Walking the Prosecco Hills

The trip starts in Pieve di Soligo, a small village located in the heart of

the Prosecco hills, approximately 60km north of Venice. The surrounding 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 the deserved spotlight. Nevertheless, still relatively few tourists

visit this wine region each year, making it an ideal location for a week of

walking, wine tasting and cultural discovery in a still very authentic rural

part of Italy. Depending on the group arrival time, there might be some time

for a quick orientation walk near our hotel.

This morning we transfer to the pretty town of Cison di Valmarino, one of the

best-preserved villages in the Prosecco area, containing numerous historical

monuments and buildings that reveal its past role as 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, famous

for the Cistercian monastery of Santa Maria, a mystical site enclosing one of

Italy’s most beautiful cloisters. 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 in proximity of

our hotel.

Today's walk takes us to the heartland of the Prosecco hills, namely

Valdobbiadene, S. Pietro di Barbozza and S.Stefano. The majority of the

winemakers are based right here, amongst the picture-perfect terraced steep

hills which are arguably the prettiest of the whole Veneto region. Our walk

follows a mix of man-made tracks and paths twisting through the vineyards,

and offers spectacular views of the fertile landscape and hamlets perched on

the hillsides. During the walk we will have the opportunity to visit of one

of the top local Prosecco producers, whose passion for wine making goes back

for generations in the family. After a tour of the wine cellars, we will have

the opportunity to sample different varieties of Prosecco during a guided

wine-tasting (included). We return to the hotel in the afternoon. 

In the morning we transfer to the pretty capital province of Treviso, a real

hidden gem often overlooked and perhaps overshadowed by the neighbouring

Venice. Rebuilt and restored after Second World War bombing, the town centre

is a rambling maze of streets lined with arcaded walkways. The town is

circled by a pretty wall and by waterways, which add to its very picturesque

and elegant style. After a walking tour of the town's centre accompanied by a

local guide, we enjoy some free time to wander around at our own pace and

have some lunch (the world-famous Tiramisu was apparently invented in this

city, so it is recommended trying some in one of the best cafes in town!). In

the afternoon we leave the walls of Treviso behind and follow the water flow

of 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 men and this river. Return to the hotel in the evening.

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 villa is one of

the greatest masterpieces of the famous Italian architect Andrea Palladio

(1508-80), and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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

front-lines used during the First World War. The war affected most of this

area as well as many other towns around the Prosecco hills. During the walk

we are able to see the evidence and memorials of the epic deeds that marked

the destiny of generations of people and the course of history throughout the

world. Our end point is the elegant hill-top town of Asolo, known as 'the

pearl of the province of Treviso', for its beautiful setting and charming

historic centre. Free time and return to Pieve di Soligo for dinner.

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).

Our final walk takes us above the Prosecco hills, to Mt Cesen, a humble,

rounded, grassy mountain, and the highest in its small group of Venetian

Prealps. Rising just above the Piave River at an altitude of 1570 meters it

offers a stunning panorama and popular walking trails which cross mountain

pastures, meadows and a landscape which 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, there will be the

opportunity to enjoy a fantastic farewell dinner in one of the best local

restaurants located in a panoramic setting in the heart of the Prosecco

hills. 



If the weather conditions are good and the skies are clear, the group will

have the option to go on a longer walk (Distance: 8 Km, Ascent:

450m, Descent: 450m, Maximum altitude: 1406m).

Our trip ends in Pieve di Soligo in the morning.