Spotlight on Northern Italy featuring Venice, Verona & the Dolomites

Venture to vineyards, Venice, and Verona. It’s almost time to unpack once and journey among the jewels of Northern Italy.

Arrive today in Treviso, hometown of Italy’s most iconic dessert – tiramisu. Treviso has a long history tied to the nearby island city of Venice. Founded as a mainland (terraferma) settlement, Treviso was an early outpost with the look and feel of Venice. With your feet on “firm ground,” settle into your home for the next seven nights — a modern and elegantly furnished hotel in the center of Treviso. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Meet your fellow travelers for dinner, while a local pastry chef shows you a few tricks for preparing some sweet tiramisu.

Start your day with a walking tour in the city commonly called “Venice on the Mainland.” Take in the Old Town’s gothic-style windows, marble latticework, and the Sile and Botteniga rivers – humble elements all reminiscent of its famous island neighbor. After your guided tour on foot, take some time to explore more of Treviso at your own pace. Maybe you’ll wander through the weekly vegetable and housewares market. Or you can check out the picturesque Canale dei Buranelli and nearby pescheria, where fishmongers have set up shop for centuries. When you stop for lunch on your own, consider noshing on radicchio trevigiano, an autumnal delicacy consisting of red chicory grilled with a generous helping of extra virgin olive oil.

Verona (UNESCO) is for lovers. After a two-hour bus ride, find yourself in the romantic city of Romeo & Juliet. In Verona, it’s your choice! Explore Verona’s painted houses during a walking tour of the Old Town -OR- stroll along the town’s riverbanks in search of its bridges and lesser-known monuments. No matter what you choose, you’ll catch a glimpse of the city’s must-sees: Juliet’s balcony and the impressive exterior of the Arena, the ancient Roman amphitheater. After, enjoy some free time to explore Verona how you’d like. Whether you’re following in the footsteps of Shakespeare’s most famous dramatic characters or retracing Italian history, savor time wandering in Verona’s medieval city center. After lunch on your own in the city, return to your hotel in the late afternoon to relax.