The Hidden Treasures of Northeast Italy: Vineyards, Villages, Tastes and Trails 2026

With the opportunity to visit the classic cities before and after your tour, this journey takes us off the beaten path, beyond Italy’s icons, to discover its authentic heart. Explore the timeless landscapes of lesser-known regions, towns and villages where local traditions, culture, community, cuisine and warm hospitality reveal an even sweeter side of la dolce vita. We begin by travelling north to Paneveggio Natural Park in the autonomous region of Trentino-Alto Adige, in the province of Trento. Our first destination is Passo Rolle, our base for three nights, where we will be surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Dolomites. We explore San Martino di Castrozza, a storybook village surrounded by the formidable peaks of the southernmost group of the Dolomites Mountain range. Over the following days we explore Paneveggio Natural Park, with views of the formidable Pale di San Martino around every corner, and end each day with delicious regional specialties. Our next stop is Le Colline del Prosecco (the Prosecco Hills) where we enjoy delicious food, sample the sparkling local gold liquid and learn about the rich history of winemaking in the area. We set out on a walk of the Prosecco Hills and stay two nights in stunning, Palladian-style accommodation (which once hosted Sophia Loren). As we continue towards the elegant and charming city of Verona, our base for next three nights, we explore historic, fortified hilltop villages surrounded by elliptical walls – a wonderful prelude to Verona where history, art, food, and passion perfectly intertwine. From the old port of Desenzano we head out to explore the picturesque and atmospheric town of Sirmione on the shores of Lake Garda and visit an extraordinary clifftop sanctuary perched impossibly above the valley below. Our next stop is a medieval town most famous for its unusual local cherries and biennial human chess games. Then we continue to the hidden gem of the Veneto region where we base ourselves for the last 4 nights. Both towns are abundant in medieval and renaissance architecture and intriguing stories dating back to the Roman period. We spend four days wining and dining at local favourites, strolling through markets, embarking on guided walks, discovering rivers and castles, and a day exploring a local majestic mountain massif which in 2021 was named one of 20 new biosphere reserves by UNESCO. We explore the Altopiano di Asiago with a local guide and enjoy a walk in this poignant landscape where history and nature intertwine; studded with WWI monuments and trenches existing alongside a tapestry of wildflowers, birdlife, and magnificent views.

• Experience the rich culture and vibrant natural landscapes of the Verona, Brescia, Vicenza, Treviso and Trento provinces of Northern Italy
• View the dolomite towers of Pale di San Martino
• Walk through fragrant spruce forests and peaceful alpine meadows in Paneveggio Natural Park
• Savour the flavours of regional specialties such as polenta, Trentino goulash, and apfelstrudel
• Journey through the unique cultural landscape of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Prosecco Hills, where vineyards, villages, and gentle ridgelines reveal the region’s sparkling heart
• Discover the charm of historic fortified towns, recognized for their beauty and historic relevance
• Explore the history and beauty of charming Verona
• Soak up the picture-perfect peninsula of Lake Garda where thermal waters, medieval wonders, and lake views meet
• Explore a medieval town known for its biennial human chess game and prized cherries, famed for taste and heritage
• Discover the gem of the Veneto, a charming and historic town on the Brenta River, at the foothills of Monte Grappa
• Taste local artisan grappa, enjoy an aperitivo on a 16th century bridge, sample authentic flavours of the region in traditional cicchetti (the Veneto’s version of tapas)
• Hike the foothills of the Pre-Alps on walking trails featuring historic and natural wonders

Regular Price: Twin share/person A$13,380 (starts Venice Airport / Ends Bassano del Grappa (1 hour train from Venice)

Advance Earlybird Price: Twin share/person (if booked and deposited by 30 April 2026) A$12,880

Earlybird Price: Twin share/person (if booked and deposited by 30 June 2026) A$13,080

Single Supplement: A$2,140

Note: For guests who request a single room the single supplement will be charged. For single people who prefer to share, we will try to find a suitable roommate, but if this is not possible the single supplement surcharge will apply.

Minimum Group Size: 8 guests

Maximum Group Size: 10 guests

Special Interest: Gourmet, Culture, Architecture, Nature, History

Walk Rating: Easy to moderate, 2-15km, combination of paved paths, mountain and forest trails with some ascent/descent. Age is not necessarily as important as your fitness and recent walking experience and anyone of reasonable fitness should be able to join this tour. We reserve the right to be flexible with the itinerary to allow for unforeseen circumstances including weather and group fitness.

Inclusions

• 12 nights twin share in 3 – 4-star boutique and historic hotels and alpine-style accommodation
• Most meals included (12 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 10 Dinners) plus several added gourmet extras
• All bus, train and boat transfers during the tour as listed in the itinerary
• National Park and entry fees listed in itinerary
• All group activities listed in itinerary (except optional and free time activities, e.g., spa treatments, thermal baths)
• Professional tour leader assisted by local tour guides
• Basic group tips where required
• Pre-departure material including personalised A-Z tour information

Exclusions

• Airfares & taxes to start / from end of tour
• Arrival and departure transfers
• Passport & visa expenses
• Travel insurance
• Heavy or excess baggage
• Personal expenses e.g., drinks (water, alcohol, tea & coffee), laundry, telephone charges, optional activities