Guided excursion from Venice across the Veneto villages with prosecco tasting

Get away from the crowds of Venice on our small group day tour excursion to explore the beautiful district of Veneto. Stroll around enchanting hill towns, relish the delicious cuisine and renowned wines of Veneto, and visit a famous Renaissance country estate designed by the artist Andrea Palladio.

The Hill Towns: Marostica and Bassano del Grappa

Moving at a relaxed pace, the first stop of your Veneto day tour from Venice will be Marostica, a beautiful medieval town characterized by a large castle and a huge chessboard located in the main square of the town. Every two years, a living game of chess is played here. The game revolves around a legend dating from the fifteenth century when the destiny of one young woman was settled on the outcome of a chess match. While at Marostica enjoy some leisure time to stroll around this perfect small town. Next you'll visit the beautiful town of Bassano del Grappa where a magnificent Palladian bridge crosses the mighty Brenta waterway. Enjoy a stroll around its narrow streets, spacious squares and spectacular views. Here you'll also have the opportunity to test some of the local firewater - "Grappa" (Optional). Bassano is also a shopper's heaven famous for the ceramics produced in the town, porcini mushrooms, and other local delicacies. You can take the opportunity to do some shopping while having your free time.

Asolo

The last hill town you will visit is the captivating and exquisite Asolo, the pearl of Veneto, which lies perched on lush-green hills. Alongside its beautiful Renaissance palaces, grand villas, and delightful gardens, the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside have inspired writers and poets over the centuries such as Freya Stark and Robert Browning. A genuine gem with a flawless caslte and an imposing fortress, you will fall in love with the tranquil atmosphere of this town, known as one of the "most beautiful villages in Italy".

Andrea Palladio

Universally known as "Palladio", this architect's work will be the icing on the cake of this tour of Veneto - standing in front of his villas, you will understand how these homes have become an integral part of the territory. You will visit either Villa Barbaro or Villa Emo (depending on the day of the tour), both of which are brilliant examples of Palladian architecture. These are not just simple country villas, but pieces of art. Villa Barbaro is famous for containing frescoes by Veronese whilst Villa Emo is better know for its wonderful gardens (as well as housing frescoes from Palladio's favourite artist, Zelotti). The tour will end with a Prosecco tasting where you can appreciate several varities of the regional production in a wine cellar. 

Other Tours from Venice!

Take a look at some of our other tours from Venice including the Day Tour from Venice to Visit the Dolomites or the Tour of Padua and cruise of the Brenta River, departing from Venice!