Walking the Prosecco Hills

Fly to Venice and transfer to Pieve di Soligo, a small village located in the
heart of the Prosecco hills, approximately 60km north of Venice. The
surrounding area is picturesque, with lush vineyards covering the slopes of
every possible hill and old churches, abbeys, villas and ancient castles
dotting the landscape. Prosecco has been produced here for centuries, but
only more recently, thanks to the surge in its popularity worldwide, has the
area captured the deserved spotlight. Nevertheless, still relatively few
tourists visit this wine region each year, making it an ideal location for
our week of walking, wine tasting and cultural discovery in a still very
authentic rural part of Italy. Depending on the group arrival time, there
might be some time for a quick orientation walk near our hotel.

Day 2

This morning we transfer to the pretty town of Cison di Valmarino, one of the
best-preserved villages in the Prosecco area, containing numerous historical
monuments and buildings that reveal its past role as major feudal estate. The
gentle walk follows a waterway, crossing tranquil woodlands, and passing by
the ancient manor and fortress of Castelbrando, which offers panoramic views
over the farmland and villages far below. The walk ends in Follina, famous
for the Cistercian monastery of Santa Maria, a mystical site enclosing one of
Italy’s most beautiful cloisters. The monks were the first to give a boost
to the development of the textile sector in this area, weaving wool here from
the Middle Ages onwards. In the afternoon we return to the hotel and the
remainder of the day is free to relax in the village or you may decide to
take an optional short walk along the picturesque river banks in proximity of
our hotel.

Day 3

Today's walk takes us to the heartland of the Prosecco hills, namely
Valdobbiadene, S. Pietro di Barbozza and S.Stefano. The majority of the
winemakers are based right here, amongst the picture-perfect terraced steep
hills which are arguably the prettiest of the whole Veneto region. Our walk
follows a mix of man-made tracks and paths twisting through the vineyards,
and offers spectacular views of the fertile landscape and hamlets perched on
the hillsides. During the walk we will have the opportunity to visit of one
of the top local Prosecco producers, whose passion for wine making goes back
for generations in the family. After a tour of the wine cellars, we will have
the opportunity to sample different varieties of Prosecco during a guided
wine-tasting (included). We return to the hotel in the afternoon. 

Day 4

In the morning we transfer to the pretty capital province of Treviso, a real
hidden gem often overlooked and perhaps overshadowed by the neighbouring
Venice. Rebuilt and restored after Second World War bombing, the town centre
is a rambling maze of streets lined with arcaded walkways. The town is
circled by a pretty wall and by waterways, which add to its very picturesque
and elegant style. After a walking tour of the town's centre accompanied by a
local guide, we enjoy some free time to wander around at our own pace and
have some lunch (the world-famous Tiramisu was apparently invented in this
city, so it is recommended trying some in one of the best cafes in town!). In
the afternoon we leave the walls of Treviso behind and follow the water flow
of Sile, the longest river of resurgent waters in Europe. This tranquil route
through a nature reserve offers the opportunity to explore the local flora
and fauna and brings to light many evidences of the age-old relationship
between men and this river. Return to the hotel in the evening.

Day 5

After a short private transfer we reach another gem of the Prosecco area and
the start point of today's walk: Villa Barbaro in Maser. The villa is one of
the greatest masterpieces of the famous Italian architect Andrea Palladio
(1508-80), and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is situated in the
middle of a flourishing privately owned estate, and six of its rooms adorned
by beautiful frescos are open to the public. After a short visit, we set off
for our walk starting with a climb to Monte San Giorgio, overlooking the
villa. The route will then veer west, following one of the original
front-lines used during the First World War. The war affected most of this
area as well as many other towns around the Prosecco hills. During the walk
we are able to see the evidence and memorials of the epic deeds that marked
the destiny of generations of people and the course of history throughout the
world. Our end point is the elegant hill-top town of Asolo, known as 'the
pearl of the province of Treviso', for its beautiful setting and charming
historic centre. Free time and return to Pieve di Soligo for dinner.

Day 6

Free day to visit the lovely town of Conegliano (the other major centre of
Prosecco production and wine studies), or take a day-trip to the one and only
Venice (only a short train ride away).

Day 7

Our final walk takes us above the Prosecco hills, to Mt Cesen, a humble,
rounded, grassy mountain, and the highest in its small group of Venetian
Prealps. Rising just above the Piave River at an altitude of 1570 meters it
offers a stunning panorama and popular walking trails which cross mountain
pastures, meadows and a landscape which differs completely to the one we
explored earlier in the week. On a clear day, the views can stretch as far as
the Eastern Alps, Dolomites, and Venice. In the evening, there will be the
opportunity to enjoy a fantastic farewell dinner in one of the best local
restaurants located in a panoramic setting in the heart of the Prosecco
hills. 

If the weather conditions are good and the skies are clear, the group will
have the option to go on a longer walk (Distance: 8 Km, Ascent:
450m, Descent: 450m, Maximum altitude: 1406m).

Day 8

This trip ends in the morning of Day 8 in Pieve di Soligo. The morning is
free to visit Pieve Di Soligo's weekly market. The group will be transferred
to Venice airport in the afternoon for the inbound flight to London which is
usually scheduled to depart after 4pm.