Discovering Veneto 2008

Nestled in northeast Italy, the Veneto region is an area of majestic mountains, crystal clear lakes and charming towns renowned for their art and architecture. Your base from which to explore the many highlights of the Veneto is near Treviso, a provincial capital of cobblestone alleys, graceful bridges and quaint waterwheels. This tranquil paradise on earth is the perfect gateway to the splendor of Venice, a city of canals, graceful bridges and stately landmarks. Visit the famous town of Verona, known not only for its tale of star-crossed lovers but also for its ancient Amphitheater, and Padua, with its basilica and renowned university. Admire the village of Sirmione and the alpine scenery of Lake Garda.

Your Celtic Tours Vacation includes

Six (6) nights accommodations at a first class villa.

Italian buffet breakfast daily.

Ground transportation by deluxe motorcoach.

English-speaking guide throughout.

One welcome dinner featuring traditional cuisine and wine.

four dinners featuring cuisine of Veneto.

One light lunch at a winery.

Guided tours of Venice, Verona, Padua and Lake Garda..

Admission when stated in the itinerary.

Local hotel taxes and service sharges.

Details

Tour Operator

Celtic Tours

Duration

8 Days

Escorted

Escorted - Yes

Itinerary

Day	Destination	Description
Day 1	Depart US	U.S. - Italy. : Depart from the U.S. on an overnight flight to Italy.
Day 2	Veneto	Venice - Veneto. : Morning arrival into Venice airport. We are greeted by our assistant and transferred to our Venetian Villa where we will enjoy a six (6) night stay. In the afternoon we will be taken on a visit of Treviso. Joined by the River Sile and encircled by a 16th century wall, Treviso is a charming and beautiful town. Unpack and meet for a welcome orientation with our Celtic Tours representative (welcome drink included.) This evening we will have a welcome dinner including featured local wines and traditional Veneto dishes - Buon Appetito!
Day 3	Venice	Veneto - Venice. : After breakfast at the hotel we will visit Tronchetto (Venice area) where we will embark via boat on our journey to Venice know as "The Queen of the Adriatic." Explore Venice on foot, wandering in the magical labyrinth created by the 180 canals that fan out across 118 islands connected by 450 bridges. Guided visit of Piazza San Marco with its 11th century basilica and lofty bell tower set just off the Grand Canal. See St. Mark's Cathedral, the Doge's Palace (entrance fees included) and the Bridge of Sighs, so named by Lord Byron. Continue to a local glass factory and observe artisans creating unique hand-blown objects. Late in the afternoon depart from Venice and return to our Villa. Dinner on our return.
Day 4	Treviso	Treviso - Verona - Padua. : After breakfast at the Villa, we journey to Verona & Padua. First stop will be in Verona for a guided tour of the city. Its symbolic monument is the Arena-an amphitheatre with almost 2000 years of history. While the palaces and courtyards are connected to the mythical Romeo and Juliet, Verona continues to enchant the whole world. One cannot go to Verona and not visit the Casa di Giulietta (Juliet's House), the romantic heroine of Shakespeare's tragedy. This is the basis for which Verona has constructed its fame as the "city of love." We proceed to Padua, an elegant city with a discreet charm. One of the most significant attractions is the Basilica of St. Anthony, a famous pilgrimage site, but Padua's artistic and cultural heritage can be discovered in every corner of the historical center. Dinner on our return.
Day 5	Treviso	Treviso - Lake Garda. : After breakfast at the hotel we depart for Lake Garda, Italy's largest lake. Pursue your own interests in the enchanting cobbled village of Sirmione, straddling the northern end of a narrow peninsula extending from Lake Garda's southern shore. Along the way stop in some of the quaint lakeshore towns to discover their hidden treasures. Return to our Villa for dinner and overnight.
Day 6	Treviso	Treviso - Food and Wine Tour. : After breakfast at the Villa, we will enjoy a half-day guided food and wine tour. We will travel in search of the taste and products native to the territory. The area between Valdobbiadene and Conegliano is considered the homeland of Prosecco and Spumante wines. First we will visit Valdobbiadene. This little town on the slopes of Monte Cesen is currently one of the most famous places in Italy for wine production, in particular for the white wines, Prosecco and Cartizze. Town center sights include the church of S. Gregorio Magno in Colderove with the adjoining 15th century cloister of the Capuchins and, near the imposing 18th century bell tower situated on the Piazza Centrale of Valdobbiadene, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, in pure neoclassical style. Villa Cedri, on the other hand, is of the late 19th century-a fine building surrounded by a park in which stands a majestic old lime tree. We will visit Mionetto, a treat for connoisseurs. We visit an ancient and famous winery where we will enjoy a wine tasting and a light lunch. In the evening back to the Villa. Dinner on our own this evening. Overnight at the Villa.
Day 7	Veneto	Veneto at leisure. : After breakfast enjoy the day at your leisure. You may opt to go to Venice independently by train. Behind the heavy gates of villas and palaces, under the porticos and in the gardens, Veneto holds a sense of distinction and refinement. While a warm light brushing the small cobbled squares, the silent alleyways and the facades of the frescoed houses beckons. Tonight, enjoy a festive farewell dinner and overnight at the Villa.
Day 8	Return Home	Veneto - U.S. : Morning transfer to Venice airport for your return flight home, taking with you the memories of the best of Italy. "Arrivederci"-a nostalgic goodbye with a promise to return.

Dates/Pricing

"VACATION - It's Good For You!