An extraordinary and unique journey to immerse yourself in the heart of Veneto and its fascinating history. “Terre del Palladio” refers to the areas of Veneto region that showcase the architectural legacy of the Italian architect Andrea Palladio (1508-1580). His designs are characterized by harmonious proportions, classical elements and emphasis of symmetry, typical of Reinassance architecture. His works represent the Venetian Republic style, today renowed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites List. Some of Andrea Palladio’s most emblematic works still shine today with unparalleled cultural and historical significance of the Renaissance era. The enchanting residence for this short break will be the prestigious UNESCO Valmarana Braga Palace, an exceptional location.
An extraordinary and unique journey to immerse yourself in the heart of Veneto: fascinating history, charming accommodation, magnificent places accessible to few, exclusive aperitifs, and many other surprises.
Here, some of Andrea Palladio’s most emblematic works still shine today with unparalleled cultural and historical significance of the Renaissance era.
Along our itinerary we visit some of the most renowned Palladian UNESCO villas, including Villa Emo, Villa Angarano, Villa dei Vescovi and Villa Foscari. An immersion in the perfect forms of the Renaissance era, contemplating the historical and artistic legacy of one of history’s greatest architects. The Palladian villas are the perfect setting to enjoy a tasty and exclusive aperitif surrounded by art, in exceptional locations.
The enchanting residence for this short break will be the prestigious UNESCO Valmarana Braga Palace, an exceptional location in the historical center of Vicenza, a charming little fortified town in the Treviso hills, home to one of the largest and most impressive squares in Europe.
Arrival in Milan and transfer to Asolo and Bassano where we will travel by private van to visit two historical and precious Palladian villas. Villa Emo was built by Andrea Palladio in the 16th century, on behalf of Emo family of Venice. It is one of the most complete Palladian architectures, from 1996 part of World UNESCO Heritage. Villa Angarano, part of UNESCO heritage too, is mentioned in the first two
volumes of the famous ‘Four Books of Architecture’. Here, Palladio wrote of its splendid Renaissance architecture based on classical canons; of the connection between this villa and the river Brenta; of the delicacies of the local cuisine, such as the wines and fruits typical of this land. The two villas are immersed in the natural landscape among hills, vineyards, the Brenta river and Grappa Mountain.
We have a light lunch in one of the two villas, and in the afternoon a tasting of 5 different local wines with the local producers. Then, transfer to Palazzo UNESCO Valmarana Braga, in the heart of Vicenza for the overnight. This palace, built in the 16th century, is part of UNESCO heritage and will welcome you in its unique spaces to offer you the best comforts in a precious historical location.
Overnight at Palazzo Unesco Valmarana Braga Rosa or similar.
After breakfast we move to Vicenza to have our city tour among the most iconic and historical buildings of the city. We visit the Olimpic Theatre built by Palladio in 1580, which is the first indoor roofted theatre of modern age. Then we move to the Palladian Cathedral, the palace symbol of Vicenza for its economical and political role, and part of UNESCO heritage. The structure, designed by Palladio in a Venetian Reinassance style, is well known for its serliane loggia – a typical architectural element.
Just a few steps outside the heart of Vicenza, Villa La Rotonda welcomes us in all its pure beauty. Historically, it has inspired many artists, poets, art lovers and scholars from all over the world. The circular domed building is inspired by the Roman Pantheon, while the columns and tympanums by ancient temples. It is located on the top of a hill, a specific place for the salubriousness of the air, sought after by nobles. The villa, without walls and isolated, has become an icon of perfection and harmony in an osmotic relationship with the landscape. Then, in Vicenza we join an interesting itinerary to discover the ancient goldsmith art, and an EXCLUSIVE visit to the Jewel Museum exploring the most authentic and unique jewels forged over the centuries in Vicenza. In the archives of the city is preserved the original ancient copy of “Four Books of Architecture” – the most valuable illustrated publication on architecture ever, that Palladio at the young age of 22 years, enriched over time until they became the “Bible of Palladianism”. In the late afternoon we have an aperitif in a Palladian Villa. Transfer to our accommodation for the night.
Overnight at Palazzo Unesco Valmarana Braga Rosa or similar.
Today we leave Vicenza for a tour in Euganei Hills Itinerary by private van. This is a cluster
of hills of volcanic origins characterized by their unique landscape with lush vegetation, vineyards, olive groves and small hamlets scattered around.
During our trip we visit Villa dei Vescovi, an historic villa designed in the 16th century by Andrea Palladio, testament of the classical and harmonious design principles. Then, Villa Foscari commonly known as “La Malcontenta” another masterpiece along the Brenta river and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This villa is the first example of central perimented portico flanked by columns, resulting in a timeless appearance by means of an integration of Roman and Reinassance elements.
During our day, we have an aperitif and a light lunch in a Palladian villa, an evocative location frames a pleasant moment of sharing among delicious made-in-Italy delicacies and a sip of regional traditions. Then, a walk through the Monumental Venetian gardens. Each garden reflects different design styles, historical periods, and purposes, showcasing the diverse influences that have shaped the city’s character over the centuries. Statues, fountains, and verdant paths lead to the ancient 17th-century labyrinth, which has a highly symbolic value, a metaphor for the arduous journey that man makes in the course of his life.
From April to October. The departures of this trip are between Thursday and Friday, due to sites closure. Other days departure on request.
On request – quotations from 2 to 8 pax (departure on thursday or friday). The itinerary can be tailormade on request.
The best seasons to visit Veneto are Spring and Autumn as the temperatures are warm and the landscapes are full of colors, and the rainfall are occasional. In Summer season the temperatures are hot, from 25°C to 35°C, but still it offers a pleasant weather to experience the region.
Breakfast; light lunch on day 1, day 3; aperitif on day 2, day 3; tasting on day 1
Private van.
For logistics or technical reasons, the itinerary can be run with some amendments on the sequence of the visits and excursions.
