Veneto & Dolomites: from Canals to Mountains

Arrival at Venice Airport where a hostess will accompany you to the pier for a private transfer by boat to your accommodation in central Venice. The rest of the day is at your leisure. 

Overnight in a 5* Hotel in central Venice.

Meet your expert guide and prepare to uncover the timeless splendour of two of Venice’s most iconic and storied landmarks. Once the vibrant centre of political power and religious devotion in the Serenissima Republic, St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace remain enduring symbols of the city’s magnificence. 

Begin your journey inside the Doge’s Palace, the former seat of Venice’s government and the Doge’s private residence. Wander through grand chambers where justice was once dispensed and pivotal decisions were made. Admire the exquisite masterpieces that adorn the gilded ceilings and step into the Doge’s opulent private apartments. Then, cross the legendary Bridge of Sighs and descend into the shadowy prisons below—each stone whispering tales of intrigue and fate. 

Continue your exploration at the majestic St. Mark’s Basilica, where tradition holds that the remains of the Evangelist Mark rest. Let yourself be awed by the breathtaking golden mosaics that blanket the interior, depicting biblical stories and centuries of devotion. With its soaring domes, intricate details, and radiant splendour, this sacred masterpiece stands among the most inspiring churches in the world. The rest of the day is at your disposal. Overnight in Venice.

Venice: one of the most magical cities in the world. Though it has been photographed and filmed countless times, nothing compares to experiencing its enchantment from the water, as it was always meant to be seen. Leave behind the crowds and street vendors and glide into the calm of Venice’s hidden canals and secret waterways on your tour. 

You will uncover the authentic heart of Venice, a place of winding canals, faded grandeur, and timeless tradition, the Venice you’ve always dreamed of. This experience is, without a doubt, the most captivating way to explore the city. Your journey begins on the breathtaking Grand Canal, where elegant palazzos, lively markets, and scenes of daily life unfold before your eyes. Then, stop at a square, a traditional Venetian boatyard, to witness how gondolas are still crafted by hand today. Watch skilled artisans at work, shaping these one-of-a-kind vessels and preserving centuries of craftsmanship and heritage. The tour continues to the Arsenale, once the beating heart of Venice’s naval power, where the Republic’s grandest and most decorated ships were built. From there, you’ll venture beyond the main island to the serene islet of San Giorgio, where you can stroll through peaceful lanes, visit the historic church, and climb the bell tower for a stunning 360-degree panorama of the lagoon. Seeing Venice from above offers a completely new perspective — a city of jagged rooftops, graceful domes, and hidden gardens emerging beneath you. Finally, once back aboard your ship, you’ll explore the historic Jewish Ghetto, one of the city’s most atmospheric and culturally rich neighbourhoods. 

Along the way, your expert guide will share fascinating insights into La Serenissima — from its history and legends to the unique relationship between water and land that defines Venice itself. The rest of the day is at leisure to further explore the beautiful Venice. We suggest the iconic yet off-the-beaten paths district of Dorsoduro. Overnight in Venice.

After breakfast check out from your hotel. A private transfer by boat and car will take you to the rent-a-car office in Venice. Pick up your car and venture to the beautiful venetian mainland. Reach your first stop, Villa Foscari, known as LaMalcontenta, a masterpiece by Andrea Palladio. Gracefully reflected in the Brenta River, the villa’s classical façade and frescoed interiors evoke Renaissance harmony and quiet elegance. The visit (tickets not included) can be brief and free, just enough to enjoy the symmetry of the architecture and the calm of its gardens.

Continuing along the Riviera del Brenta, you follow the river’s slow course dotted with noble villas built from the venetian noble families and old drawbridges. 

Arrive in Stra, home to Villa Pisani, the grand Baroque residence once belonging to the powerful Pisani family. The vast gardens, with their famous maze and long shaded avenues, invite a leisurely stroll, while inside the villa the frescoed halls and Tiepolo’s magnificent ceiling painting recall the opulence of the Venetian nobility.

Finally reach your new accommodation located in the venetian countryside for the overnight.

A guided tour of Treviso begins in the heart of this elegant, water-laced city, where canals weave between ancient palaces and flowered balconies. Accompanied by a local guide, you stroll through the cobbled streets of the historic centre, discovering its quiet charm and refined atmosphere. Piazza dei Signori, the city’s living room, reveals Treviso’s civic pride with its medieval palaces and the elegant Loggia dei Cavalieri nearby. The tour continues through narrow lanes lined with frescoed façades, past hidden courtyards and arcades that recall Treviso’s mercantile past. The gentle sound of flowing water accompanies you along the Buranelli Canal, where reflections of bridges and houses create one of the most romantic scenes in the Veneto. A stop at the Duomo allows time to admire its Renaissance artworks and the frescoes by Pordenone and Titian.

