Spotlight on Northern Italy
Overview
Itinerary
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 travelers. (D) Stay: Villa Pace Park Hotel Bolognese (7 Nights)
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 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. After, reconnect with your fellow travelers. Meet a local pastry chef and try your hand at preparing some sweet tiramisu in its homeplace. (B/D)
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 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 villa in the late afternoon to relax before dinner. (B/D)
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. 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)
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)
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)
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 travelers and savor Venetian dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients at this evening's farewell dinner. (B/D)
It's time to say ciao, Italia. Have a buon viaggio back home with fond memories of Northern Italy. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Discover hilltop Asolo, awarded the title of Italy's Most Beautiful Village.
- Explore Bassano, the hometown Italy's renowned schnapps called grappa.
- Tour a countryside villa belonging to one of the most ancient families of the Venetian Republic.
- Get to know the romantic city of Verona.
- Cruise the waters around Venice and dive into the island city.
- Enjoy an up-close look at The Dolomites, one of the most beautiful mountain chains in the world.
- Master a few tips from a pastry chef and try your hand at making tiramisu according to the traditional recipe.
- Tour a winery in the Prosecco hills and sample this delectable sparkling wine.
- Step back in time at a festive farewell dinner in a Venetian villa.
- Expertly crafted itineraries
- 4-star+ accommodation
- Skilled and engaging tour managers
- Expert local guides with insider knowledge
- Attraction entrance fees
- Many meals full of local flavour
- Unparalleled sightseeing
- Enriching cultural experiences
- Comfortable on-tour transportation
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
- Plus, access to Wi-Fi hotspots on tour
- This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.
- Private, chauffeur service is included for all air-inclusive tour bookings. This personalised service is included within a 40km radius from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Darwin, Cairns and Hobart airport gateways. Service is available between 41-70 kms for a small fee.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Trip Optionals These optional activities can be pre-booked & included in your trip price.
- Location: Pawtucket, RI. Cost: $159.
- You can now include pre-paid tipping into your guided tour purchase. You pay for your tipping up front, we handle the rest, and you can cross one more thing off your “To Do” list. No more running to an ATM at the last minute on tour, or carrying around cash you won’t spend. Transportation is not included Prepaid gratuities are only available to guests departing from Australia & New Zealand. This covers tips for the Tour Manager, driver(s), and local guides including optional tours. Airport transfer and extension gratuities are not included in this amount.
- Location: Venice. Cost: $105.
- Experience the romance that can only be found in Venice – La Serenìssima – while traveling on its famous waterways. Partake in one of Venice’s most famous pastimes – a gondola cruise. Take a pleasant stroll toward the Grand Canal to board your gondola. As you relax in your elegant watercraft, your gondolier navigates the Grand Canal as well as smaller side canals. Admire the scenery as you listen to the melodic voice serenading you in true Italian style – just like in those romantic Italian movies! Duration approximately 1 hour(s). Transportation is not included A minimum of 15 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. This option operates weather-permitting. Duration of the gondola cruise is approximately 30 minutes. Gondolas hold 5 to 6 guests. Transportation is not included and in most cases not required as the start of this excursion is usually within walking distance.
Brochure
Collette Worldwide (2024-25)
Availability
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Collette. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Collette. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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