Compare Walk The Prosecco Hills & Hidden Venice by Exodus Travels vs Independent Venice: Power and Beauty by Road Scholar
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 8 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 1,915 | $ 2,099 |
| Price Per Day | $ 255 | $ 233 |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Self-guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | The trip includes all breakfasts, four lunches, two dinners and two wine tastings. The food in the Prosecco region has strong links to ancient traditions and uses mainly seasonal products grown in the area. It is typical country cooking and makes great use of garden vegetables, herbs, wild berries, wild mushrooms, asparagus, game and cheeses. Breakfast consists of a good selection of cereals, fruit, homemade cakes, cheese and cold meats, along with tea and coffee. Breakfast is usually available between 8am and 9am. Packed lunches are normally provided for the walks, and usually consist of a sandwich with a snack. During the week, there will be opportunities to try some of the best local restaurants, which offer authentic cuisine and delicious homemade dishes such as spiedo (spit-roasted meat), wild mushroom risotto, gnocchi, cured meats and cheeses, all washed down with quality prosecco. |
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| Description |
Sheltered by the Dolomites, the Prosecco Hills are surprisingly undiscovered by mass tourism, despite the ever-growing popularity of the eponymous sparkling wine. On this culture-filled adventure, we stay in a four-star hotel on the Prosecco Road, the oldest wine route in Italy, to stroll through vineyard hills, sample regional cuisine and sip bubbly. We pair that with an alternative daytrip to Venice, visiting lesser-known neighbourhoods and the workshop of a master artisan to learn more about traditional life in the floating city. Interested in extending your adventure? Whether you are looking to ease into your destination at a more leisurely pace or to allow extra time to unwind, consider booking additional nights in Venice or Pieve di Soligo: Pre-tour package Post-tour package City extension package Visit the Trip Notes and speak to your sales representative for more details on the packages, including costs, availability, additional activities, and any special arrangements that can be made. All options are subject to availability. Did you know you can travel by train to this trip? Find out more here Join us to celebrate Exodus’ 50th anniversary! Select departures of this trip feature extra inclusions to mark the occasion: a wine-pairing experience with dinner or a lakeside walk with access to a lido, a local birthday celebration and a special edition Exodus kitbag. The selected departures on this trip start in Pieve di Soligo on 13 April 2024 and 13 July 2024.Savour the perfect pairing: idyllic walks in the UNESCO-listed Prosecco Hills and explore Venice beyond the guidebooks |
Discover the timeless beauty, architectural grandeur, world-class cuisine and unparalleled cultural legacy of one of Europe’s most dynamic cities — Venice. |
Day 1 Start Pieve di Soligo
The trip starts in Pieve di Soligo, a small village in the heart of the Prosecco Hills, approximately 37mi (60km) north of Venice. Here, lush vineyards cover the slopes of every possible hill, and old churches, abbeys, villas and ancient castles dot the landscape. Prosecco has been produced here for centuries, but only more recently, thanks to the surge in its popularity worldwide, has the area captured a deserved spotlight. Nevertheless, relatively few tourists visit this wine region each year, making it an ideal location for a week of walking, wine tasting and cultural discovery. Depending on the group arrival time, there might be time for a quick orientation walk near our hotel. If you have extra days at hand and are willing to extend your adventure, consider booking additional nights in Pisa or Florence. Speak to your Sales Consultant for more information on our 'Pre-Tour', 'Post-Tour' and 'City Extension' packages.
Day 2 Morning walk across the Soligo Hills; afternoon welcome drink
This morning, we take a short transfer to the Soligo Hills, one of the most charming parts of the Prosecco area. From the foothills, we cross woodlands until we reach a pretty hamlet with an ancient monastery, where we can enjoy panoramic views over the farmland and villages far below. Along the path, we may have the chance to taste our first glass of prosecco (optional) surrounded by lush vineyards, before a delicious lunch at a renowned osteria (an informal, rustic restaurant).
Day 3 Circular walk in the heartland of the Prosecco region; visit one of the best local producers for a wine tasting and to learn about the wine-making process
Today’s walk takes us to the heartland of the Prosecco Hills, namely Valdobbiadene, San Pietro di Barbozza and Santo Stefano. Most of the local winemakers are based right here, among the steep terraced hills, which are arguably the prettiest in the Veneto region. Our walk follows a mix of human-made tracks and paths twisting through the vineyards and offers spectacular views of the fertile landscape and hillside hamlets. During the walk, we can visit the Pietrovecchio winery, one of the top local Prosecco producers. After a general introduction to the winery and its history, we can sample different varieties of sparkling wines on a guided tasting. We return to the hotel in the afternoon.
