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. The area is picturesque, with lush vineyards covering the slopes of every possible hill, and old churches, abbeys, villas and ancient castles dotting 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 some 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 beautiful Cistercians abbey dating to the 12th century

This morning we transfer to the pretty town of 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 give a boost to the development of the textile sector in this area, weaving wool here from the Middle Ages onwards. In the afternoon we return to the hotel and the remainder of the day is free to relax in the village or you may decide to take an optional short walk along the picturesque river banks near our hotel. Ascent: 971ft (296m); descent: 853ft (260m)

Day 3: Circular walk in the heartland of the Prosecco region; visit one of the best local producers for wine tasting and 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. The majority of the 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 will have the opportunity to visit one of the top local prosecco producers, whose wine-making expertise goes back for generations in the family. After a general introduction to the winery and its history, we can sample different varieties of prosecco during a guided wine-tasting (included). We return to the hotel in the afternoon. Ascent: 1,312ft (400m); descent: 1,312ft (400m)

Day 4: Morning guided sightseeing in the elegant provincial capital of Treviso; afternoon relaxing walk through the Natural Park of the River Sile

In the morning we transfer to the pretty capital province of Treviso, a hidden gem often overlooked and perhaps overshadowed by neighbouring Venice. Rebuilt and restored after being bombed 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 by waterways, which add to its picturesque and 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 behind and follow the water flow of 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 brings to light many evidences of the age-old relationship between humans and this river. Return to the hotel in the evening.

Day 5: Visit the Unesco Palladian Villa Barbaro before ascending to Monte St. Giorgio, originally used as the front line during the first world war; walk to the elegant hilltop town of Asolo

After a short private transfer we reach another gem 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 of its 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 will then veer west, following one of the original frontlines used during the first world war. The war affected most of this area and many other towns around the Prosecco Hills. During the walk we see the evidence and memorials to epic deeds. Our end point is the elegant hill-top 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. Ascent: 1,804ft (550m); descent: 1,378ft (420m)

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

Free day to visit the lovely town of Conegliano (the other major centre of Prosecco production and wine studies), or take a day-trip to the one and only 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; popular walking trails that cross mountain pastures; meadows; and a landscape that differs completely to the one we explored earlier in the week. On a clear day, the 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. If the weather conditions are good, and the skies are clear, the group will have the option to go on a longer walk (distance: 4.8mi/8km; ascent: 1,476ft/450m; descent: 1,476ft/450m, maximum altitude: 4,613ft/1,406m). Ascent: 951ft (290m); descent: 951ft (290m)

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. Of course, if you’d like to explore a little more, you can speak to your sales consultant and arrange a longer stay in the hotel, which may feel a little like home by now.