DAY 1 – Friday, May 10th, 2024

Departure from NY (or upon request from another airport with cost evaluation). Airline and schedule to be determined.

DAY 2 – Saturday, May 11th, 2024

MORNING

Arrival in Milan or Venice with a private bus transfer to Verona. Complimentary aperitif at the hotel with tastings of local typical products.

AFTERNOON

Guided stroll through the historic center and entrance to the ARENA (according to opening hours), an impressive amphitheater dating back to the early 1st century AD, during the Julio-Claudian era. Throughout its long history, the Arena di Verona was used for gladiatorial combat, hunts featuring fierce and exotic animals, and most likely, the martyrdom of Christians. From late June to August, the Arena hosts the best of opera, attracting enthusiasts from around the world.

Along the city tour, we encounter Piazza Bra, Piazza delle Erbe, the Cathedral, the Basilica of San Zeno, and Juliet’s House, known worldwide for the story of the two lovers.

EVENING

Welcome dinner featuring a typical Veronese menu and dessert.

DAY 3 – Sunday, May 12th, 2024

FULL-DAY TRIP

Full-day excursion to Venezia for a walking tour through the alleys and significant areas of the city, with participation in the grand celebration of the Sensa, one of the most spectacular and unique festivals in the world. The Sensa Festival (Ascension Day) commemorates important events for the Republic. Initially, the ritual was to propitiate the tranquility of the sea, and later, the marriage of the sea was incorporated, celebrated by casting a golden ring into the waters.

For the occasion, the Doge wore the golden mantle with ermine collar, blue underskirt, red stockings, horn, and golden shoes.
A ritual that Venice still renews today with the same spirit and sense of belonging as in the past.

EVENING

Dinner in Verona.

DAY 4 – Monday, May 13th, 2024

FULL-DAY TRIP

In the morning, explore Valeggio sul Mincio and Borghetto, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, situated on the banks of the Mincio River in a valley surrounded by morainic hills. This quaint village, born along the Mincio River, features ancient medieval fortifications, and its charm lies in the harmonious relationship that history and nature have preserved almost intact over the centuries, representing a unique urban gem.

Valeggio sul Mincio, with its majestic Scaligero Castle, is renowned for the Sigurtà Park Garden, a splendid park recognized as the most beautiful park in Italy in 2013 and “the most beautiful park in Europe in 2015.”

Lunch featuring Valeggio tortellini, the masterpiece of local gastronomic tradition, meticulously handmade with a thin pasta sheet and a flavorful meat filling.

In the afternoon, a visit to Lazise, continuing a water-themed journey from the river to Lake Garda. Among the alleys and squares of Lazise’s city center, characteristic corners await exploration: from Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II and Corso Ospedale for shopping, to the lakeside promenade, considered one of the most beautiful along Lake Garda, featuring its distinctive harbor.

EVENING

Dinner upon return to Verona with local specialties and meeting with a professor from the University of Verona, an expert in migration issues. Reflections on the reality of Veneto from the time of departures to the present day characterized by great fervor and activity.

DAY 5 – Tuesday, May 13th, 2024

FULL-DAY TRIP

Full-day excursion to Vicenza with a stop on the return in Soave. City tour with a guide showcasing the main monuments and art and history sites to visit in this beautiful city.

The Olympic Theatre, designed by Palladio, is the world’s first covered permanent theater, remarkable for its structure and beauty. Along the city tour, we encounter the Palladian Basilica and the Loggia del Capitanato, which we can explore further by visiting the MUSEUM dedicated to it in Palazzo Barbarano.

The visit also includes the GALLERIE D’ITALIA in Palazzo Leoni Montanari, which, along with locations in Milan, Turin, and Naples, offers paths of rare artistic intensity.

Lunch will feature specialties from Vicenza, such as the globally renowned cod.

In the afternoon, after lunch, the journey continues by bus to Grancona, where we’ll visit the MUSEUM DELLA CIVILTÀ CONTADINA.
“Look at these tools that testify to the poverty, misery, emigration, humiliations, sacrifices, sweats, hunger, cold, and sufferings of our fathers and mothers. Let’s try not to forget all of this, and above all, their desire to create a better world for us.”