Day 4 Guided sightseeing tour of hidden Venice; learn the secrets of gondola manufacturing and drink a local Spritz
We transfer to Conegliano station and catch a train to Venice for a morning tour of the floating city. Rather than jostle through the crowded attractions, we harness our expert guide’s local knowledge and explore the neighbourhoods less visited by tourists, where the true soul of Venice is found. Here we meet up-and-coming artisans keeping traditional crafts alive, stopping at the workshop of a master carpenter-artist who makes gondola oars using traditional methods and wood from the Dolomites. We then have a short ferry ride across the grand canal to end the experience with a toast: a spritz, the classic Venetian drink, and cicchetti, typical local snacks. In the afternoon, you have free time to explore the city some more and we return to the hotel in the evening.
Day 5 History walk of Monte San Giorgio; relax in hilltop Asolo and admire the Unesco-listed Villa Barbaro
After a short transfer, we reach the start point of today’s walk: Maser, a village on the Prosecco Road. the wine-producing village of Maser. We set off with a climb to Monte San Giorgio; the route then veers west, following one of the original frontlines used during the First World War. The conflict affected most of this area (and many other towns around the Prosecco Hills) and we see evidence and memorials to epic deeds during our walk. Our end point is the hilltop town of Asolo, known as the Pearl of the Treviso province for its beautiful setting and historic centre. On a clear day, we might be able to see the Belluno Dolomites and the Venetian Lagoon, the Adriatic bay in which Venice is situated. Enjoy free time and, on our return, we stop to admire the architecture of the Unesco-listed Villa Barbaro, a masterpiece of Italian architect Andrea Palladio (1508-80). It is situated in the middle of a flourishing privately owned estate; we have time for an optional visit if you’d like to see inside, before returning to Pieve di Soligo for a wine-tasting at a local enoteca (wine bar).
Day 6 Free day; take an optional trip to Treviso, Padua or Conegliano
We have a free day, allowing you to choose your own adventure. One option is to visit the lovely town of Conegliano, the other major centre of prosecco production and wine studies. Alternatively, take a daytrip to the pretty provincial capital of Treviso, restored after Second World War bombing and considered the birthplace of tiramisu. The town centre, encircled by a wall and waterways, is a maze of streets lined with arcaded walkways. Your final option is Pauda, only a short train ride away, where you can visit the Cappella degli Scrovegni, a simple chapel housing an astounding series of frescoes by Renaissance master Giotto (visits must be prebooked at least a day in advance, so please speak to your tour leader as soon as possible if you would like to take this option).
Day 7 Panoramic walk through the alpine landscape of Monte Cesen: enjoy a 360-degree view of the Venetian Prealps
Join us to celebrate Exodus’ 50th anniversary! Selected departures of this trip feature extra inclusions to mark the occasion: a wine-pairing experience with dinner or a lakeside walk with access to a lido, a local birthday celebration and a special edition Exodus kitbag. For departure dates, see the Dates & Prices tab. Our final walk takes us above the Prosecco Hills to Mount Cesen, a rounded, grassy mountain, and the highest in the Venetian Prealps. Rising just above the Piave River, at an altitude of 4,593ft (1,400m), it offers a stunning panorama, plus popular walking trails that cross mountain pastures and meadows, and a landscape that differs completely to the one we explored earlier in the week. On a clear day, views can stretch as far as the eastern Alps, Dolomites and Venice. In the evening, we tuck into a farewell dinner in one of the best local restaurants, enjoying a panorama of the Prosecco Hills as we eat.
Day 8 End Pieve di Soligo
You’ve walked through one of the most picturesque wine regions in Italy. Now, however, it’s time for a final breakfast, before beginning your journey home. If you’d like to explore a little more, speak to your sales representative and arrange a longer stay in the hotel, which may feel a little like home by now.
Day
1
In Transit
In Flight
Day
2
Arrival and Orientation
Venice D Hotel Bonvecchiati
Activity note: Check-in available from 2:00 PM.
Afternoon: 3:45 PM Meet in the conference room for an introduction to the program and orientation to Venice. Your Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date Daily Schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities, and answer any questions you may have. Indicated times are approximate. Program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. You will receive the Venice Card for entrance to some of the major museums and churches for the duration of your stay. You will also receive a public transportation pass (for the vaporetto/waterbus and boats to the islands). For your self-guided excursions, you will receive a booklet with detailed suggested itineraries for exploring Venice on your own. Then take a short orientation walk led by Cristina Gregorin.
