Veneto

Dolomites and Lake Garda

The northern part of Veneto is comprised of the enchanting mountainous area of the Dolomites, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, extending north to the border with Austria, to the north west with Trentino Alto Adige, and to the north east with Friuli Venezia Giulia, with which Veneto also shares the Carnic Alps. The Dolomites are filled with some of the most dramatically beautiful mountain landscapes anywhere. With sheer cliffs, vertical walls and thousands of narrow, deep and long valleys, the Dolomites are picture perfect.

To the south-west, on the border with Lombardy, lay the Garda Mountains which slope gently into the Veronese hills. They retreat little by little and end at a gorgeous green plain furrowed by streams. To the west is the largest lake in Italy, Lake Garda, which has small resort towns all around it and is famous for endless options of watersports and outdoor activities. Sailing, kite surfing and windsurfing especially, as the wind blows everyday at predictable times.
Bordering Emilia Romagna to the south in the heart of the region, is a green flatland which extends toward the southeast and ends at the vast beaches of the Northern Adriatic.
Due to its variety of landscapes and for the beauty and uniqueness of its historic cities, it is the fifth most visited region in Europe and the most visited in Italy.

Venezia

Of course, the most visited city in Veneto is the capital of the region, the amazing Venice. Considered the most unique city in the world, Venice is nestled on more than 100 small islands within a lagoon of the Adriatic Sea. Famous for its canals flanked by splendid Gothic and Renaissance buildings and traversed by gondolas, it is a city with infinite hidden corners to be explored. An intricate maze of calli (streets) intersect the city and invite you to its small historic bàcari (bars) where you can sample some cicchetti (tapas) until you find your way out.

Verona

But Veneto has other wonderful cities of art, such as Verona which lies at the foot of the Lessini Mountains along the Adige river. Verona is known for being rich in historical and artistic content from Roman to Medieval times. Verona Arena, older than Rome’s Colosseum, is the best preserved Roman Amphitheatre in the world, and still hosts performances today. Fair Verona is famous worldwide for being the backdrop to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, and here you can see what may have inspired the balcony where Juliet spoke her famous words:
“What’s in a name? that which we call a rose
by any other name would smell as sweet;” as well as partake in other Shakespearean activities like the Shakespeare Interactive Museum.

Treviso

Treviso, which rises in the Venetian plain among numerous rivers testifies to its rich and complex history through its grand fortifications, buildings and churches. Like its more famous neighbor, Treviso is intersected by ancient canals which were originally used to ship goods around the city. You can spend a wonderful day exploring the bridges and admiring the beautiful houses which line the canals.
Padua
Next is Padua, the oldest Venetian city of pre-Roman origins. Padua saw the culmination of its splendor in the fourteenth century, which is demonstrated in Giotto’s pictorial cycle in the Scrovegni chapel, a masterpiece of Western art, and also by a prestigious university which is one of the oldest in the world. Today Padua is modern and cosmopolitan, with excellent opportunities for shopping and nightlife.

Vicenza

Finally we have Vicenza, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its late Renaissance architectural masterpieces. It is stunningly beautiful, quiet and laid back.

Castles and Hamlets Scattered Among Mountains, Hills, Bays and Beaches

Venice is all that most tourists will see of Veneto, but they are really missing out by not going further and exploring the small town wonders and natural sights of the territory. The villages around Lake Garda offer beautiful mountain views, sunny warm days and amazing opportunities for outdoor recreation. Small, medieval fortified hamlets dot the countryside, venturing into any of them you are sure to find beautiful and ancient architecture, friendly locals and delicious cuisine. On Veneto’s Adriatic coast you can enjoy a lazy day at the beach eating fresh seafood and sipping chilled prosecco. Any way you choose to experience it, Veneto will leave you with wondrous memories.

Veneto Food

Unsurprisingly, a highlight of Veneto is its cuisine. The wide range of varied flavors is dependent on its geographical conformation, rich history and even the influences of other countries in contact with Veneto thanks to the global trade exchanges of the Republic of Venice. It is said bitter radicchio and sweet tiramisu come from Treviso; you can find the real deal Asiago cheese in the village of, you guessed it, Asiago; on the coast you will find the best fish; and in the mountains robust polenta. A holiday in Veneto will surely leave your taste buds happy and wanting more.

Veneto Wine

Finally, Veneto deserves a special mention for its exceptional wine production. Veneto excels among the Italian regions for quality and variety: from red wines to rosés and whites, from fine wines to dry sparkling wines. Its vines are cultivated in the fertile soils of the plain crossed by canals and rivers and up the slopes of the hills. Along with its mild climate, these areas offer one of the richest wine scenes at the national level and at every village you can find a unique terroir to delight your palate.