Veneto Day Trip: Medieval Hilltowns, Wine (Small Group)

On this day tour, you can escape the crowds and explore the region of Veneto. Walk through the charming hill towns, taste the delicious cuisine and wines of Veneto, and explore a Renaissance country estate designed by Andrea Palladio. Traverse scenic back-roads, with loads of free time, and it will feel as if the tour was designed just for you. Visit Medieval Marostica, with its fortified castle and huge chess-board permanently laid-out in the town square, where the famous living game of chess is played every two years. The living chess game revolves around a legend dating back to the 15th century when the fate of one young lady was decided on the outcome of a game of chess. While at Marostica you will enjoy more free time to walk around the village. Then you will visit Bassano del Grappa. This town features a Palladian bridge crossing the rushing Brenta river. You will have the chance to walk through its narrow streets, large squares and enjoy fantastic views overlooking hills and mountains. You'll also have the chance to sample some local "Grappa" (Optional). Bassano is a great place to do some shopping. The city is filled with ceramics produced in town, porcini mushrooms and other local delicacies, so you can take the opportunity to look around during your free time. Finally, you will visit Asolo on its perch atop lush-green hills. Along with its gardens, villas, Renaissance palaces, the stunning views of the countryside and rolling hills have inspired great poets and writers throughout the centuries, such as Robert Browning and Freya Stark. This town has a both a beautiful castle and an impressive fortress making it one of the "most beautiful borghi" of Italy. You will then have lunch in an Italian trattoria (optional) and visit a Palladian Villa designed by Andrea Palladio. You can visit Villa Barbaro (Tue-Sun) or Villa Emo (Mon), both perfect examples of Palladian country houses. The day tour ends with a wine tasting at a local winery located in the Prosecco wine region. Here you will find views of the terraced slopes planted with curving vines. After a refreshing glass of Prosecco, you can relax as we return back to Venice.