13 - 23 October 2010

  

Unpack Once Only and reside in a farmhouse in the Venetian hinterland, one of the most scenic areas of Italy, for 10 glorious days. Visit historic villages, markets and alpine lakes where we will be walking, sightseeing and painting whilst enjoying the great local food and wine and mixing with the locals.

DAY 1 – ARRIVAL (D)
Your tour begins in the Veneto when you are welcomed at VENICE airport. We will make our way to our accommodation in the Venetian hinterland and after unpacking, enjoy a great welcome party and get to know each other. Opportunity to go shopping for art materials if needed.

DAY 2 – VENEZIA (BD)
Venice – and what a wonderful day it will be. We will walk down Lista di Spagna, through Calli and over the bridges to Rialto and San Marco. You will have enough time to wander around freely and sketch or paint, then regather at a set time to return to our base.

DAY 3 – CONEGLIANO (BLD)
After a leisurely breakfast we will go to the markets in Conegliano where shopping is a must, and bargains are always to be found. There are many street stalls where you may sample the local produce and it will be the ideal place for a chance to sketch and paint the market folklore. A ploughman’s lunch with wine will be provided. In the afternoon we return to the farmhouse where the leisure time is yours to enjoy.

DAY 4 – THE ITALIAN ALPS – DOLOMITES (BLD)
Today we drive to the breathtaking Italian Alps through Cortina D’Ampezzo the venue of the 1956 Winter Olympics, also called “The Pearl of the Dolomites” for its beauty and known as Italy’s trendiest winter and summer alpine resort. We then contine our journey to Il Lago di Misurina, where we will have magnificient views of the famous Dolomite Peaks (Tre Cime di Lavaredo), to sketch and paint or simply enjoy a walk around this spectacular lake. A packed lunch will be provided today.

DAY 5 – WINE VALLEY TOUR & TASTING (BLD)
This morning we will set off on a wine valley tour around the vineyards of the surrounding area. Enjoy possibly the most scenic countryside of Italy with the rolling hills of Prosecco and Cartizze where we will stop to sketch and paint and we will also have a delicious picnic with local wines.

DAY 6 – VITTORIO VENETO & GROTTO DE CAGLIERON (BD)
This morning we will visit Serravalle, the historic centre of Vittorio Veneto with its unique Venetian piazza, beautiful renaissance palazzi and narrow medieval cobblestone streets and porticos. In the afternoon we will visit the spectacular Grotto de Caglieron where unique rock formations, caves and waterfalls have been formed over millions of years. This is an ideal venue to sketch and paint the flowing streams and waterfalls. Wine will be provided for inspiration.

DAY 7 – CAORLE (BD)
Caorle was built on the edge of the Venetian lagoon and has ancient Roman origins. The town is also a port at the Adriatic Sea and the landscape of the area is simply breathtaking - a quaint town, with narrow streets, little squares and houses painted in pastel colours. The town features an ancient bell tower, old Romanesque cathedral and Roman ruins, colourful fishing boats, al fresco cafes, and numerous rock sculptures along the beachfront.

DAY 8 – SANTA CROCE LAKE (BLD)
Today we will take a trip into the pre-alps and to the beautiful Santa Croce Lake where we will have a lovely picnic, paint and relax with prosecco and cabernet wines.

DAY 9 – BELLUNO VIA S.BOLDO PASS (BD)
Today we will take a spectacular drive to Belluno via the S.Boldo Pass. Picturesque Belluno, capital of Belluno province, serves as a bridge between the two very different parts of the Veneto, with the plains to the south and the Dolomite peaks to the north. Both are encapsulated in the picture-postcard views to be seen from the 12th Century Porta Ruga at the southern end of Via Mezzaterra, the main street of the old town. Even more spectacular are the views from the campanile of the 16th Century Duomo which was designed by Tullio Lombardo, but rebuilt twice after damage by earthquakes.

DAY 10 – ASOLO – POSSAGNO – MASER (BD)
Known as “The Town of a Hundred Horizons” and as the “Pearl of Veneto”, Asolo is one of the most beautiful and enchanting small-sized historic centres in Italy. Many poets, writers, painters and wayfarers have fallen in love with Asolo. Among them, Robert Browning, Eleonora Duse, the Poet Giosue Carducci, the Composer and Musician Gian Francesco Malipiero and the English Explorer Freya Stark. Lunch will be in a typical Italian Tavern. At Maser we will view the magnificent Palladian Villa, possibly the most beautiful example of his work. At Possagno we will visit the Temple of Canova, his home and the Gipsoteca containing examples of his work.

DAY 11 – DEPART VENICE (B)
Sadly it is time for farewells. Today your tour comes to an end and you will be driven to VENICE airport for the journey home or to other destinations.


This day to day itinerary may not necessarily run exactly in this order.
Expect some pleasant surprises!
Arrivederci!
 

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