HINTS OF VENETO: WINE, CULTURE AND WELLNESS: 6 DAYS/ VERONA- PADOVA- VALPOLICELLA-GARDA

One of the best-known regions for Italian oenology, Veneto is a very vast region from every point of view. Its natural richness can be seen from the majestic peaks of the Dolomites that shield it to the north, to the soft hills rich in crops of the most varied native vines that give life to some of the main Italian excellences in terms of wine: from Prosecco in the north-eastern territories of Valdobbiadene and Asolo to the renowned Valpolicella where the warm and structured Amarone, known and loved all over the world, is born. Finally, going up to the east coast the region hosts beautiful beaches and most important the Venetian lagoon where the capital of the region and one of the most unique and beautiful cities in the world stands: Venice. Alongside its natural beauty, Veneto is a region rich in art and history, as evidenced by its small but important cities of art with their architectural icons, first and foremost Verona and Padua. The first bears witness to the Roman influence with its Arena, the largest in the Roman Empire after the Colosseum, and the second one represents an example of the cultural fervour of Italian Humanism and Renaissance with its beauties, first of all the Scrovegni Chapel, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the artistic value of its frescos. Finally, Veneto is also a popular destination for lovers of spa tourism and wellness in general. There are many places famous for their spas, from Abano to Valpolicella itself, where the new trend of well-being puts the use of grape seeds from these territories at the service of beauty and aesthetic. It has been discovered in fact, the incredible properties of grapes rich in nutritive substances for the skin. An itinerary designed to take you on a journey through the nature, culture, and well-being of this region, while toasting with an excellent glass of Amarone!

6 days/ 5 nights- 2 pax minimum

Day 1: Arrival to Verona

Arrival to Verona and check-in at the assigned hotel. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Verona- Valpolicella Day Spa

You will dedicate the morning to discover the city of Verona. Known as the “city of lovers” as the setting of the most famous Shakespearean work "Romeo and Juliet", Verona is a popular destination for couples who exchange vows of love at the foot of the most famous balcony in literature. You will begin a tour of about three hours with your guide to discover this small but beautiful city. Starting from the suggestive Piazza delle Erbe, the first stop will be Juliet's House and her Balcony. You will then continue in the direction of the Arena, the second best-known amphitheater after the Colosseum, location of gladiator fights during the Roman Empire and today the only and elegant home of the Veronese Opera during the summer months. Finally we will pass by Castelvecchio, an ancient military fortress built by the Scala family on the banks of the Adige. At the end of the tour you can have lunch on your own. In the afternoon treat yourself to some unique moments of relaxation at our selected Spa in Valpolicella where an entrance to the wellness area awaits you, a facial treatment based on local grape seeds and finally a tasting of wines and local products. Return to Verona in the evening. Dinner on your own . Overnight at Hotel.

Day 3: Valpolicella- Winery tour- Tasting- Garda Lake- Wine Discovery Museum- Wine Tasting

The third day is dedicated to discover the local wine tradition through the eyes of one of the most famous wineries in Valpolicella. You will visit the main estates of the Masi winery accompanied by the property, starting from the vineyards and the Serego Alighieri estate (descendant of the great poet Dante). The property will show you the secrets of these grapes and the production process of some of the iconic wines of the region such as Ripasso and Amarone. The visit to this estate will end with the tasting of 5 wines accompanied by local cheeses and cured meats. After lunch (on your own) you can independently reach the town of Lazise on the Garda Lake (Veneto side) where you can visit another Masi brand estate: the Canova estate. The peculiarity of this visit is that in addition to visiting the vineyards and cellars you will be able to access the Wine Discovery Museum: an interactive museum on winemaking where you can have a multi-sensory experience that will lead you to discover the sensation of the harvest and the scents of the must in fermentation. As usual the visit will end with the tasting of 5 labels and grappas and spirits obtained from the pomace of these grapes. Dinner on your own. Return to Verona and overnight stay in the hotel.

Day 4: Arrival to Padua

Check-out and departure to Padua. Check-in at the hotel. Free day. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5: Padua

In the morning you will discover the culturally rich city of Padua during a  private walking tour with a certified local guide. Yoy will enter the splendid Scrovegni Chapel, one of the most masterful examples of 14th century art.

You will have the possibility to visit some of the most famous squares in the city, including Piazza delle Erbe, della Frutta and della Signoria, overlooked by important and majestic buildings.

Afterwards, you will visit the Palazzo della Ragione, a medieval market hall, and Padua Cathedral, first built in the 4th century. After a two-hour tour you can treat yourself to a lunch on your own and enjoy the rest of the day independently. Free evening. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 6: Valdobbiadene- Winery Tour- Prosecco Tasting- Departure

Before leaving, you will have the chance to have a visit to Valdobbiadene: the motherland of Prosecco, one of Italy's most exported sparkling wine. Here you can visit a winery, learn about Glera, the grape variety with rich fruity and sweet flavors that gives life to this popular wine and discover the fermentation process that leads to its creation. Finally, the visit will obviously end with a tasting accompanied by local cured meats and cheeses. Departure.

 HOTEL ACCOMODATION: 

- Verona: Hotel Indigo Des Arts or similar

- Padova: Hotel Crown Plaza or similar