Spotlight on Northern Italy featuring Venice, Verona & the Dolomites

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

Arrive today in Treviso, hometown of Italy’s most iconic dessert – tiramisu. Treviso 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 modern and elegantly furnished hotel in the center of Treviso. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Meet your fellow travelers for dinner, while a local pastry chef shows you a few tricks for preparing some sweet tiramisu.

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 neighbor. 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.

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 amphitheater. 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, savor time wandering in Verona’s medieval city center. After lunch on your own in the city, return to your hotel in the late afternoon to relax.

Get to know a hilltop haven for artists today in Asolo. After getting 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.

Board the coach and head to Venice (UNESCO) and then trade wheels for a boat into the heart of the city. In Venice, renowned for its centuries-old glassmaking tradition, a local craftsperson will demonstrate the intricacies of this artful trade during a glassblowing presentation. Explore the area surrounding St. Mark’s Square, taking in the ornate Gothic facade of Doge’s Palace and the Basilica. During your free time, consider an optional gondola cruise to experience Venice’s most famous pastime.

Today will be your biggest trek yet.* You’re on your way to what UNESCO declares 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 favorite with hikers and bikers alike. Reminisce on your mountain adventure tonight on your way back to the hotel.

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 travelers and savor Venetian dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients at this evening’s farewell dinner.

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