Venice, Villas & Vineyards

Plan to arrive at Venice Marco Polo Airport by 11:30-12:00 pm to join a group transfer to the 5-star Sina Centurion Palace. This refined boutique hotel blends classic Venetian charm with modern comfort, offering elegant rooms, serene canal views, and an ideal location for exploring the city’s winding streets and iconic landmarks.

In the early evening, we’ll set out together for a guided walk, weaving through narrow streets and peaceful canals to neighborhoods that most visitors never see. 

We'll begin in the heart of Venice at Piazza San Marco, where centuries of history come alive in St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace, and the iconic Bridge of Sighs. 

From there, we'll wander through Venice’s maze of narrow lanes and hidden squares, discovering architectural treasures, artisan workshops, and lesser-known corners of the city. The experience concludes at the famous Rialto Bridge, offering a perfect introduction to Venice’s rich blend of history, art, and timeless beauty.

We’ll end the evening with a welcome dinner at L’Osteria di Santa Marina and a toast to a week of new adventures and friendship.

After breakfast, we'll enjoy a relaxed morning before our private guided visit to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection - a remarkable modern art museum housed in Peggy’s former palazzo.

Before we continue indulging our creative side, we’ll gather for a 3-course lunch at Ristorante Ai Gondolieri, followed by a private mask-making workshop with a Venetian artisan. Masks have been worn in Venice for a multitude of reasons since the 13th century and remain an iconic staple of holidays and other social celebrations. 

After some time back at the hotel to rest and refresh, we'll sit down to a tasting menu at VERO, a Michelin-guide fine-dining experience that connects us to the deep culinary roots of Venice.

Today, we leave the bustle of Venice behind and venture into the quieter corners of the Venetian Lagoon. 

Our first stop is the enchanting island of Burano, renowned for its rainbow-colored fishermen’s houses, peaceful canals, and centuries-old lace-making tradition. As we stroll through its picturesque streets, we’ll experience a side of lagoon life that feels wonderfully authentic.

From Burano, we continue across a small bridge to the neighboring island of Mazzorbo, home to the remarkable Venissa estate. Surrounded by ancient vineyard walls and the tranquil waters of the lagoon, Venissa is dedicated to preserving a rare indigenous grape variety once thought to be lost. 

During a guided visit and tasting, we’ll learn how the lagoon's unique conditions—its tides, salt air, and centuries of cultivation—shape wines found nowhere else in the world.

The experience culminates with an unforgettable lunch at Michelin-starred Ristorante Venissa, where a beautifully crafted tasting menu highlights the traditions and seasonal ingredients of the Venetian islands. 

We've had a long day of excellent exploring. Dinner will be on your own tonight or with new friends.

This morning, we journey to Vicenza, one of Italy’s most elegant and architecturally significant cities. A private guided walking tour introduces us to its UNESCO-listed historic center, where the vision of Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio transformed the city into a masterpiece of balance and beauty. 

As we stroll through refined piazzas and historic streets, we’ll visit the remarkable Teatro Olimpico, the world’s oldest surviving enclosed theater and one of Palladio’s greatest achievements.

After lunch in the heart of the city at Osteria Bertoliana, our exploration continues with visits to two of Palladio’s most celebrated villas. 

At Villa Valmarana ai Nani, magnificent frescoes and beautifully landscaped grounds offer a glimpse into the artistic sophistication of the Veneto aristocracy, while the iconic Villa La Rotonda stands as one of the most influential architectural works of the Renaissance. 

In the late afternoon, we leave Vicenza behind and travel into the rolling hills of the Prosecco region. Vineyards blanket the landscape as we make our way to Villa Soligo, a beautifully restored historic villa nestled among some of Italy’s most iconic wine-producing countryside. 

After checking in, enjoy time to relax and settle into the peaceful surroundings before gathering for dinner at the villa’s acclaimed restaurant, where local flavors and warm hospitality provide the perfect welcome to the Prosecco Hills.

Our day is devoted to one of Italy’s most beloved wine regions as we explore the rolling vineyard landscapes of the UNESCO-listed Prosecco Hills. 

Starting at Le Manzane Winery, a guided walk through the vineyards introduces us to both the unique terroir of the Conegliano-Valdobbiadene region and the winery’s inspiring charitable harvest initiatives. 

From the vines, we descend into an atmospheric underground cellar carved into the hillside, where we'll learn about the production of Prosecco Superiore DOCG before enjoying a tasting of three distinct wines, paired with local treats.