Finally, we’ll be in Soave, a medieval village of rare beauty, home to a Castle and the Cathedral of San Lorenzo. In Soave, we’ll visit the typical wineries along the Soave wine road, established in 1999 and spread across 13 different municipalities, with tastings and samples.

EVENING

Returning to the hotel in Verona in the evening.

DAY 6 – Wednesday, May 15th, 2024

MORNING

Transfer to Bassano del Grappa with stops along the way to admire the countryside and hills of the Veneto region, including its characteristic towns and villages such as Cittadella with its medieval walls and the convent of San Francesco.
The journey continues to Castelfranco Veneto, the birthplace of the great painter Giorgione. In Castelfranco Veneto, you can admire the city walls and its historic center, Villa Bolasco, and the GIORGIONE HOUSE-MUSEUM.
Then, the journey continues to Asolo, an enchanting fortified town rich in history, art, and culture, offering many gastronomic delights. Along the way, we can see the Civic Tower, the Rocca (symbolic monument of Asolo), the Roman aqueduct, the Duse House, and the Maglio di Pagnano.

AFTERNOON

After lunch in Asolo, we arrive in Bassano del Grappa, where we can take a guided tour on the Ponte degli Alpini, a symbol of the city that has inspired numerous songs.
We also visit the MUSEO DEGLI ALPINI, where relics from the Great War are preserved.

The day concludes at the Nardini Distillery or the POLI GRAPPA MUSEUM, where, in addition to tastings, you can also purchase a variety of grappas.

EVENING

Dinner in Bassano del Grappa.

DAY 7 – Thursday, May 16th, 2024

MORNING

The day is dedicated to the art of ceramics, visiting the CERAMICS MUSEUM, a pride of the city since the 1700s. In various spaces, you can explore an exhibition that ranges from medieval ceramics to pharmacy vases, plates, and cups, all the way to sculptures from the 19th century.

Afterward, you may visit workshops where artistic ceramics are currently produced and participate in a ceramics workshop to create small artifacts with great satisfaction.

AFTERNOON

Visit to Marostica at the FISCHIETTI MUSEUM, showcasing typical handmade terracotta whistles that distinguish this area. A stroll through the city allows us to admire the magnificent square where the traditional living chess game in medieval costume takes place every two years.

EVENING

Dinner in Bassano with an exhibition of Alpine songs.

DAY 8 – Friday, May 17th, 2024

FULL-DAY TRIP

Full-day excursion dedicated in the morning to the Asiago Plateau, famous not only for its natural beauty but also for its history. A Cimbrian land and the stage for the events of the Great War, the plateau is dotted with many places of high historical interest.

In Asiago, we can visit the MILITARY SHRINE, while towards Roana, we explore the HISTORICAL MUSEUM OF THE WAR 1915-1918, which exhibits original documents and maps, period photos, and personal effects belonging to soldiers, such as clothing, decorations, and certificates. The museum houses numerous war artifacts, from impressive bombs to cannons, bayonets, helmets, ice axes, nails, and chains.

For lunch, a tasting of the excellent Asiago cheese at a typical local establishment.

In the early afternoon, the itinerary continues towards the wool production areas. Schio, a town in the province of Vicenza, became the woolen industry capital around 1870, known as the ‘Manchester of Italy,’ thanks to Alessandro Rossi. The study of industrial archaeology cannot help but start from here in an exploration of the history and tradition of the woolen mills. The history of wool production dates back to 1757.

On the way back to Bassano del Grappa, we also pass through Thiene, where we catch sight of the Castle, the Civic Tower, and the ancient Loggia.

EVENING

Return to Bassano with a private market tour and an dinner.

DAY 9 – Saturday, May 18th, 2024

MORNING

Transfer to Padova with stops in various characteristic locations known for their traditions, work, history, and art. It’s a journey filled with emotions and discoveries: Along the way, we will encounter several cities that play a significant role in the history of the region.
We can explore them in a sort of hop-on-hop-off tour to understand the dynamism and tradition of these lands.

Montagnana, a medieval walled city, straddling three provinces in the fertile alluvial countryside that was once the bed of the Adige River; Este, of ancient origin, whose economy is characterized by agricultural, industrial, and commercial activities; Monselice, from an important military center to a thriving commercial area; Abano Terme, a tourist destination for over 2000 years for its thermal waters.