Leaving the city behind, the journey continues north toward the rolling hills of the Prosecco region, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. Vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see, arranged in perfect rows that climb the slopes of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene. Visit a local winery located in a palladian Villa and live a journey through art, history, and winemaking. Guests explore the elegant Palladian villa, stroll through centuries-old cellars and learn about the production of Prosecco. The experience ends with a refined tasting of some of finest sparkling wines. Return to your Hotel for the overnight.

A day trip through Marostica, Bassano del Grappa, and Possagno offers a perfect blend of history, art, and landscape in the heart of the Veneto. Departing with your rental car in the morning, the first stop is Marostica, a charming walled town famous for its life-sized chess game played in the main square. Walking through Piazza degli Scacchi, framed by medieval towers and arcades, you can imagine the ancient spectacle that still takes place every two years. A short climb to the Upper Castle rewards you with sweeping views over the plains and the gentle slopes dotted with cherry trees and olive groves.

From there, the road leads to Bassano del Grappa, just a few kilometres away. The town is known for its graceful Ponte degli Alpini, the covered wooden bridge redesigned by Palladio, spanning the Brenta River. Strolling along its arcades, you can admire artisan shops, traditional distilleries, and lively cafés. A visit to the Poli Grappa Museum or a tasting of the local spirit offers insight into one of the area’s most distinctive traditions. 

In the afternoon, the journey continues toward Possagno, nestled at the foot of the Asolo hills. Here stands the Gypsotheca and Museum Antonio Canova, a luminous neoclassical space designed by the artist’s half-brother to house the, and mythological scenes—you experience the purity and grace of the sculptor’s vision. Return to your hotel for the overnight.

The transfer from the Prosecco Hills to the Puster Valley is a scenic journey across some of northern Italy’s most captivating landscapes. Leaving the rolling hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, the road ascends gradually toward the Dolomites, where gentle slopes give way to dramatic peaks and alpine valleys. The route offers the option of a stop in Cortina d’Ampezzo, the “Queen of the Dolomites” renowned for its elegant atmosphere, wooden chalets, and breathtaking mountain views. A short stroll through its lively centre allows time for a coffee or lunch surrounded by the towering Tofane mountains.

Continuing the drive, another optional pause can be made at Lake Misurina, a crystal-clear mirror nestled among pine forests and high cliffs. The reflections of the Sorapiss and Tre Cime di Lavaredo peaks create one of the most iconic scenes in the Alps, ideal for a peaceful walk along the shore or a photo stop. From here, the road winds gently toward the Puster Valley, descending through alpine meadows and forests into the wide, sunlit valley that stretches from Brunico to Dobbiaco. Reach your new accommodation, the Ecoluxury Retreat OLM Nature Escape for the overnight.

After breakfast, set out for San Candido, a picturesque Tyrolean village near the Austrian border, where your bicycle awaits for a day of outdoor adventure. The ride to Lienz is one of the most scenic and enjoyable in the Alps, following a well-marked cycle path that gently descends through breathtaking landscapes. Starting from San Candido’s historic centre, nestled amid the Dolomites, you’ll follow the Drava River, cycling through fragrant pine woods, open meadows, and quiet Alpine hamlets. The 45-kilometer route is accessible to all levels, offering a perfect balance of relaxation and discovery. Along the way, inviting mountain huts and traditional inns provide ideal spots to pause for a coffee, homemade pastry, or hearty local meal.

A highlight of the journey is a stop at the Loacker confectionery factory in Heinfels, where you can sample the brand’s famous wafers right where they’re made. The final stretch leads to Lienz, a charming Austrian town surrounded by green valleys and mountain peaks. After some time to explore or relax, you’ll return comfortably by train to San Candido, where the rental bikes can be dropped off at the Lienz station. Back at your hotel, unwind and enjoy a restful evening in the heart of the Alps.

Arrive at Lago di Braies early in the morning to avoid the crowds and admire the lake’s emerald waters reflecting the surrounding peaks. Begin with a walk along the shore, a gentle 1.5 km path that circles part of the lake, offering multiple photo opportunities of the iconic wooden boathouse and the dramatic Croda del Becco (Seekofel) cliffs.

We suggest you hike the scenic full circular trail around the lake, which is about 3.6 km and takes roughly 1–1.5 hours at a leisurely pace. The path passes through larch forests, rocky outcrops, and small meadows. For the rest of the day, we suggest you take advantage of the facilities offered by your accommodation such as the hotel’s Spa or the yoga and fitness rooms. The surrounding forests are perfect for nature walks. You may also walk to the nearby village for tastings of local products, such as regional cheeses at selected alpine huts.