Surroundings

VENICE

Less than an hour away from your hotel room you will be in Venice. The most loved, dreamed of, imagined city in the world. It would take weeks to discover all its treasures of art and history, but one day is enough to be won over by its charm and beauty.

The must-see landmarks are St. Mark’s Square with the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica; the magnificent palaces on the Grand Canal to be admired from the water on a boat trip; a romantic gondola ride through the canals… But better still get off the traditional routes and explore the calli and the more hidden, secret corners of the city for this very reason even more charming and memorable.

PADUA

It only takes a few minutes by car, bus, or taxi to be downtown Padua, one of the most charming and authentic art cities in Italy, home to a university since 1222. Here you can experience completely different emotions and experiences: from shopping in the Listòn pedestrian area, to Giotto’s frescoes in the Cappella degli Scrovegni (this tour must be booked at least two days in advance, and we will be happy to take care of it) to the world’s oldest Botanical Garden, now a Unesco World Heritage Site.

The most pleasurable way of exploring Padua is to wander through the narrow streets of the historical centre, which open into scenic squares, where you can stop for a coffee or a spritz. By the way, before returning to the hotel, we recommend an aperitif at Caffè Pedrocchi, one of Italy’s most iconic historical venues, created in the early 19th century with the aim of becoming “the most beautiful café on earth”.

EUGANEAN HILLS

Historic villages and villas, castles and abbeys, all in a natural setting of rolling hills. These are the beautiful elements dotting the Euganean Hills, to be explored by car for a day of country-chic charm.

Don’t miss the mediaeval village of Arquà Petrarca, the fortified towns of Monselice, Este and Montagnana, the Catajo Castle in Battaglia Terme, a countryside noble palace that seems to have come straight out of a fairytale illustration; the imposing medieval castle of Valbona, the monumental Baroque garden of Valsanzibio within the estate of Villa Barbarigo Pizzoni Ardemani. Added to this is the pleasure of travelling along the Euganean Hills Wine Road, among the vineyards and olive groves, where you can stop to taste the wine, oil, and typical products of this wonderful land.

RIVIERA DEL BRENTA

An itinerary among the magnificent 18th-century Venetian villas, built by noble Venetian families as their country residences on the banks of the Brenta River. You can also admire them on board a boat that travels along the river, overlooked by the scenic villas with their spectacular gardens. A fascinating and relaxing day amidst magnificent palaces and works of art that reflect the Venetian splendour of the 18th century and the pleasure of a natural panorama that seems to have been created especially for the pleasure of living.

VERONA

It takes just over an hour to reach downtown Verona, a Unesco World Heritage city. A walk through its historical centre is sufficient to understand why. Its monuments embody art history: from the spectacular Arena of Roman times, to the medieval grandeur of Castelvecchio and the Scaligero bridge and the Renaissance and Baroque palaces, it is an art book to browse through with your eyes as you stroll downtown. And if you add to this the Shakespearean effect of Romeo and Juliet, a day in Verona becomes a magic moment to be treasured forever.

TREVISO

One hour by train and you can reach Treviso, amidst the arcades, shops and historic workshops of a refined provincial town, which has kept the medieval appearance of its downtown virtually intact. Its central canals are worth a visit, evoking the atmosphere of Venice in a pleasantly quieter city. Calmaggiore, the street connecting Piazza dei Signori with Piazza Duomo, is perfect for shopping among the boutiques and art shops.

FLORENCE

Two and a half hours and you can be in Florence, Italy’s most popular city for art enthusiasts. The historical centre, among medieval alleys and Renaissance palaces, still looks like it did in the days of Dante, Giotto, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.

Even a quick day trip offers the chance to breathe in the atmosphere of Florence’s authentic beauty. The train stops right in front of the church of Santa Maria Novella, a jewel of Renaissance architecture. In a few steps you can reach downtown featuring piazza del Duomo, with Brunelleschi’s dome and Giotto’s bell tower. A few minutes later you can reach Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi. And for today’s travellers there is one more pleasure to enjoy and unknown to Dante’s contemporaries: shopping among the big names in Italian fashion and taste.

MILAN

Just over two hours on a bullet train, and you can be downtown Milan, Italy’s fashion and shopping capital. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the spectacular Gothic Duomo, the La Scala Theatre , the temple of Italian opera, the Sforzesco Castle with its museums, and the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie hosting Leonardo’s Last Supper.

Shopping tips? Via Brera for jewellery, perfumes, and antiques, the Navigli for art and antique shops. And above all, the Quadrilatero della Moda, where Italy’s and the world’s most prestigious labels parade among the shop windows and showrooms of Via Montenapoleone, Via Verri, Via della Spiga, Via Sant’Andrea and Via Manzoni.

LAKE GARDA

It takes just over an hour to be on the Veneto shore of Lake Garda. Here you can take a boat or hydrofoil tour for a romantic lake cruise to the most beautiful places on Lake Garda. Don’t miss Sirmione, with its historical centre rich in Roman and medieval history. Malcesine is known for its castle overlooking the lake and from here you can take the cable car up to the 1,760 metres of Monte Baldo with a spectacular view of the lake.

At Gardone Riviera a must-see location is certainly the spectacular Vittoriale, home to poet Gabriele d’Annunzio, with the magic atmosphere of its gardens and the memories of the poet’s adventurous life. Those who love charming lakeside villages will love the elegance of Lazise with its colourful houses, and the Nordic atmosphere of Riva del Garda.