Highlights of Veneto and the Italian Lakes

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The Veneto has six cultural sites listed which include the cities of Venice (and its Lagoon), Verona and Vicenza, the Palladian Villas of the Veneto, the Botanical Gardens of Padua and the majestic Dolomites

Andrea Palladio

The Renaissance architect Andrea di Pietro della Gondola, known as ‘Palladio,’ was born in Padua in 1508. He is credited as being one of the most influential figures in the field of architecture. Three of his best known works are the Villas Barbaro, Foscari (La Malcontenta) and La Rotonda.

Cappella degli Scrovegni

Located in the centre of Padua, the Scrovegni chapel’s interior is entirely covered with beautiful frescoes depicting the life of Christ. Painted by the Florentine artist Giotto and completed in 1305, it is one of the most important masterpieces of Western art

Villa del Balbianello

This beautiful villa, on the west banks of Lake Como, is in a scenic location on a wooded promontory that can easily be reached by ferry. Often used by film-makers, the location was featured in the James Bond thriller, Casino Royale

Wines of the Veneto

Veneto is among the foremost wine-producing regions, both for quality and quantity. The most well-known are Bardolino, Valpolicella and Soave. The excellent white sparkling Prosecco and the rich red Amarone are not to be missed!

Il Vittoriale degli Italiani

A fabulous hillside estate located in Gardone Riviera overlooking Lake Garda. Visit the Art Deco home of the Italian writer and poet Gabriele d’Annunzio and his unusually designed gardens including a full size WWI battleship and small amphitheatre

Caffè Pedrocchi

When in Padua take a break at this C19th coffee house and ask for the speciality - a Pedrocchi caffè, a perfect blend of sweet mint and bitter espresso coffee. A meeting place for intellectuals and academics over the years, even Lord Byron was a patron

The Borromeo Islands

Lake Maggiore is home to three islands that lie in a wide gulf surrounded by mountains. The islands of Bella and Madre have grand residences and a 17th century Italian-style garden, while ‘dei Pescatori’ is an age-old fishing village

Torre del Lamberti

Climb the narrow clock tower (84m high) for fabulous views over the UNESCO World Heritage city of Verona. The tower has four bells of which the largest (Rengo) is used to call the population to arms or to invoke the city’s councils

Venice Regatta

A unique sport, practised in the Venetian lagoon for centuries, particularly known for the spectacular historical water pageant that precedes the race. Gondoliers, in period costume, carry the Doge, the Doge’s wife and high ranking officials up the Grand Canal in a brightly coloured parade

Three islands of the Venetian Lagoon

Hop on a vaporetto and visit the Venetian glass factory on Murano; Burano where beautifully intricate lacework can be found; and Torcello, with its charming colourful houses and gardens

Il Bàcaro

The Bàcaro is similar to a tavern and is typical to Venice. Venetians love to stop here and indulge in some tapas (cichetti) accompanied by a glass of wine (ombreta)