The Cuore Triveneto Tour is a tourist itinerary purposely thought and planned for all the Triveneto citizens who live abroad.
Many of them, children or grandchildren of emigrants, have never come back to their land of origin.
Nevertheless, they have come to know that land very well through the stories of their ancestors.
Day 1
Departure from various airports aboard regularly scheduled major airline company flights. Meals and films provided on overnight flight.
Day 2
Morning arrival at Milan's Malpensa Airport; meeting with tour guide who will accompany the group for the duration of the trip.
Transfer from Milan to Venice aboard a super comfortable "Grandtouring" coach. A suggestive 4-star hotel immersed in the rarefied atmosphere of the most famous lagoon in the world, renders this exclusive stay unforgettable. A welcome drink and time for relaxation upon arrival. The hotel dining room will serve the evening "Welcome to Venice" meal, prepared from traditional local recipes.
Day 3
Breakfast in hotel. The entire day is dedicated to guided tour of the city: the splendor of Saint Mark's Square with the Basilica, the Bell Tower, and the elegant Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace); the Rialto quarter, first area of the lagoon to be settled and, with its famous bridge, the commercial heart of the city since its founding. Aperitifs at the elegant Café Florian for a taste of noble Venetian society then free time for lunch. A ride in gondola on the Canal Grande proposed for the late afternoon will reveal the history of Venice, the sumptuousness of its most aristocratic palaces, from the Ca' d'Oro to Palazzo Grassi, from the glorious Ca' Foscari to Palazzo Rezzonico, and finally to that architectural masterpiece by Longhena, the imposing edifice of the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute. A typical and equally suggestive dinner will conclude this unforgettable day. Overnight accommodations in hotel.
Day 4
After breakfast, a trip aboard the panoramic boat, the "Delta Tour", to explore the most beautiful islands of the Venetian Lagoon: San Lazzaro degli Armeni, seat of a monastery complex that houses 1717 Armenian Mechitarist monks, custodians of a very important artistic and restoration center; Burano, famous for its multicolored houses and expert pacemakers, who since 1500, have created extraordinary laces destined for the collars and cuffs of the clothing of Doges, kings and emperors in all of Europe; Murano, known everywhere for its magnificent glassware. Visit to the Mazzuccato furnace, to watch the antique technique of blowing glass. Lunch aboard the panoramic boat during the trip. Disembarkation at 5,30 p.m. Return to hotel, dinner and overnight accommodations.
Day 5
After breakfast, the tour leaves for Treviso and a guided tour of the historical center and its important monuments such as the Sala del Capitolo del Seminario (the Capital Hall of the Seminary), Saint Nicolas Church and the Piazza dei Signori, on which faces the Palazzo dei Trecento. The little island of Pescheria, surrounded as it is by two rivers, together with its frescoed palaces brings to mind many a Venetian alley. Free time for lunch, then to Ponzano Veneto for a visit to the Benetton factory, a manufacturer at the forefront of the clothing industry. In the late afternoon the tour continues on to Bassano del Grappa, at the sixteenth century Belvedere Hotel and Restaurant. The Belvedere boasts a typical Veneto tradition, ever since the Serenissima Republic ordered it built so that Venetian nobles who were used to luxury would not find themselves too inconvenienced during their stays in Bassano on their frequent business trips inland. Dinner and overnight accommodations.
Days 6 and 7 constitute the focal point of the proposed itinerary: two entire days dedicated to discovering or rediscovering each individual's beloved place of origin and the long-awaited meetings with relatives and friends, a chance to re-experience old traditions in ways that memory will no doubt suggest.
On request, for groups of at least 8 persons, it is possible to organize personalized transportation and reserve hotel accommodations based on specific needs.
In alternative, for those who wish to learn more details about the land of their origins, three proposals are offered, each one thoroughly studies a region and therefore an aspect of the Triveneto.
