This morning, guests will meet at Piazzale Roma in Venice for a private ride through the serene countryside to the first treasure of the trip: Villa Foscari. The villa, designed by superstar Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio, is part of a collection of Veneto masterpiece buildings that have been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll enjoy the fabulously frescoed interior and gardens of this property, set on the Brenta Canal.

A short ride from the villa takes us to our Golden Days home base: the 5-star Grand Hotel Trieste and Victoria in Abano Terme. Roman emperors soaked in Abano Terme’s curative waters, famous for their rejuvenating effects. We’ll enjoy a welcome lunch together at the hotel and then check into our Junior Suites. There will be time to relax, enjoy the indoor/outdoor thermal pool, and have an introduction to the state-of the-art spa.

In the evening, we’ll have dinner surrounded by the hotel’s elegant atmosphere, enjoying a delicious menu featuring the region’s specialties, accompanied by live piano music. And for those who want to end the day with more live music, every night the hotel bar features a singer and piano player, to set the mood for happy experiences. Or the thermal pools stay open until 11:00 pm.

Meals included: L, D
 

This morning is your time to enjoy a leisurely breakfast from the hotel’s abundant buffet, and then indulge in pleasures of your choice. You may enjoy thermal pools, relaxing time on your suite’s balcony or in the hotel garden, or a massage, facial, or mud treatment—3 spa treatments are included for you on this itinerary.

After lunch in the hotel, we’ll venture off to the beautiful town of Padua. We’ll meet our local entertaining guide and begin our experience with a medieval masterpiece: Giotto’s Scrovegni Chapel. The 14th century frescoes that cover the walls of this chapel were a revelation to the art world—bringing true emotions to biblical scenes for the first time and paving the way for Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. We’ll move on to Padua’s stunning Gothic Basilica of Saint Anthony, and the pedestrian-only historic center, stopping for an aperitivo at Caffe Pedrocchi, one of Italy’s most famous historic caffes, from 1831. From this piazza there will be free time for strolling and dinner on your own (with Susan’s suggestions), joining the town’s students, locals, and tourists in Padua’s lively nighttime scene.

Meals Included: B, L

Today we’ll discover the town of Vicenza, where superstar Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio created architectural masterpieces. We’ll begin with our guide on the outskirts of town, for a private tour of Palladio’s famous Rotonda, that inspired Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. Nearby we’ll enjoy the charming Villa Valmarana ai Nani, featuring mythological frescoes by Gianbattista Tiepolo and gardens with beautiful countryside views.

Moving on to Vicenza’s centro storico, we’ll enjoy lunch together in a beloved-by-gourmets restaurant to enjoy local specialties. There will be more Palladio wonders to enjoy, including his Teatro Olimpico with a breathtaking stage set and Basilica Palladina in Vicenza’s main Piazza dei Signori. Vicenza also has a centuries-old tradition of artisan goldsmiths, so there will be time on your own to visit glittering shops and stroll amidst beautiful architecture.

We’ll be back in Abano Terme by late afternoon, giving you time for taking the waters and spa treatments, before dinner at your leisure at the hotel.

Meals Included: B, L, D

After breakfast, today’s adventure takes us to Verona, a world famous UNESCO World Heritage city, made famous by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. With our local guide, we’ll begin our day in Piazza Bra, overlooking Verona’s awe-inspiring Roman Amphitheater, one of the largest in Italy.

Next will be a leisurely guided walk through the historic center, with its gorgeous mix of ancient Roman, Medieval, and Renaissance architecture, including a stop at Casa di Giulietta=Juliet’s House, where one of literature’s most romantic heroines is honored.  There will be lunch at a traditional trattoria, and free time to stroll and enjoy Verona’s vias and boutiques.

Back in Abano Terme, there will be time for pools and spa, before dinner at the hotel.

Meals Included: B, L, D

Today you may choose to stay and complete your blissful soak/spa regimen at the hotel or venture off to discover more of the Veneto.

Some options:
(For additional costs, depending on number of sign-ups)

Discover Bassano della Grappa
(1 hour away)
This charming town, with Roman roots, is famous for its covered wooden bridge, designed by Andrea Palladio, and also for the production of grappa liquer and a distinctive style of artisan ceramics. You can enjoy strolling cobblestoned streets, with mountain views in the distance, and stop in a caffe or osteria near the bridge. Also, Thursday is Market Day, so you’ll be amidst lively local action in the piazzas, with stalls selling food, clothing, and artisan crafts.

Discover Treviso
(1 hour away)
Nicknamed “little Venice”, this pretty, walled, medieval town is crisscrossed by canals, and delightful to wander amidst Medieval and Romanesque architecture, fountains and porticoes, with a stop to enjoy prosecco from the nearby vineyards. There are also small museums where you can admire diverse beauties–from a 14th century fresco cycle to displays of Italian advertising posters from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Tonight we’ll gather for our Farewell Dinner, to celebrate our Golden Days, inspired and refreshed.

Meals Included: B, L, D

Your driver will transport you to the Venice airport or train station, where you’ll depart with joyful memories of your Golden Days.

Meals Included: B