Veneto Medieval Towns Small Group Day Trip from Venice

Take a relaxing trip into the Veneto countryside to visit the charming walled town of Marostica, the home of grappa at Bassano del Grappa, and enchanting Asolo, with its delightful gardens and palatial villas. Traveling by minivan holding only eight passengers ensures you'll enjoy the benefits of a small group tour.

Your first stop is Marostica, famous for its castle and living game of chess that is held on a giant chessboard in the main square every September in even-numbered years.

Then it's on to the peaceful town of Bassano del Grappa, synonymous with its production of the firewater of the mountains known as grappa! Crossing the celebrated Palladian bridge over the River Brenta, you will visit the famous distillery situated right on the bridge and have an opportunity to stock up on a bottle or two of grappa.

Your next stop on the tour is Asolo, spectacularly set in the cypress-clad foothills of the Dolomites. With its tiny archways, architectural details and castle of Caterina Cornaro, the Queen of Cyprus, it's no wonder Asolo is known as 'the pearl of the Veneto'.

Robert Browning was one of the many poets who fell in love with Asolo. There will be time for an optional lunch in this lovely town, either in an excellent local restaurant or, if you prefer, at the famous Hotel Cipriani. On your return you'll pass Villa Masier and end your day by visiting a well known vineyard in the area of Valdobbiadene, in Treviso for a refreshing glass of Prosecco.