Day 6
a) Veneto itinerary: "from the mountains of Belluno to the hills of Valdobbiadene"
After breakfast the tour leaves for the spectacular scenery of the Dolomites. Stop in Belluno, with its fifteenth century Saint Stephen's Church, the imposing Duomo and the Piazza delle Erbe, that occupy the former site of the Roman Forum. Cadorine dishes make up the typical lunch. The tour proceeds through the Corevole Valley, rich with forests and stupendous views and a stop in Agordo to visit the historical center characterized by the delicious shops of master woodcarvers. From here the tour proceeds to Feltre for dinner and overnight accommodations.
b) Friulan itinerary: "art and gastronomy, from Udine to San Daniele"
On the way to Udine a visits to the Military Memorial of Redipuglia and the spectacular fortified city of Palmanova are planned. Lunch stop in the Udine area, where a visit is planned for early afternoon. The city calls to mind the golden centuries of the Serenissima in the elegant facades of the palaces in Piazza della Libertà and in the famous gothic Loggia by the architect Lionello. Of particular interest, the Gallery of Palazzo Patriarchal, frescoed by Giambattista Tiepolo, the master of the Venetian painters. The antique restaurant "Al Lepre" will be appreciated for its Friulan gastronomy, based on simple and genuine ingredients and combined with exceptional wines. Overnight accommodations at the Ambassador Palace, hotel with an elegant background atmosphere, situated in a historic building in the heart of Udine.
c) Trentino iterary: "medieval Trentino and her culinary traditions"
Passing through the Valsugana, one arrives in Trento, a city with a severe and noble look. Once governed by princes, bishops and emperors, it reveals traces of the different cultures that have dominated her.
Roman monuments such as the Duomo stand side-by-side Renaissance palaces in Via Belenzani or at the famous Castello del Bounconsiglio (Castle of Good Counsel) A typical luncheon shows off the pleasant union of Italian and Austrian recipes local the local cuisine. The tour then heads for Castle Thun, the largest medieval feudal complex in Trentino. Passing through the Val di Non, renowned for its delicious apples, one arrives in Cles which owes its name to the illustrious bishop Bernardo Clesio. The prestigious restaurant offers a wide choice in local dishes. Overnight accommodations.
Day 7
a) Veneto itinerary: "from the mountains of Belluno to the hills of Valdobbiadene"
After breakfast, a visit to Feltre and her antique center, which according to tradition was founded by Hercules, and where Medieval and Etruscan, antique Venetian and Renaissance buildings stand side-by-side. Tasting visit to the Lattebusche plant where quality milk and cheese products are produced. The tour moves on to Valdobbiadene, home to Prosecco doc (controlled-origin). Luncheon at the "Ristorante da Gigetto", whose sensational wine cellar merits a visit by itself, and which is famous for its superbly tasty and genuine cooking. Return to Bassano del Grappa in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight accommodations in the hotel.
b) Friulan itinerary: "art and gastronomy, from Udine to San Daniele"
From Udine the tour heads towards San Daniele of Friuli by the suggestive "Strada dei Castelli e del Prosciutto" (The Road of Castles and Ham). This itinerary combines medieval architecture with uncontestable culinary pleasures through brief stops to appreciate the history of the Region and her gastronomic traditions. Lunch planned in San Daniele, and a visit to the antique historical town center. Free time available before the planned return to Bassano del Grappa in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight accommodations in the hotel.
c) Trentino itinerary: "medieval Trentino and her culinary traditions"
From Cles the tour heads towards Lake Garda, through the enchanting Valle dei Laghi (Valley of Lakes), which is dotted with small alpine lakes such as Lake Terlago with the ruins of the Castle of the same name, Lake Massenza and Lake Cavedine. The sunny backdrop of the Lake Garda Riviera provides a pleasant atmosphere for lunch and offers an occasion for a walk along the most patronized lake in Europe, which according to legend is still inhabited by the deity Benaco and by the sweet nymph Phillide. The return to Bassano del Grappa is planned for the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight accommodations in the hotel.
At the end of the two "return to your roots " days spent with relatives and friends (or in alternative, on the excursions dedicated to getting to know the most characteristic corners of the Triveneto better), the Group will reunite in Bassano del Grappa to continue together on the Heart of the Triveneto Tour.
Day 8
After breakfast, the morning is dedicated to an excursion to Asolo, a splendid Renaissance burg nestled between cypress covered hills. Lunch is planned upon the return to Bassano del Grappa after which there is a tour of the historical center. The town also boasts an antique tradition in the distillation of grappa that can be tasted in the historic Nardini distillery on the famous Ponte degli Alpini (Bridge of the Alpini). Brief stop in Marostica, home of the legendary live chess game played in 1454 for the hand of the beautiful Lionora, and a visit to a ceramic studio, a typical product of a high artistic quality. The tour then moves on to Vicenza. Dinner and overnight accommodations.
