Hidden away along meandering country roads are the precious villas of Andrea Palladio, framed by the lush green hills, that are also home to some of Italy's most famous wines (Amarone, Soave, Prosecco to name only a few), and the soaring peaks of the Dolomites in the distance.

Veneto, like a country within a country.

Whether travelling along scenic back-roads, strolling around peaceful hill towns or enjoying a glass of wine at a local vineyard, you'll discover the non-tourist side of Italy.

A day in the Veneto is the perfect compliment to your time in Venice, especially at the weekends when Venice can be crowded. 

Discover the magic of Verona & the Amarone / Valpolicella (wines) with us!   We arrive in Verona at Piazza Bra where world famous 1st century outdoor arena is located.    With it’s over 22,000 seats under the stars everyone from Andrea Bocelli, Celine Dion, U2 and Sting have sung there as well as numerous operas. 

You will have a few hours to visit the house of Juliet (Romeo’s girlfriend), historical Piazza dell Erbe and some of the exclusive shops around the city.

Vicenza:  The villas in the province of Vicenza

Along our roads, half-hidden, behind rich vegetation, often not seen by the hurried traveler, the are many buildings reminding the past times when living and spending hours at home and in the country meant intense pleasure: The villas of the province of Vicenza.

Some of them of incomparable splendor, others of modest make, some perfectly restructured in their original beauty, others neglected and weather-beaten, constitute the original diversity of the Province of Vicenza.

Andrea Palladio has left the prestigious sign of an unrepeatable time, when the munificence of a few great families has matched with the technical skills of humble artisans whose work, together with the genius of the great architect, has left one of the best examples of human inventiveness.

Palladio is an unicum, but many architects have followed his path by accepting or defying his inheritance: Scamozzi, Muttoni, Pizzocaro and other less famous which makes of our province a constant goal for visitors

Cortina d’Ampezzo is located in Dolomite Mountains of Northeastern Italy about 30 minutes north of Belluno.  The best way to travel is passing Mestre-Venice, the ride up shows some incredible breath-taking views.  The village, boasting a thousand-year old remarkable historical background, has nearly 7,000 inhabitants.   It attracts visitors from all over the world for its lively international atmosphere, its fashionable shops, and excellent restaurants.

Cortina is also known as the "Regina delle Dolomiti" - Queen of the Dolomites - since it is in the heart of the wonderful Dolomites.   All around, red rock mountains tower over the city with the surrounding forests and wide ski slopes.    It offers something for everyone, including the topflight professional skiers.


The natural beauty has made Cortina d’Ampezzo the set for a number of worldwide famous movies. Among them:

Ash Wednesday starring Elizabeth Taylor and Henry Fonda
The Pink Panther starring David Niven and Peter Sellers
For Your Eyes Only starring Roger Moore
Von Ryan Express starring Frank Sinatra
Cliff Hanger starring Sylvester Stallone

Cortina d'Ampezza-2

Passing through tunnels with astounding views of canyons and valleys that suddenly appear, the scenery is absolutely breath-taking.   The Dolomites are this and much more. 

Passing through small mountain villages up to Dolomiti Ampezzane we arrive at Cortina, ‘the pearl of the Dolomites’ & one of Italy’s top ski and alpine resorts, favoured by celebrities and scenario for films.   

We take time to enjoy a stroll and take in the views of the mountains, then continue towards the Falzarego Pass (2752 metres high), with the famous Five Towers peaks and other majestic views to photograph.

Up over the pass and then down towards the Fiorentina valley, passing Andrez castle (11th C), with another stop-off to enjoy the panoramic view of Lake Alleghe and Monte Civetta, we arrive at Selva di Cadora and time to enjoy a typical rustic lunch.   Making our leisurely way back to Venice, & time permitting, we can stop to try the tasty handmade ice-cream at Longarone and see the view of the Vajont valley. 

Padova (Padua)

The city centre is very small and all the sights could easily be covered in half a day by foot while enjoying interesting passageways in-between sights.    Coming from the railway station you'll cross the main river flowing through town, immediately on your left will be the Scrovegni Chapel followed by the remains of a Roman amphitheatre.

For the Medieval city centre, Basilica di Sant'Antonio, Botanical Gardens, University and other attractions continue straight ahead until you see signs indicating the various routes to the different attractions.     It would probably only take twenty minutes maximum to walk from one side of the historical centre to the other so we allow ourselves to drift off the beaten track every now and then to discover hidden alley-ways, speciality stores and the waterways that punctuate the city's landscape.

Tour 2:: A private 3-hour walking tour of the city of Padova

Enjoy a private guided tour of Giotto's famous frescoes, and understand why these 14 th century paintings played such a vital role in Western art.   Visit one of the oldest Universities in Italy and hear tales and stories of the theatrics of the performing surgeons in the famous anatomy room.    Wander through the streets of Padova.