At midday, we'll pause for a leisurely lunch at Il Capitello, where a seasonal menu showcases the flavors and culinary traditions of the Veneto countryside in an elegant rural setting.

The afternoon brings us to Fasol Menin Winery for a more playful and interactive experience. We'll begin with a blind sensory tasting designed to challenge and engage the palate, followed by a guided tasting of selected wines paired with local finger foods. 

Our time at Fasol Menin concludes with a creative workshop where each of us will paint a Magnum wine bottle, transforming the day’s discoveries into a unique keepsake.

For dinner, we'll gather at Osteria Al Castelletto, reflecting on a day that has blended exceptional wines, local gastronomy, and hands-on creativity into a memorable exploration of one of Italy’s most beautiful wine regions.

Let's tap into our inner chefs with a hands-on cooking experience set among the rolling countryside. Guided by a local host, we’ll learn to prepare beloved regional specialties such as fresh pasta, risotto, gnocchi, or tortelli, along with a homemade dessert. Afterward, we’ll sit down to enjoy the lunch we’ve created together, paired with local Prosecco and beautiful vineyard views.

In the afternoon, we'll venture to Villa di Maser, one of Andrea Palladio’s most celebrated masterpieces and a UNESCO-listed treasure. Surrounded by vineyards, the villa is renowned for its harmonious architecture and stunning frescoes by Paolo Veronese.

Our day concludes in the enchanting hilltop town of Asolo, often considered one of Italy’s most beautiful villages. On a guided stroll through its cobbled streets and elegant piazzas, we’ll discover historic landmarks, artisan shops, and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, experiencing the enduring allure that has fascinated visitors for centuries.

Dinner will be at the hotel tonight, in their new, trendy gastronomic restaurant.

Savor one last breakfast before bidding Italy a fond farewell. This has been a spectacular week exploring Venice and the Prosecco Hills, and we hope you've had a lovely time with new, lifelong friends. 

We'll arrange a single group transfer to the Venice Marco Polo Airport depending on the group's onward flight times.

If you're joining us in Verona for our post-trip extension, off we go!

After saying farewell to the group, those joining us for the extension will board a private transfer for the one-hour drive to Padua.

Once we arrive in town, we'll set off on a guided tour to uncover the art, history, and hidden gems of this vibrant destination. We'll begin at the Scrovegni Chapel, home to Giotto’s breathtaking fresco that's considered a milestone in the history of Western art for its revolutionary style.

Continuing on through the historic center, we'll wander through elegant piazzas, medieval arcades, and lively streets that reveal the city’s vibrant character, including highlights such as the vast Prato della Valle and the impressive Basilica of Saint Anthony.

The tour concludes at the world's oldest botanical garden, Orto Botanico di Padova, where rare plants and peaceful pathways reflect the city’s long-standing connection to science and learning.

We'll savor lunch at Nero di Seppia before finishing the drive to Verona and checking in at the 4-star Hotel Accademia for the next couple of nights. 

After settling into our beautiful 18th-century hotel, we'll gather for a short walk to Osteria Il Bertoldo, where we'll indulge in classic Italian fare in their cozy, stone-clad dining room.

Rest will come easily tonight after a lovely day exploring this region of northern Italy.

Let's head out and experience the many layers of Verona after breakfast. Accompanied by a local guide, we'll stroll through the historic center to the stunning Roman Arena, a landmark at the city's core for nearly two thousand years that still hosts famous opera performances.

We'll continue through the Jewish Quarter, past the historic synagogue, and into the beautiful Piazza dei Signori, where Renaissance palaces and graceful architecture showcase Verona’s rich cultural heritage.

As we continue, we’ll wander along Via Mazzini, the city’s stylish pedestrian avenue, before slipping into quieter streets and hidden corners that many visitors never see to gain insight into the local character that makes Verona feel simultaneously vibrant and timeless. 

Our tour concludes aboard the panoramic cable car to Verona’s highest viewpoint, where breathtaking views stretch across terracotta rooftops, church spires, and rolling landscapes beyond the city walls.

Following lunch at Trattoria al Pompiere, the remainder of the afternoon and evening is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Whether you choose to browse boutiques, relax with an aperitivo in a lively piazza, or simply soak up the atmosphere, Verona offers endless opportunities to savor la dolce vita before we gather for our farewell dinner at Michelin-recommended Vecio Macello.

After one last Italian breakfast and perhaps a quick stroll around the neighborhood, it's time to check out of our hotel and say farewell. 

We'll arrange a private transfer for everyone based on their onward flight times from either Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) or Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP).

Ciao!