Accommodation is provided in a Agriturimo, allowing for an experience in close contact with nature and complete relaxation in the countryside near Padova.

AFTERNOON

In the afternoon, relax and visit local productions with tastings.

EVENING

Cooking lesson and dinner featuring specialties of the area.

DAY 10 – Sunday, May 19th, 2024

MORNING

Guided tour of Padova and its main streets and squares, where we can admire historically significant buildings of unparalleled beauty. We will explore the Abbey of Santa Giustina, Prato della Valle, and Piazza del Santo.

In particular, we can visit the Basilica of Saint Anthony, dedicated to this saint renowned in history for his generosity and a destination for pilgrimages from around the world.

We can also stop to discover the paintings of the great Giotto, who left an indelible mark on Italian art with his colors, perspectives, and the vitality of his painted scenes. We will visit the SCROVEGNI CHAPEL with its painted treasures.

If time allows, or alternatively, we can visit the BOTANICAL GARDEN. One of the most significant gardens in the entire region is the Botanical Garden of the University of Padua. It is the world’s oldest university garden where history and flora come together to create a special and instructive place

AFTERNOON

Half-day trip to Treviso, home to important industries and globally recognized brands, showcasing the region’s vibrant economic activity that has redeemed itself from the dark years of emigration to unknown lands.
In particular, Treviso is renowned as the birthplace of Prosecco wine and radicchio, and is thought to have been the origin of the popular Italian dessert Tiramisù.

EVENING

Return in the evening to the farmhouse, where we can enjoy a dinner featuring Treviso radicchio and other specialties, accompanied by Prosecco as an excellent wine choice.

DAY 11 – Monday, May 20th, 2024

FULL-DAY TRIP

Today, we dedicate the day to Venezia and its lagoon, particularly visiting three of its most famous islands: Murano, Burano, and Torcello.

In the mornig Your Venetian adventure will begin by following the course of its canals, “campielli” (term used for the small squares of Venezia), its foundations, and bridges. You will admire some of the most famous places in the world: Piazza San Marco, Palazzo Ducale, Ponte dei Sospiri, the Ca’ d’Oro and the Rialto.
You can also take a gondola for a short ride along the canals (optional), experiencing the enchanting Venice from a different perspective.

In the afternoon, you will take motonave for a spectacular ride to reach the island of Murano. You will visit the world famous glass making factory, where traditional and artisan works are made: Mastro Vetraio explanation. Visit Murano and the MUSEO DEL VETRO.
We will also make a stop in Burano, famous for its lace, which represents the history and tradition of women’s work on this island. We will have the opportunity to admire the intricate lace craftsmanship.
The tour concludes on the enchanting island of Torcello, where we can admire the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta with its Byzantine-Romanesque mosaics.

EVENING

Dinner at the farmhouse featuring local specialties.

DAY 12 – Tuesday, May 21th, 2024

FULL-DAY TRIP

Today’s excursion is truly special and unique for its beauty, the peacefulness of the navigation, and the picturesque landscape, both from an artistic and a naturalistic perspective: this excursion is highly interesting from the historical, cultural and artistic point of view, along the Brenta River between Padova (Padua) and Venezia.
We will board the “BURCHIELLO” and navigate. The Tour is enriched by the guide providing details and anecdotes about the villas and life along the Brenta.

The Burchiello is a typical Venetian boat that offers river excursions along the Brenta River, providing a charming experience to discover the Venetian villas, such as Villa Foscari (also known as La Malcontenta), Villa Pisani, Villa Widmann, and many others. Each villa is an architectural masterpiece, often surrounded by beautiful gardens.

These boat trips not only offer the opportunity to admire Palladio’s unique architecture but also to immerse yourself in the history and culture of the Venetian villas, which played a significant role during the time of the Most Serene Republic of Venice.

EVENING

Farewell dinner in agriturismo before departure.

DAY 13. Wednesday, May 22th, 2024

Transfer to Venice or Milan Airport, via private motor coach, for a flight.

Lunch and snack served on board. Same day arrival.