Often overlooked by the casual traveler, Italy’s “other” famous hill towns offer unique treasures all their own. Little faschinating tows full of history at the foothills of the Dolomites
Departures available form Treviso or Venice
ITINERARY
- Marostica, little medieval town whose medival fortifications are almost intact. All along the lenght of the walls are towers placed at regular intervals, Marostica is not a big town and it is centered around a large square called Piazza Castello, famous for the chess board painted on its pavement. According to the legend, in 1454, Rinaldo da Angarano and Vieri da Vallonara played an important live game of chess in Marostica on a huge chessboard, specially painted in Piazza Castello, to win the hand of Lionora, the daughter of the lord of the castle, Taddeo Parisio.
Since 1954 this challenge has been re-enacted every two years and has turned into a real town festival, with traditional 15th century costumes.
- Bassano del Grappa, crossed by the river Brent, is one of the most densely-populated and well-developed town in Veneto. As well as fast-growing industrial economy and a lively cultural activity, Bassano has a fine gastronomic tradition. Its tipical products are the asparagues and grappa.
All the town is full of buildings of fine taste, enriched with prescious ornamentation.
In the central Monte Vecchio square are the impressive Palazzo del monte di pieta’ and the Casa Dal Corno Bonato, the facade of which was frescoed by Jacopo da Ponte, known as il Bassano ; a few steps away, in Piazza della Liberta’, is the neoclassical church of San Giovanni built in the 1300s by the architect Giovanni Miazzi. The 15th century Loggia del Comune is also lovely. The pearl of Bassano is, however, its wooden bridge, designed by Palladio in this material as its flexibility would resist the raging Brenta river. It was damaged both by the river and by bombings, but it was always restored following the ideas of Palladio. The last restoration was in the second postwar period and it was due to the Alpine troops.
- Asolo, old walled hill town known as the town of ‘One Hundred Horizons’, Asolo is one of the most enchanting spots in Italy and the jewel of the Veneto region. Its great location and wonderful climate made Asolo a population centre right from prehistoric times and later a principal settlement for the Veneto people.It has been the beloved retreat for the poet Robert Browning and explorer Freya Stark.
- Villa Barbaro, completed in 1565, also known as the Villa di Maser, designed and built by Andrea Palladio, with frescos by Paolo Veronese and sculptures by Alessandro Vittoria for Danile Barbaro, Patriarch of Aquileia and ambassador to Queen Elizabeth I of England. The villa was added to the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 1996.
Versione italiana
4 of us (2 couples) will be in Venice from April 8, 2010 thru April 14,2010.
What is your fee for this tour? What days is this available?
Grazie
Dear Mary, thanks for contacting us. Being a private tour, it will be available any day you wish, except on Monday when the Villa Barbaro in Maser is closed.
I will back to you soon on your e-mail address with the quote.
Grazie, Marta
Same question, only we are just one couple and will be in Venice in March.
Grazie
Doug
Dear Doug, thanks for your message. How can I help you?
I am interested in your hidden treasure tour. There would be two of us and we were thinking of the 16th of March. We are staying in Venice. could you give me a price for this tour?
Thank you.
Sarah Flynn
Dear Sarah, thanks for contacting us. Please check your e-mail address for more information and a quote.Grazie
Absolutely Very Good photographs! They make me dream of Italy and my next visit. I love Italy and travel there often and hope to call Rome one day. I have shared this with facebook
I was surfing the blog world, when your blog popped up, so I thought I would say hello – Super photos !!! I have shared this with twiter
hello fantastic blog yea nice work our website will soon be adding reviews on blogs and add them to our blogs as the top best 10 websites to visit we also do reviews on product recalls all types of reviews
please send me a quote for two people for the Hidden Treasures tours for 15 May 2010 from Venice.
Molto Grazie!
Hi Jerry, please check your e-mail for a quote. grazie
A relative recommended that I take a look at your site. I’m glad that I’m here.
My son and I will be staying in Treviso. We are interested in the hidden treasures tour. We are flexible with our dates June 7-11, 2010 and would like to join another small party or couple on the tour to reduce the cost. Please respond back with the available dates and cost. Thank you and best regards, Sheree Hanson
slhanson97@yahoo.com
Ciao Sheree, please check your e-mail for an answer
Hi Marta, we are 7 arriving in Venice on October 17th. We would like a transfer to Vicenza but would it be possible to visit Padova en route and what would the cost be?
Thanks
Eleonora
Ciao Eleonora, thanks for contacting us. Please check your e-mail for the answer..grazie