Inspirational ideas for your next group tour

Stretching across a swathe of north-east Italy, the joy of the Veneto is its extraordinary variety: prosperous towns are situated amongst coastal lagoons, marshlands, rolling hills and the Alpine air of the Dolomites. The imprint of Venetian dominance can be seen in the region’s elegant towns, Palladian villas dot the landscape, and thermal waters offer relaxation. This is also the region of prosecco and grappa, and tastings provide an enjoyable way to get to know the area.

CASTEL BRANDO & THE VENETO

Fizz and firewater in a unique location

Stay in style at the wonderful Castel Brando, a restored hilltop castle
Bassano del Grappa – a quaint town where you can taste the local grappa
Villa Sandi – enjoy a prosecco tasting in the immaculate surroundings
Vicenza – explore this beautiful city, the birthplace of Palladian architecture
Return flights included
3 nights half board accommodation in a unique historic fortress

From £799
per person

based on two sharing in a twin/double room, with a minimum of 35 passengers travelling in a specific month

Best time to go

February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October

Suggested Hotel

Castel Brando, Cison di Valmarino

This hotel truly has the 'wow factor'
Spectacularly restored ancient castle in the Treviso Hills
Luxurious and historic, with amazing views over Valmareno
Elegantly furnished rooms
Refined restaurant and relaxed trattoria
Atmospheric bars, terraces and wine cellars
Museum areas
Unique funicular takes you to the hotel

Hotel Photos

Attractions:

Villa Sandi

Villa Sandi is an incredible Palladian masterpiece which dates back to the 1620s. Villa Sandi produces exceptional prosecco thanks to its traditional methods and the fertile lands surrounding the house. You can discover the opulence of the delicate, beautiful interior and enjoy a tour of the extensive wine cellars, as well as tasting of a variety of their wines.
Bassano del Grappa

Famed predominately for its eponymous firewater, Bassano del Grappa’s historic centre exudes quiet charm. Explore the quaint wooden bridge over the River Brenta, interesting little churches, pretty piazzas, ceramics collections and grappa distilleries. Grappa is a fiery spirit made from the grape vines discarded in the wine-making process.
Vicenza

The architectural elegance of lovely Vicenza is almost solely thanks to one man: Palladio. During the 1500s, Palladio not only transformed this city but also influenced building styles across the whole of Europe. Classicism, sophistication and simplicity define the palazzi, villas and civic landmarks built in the Palladian style, and have been emulated far and wide. In addition to the stunning architecture, this small city bustles with lively markets, cafés and restaurants as well as interesting galleries and museums.

Enquire

Team Comments:

“Vicenza is a must see of the Veneto – where I learnt about the artistic concept of perspective in the wonderful Palladian Theatre.” (Jo)

Alternatives

Padua

An ancient city with a youthful population, Padua was once a medieval city-state that vied for power with Venice and Verona. Today, Padua is vibrant town with an authentic feel and a lovely place to stroll the streets, markets and parks, but its previous position of power is still evident in the incredible frescoes found within the town’s churches and chapels. Giotto’s extraordinary, luminous work in the Scrovegni Chapel is the jewel in the crown. Padua played a role in more recent history too, providing a stage for Mussolini’s Fascist oratory.

Treviso

Treviso makes a great alternative excursion - an authentic, medieval town with frescoed churches and pretty canals.

Similar Group Holidays

Hand picked destinations

Vernazza_daniil-vnoutchkov-435919-unsplash

Vernazza_alexey-turenkov-1311712-unsplash

Portofino_ricardo-gomez-angel-549471-unsplash

Manarola_cinque-terre-city-coast-1797121

Italy

Cinque Terre

The five idyllic coastal villages that make up the Cinque Terre, or ‘Five Lands’, are nestled amongst the dramatic cliff edge that defines this area of Italy, best explored by the 19^th century railway line that runs between them.

Itinerary Highlights

Half board accommodation
Monterosso - a delightful beachside village
Vernazza - beautiful & medieval
Manarola - a romantic spot on the Cinque Terre
Lucca - a fascinating Tuscan town

Details

From £1,049
per person

Explore

Amazing-scenery-of-Dolomites-Italian-Alps-View-with-village-Ma

Santa-Maddalena-village-with-magical-Dolomites-mountains-in-background Trentino-Alto-Adige-region-Italy

Dolomites-mountain- -Fototeca-ENIT-Vito-Arcomano

Italy

Italian Dolomites

Jagged and dramatic, the towering Dolomites cut like teeth into the azure sky of north-eastern Italy. This mountainous destination offers a truly memorable escape with its overwhelming backdrop and crisp, fresh air.

Itinerary Highlights