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NEOCLASSICAL VENETO
THE GREAT PALLADIAN VILLAS OF VICENZA AND VENICE
This trip will give you a very good overview of the region of Veneto, visiting an enchanting area located at the foothills of the Dolomites. The Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio (1508-1580) remains the most influential architect in the history of architecture. About 450 years ago his country houses -- called "villas" -- began to appear in the countryside of the Veneto, the mainland province around Venice. He shaped the world that surrounds us today. Some of his most influential villas survive in the Veneto region around Venice, Italy.
The City of Vicenza and the Palladian Villas of the Veneto is a World Heritage Site protecting a cluster of works by the architect Andrea Palladio. UNESCO inscribed the site on the World Heritage List in 1994.
Eighteen Renaissance villas by the architect Andrea Palladio survive today in the Veneto area around Venice, Italy. Many of them are open to the public. They are visited each year by thousands of architects, art historians, tourists and others who want to admire their beauty, feel closer to history and better understand the foundations of the modern world.
Palladio's villas revolutionized Western architecture in the 17th and 18th centuries, produced the school of Southern architecture in the 19th century, and changed the way homes look in our contemporary world. His influence was ensured by his revolutionary treatise The Four Books of Architecture (1570).
The villas represent Palladio's response to the unique needs of his contemporary world. In the villas Palladio re-worked what he perceived to be timeless and universal principles newly re-discovered from the past. Fortuitously, the needs of his time have remained needs of the modern world. As a result, Palladio's architectural insights and solutions remain vital and relevant.
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Day 1 : Arrival and accommodation in hotel.
Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2 : Vicenza - Villa Godi Malinverni - Villa La Rotonda
The day begins with a fascinating walking tour of the city of Vicenza, a city that Palladio transformed with his imposing civic buildings, basilica and aristocratic residences. The city of Vicenza has one of the highest ratios of historical buildings to population in Italy and is a UNESCO city. The city has remained unchanged, minor details aside, since the 16th century and acts as a show case to the numerous works by Palladio found within the Medieval centre of Vicenza.
Along with Palladio's Basilica, the highlight of our time in Vicenza will be a visit to the Teatro Olimpico, one of the purest creations of Renaissance architecture in Italy and arguably his most beautiful work.
From Vicenza along scenic backroads the tour continues to discover some of Palladio's villas (Villa Porto, Villa Valmarana, Villa Trissino); lunch at a restaurant built into the old barn of Villa Godi Malinverni and dating from 1533 decorated with 16th Century frescoes. Your Palladian expert local guide will lead you on a tour of the Villa and its gardens which were designed by the Gardeners of Prince Edward during the first world war when the Villa was the high command of British forces in north-eastern Italy. Departure for Villa La Rotonda, the most famous villa in Veneto. Return to hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3 : Marostica - Bassano - Asolo - Villa Masier
After breakfast, the tour will take you to Medieval Marostica, with its imposing fortified castle and giant chess-board permanently laid-out in the town square, where the famous living game of chess is played every two years. The game revolves around a legend dating from the 15th century when the fate of one young lady was decided on the outcome of a game of chess. While at Marostica enjoy some free time to walk around this lovely small town.
We'll then visit the picturesque town of Bassano del Grappa, featuring a magnificent Palladian bridge crossing the mighty Brenta river . Enjoy a tour around its narrow streets , spacious squares and at spectacular view points benefit from the superb views over the surroundinng hills and mountains .Here you'll also have the chance to sample some of the local firewater - "Grappa" (Optional) . Bassano is also a shoppers paradise: famous for its ceramics produced in town, porcini mushrooms and other local delicacies, you can take the opportunity to do some shopping during your free time.
The last of three hill towns we visit is enchanting and elegant Asolo, the pearl of Veneto, perched on lush-green hills. Along with its delightful gardens , palatial villas, beautiful renaissance palaces, the spectacular views of the surrounding countryside have inspired poets and writers over the centuries, the likes of Robert Browning and Freya Stark.Medieval.
Day 4 : The river Brenta Riviera
Boarding at Venice and navigating towards the Brenta Riviera. Explanations of the various Palladian villas along the canal such as 'La Malcontenta'. Visit to Villa Gradenigo, Villa Barchessa Valmarana, cross the locks of Mira and Dolo, visit to the Old Mills of the XVI century. Lunch in Dolo; Proceed to Strà and visit of Villa Pisani Nazionale, Late afternoon departure with private transport to Vicenza hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5 : Departure after breakfast.
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We have selected for you :
Relais Casa Belmonte
Situated on the top of Belmonte hill in Sarcedo, a small town just a few kilometres from Vicenza, Casa Belmonte offers a splendid view of the luxuriant Veneto plain.
A seven-hectare property of vines and olive-groves surrounds the villa, and invites the desire for healthy ecological walks. Everything at Casa Belmonte is carefully attended to and much attention is given to detail.
A perfect union between tradition and elegance that will make you want to to return. Villa Belmonte, the ideal place for beginning and ending a full day's work and for allowing oneself precious moments that restore both mind and spirit.
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