Walking the Prosecco Hills

Day 1: Start Pieve di Soligo

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.

Day 2: Morning walk around the medieval villages of Cison di Valmarino and Follina; visit a 12th-century Cistercian abbey

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.

Day 3: Circular walk in the heartland of the Prosecco region; visit one of the best local producers for a wine tasting and to learn about the wine-making process

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.

Day 4: Morning guided sightseeing in provincial capital, Treviso; afternoon relaxing walk in River Sile Natural Park

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.

Day 5: Visit the Unesco-listed Villa Barbaro before ascending to Monte San Giorgio; walk to the elegant hilltop town of Asolo

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.

Day 6: Free day; take an optional trip to Venice or spend an afternoon in the pretty town of Conegliano

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).

Day 7: Panoramic walk through the alpine landscape of Monte Cesen: enjoy a 360-degree view of the Venetian Prealps

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.

Day 8: End Pieve di Soligo

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.