Hidden Italy: Padova, Vicenza & Mantova

Uncover the unseen gems of the breathtaking Veneto and beyond: astonishing architecture, cities steeped in history with deep cultural connections, and some of Italy’s best wines. Join us on our eyeopening tour of spectacular northeastern Italy and experience all the wonders this tremendous region has to offer.

Mantova

Your itinerary

DAY 1 – Arrival in Venice & Castelfranco Veneto

Arrive at Venice or Treviso airports for your transfer to your hotel.

DAY 2 – Brenta Canal Cruise & Padova

Over the centuries, the rivers flowing into the Venetian lagoon were ingeniously diverted to prevent siltation. One of the most relaxing ways to view these legacies of a leisured existence is to take a canal cruise, and that is exactly what we will do this morning. Just as the wealthy would have travelled between Venice and their villas on the Burchiello, we board a contemporary version of this vessel, equipped with comfortable seats and a deck offering panoramic views. Soon we arrive in Padova, a dynamic city which deserves to be recognised for more than its remarkable university, founded in 1222. Explore the fine piazzas of the historic centre and be amazed by the diverse architectural styles: the Baptistry of the Duomo contains one of the country’s most complete medieval fresco cycles; the Renaissance Loggia della Gran Guardia once housed the Council of Nobles; and bustling Caffè Pedrocchi, ever-popular with students and intellectuals, was built to resemble a Classical temple. (B) + Included Experience – Cruise the Brenta canal and visit Padova

Perfectly positioned just opposite the walled historic centre and the lively market square, our hotel offers marvellous views of the medieval ramparts and impressive tower. Albergo Roma, Castelfranco HHHH

DAY 3 – Vicenza

Today we head southwest to Vicenza, situated at the northern base of the cypress-clad Monte Berico astride the Bacchiglione river. This spectacularly sophisticated city is wonderfully cosmopolitan yet doubles as an openair museum dedicated to the legacy of Palladio, a miller’s son who became the most prominent architect of the Italian High Renaissance and gave rise to the Classical style of Palladianism. The local gentry, eager to decorate their city with grand new buildings, gave him plenty of opportunities to realise his vision; as a result, many of central Vicenza’s streets are graced by a Palladian mansion. We’ll see many of these on our guided tour this morning through the historic centre. At the heart of Vicenza is the Piazza dei Signori, dominated by the Basilica with its marvellous clock tower and distinctive, green roof surrounded by statues of Greek and Roman gods. The astounding nearby Teatro Olimpico, together with the Palladian Villas of the Veneto in the surrounding area, is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is time to explore these wonderful sights this afternoon should you wish. You will receive a complimentary museum card, granting free entry to the city’s various worldclass attractions. (B) + Included Experience – Guided tour of Vincenza

DAY 4 – Mantova Tour & Palazzo Ducale or Parco Sigurtà

Our journey today takes us west and back in time to the sleepy yet achingly beautiful Mantova, a medieval city often overlooked despite its proximity

KEY

Arrive Depart Bassano Del Grappa

Castelfranco Vento

Vicenza Padova

Mantova Venice

ITALY

Albergo Roma Hotel

to Lake Garda. As the dramatic skyline of ancient towers, domes and cupolas comes into view, it’s easy to see why the city features in two well-loved tragedies: it is the setting for Verdi’s Rigoletto and Shakespeare had an impassioned Romeo exiled here. During our guided tour of the old town, the reasons for its UNESCO World Heritage status become strikingly evident. Although compact in size, Mantova has more than its share of artistic, cultural and architectural treasures. This afternoon, you will have some free time before our included visit. Choose to stay in Mantova and visit the Palazzo Ducale or take the coach and visit the Parco Sigurtà Gardens. The Ducal Palace was the principal residence of the Gonzagas, lords, marquises and finally dukes of the city of Mantua. It took the name of Palazzo Reale during the Austrian domination starting from the reigning Maria Theresa of Austria. Alternatively, see the Italian interpretation of a romantic English garden with its neo-Gothic temple and rustic grotto. Throughout the park are 18 ornamental ponds and lakes, as well as a medicinal herb garden and even an award-winning maze. (B) + Included Experience – Guided tour of Mantova and choose to visit Palazzo Ducale, or Sigurtà Garden Park

DAY 5 – Bassano del Grappa & Villa Sandi

After breakfast, we visit the enchanting town of Bassano del Grappa, nestled serenely in the foothills of Monte Grappa from which the river Brenta flows free. Connecting the halves of the town is the wooden Ponte degli Alpini bridge, cleverly designed to withstand the meltwaters in spring. Bassano is known for the Italian after-dinner drink, grappa, which you’ll have the opportunity to taste on our guided visit to a local artisan distillery. Here, you’ll experience this fragrant, grape-based brandy with all five of your senses: listen to the story of how it’s made, observe the fascinating distillation process, feel the fresh pomace with your own hands, and even smell the different varieties. You may wish to have lunch at one of the town’s many excellent restaurants or sample the local specialities before we continue to Valdobbiadene, one of the most prestigious Prosecco-producing areas in the heart of the Treviso region. Here, we visit the prestigious wine producer, Villa Sandi, set in a vast

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Your tour includes

• Return flights from a selection of regional airports with hotel transfers • Five nights in centrally located fourstar accommodation, inclusive of all local taxes • The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager

(B) Daily Breakfast Prices are per person. For departure dates, prices and flights, please call or visit our website.

YOUR EXPERIENCES • 2 guided tours including Vicenza and Mantova • Tour and tasting at Grappa distillery and Prosecco producer • Enjoy a cruise on the Brenta Canal • 2 visits including Padova and Bassano del Grappa

valley protected from nearby mountains by rolling, sun-kissed hills, for a tour and tasting. Our guide then takes us through the villa, its spacious rooms a luxurious combination of pastel colours, stuccoes and bas-reliefs, dominated by resplendent Murano glass chandeliers. (B) + Included Experience – Guided visit to a local artisan distillery and tour of Villa Sandi with wine tasting

DAY 6 – Return flight

Transfer to the airport for our flight home. (B)

Please note: The use of air-conditioning in hotels in Italy is at the hotel’s discretion and is normally restricted to the summer months (mid-May to mid-September), depending on the temperature. Where hotels feature an outdoor swimming pool, this will be open during the summer months (weather permitting).

Your options

You’re free to choose

On day 4, visit Palazzo Ducale or stroll through Sigurtà Garden Park.

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