Day 9
The morning is dedicated to a guided visit of Vicenza, a city with ancient origins and known as the "City of Palladio". Structures by the great architect to be visited include the Olympic Theatre, the Loggia del Capitanio and the splendid "Villa Rotonda". Free time for lunch. Travelling along the Riviera Berica you will reach the well-preserved walled medieval cities of Montagnana, Monselice and Este, with their centuries-old monuments and fortifications. A typical dinner served at the Castello di Valbona in Lozzo Atestino will provide the fitting end to a day spent in another era. Return to Vicenza for overnight lodgings.
Day 10
After breakfast the tour leaves for Verona. Along the planned route there is a stop programmed in Soave to admire the fourteenth century Scaligeri manor and taste the optimal Recioto doc, thanks to which the zone has become a renowned winemaking center. The guided tour of Verona, the romantic city famous for the tormented love story between Romeo and Juliet, allows the visitor to admire the Castelvecchio complex, the arcades of the Arena, and the antique Church of Saint Zeno. Free time for lunch. Return to the hotel in Vicenza in the afternoon. The gala evening of Cuore Triveneto Tour will be held in the Salone delle Feste in the Godi Malinverni Villla, where local authorities will also be on hand to greet the participants. After visiting the Villa, one of the first works by Palladio, the evening continues with an exclusive dinner menu followed by dancing. Return to the hotel in Vicenza.
Day 11
Breakfast. Arrival in Padua in the late morning with a stop at the Café Pedrocchi for a taste of one of their famous aperitifs or a classic expresso coffee. Known as the "City of Saint Anthony", to whom the splendid Basilica is dedicated, Padua has been the seat of a famous University which was founded in 1200 and where both Leonardo da Vinci and Galileo Galilei taught. The guide will point out the principal monuments, including the Palazzo della Ragione, the Piazza delle Erbe and the Piazza della Frutta which even today are the city's focal commercial points. Free time for lunch. In the early afternoon there is an excursion along the Riviera del Brenta, with visits to the Pisani Villa and the Foscari Villa, also known as the Malcontenta (the Discontented) for a lady who was renowned for her faithlessness. A brief stop at the mills of Dolo allows visitors to sample local products. A dinner of fish based on antique recipes from the 1700s will be served in the splendid Goetzen Villa. Return to Padua for overnight accommodations.
Day 12
After breakfast, departure for the "maritime" area of the Province of Rovigo, most of which is occupied by the delta of Italy's largest river, the Po. The day is dedicated to a boat excursion to the Natural Park of the Po Delta, during which the guide will illustrate the lively flora and fauna of the environment. A typical local fisherman's lunch of mussels and polenta will be served aboard. Before returning, an interesting visit is proposed to the Museo della Civiltà Contadina (the Museum of Peasant Civilization) in the town of Ca' Tiepolo as well as offering the possibility of immerging oneself in the suggestive world of Polesano agriculture. Return to Padua and dinner in downtown, at the "Casa Veneta" Restaurant, which specializes in traditional Paduan cuisine. Overnight accommodations.
Alternately, during the autumn period…
Day 12
After breakfast, the group heads for the southern part of the Province of Padua for a visit to the lovely little town of Arquà Petrarca. This village, which already bears in its name proof of its most illustrious inhabitant, Francesco Petrarca, is of a typical medieval design. Its streets branch out and climb upwards towards the hills which form the backdrop for the town. Lunch is in Colli Eugani. In the afternoon, the tour proceeds to the Benedictine Abby in Praglia which is the seat of an important laboratory for the conservation and restoration of antique books and codices. In the evening, dinner will be served at the "Tamiso" Restaurant, a well-known locale where a faithful reproduction of a turn-of-the-century peasant dwelling has been constructed in its interior. Return to Padua for overnight accommodations in hotel.
Day 13
After breakfast, free time, then transport to Malpensa Airport in Milan, based on flight departure times. Assistance for check-in, final leave taking of the guide and embarkation on scheduled flights of the major carriers.
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