Dinner: Welcome Dinner at the hotel. Please note that water is included in the program cost at all meals.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
3
Introduction to Venetian History
Venice B Hotel Bonvecchiati
Breakfast: Hotel dining room. On this program, breakfasts will offer a typical European style breakfast buffet with breads, cheeses, cold-cuts, yogurt, fruit, cereals, juice, milk, coffee, tea and water.
Morning: Lecture: "Introduction to the History of Venice." The republic enjoyed remarkable political stability for more than a millennium, resisting both external forces and internal turbulence. With this background, one can understand its attraction to artists and architects - La Serenissima has been shaped by them for centuries. Emphasis on the golden era of the town.
Lunch: Explore local fare on your own.
Afternoon: Self-guided excursion. For self-guided excursions, you will receive a booklet with very detailed descriptions of 12 different walks, some of which take you off of the beaten path. Optional: Join your Group Leader on a walk to the Rialto area with the fish and vegetable market. In the late afternoon, meet your Road Scholar group for a drink and chat.
Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
4
Lecture: The Historical Era of Titian, Vivaldi Concert
Venice B Hotel Bonvecchiati
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Lecture: "The Historical Era of Titian." For Venetian painting, the 16th century was the most successful. Titian, Veronese and Jacopo Tintoretto dominated the Venetian art scene, winning most of the public and religious commissions. They created a new style of painting with striking luminous colors.
Lunch: Explore local fare on your own.
Afternoon: Self-guided excursion. Optional: Join your Group Leader on a walk to the San Polo district with the Frari Church to see Titian's famous painting.
Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.
Evening: Attend a Vivaldi Concert by Interpreti Veneziani. Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) gave over 500 concerts to his hometown, performing for violin, viola d'amore, cello, mandolin, flute, oboe, bassoon, trumpet, cornet and string orchestra. Enjoy this concert performed by the chamber music ensemble Interpreti Veneziani, played on prestigious original instruments.
Day
5
Glass and Mosaics, Night Visit of St. Mark's
Venice B Hotel Bonvecchiati
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Lecture: "Glassmaking and Mosaics." The art of making glass has never been quite as entrenched in a place as on the Murano islands, which are famous for blowing techniques and design. Murano glass first made its appearance in the 8th century, and despite various ups and downs, has managed to not only endure but also flourish in our modern times.
Lunch: Explore local fare on your own.
Afternoon: Self-guided excursion. Optional: Join your Group Leader on a walk to the old Venetian Jewish ghetto area.
Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.
Evening: Enjoy a special expert-led night visit of St. Mark's Cathedral, the mosaic-clad emblem of Venice's Byzantine origins. Visit the crypt under sea level. Special lights create a magic atmosphere and bring alive the unique mosaics which were first executed in 1071 by artists from Constantinople. The Basilica opens just for the Road Scholar group.
Day
6
Venetian Lagoon
Venice B Hotel Bonvecchiati
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Take a full day to discover the Venetian Lagoon on your own. The Group Leader will assist you in planning your time according to your interests. You can visit Murano, the island of glass-working with its museum of glass making; Burano, the island of lace makers and fishermen; or Torcello, with its great basilica in Venetian-Byzantine style, which is famous for its marvelous mosaics.
Lunch: Explore local fare on your own.
Afternoon: Continue your exploration of the Venetian Lagoon.
Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.
Evening: Meet for a drink with your Road Scholar group in the hotel lobby.
Day
7
Velvet Manufacturer Bevilacqua
Venice B Hotel Bonvecchiati
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Lecture: "The Fascinating World of Venetian Handcraft." Cristina Gregorin, author of the book "Venice Master Artisans," introduces us to the intriguing world of small "botteghe" and its tools and centuries-old machines. Then, visit the velvet manufacturer Bevilacqua. The company's fabrics are still hand-produced on original 18th and 19th-century looms and all the phases of manufacture are manual. The company's famous historical archives hold more than 3,500 pattern designs, all of which are Bevilacqua originals.
Lunch: Explore local fare on your own.
Afternoon: Self-guided excursion.
Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
8
Architecture of Andrea Palladio
Venice B,D Hotel Bonvecchiati
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Lecture: "Introduction to the Architecture of Andrea Palladio." The Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio shaped the world that surrounds us today. Some of his most influential villas and churches survive in the Veneto region around Venice and in the city itself. Palladio's designs are based on three principals: dramatic exterior motifs, economical materials and internal harmony and balance.
Lunch: Explore local fare on your own.
Afternoon: Enjoy a final free afternoon of exploring the Venetian districts on your own.
Dinner: Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
9
Departures
In Flight B
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Depart for the airport. This concludes our program. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures.
