Spotlight on Northern Italy featuring Venice, Verona & the Dolomites

Overnight Flight

Venture to vineyards, Venice, and Verona. It's almost time to unpack once in a Venetian villa and journey among the jewels of Northern Italy.

Treviso, Italy - Tour Begins

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 recently refurbished hotel in the center of Treviso. After dropping your things in your modern-style room, take some time to explore the lively neighborhood. Work up an appetite because tonight you'll dive into regional foods and Italian wines at a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers.

Treviso

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. After, reconnect with your fellow travelers. Meet a local pastry chef and learn a few tricks for preparing some sweet tiramisu in its homeplace.

Verona

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 hotel in the late afternoon to relax before dinner.

Murano Island - Venice

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 facade 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 hotel for the night.

Asolo

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. 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 the wines, toasting to la dolce vita - the sweet life - in the Venetian countryside. You'll return to your hotel in the late evening. Rest well tonight; tomorrow will be a full day exploring the Dolomites.

The Dolomites

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. Beside beautiful Lake Misurina, marvel at the sight of the Three Peaks of Lavaredo and more along a scenic drive. After a typical lunch near the lake, you will reach Cortina, the Pearl of the Dolomites, and enjoy some free time and weather permitting, a cable car ride to the top of Mount Faloria** for fantastic views of Mount Cristallo's peaks. Reminisce on your mountain adventure tonight on your way back to the hotel.

Bassano del Grappa

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.

Treviso - Tour Ends

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

Dates	From Price	Price My Trip
Mar 20, 2025 - Mar 28, 2025	$2,499 pp \| Land Only	Price My Trip
Apr 10, 2025 - Apr 18, 2025	$2,449 pp \| Land Only	Price My Trip
May 8, 2025 - May 16, 2025	$2,699 pp \| Land Only	Price My Trip