Veneto Medieval Towns

For this tour we have chosen the most picturesque hill towns of the Veneto. From Venice we travel into the countryside and head towards the hills where we find the medieval walled town of Marostica with its imposing castle. It’s a town famous for ’ a living game of chess’ that takes place once a year on a giant chessboard in its main square – an event that dates back to the 15th century. The rampart walk from the Castello Inferiore to the Castello superior has fine views.

Moving on we visit the peaceful town of Bassano del Grappa – synonymous with its production of the potent liquor Grappa - ‘firewater of the mountains’. Crossing the celebrated Palladian bridge over the Riviera del Brenta we visit the famous distillery with its shop situated right on the bridge and enjoy a taste of the famous Grappa!

Then onto Asolo – ‘the pearl of the Veneto’ and known as the town of a thousand horizons, a tiny town perfectly situated among the cypress-clad foothills of the Dolomites, where we find the castle of Caterina Cornaro - Queen of Cyprus, dating back to 15th century. Many poets have fallen in love with Asolo, including Robert Browning.

This is a relaxing day out, and you can choose where to take lunch (with helpful suggestions from your guide/driver). Locanda Cipriani at Asolo is perfect, or a local ‘hosteria’ in the town centre to taste local specialities.