ITALY
Bassano del Grappa
Hidden Italy This tour takes us to one of the best kept secrets in northern Italy – Bassano del Grappa, famous for its namesake spirit, grappa... and Aperol spritz! Its historic centre exudes quiet charm – picture Veneto style arcaded streets and piazzas interspersed with alpine wooden balconies. Combined with a stay at a wonderful, historic hotel located just outside the old city walls, a rich variety of experiences awaits as we explore the region, taking in the world-famous medieval cities of Verona and Venice and Venetian villas. We’ll even learn how to make an Aperol spritz! SUGGESTED ITINERARY Day 1 Arrival We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner. Day 2 Verona Today we travel to the romantic capital of Europe, Verona. Situated on the banks of the River Adige, it is perhaps best known for its association with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and is one of northern Italy’s most attractive cities. Boasting a rich array of art and architecture, its heart is dominated by a mammoth, remarkably well preserved 1st century Roman amphitheatre, the venue for the city’s annual summer opera festival. Verona is a shoppers’ paradise with something for everyone – from the daily market in Piazza delle Erbe to the stylish designer shops on Via Mazzini – while the Piazza Bra is the largest piazza in Verona, lined with numerous cafés and restaurants. Day 3 Asolo & Villa di Maser We begin our day with a visit to Veneto’s best kept secret, Asolo. Blessed with a hilltop position in the foothills of the Dolomites, this pretty hamlet easily earns its romantic nicknames of ‘the pearl of the Veneto’ and ‘the city of a hundred horizons’. Mountains, rolling hills and verdant plains combine around the town to create the most breathtaking views from this medieval stronghold. We have some free time here to uncover this picturesque old town that has been an inspiration for many poets, writers, artists and travellers. We then head to Villa di Maser. Also known as Villa Barbaro and venerated as one of Palladio’s greatest constructions, it was commissioned by the powerful Barbaro family of Venice in the 16th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a historic vineyard within the estate. We visit the Villa’s six rooms open to the public. (Please note: for groups larger than 30, the group will be split due to the size of some rooms within the Villa.) Day 4 Bassano del Grappa Driver’s Day Off Today we enjoy Bassano del Grappa at leisure. The old centre is pretty and compact, so it’s ideal for exploring. We can enjoy learning about and sampling the location’s namesake fiery spirit at Grapperia Nardini distillery, which is just a 10 minute stroll from the hotel and located on the famous Ponte Vecchio, a 13th century wooden bridge stretching over the River Brenta. Back at the hotel, we can learn how to make a real Aperol spritz (originally created in Bassano)! Day 5 Venice Our full day excursion first takes us to Tronchetto this morning, from where we take a water bus to St Mark’s Square in Venice, where we spend the rest of the day exploring at leisure. Stunning architecture and a labyrinth of mysterious passageways await in the alluring city built on a lagoon. Explore the Grand Canal, reflecting the glories of Venetian architecture lining its banks, the Doge’s Palace and the Basilicas of San Marco & Santa Maria della Salute. Venture into the back streets and discover churches and museums lined with priceless marble and antique treasure aplenty, and take a ride in one of the world-famous gondolas before we return by water taxi to Tronchetto. (Please note: a Venice landing tax will be payable per person either in advance online or on arrival.) Day 6 Departure After breakfast, we begin our journey home.
Paul says… “What a location! History oozes from the characterful Hotel Bonotto, located just a stone’s throw from the stunning medieval centre of Bassano del Grappa, with its pretty piazzas and iconic bridge.”
Villa di Maser
Rialto Bridge, Venice
Verona
Bonotto Hotel Belvedere Bassano del Grappa
This historic 4 star hotel, dating back to 1404, has an enviable location just outside the old city walls and a short walk into the lovely historic centre. The restaurant is on the ground floor and is renowned for its homemade pasta! There is a bar and various seating areas throughout the hotel. The 81 air-conditioned bedrooms are equipped with a TV, hairdryer and safe, and are decorated in an elegant, classic style. • Lift • Bar • Restaurant • Coach parking is off-site & free of charge 5 Nights Half Board Based on Friday arrivals
Inclusions • Return short sea crossing • Porterage & welcome glass of Prosecco
• Set menu on arrival night • Choice of menu on 3 nights • Tea/coffee after dinner
• Speciality dinner (set menu) on 1 night • How to make an Aperol spritz lesson on 1 day • Tiramisu experience on 1 evening
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Albatross Approved Rating: ✓ Visited ✓ Inspected ✓ Graded
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