

Today at the appropriate time, you will be taken to the airport for your return flight, after a most fascinating tour.

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