Ms Nicholls says...
The holiday featured some truly beautiful walks among the Prosecco vineyards and fantastic scenery in the foothills of the mountains below the Dolomites. ...
Read reviews »
Just an hour’s drive north of Venice, in the foothills of the Dolomites, is one of the best, though largely undiscovered, wine regions in the world. Here ancient terraced vineyards clinging to the sides of every possible slope are dedicated exclusively to grapes for Italy’s most prized sparkling wine: prosecco. Based in an elegant hotel, located in the heart of the so-called Prosecco Road – the oldest wine route in Italy – we spend a week walking through rolling hills and sampling regional cuisine and sipping bubbly. We also visit charming medieval villages such as Cison, Follina, Asolo, plus the beautiful capital province of Treviso. Did you know you can travel by train to this trip? Find out more here
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.
This morning, we transfer to Cison di Valmarino, one of the best-preserved villages in the Prosecco area, containing historic monuments and buildings that reveal its past role as a major feudal estate. The gentle walk follows a waterway, crossing tranquil woodlands and passing by the ancient manor and fortress of Castelbrando, which offers panoramic views over the farmland and villages far below. The walk ends in Follina, best known for the Cistercian monastery of Santa Maria, a mystical site enclosing one of most beautiful cloisters in Italy. The monks were the first to boost the development of textiles in this area, weaving wool here from the Middle Ages. In the afternoon, we return to the hotel and the remainder of the day is free to relax in the village or take an optional short walk along the picturesque riverbanks near our hotel. In the evening, we experience our first wine tasting of the week at a local restaurant: a glass of prosecco followed by two local wines. Some nibbles complement the experience.
Today’s walk takes us to the heartland of the Prosecco Hills, namely Valdobbiadene, San Pietro di Barbozza and San 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 prosecco on a guided wine-tasting. We return to the hotel in the afternoon.
In the morning, we transfer to the pretty capital province of Treviso, often overlooked by tourists and overshadowed by neighbouring Venice. Rebuilt and restored after bombing during the Second World War, the town centre is a maze of streets lined with arcaded walkways. The town is circled by a pretty wall and waterways, which add to its picturesque, elegant style. After a walking tour of the town centre accompanied by a local guide, we enjoy free time to wander at our own pace and have lunch (tiramisu was apparently invented in this city). In the afternoon, we leave the walls of Treviso and follow the Sile, the longest river of resurgent waters in Europe. This tranquil route through a nature reserve offers the opportunity to explore the local flora and fauna and highlights the age-old relationship between humans and this river. Return to the hotel in the evening.
After a short private transfer, we reach another marvel of the Prosecco area and the start point of today’s walk: Villa Barbaro in Maser. The Unesco-protected villa is one of the masterpieces of the Italian architect Andrea Palladio (1508-80). It is situated in the middle of a flourishing privately owned estate and six rooms adorned by beautiful frescos are open to the public. After a short visit, we set off for our walk, starting with a climb to Monte San Giorgio, overlooking the villa. 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. During the walk, we see evidence and memorials to epic deeds. Our end point is the elegant hilltop town of Asolo, known as the Pearl of the Treviso Province for its beautiful setting and charming historic centre. Enjoy free time and return to Pieve di Soligo for dinner.
We have a free day to visit the lovely town of Conegliano (the other major centre of Prosecco production and wine studies) or take a daytrip to Venice (only a short train ride away).
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 5,151ft (1,570m), 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 and sipped your way 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.
This single-centre holiday is based at the following hotel. If you'd like to extend your stay here, or upgrade your room, just let us know at the time of booking.
To find out more call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or email sales@headwater.com
Our aim is to provide holidays that are unbeatable for choice and flexibility. We've listed our most popular travel options below, however you aren't limited to these - we can tailor-make virtually any holiday to suit.
To find out more about the travel options available call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or email sales@headwater.com
Everyone who goes on a Headwater holiday will be emailed a link to our post-holiday questionnaire where they can give us an honest assessment of all aspects of their holiday - everything from how quickly we answer the phone to how clean the hotels were - plus an overall rating and comments about their holiday.
Any feedback collected is posted to our website, so that people can make an informed decision based on past experiences before heading off on holiday. We don’t edit the reviews, the only thing we do is proofread them and alter any typos, where necessary, to ensure they are easy to read for everyone. All reviews will be published (except in certain extreme circumstances), and a member of the Headwater team will respond to any constructive criticisms/comments under the reviews, at their discretion. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of our holidays, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.
The holiday featured some truly beautiful walks among the Prosecco vineyards and fantastic scenery in the foothills of the mountains below the Dolomites. The walks were well chosen and varied. Our local guide, Serena, was excellent, unflappable and well organised. The food provided at local restaurants was delicious and plentiful. Sadly, the hotel accommodation ( bedrooms especially) was below par and left much to be desired in terms of decor and functionality. The hotel is to be refurbished at the end of the season but there is no excuse for dodgy power supply, tired bathrooms and pool areas which were green and slimy.
