VILLAS OF THE VENETO TOUR (18 - 23 April 2021)
VILLAS OF THE VENETO TOUR (18 - 23 April 2021)
Veneto is the region of Venice and its countryside boasts a wealth of grand villas with stunning gardens. These were (and some still are) the villas owned by rich Venetian aristocrats and here is where they retired for their ‘vacanze’. Join us in this fabulous tour when we will visit Vicenza, then six of the most important villas and gardens of the Veneto, we will go wine tasting at a villa where the owners are winemakers and we will dine with count Valmarana in his beautiful villa. You will also have time to relax and and enjoy plenty of aperitives in the lovely bars.
What is included:
Flights from London to Venice Marco Polo airport
5 nights B&B in a boutique 4 star hotel in Vicenza
tours Villa Rotonda, Villa Valmarana ai Nani and Villa Pisani
Walking tour of Vicenza e visit to Teatro Olimpico e Basilica Palladiana
Personally guided tours
airport transfers from and to Vicenza
Our next tour dates are: 18th - 23rd April 2021
Total Price: £1,250 pp (£ 250 supplement single room)
Book your spot by paying a 50% deposit (£490) per person below.
On the last day we will visit Villa Valmarana where we will be given a guided tour by Count Valmarana himself and we will dine with him as his guests in one of the halls of this stunning villa.
Some of the villas and gardens on this tour are only open to group visits so with Annalisa, your Italian organiser and guide, you will have the opportunity to see some of Veneto less known gems.
Our base will be Vicenza, the picturesque city which was made famous by its wealth of Palladian buildings, uniquely beautiful theatre and renowned goldsmiths.
After exploring Vicenza we will visit one of the most recognisable buildings of the Renaissance, the Palladian masterpiece, Villa Rotonda. This UNESCO World Heritage Site which was designed for elegant entertainment, and definitely one for art lovers.
In the following days we will visit five more Palladian villas and the most historical garden in Italy, famed for its design and fountains. We will also explore the medieval village where the poet Petrarch lived, and we will discover the romantic surroundings he lived in. Finally, there will be time for a wine tasting in a villa picturesque vineyard
Accommodation
We will stay at a 4 star Boutique Hotel which is located in a highly central location of Vicenza's historic quarter. This design hotel offers exclusive accommodation in a tranquil, relaxed ambience.
Itinerary
Saturday 12th: arrival in Vicenza and aperitivo
Sunday: Guided tour of Vicenza and visit to Teatro Olimpico and Basilica Palladiana. In the afternoon guided tour of Villa La Rotonda.
Monday: guided tours of Villa Loschi Zileri, Gardens of Villa Valsanzibio and Arqua Petrarca.
Tuesday: Guided tour of Villa Barbaro, in Maser. In the evening guided tour of Villa Valmarana and dinner with count Valmarana himself at his villa.
Wednesday: Guided tour of Villa Pisani. Afternoon: departure for airport.
All tours are personally guided by Annalisa Conway, who is on her ‘home ground’ here being herself from the Veneto. Annalisa will give you added information and historical background giving you a unique insight into the world of the Venetian aristocracy.