Guided group walking
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
Operated by
Exodus Travels
Sheltered by the Dolomites, the Prosecco Hills are surprisingly undiscovered by mass tourism, despite the ever-growing popularity of the eponymous sparkling wine. On this culture-filled adventure, we stay in a four-star hotel on the Prosecco Road, the oldest wine route in Italy, to stroll through vineyard hills, sample regional cuisine and sip bubbly. We pair that with an alternative daytrip to Venice, visiting lesser-known neighbourhoods and the workshop of a master artisan to learn more about traditional life in the floating city.
The trip starts in Pieve di Soligo, a small village in the heart of the Prosecco Hills, approximately 37mi (60km) north of Venice. Here, lush vineyards cover the slopes of every possible hill, and old churches, abbeys, villas and ancient castles dot the landscape. Prosecco has been produced here for centuries, but only more recently, thanks to the surge in its popularity worldwide, has the area captured a deserved spotlight. Nevertheless, relatively few tourists visit this wine region each year, making it an ideal location for a week of walking, wine tasting and cultural discovery. Depending on the group arrival time, there might be time for a quick orientation walk near our hotel. If you have extra days at hand and are willing to extend your adventure, consider booking additional nights in Pisa or Florence. Speak to your Sales Consultant for more information on our 'Pre-Tour', 'Post-Tour' and 'City Extension' packages.
You stay at Hotel Conta' or Hotel Villa Soligo.
This hotel is used for departures on 31st Aug and 21st Sep 2019 as well as from 2020 onwards.
Offering 48 rooms and 2 suites, the Hotel Conta' is located in the heart of Pieve di Soligo's historic centre. Set in a quiet and picturesque location, overlooking the banks of River Soligo, it is within walking distance to restaurants, bars and other shops.
The rooms are tastefully decorated and come with en-suite facilities, air-conditioning, tv, safe and free Wi-Fi. Some overlook the river whilst others face the elegant internal patio. The hotel has a restaurant, a bar and a small gym for guests to use.
This hotel is used for departures in 2019 only.
The Hotel Villa Soligo is a historical converted residence dating back to the C18. Tucked away in a peaceful 15,000sqm park, it is said the Italian actors Marcello Mastroianni, Alberto Sordi and Sofia Loren have been famous past guests of the hotel.
The villa offers 30 elegantly decorated en-suite rooms, all with air-conditioning and TV. There is a lovely outdoor pool and bar terrace and access to the wellness centre is complimentary.
This morning, we take a short transfer to the Soligo Hills, one of the most charming parts of the Prosecco area. From the foothills, we cross woodlands until we reach a pretty hamlet with an ancient monastery, where we can enjoy panoramic views over the farmland and villages far below. Along the path, we may have the chance to taste our first glass of prosecco (optional) surrounded by lush vineyards, before a delicious lunch at a renowned osteria (an informal, rustic restaurant).
Today’s walk takes us to the heartland of the Prosecco Hills, namely Valdobbiadene, San Pietro di Barbozza and Santo Stefano. Most of the local winemakers are based right here, among the steep terraced hills, which are arguably the prettiest in the Veneto region. Our walk follows a mix of human-made tracks and paths twisting through the vineyards and offers spectacular views of the fertile landscape and hillside hamlets. During the walk, we can visit the Pietrovecchio winery, one of the top local Prosecco producers. After a general introduction to the winery and its history, we can sample different varieties of sparkling wines on a guided tasting. We return to the hotel in the afternoon.
We transfer to Conegliano station and catch a train to Venice for a morning tour of the floating city. Rather than jostle through the crowded attractions, we harness our expert guide’s local knowledge and explore the neighbourhoods less visited by tourists, where the true soul of Venice is found. Here we meet up-and-coming artisans keeping traditional crafts alive, stopping at the workshop of a master carpenter-artist who makes gondola oars using traditional methods and wood from the Dolomites. We then have a short ferry ride across the grand canal to end the experience with a toast: a spritz, the classic Venetian drink, and cicchetti, typical local snacks. In the afternoon, you have free time to explore the city some more and we return to the hotel in the evening.
After a short transfer, we reach the start point of today’s walk: Maser, a village on the Prosecco Road. the wine-producing village of Maser. We set off with a climb to Monte San Giorgio; the route then veers west, following one of the original frontlines used during the First World War. The conflict affected most of this area (and many other towns around the Prosecco Hills) and we see evidence and memorials to epic deeds during our walk. Our end point is the hilltop town of Asolo, known as the Pearl of the Treviso province for its beautiful setting and historic centre. On a clear day, we might be able to see the Belluno Dolomites and the Venetian Lagoon, the Adriatic bay in which Venice is situated. Enjoy free time and, on our return, we stop to admire the architecture of the Unesco-listed Villa Barbaro, a masterpiece of Italian architect Andrea Palladio (1508-80). It is situated in the middle of a flourishing privately owned estate; we have time for an optional visit if you’d like to see inside, before returning to Pieve di Soligo for a wine-tasting at a local enoteca (wine bar).
We have a free day, allowing you to choose your own adventure. One option is to visit the lovely town of Conegliano, the other major centre of prosecco production and wine studies. Alternatively, take a daytrip to the pretty provincial capital of Treviso, restored after Second World War bombing and considered the birthplace of tiramisu. The town centre, encircled by a wall and waterways, is a maze of streets lined with arcaded walkways. Your final option is Pauda, only a short train ride away, where you can visit the Cappella degli Scrovegni, a simple chapel housing an astounding series of frescoes by Renaissance master Giotto (visits must be prebooked at least a day in advance, so please speak to your tour leader as soon as possible if you would like to take this option).
Join us to celebrate Exodus’ 50th anniversary! Selected departures of this trip feature extra inclusions to mark the occasion: a wine-pairing experience with dinner or a lakeside walk with access to a lido, a local birthday celebration and a special edition Exodus kitbag. For departure dates, see the Dates & Prices tab. Our final walk takes us above the Prosecco Hills to Mount Cesen, a rounded, grassy mountain, and the highest in the Venetian Prealps. Rising just above the Piave River, at an altitude of 4,593ft (1,400m), it offers a stunning panorama, plus popular walking trails that cross mountain pastures and meadows, and a landscape that differs completely to the one we explored earlier in the week. On a clear day, views can stretch as far as the eastern Alps, Dolomites and Venice. In the evening, we tuck into a farewell dinner in one of the best local restaurants, enjoying a panorama of the Prosecco Hills as we eat.
You’ve walked through one of the most picturesque wine regions in Italy. Now, however, it’s time for a final breakfast, before beginning your journey home. If you’d like to explore a little more, speak to your sales representative and arrange a longer stay in the hotel, which may feel a little like home by now.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £300.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into your destination with onward rail and road transfers as appropriate. To find out more about the travel options available call our sales team on 01606 720199 or email sales@headwater.com
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.
Guided group walking
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
Operated by
Exodus Travels