Best holiday I've had in years, so well organised and our Guide, Vania, was fantastic - she really made the holiday for all of us. Great group, all ages and professions. The hotel was lovely, staff very friendly. The walking routes were well planned and varied. The food and prosecco were fantastic. I can't wait to book my next holiday!
Enjoyable group experience in a beautiful country.
My first time with Headwater / Exodus and the trip was beyond my expectations. The area was beautiful, the people helpful and friendly. The expertise of the Tour Guide in managing our walks and planning our events meant all we had to do was relax and enjoy our trip.
Good balance of walking and exploring the area.
You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.
This 7 night guided walking holiday includes:
All breakfasts, 4 lunches , 2 dinners and 2 wine tastings included
All accommodation
London flights (if booking incl. flights)
Airport transfers for group flights
How to book:
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' or 'check availability' button below.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'check availability' button below.
Departing | Tour only | Prices ![]() |
Single supplement | |
---|---|---|---|---|
30th Sep 2023 | US$2179 | US$364 | Tour only: US$2179 Single supp: US$364 |
Check availability |
Check availability |
Departing | Tour only | Prices ![]() |
Single supplement | |
---|---|---|---|---|
6th Apr 2024 | US$2179 | US$385 | Tour only: US$2179 Single supp: US$385 |
Check availability |
Check availability | ||||
13th Apr 2024 | US$2179 | US$385 | Tour only: US$2179 Single supp: US$385 |
Check availability |
Check availability | ||||
20th Apr 2024 | US$2179 | US$385 | Tour only: US$2179 Single supp: US$385 |
Check availability |
Check availability | ||||
27th Apr 2024 | US$2179 | US$385 | Tour only: US$2179 Single supp: US$385 |
Check availability |
Check availability |
Departing | Tour only | Prices ![]() |
Single supplement | |
---|---|---|---|---|
4th May 2024 | US$2249 | US$385 | Tour only: US$2249 Single supp: US$385 |
Check availability |
Check availability | ||||
18th May 2024 | US$2249 | US$385 | Tour only: US$2249 Single supp: US$385 |
Check availability |
Check availability | ||||
25th May 2024 | US$2249 | US$385 | Tour only: US$2249 Single supp: US$385 |
Check availability |
Check availability |
Departing | Tour only | Prices ![]() |
Single supplement | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1st Jun 2024 | US$2249 | US$385 | Tour only: US$2249 Single supp: US$385 |
Check availability |
Check availability | ||||
8th Jun 2024 | US$2249 | US$385 | Tour only: US$2249 Single supp: US$385 |
Check availability |
Check availability | ||||
15th Jun 2024 | US$2249 | US$385 | Tour only: US$2249 Single supp: US$385 |
Check availability |
Check availability | ||||
22nd Jun 2024 | US$2249 | US$385 | Tour only: US$2249 Single supp: US$385 |
Check availability |
Check availability | ||||
29th Jun 2024 | US$2249 | US$385 | Tour only: US$2249 Single supp: US$385 |
Check availability |
Check availability |
Departing | Tour only | Prices ![]() |
Single supplement | |
---|---|---|---|---|
6th Jul 2024 | US$2179 | US$385 | Tour only: US$2179 Single supp: US$385 |
Check availability |
Check availability | ||||
13th Jul 2024 | US$2179 | US$385 | Tour only: US$2179 Single supp: US$385 |
Check availability |
Check availability |
Departing | Tour only | Prices ![]() |
Single supplement | |
---|---|---|---|---|
31st Aug 2024 | US$2249 | US$385 | Tour only: US$2249 Single supp: US$385 |
Check availability |
Check availability |
Departing | Tour only | Prices ![]() |
Single supplement | |
---|---|---|---|---|
7th Sep 2024 | US$2249 | US$385 | Tour only: US$2249 Single supp: US$385 |
Check availability |
Check availability | ||||
14th Sep 2024 | US$2249 | US$385 | Tour only: US$2249 Single supp: US$385 |
Check availability |
Check availability | ||||
21st Sep 2024 | US$2249 | US$385 | Tour only: US$2249 Single supp: US$385 |
Check availability |
Check availability | ||||
28th Sep 2024 | US$2249 | US$385 | Tour only: US$2249 Single supp: US$385 |
Check availability |
Check availability |
Departing | Tour only | Prices ![]() |
Single supplement | |
---|---|---|---|---|
5th Oct 2024 | US$2249 | US$385 | Tour only: US$2249 Single supp: US$385 |
Check availability |
Check availability |
The prices quoted for each individual departure supercede those published in our current brochures. Air prices are subject to change and we advise early booking to obtain the best prices. Please see our Planning your holiday and What's included in the price? pages for additional information.
This holiday is operated by our sister company, Exodus
7 nights at 4-star hotel, all rooms en suite
5 days centre-based walking and sightseeing; 1 free day
Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Min age 18 yrs
Altitude maximum 1,570m; average 600m
Well marked trails and paths
Travel by private air-conditioned minibus