The magic of Venice expands beyond its borders, to the Veneto — a region rich with beauties and deliciousness.
I admit it wasn’t easy to pull myself away from Venice and explore its surroundings. But since my first visit to Padua, over 20 years ago, I’ve been enchanted by all I’ve discovered — from breathtaking masterpieces of art and architecture to transformational spa experiences, and elegant towns that aren’t overcrowded with tourists.
To add to its appeal, extraordinary tastes, beloved worldwide, originated in the Veneto — including tiramisu and prosecco.
Come with me and wonderful women in June, for Extra Golden Days in the Veneto: For Women Only, and experience these highlights:
Palladian Villas — UNESCO World Heritage Site
The designs of superstar Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio brought elegance to the Veneto, particularly in Vicenza, aka City of Palladio. He used classic lessons from Greek and Roman architecture to develop a distinctive symmetry, that’s inspired builders for centuries.
Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and many beautiful government centers in the USA were created with thanks to Palladio’s genius.
We’ll begin our Veneto adventure with a stop at Palladio’s Villa Foscari, in its lovely setting on the Brenta Canal. Surrounded by the interior’s marvelous vibrant frescoes, we’ll imagine the life of the wealthy Venetians who summered here, and the legendary woman, aka La Malcontenta (the Discontented), who was sent here to live when she did not live up to her conjugal obligations.
In Vicenza, we’ll be treated to many of the Palladio’s creations, including an exclusive visit inside his most famous, Villa La Rotonda and his final project, the Teatro Olimpico.
Padua’s Fourteenth Century Fresco Cycles — UNESCO World Heritage List
While crowds fill Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, visitors to Giotto’s Scrovegni Chapel in Padua have a more tranquil experience of a masterpiece. Giotto’s frescoes were a breakthrough in medieval times, paving the way for the Renaissance, telling the story of the Life of Mary, in stunning emotional detail, leaving viewers “blue-struck” with their rich colors.
We’ll begin our Padua time at this wonderous creation and then will be guided to see more beauties in the Basilica of Saint Anthony and the town’s lively piazzas.
What’s so delightful about Padua is the juxtaposition of its youthful university vibe backdropped by medieval and Renaissance history. Our evening time there, with aperitivo at Caffe Pedrocchi, one of Italy’s most famous historic caffes, will be one for the memory books.
Verona — UNESCO World Heritage Site
Thanks to Shakespeare, who set “Romeo and Juliet” here, Verona has a reputation for being one of Italy’s most romantic towns. Its nickname is “Little Rome”, as it’s filled with remains from the days of the Empire, including the Arena, Europe’s third largest amphitheater, where we will begin our Golden Day.
UNESCO put Verona on its World Heritage list, as its historic center has well maintained its 2000 years of history — with a mix of architecture from Roman, medieval, and Renaissance times. We’ll be guided through by an entertaining local, with time for artisan shopping, a lunch of classic risotto, and a stop at “Juliet’s Balcony”.
Abano Terme — Beloved Spa Town
Our base for the Veneto adventure is Abano Terme, a town beloved for its healing thermal waters since the days of the Roman Empire. European travelers flock here for state-of-the-art treatments that have been developed using thermal mud that is carefully matured by medical experts to give maximum health benefits.
It’s marvelous to mix discovering such fascinating places in the Veneto, with treating ourselves to optimum self-care. You are guaranteed to return home inspired and rejuvenated!
The hotel’s atmosphere, with live music, 5-star service, and an excellent restaurant, brings glamour and deliciousness to our Days in the Veneto.
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ANDIAMO!
And if you’d like to stay longer in The Veneto, there are even more wonderful places to see…LOOK HERE Veneto | The Land of Venice
