Venice & the Veneto | Sept 21-27, 2025
“Venice can wash through you all the memories you have never made.”
-Glenn Haybiddle, The Way Back to Florence.
Forget past crowded experiences of Venice. With our local friends, you will experience Venice, the Veneto, and her delicacies as only the Venetians do. Let your cares fade away as we transport you to a world you didn’t know existed in the undulating colorful landscapes of the Prosecco Hills at harvest. It’s the birthplace of Vivaldi and Titian, of Prosecco, Mascarpone and Tiramisù, in the foothills of the Dolomites, and it’s our Renaissance home for the week. And of course we will experience the Queen of the Adriatic herself, Venice, her Lagoon, and other hidden gems. But with a particular focus on her sea; its salty splendor and unique flavors, ancient vineyards, vintage boats, and her improbable city, that together make up the soul of every Venetian— a people who always create something breathtaking from a situation that seems impossible. Come savor the distinctive heritage of the Veneto.
Discover what’s included
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Accommodations fit for royalty
We booked the entire Villa so you can live like a Venetian! Choose between the 15th century Palazzo or the more modern Carpentry, where wood-working artisans used to hone their craft. All packages include 7 days and 6 nights.
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All meals and beverages
Enjoy the most delicious food of Northern Italy, whether made by your hands or at our favorite special places. All meals and beverages (alcohol and alcohol-free) are always all inclusive, including gratuities, from start to finish. Relax and enjoy the abbondanza!
The Villa
We’re the guests of the Count and Countess (who may be in residence) and whose villa has been in the family since 1436, when they were tasked with defending the northern land border of the Serenissima Republic, and included feeding 10,000 troops! The villa grounds feature a sparkling pool, rose garden, orchards, old stables, and was once the setting for a Marcello Mastroianni film. Cooking classes take place in the professional kitchen, that is stunning and includes a traditional Fogher, a Venetian fireplace for grilling. If you care to step outside the villa, you’ll be in the main square of a quaint village, one of the ‘Borghi più belli d'Italia’ (Most beautiful villages of Italy). With the backdrop of the Dolomiti rising up behind us, several local hikes start nearby. Or if you’d rather have a ride, just take the funicular up to the Castle that is visible from the gardens. Che bella!
You’ll choose from two different parts of the Villa, connected by a portico and courtyard.
The Palazzo is the Renaissance villa dating to the 15th Cent. with frescoed walls, ceilings and a dramatic double staircase that leads to the 4 bedrooms and 4 modern baths. The Count & Countess live on the ground floor of the Palazzo when in residence. Many of the paintings and sculptures are of their family members, along with several coats of arms.
The Falegnameria (Carpentry) also dates from the Renaissance, but was used as a workshop by artisan carpenters. This building was completely renovated 5 years ago, and offers a more modern take. It has 2 rooms on the ground floor with a shared bathroom, and these 2 rooms are mirrored again on the upper floor. There are an additional two bedrooms on the upper floor with their own bathrooms en suite. All beds can be made as a King bed or separately as two twins. The modern art was painted by the Count’s grandmother whose work was featured at Venice’s Biennale.
THE PALAZZO ROOMS
Click to explore each
Room Choices
Brandolini - SOLD
King Bed, en suite bath with bathing tub and shower. This room can connect to the Serenissima if desired.
From $9,000 per person double occupancy.
Serenissima - SOLD
King Bed, frescoed ceiling, private bath with shower. This room can connect to the Brandolini if desired.
From $8,500 per person double occupancy.
Tiziano - SOLD
Two Queen beds together, en suite bath with bathing tub and shower.
This room can connect to the Vivaldi if desired.
From $8,500 per person double occupancy.
Vivaldi - SOLD
Considered the primary bedroom, with two Queen beds together, large en suite bath with bathing tub and shower. It can connect to the Tiziano if desired.
From $8,500 per person double occupancy.
THE CARPENTRY ROOMS
Click to explore each
Bellini-SOLD
King Bed, or two Twins, shared bath between the Bellini and Charmat.
Ground level.
From $7,500 per person double occupancy.
Charmat - SOLD
King Bed, or two Twins, private door to the courtyard, shared bath between the Bellini and Charmat. Ground level.
From $7,500 per person double occupancy.
Mastroianni - SOLD
King Bed, or two Twins, bathroom en suite with modern shower.
Upstairs.
From $8,500 per person double occupancy.
Amarone - SOLD
King Bed, or two Twins, large bathroom en suite with soaking tube and modern shower. Upstairs.
From $8,500 per person double occupancy.
Dolomiti
King Bed, or two Twins, shared bath between the Dolomiti and Palladio. Upstairs.
From $7,500 per person double occupancy.
Palladio
King Bed, or two Twins, shared bath between the Palladio and Dolomiti. Upstairs.
From $7,500 per person double occupancy.
Important Notes
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Everything but flights. All of our trips are all-inclusive, from when you arrive until you depart, we will take care of you in style! You are responsible only for getting yourself here and home. We take care of all the accommodations, meals, drinks, tours, gratuities, transportation, cooking lessons, and excursions; with lots of laughter to boot. -
You’ll book your flights in and out of Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE).
Arrival. Plan to arrive between 10am-2pm on arrival day, or let us know if you will already be in Venice for some early sightseeing.
Departure. Book a departure flight that leaves in the afternoon, as we will need to drive an hour to the airport, plus you’ll need time to be there ahead. We are also happy to take you to the train station or to Venice proper if you plan to extend your travels.
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We will meet you at the airport and take care of you from there!
For the curious, we will be driving just north of Venice to the Prosecco Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is where we will find the villa. . That will be our home base for cooking classes, relaxation, and our land and sea excursions across the week.
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Whatever brings you joy! We will only have 1 or 2 times where you might want something nicer than your usual day clothes, a nice meal out for example at a winery. Italians love casual elegance. When we are in Venice and other islands there will be bridges with stairs, so comfortable walking shoes are important; we’ll help you in and out of boats as well. You will need to cover your shoulders and knees to enter St Marks Basilica, if that interests you.
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The average temperatures in the Veneto for that time of year are a high of 75F and a low of 56F. It’s a great time to go! The crowds have thinned out and we can enjoy the cooler temps. Rainfall is possible, but very average in September, not the wettest month. Bring a layer for rain and for evenings.
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You should be able to navigate stairs. There are stairs in the villa, unless you are staying on the ground floor of the Carpentry. Of course, we will carry your bags for you. You will also need to walk up and down stairs to cross the bridges of Venice, and feel comfortable stepping in and out of boats with assistance.
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We will not be leading you through St Mark’s Square with an umbrella, standing in long lines, or going in a gondola. Not that there’s anything wrong with that! We’ve done it too! There will be some short time in Venice to explore on your own and pick up a souvenir, but we suggest if you have never been to Venice and want to do some of the classic stops that you extend your trip a couple of days before or after. We will be in Venice, however, and experience it like a local!
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Yes to both! In Italy there is wine, but there will always be non-alcohol options available as well. Non-drinking is on the rise and we enjoy providing fun alternative beverages. The winery visit will still be fascinating and beautiful, for the landscapes, history, food, and artisan process.
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We are able to accommodate any dietary restriction or preference. Once your booking is confirmed, we will be communicating with you and will ask about any dietary restrictions.