I moved to Italy in my twenties because I had the "Italian Dream." If you are unfamiliar with the Italian Dream, let me explain its intricacies and allure. You have either seen all the films depicting the cobblestone streets of Rome, the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside, and of course the iconic scenery of the Amalfi Coast. Perhaps you have been a reader of D.H. Lawrence's travel writings or more recently Frances Mayes and Under the Tuscan Sun. If you took the additional step of vacationing in Italy for a few weeks and temporarily lived La Dolce Vita, then you were more than likely infected with the Italian Dream. There is one symptom: an insatiable longing for the Italian peninsula.
I studied in Florence for my undergraduate degree in Renaissance Art History, and upon my return to the USA, I realized I had contracted this love for Italy. After my graduation, I moved to the Czech Republic to follow a handsome soccer player. After a year of goulash and cold, we relocated to the Veneto Region of Italy and purchased a small business.
Sidenote: the soccer player and I are still together. It will be 21 years of marriage in July.
Living in the Veneto
While living in the Veneto region, specifically the small town of Conegliano, we explored everything from Venetian lagoons to the highest peaks of the Dolomites. It was a wonderful time, and I am forever thankful I lived a bit of the Italian Dream, if only for a part of my life. Luckily, I am privileged to travel to Italy a few times a year for my studies and family vacations. More importantly, I also get to book dream holidays and adventures for clients where I can do my best to have them experience the Italian Dream themselves.
The Veneto region has gained significant interest in the last few years, specifically with Americans. Travelers are looking outside of Venice and Verona and are adventuring north to the Dolomites and east to beautiful historical cities like Padua.
Conegliano, my former home, has become a world-renowned wine producer with Prosecco being one of the more popular wines on the USA market.
Here is an idea of a perfect 5 days spent in one of Italy's northernmost regions, Veneto. I would like to add that any part of this itinerary is a fantastic addition to your stay in Venice. The Floating City should not be missed!
Days 1-2: The Dolomites
Cortina d'Ampezzo
Rent a car and venture north to the lively ski town of Cortina d'Ampezzo. This town is as beautiful in the summer as it is on a sunny day in winter. It is the perfect place to spend two nights.
Depending on the time of year you visit, your activities will vary from skiing and sledding to hiking and exploring nearby lakes. Although other Dolomite destinations have become popular due to their luxury five star properties and Instagram worthy views, Cortina is a proper town with many amenities. It is also one of the locations for Italy's 2026 Olympic games.
Where to Eat: There are two Michelin restaurants located in Cortina d'Ampezzo: Tivoli and SanBrite. If you are a foodie, this is a fantastic town to experience elevated local cuisine.
Where to Stay: Rosapetra Spa Resort
Day 3: Asolo
About 2 hours of driving time from Cortina
Drive south to the hilltop town of Asolo. This town is small but mighty, surrounded by ancient walls, villas, and vineyards. It is a magical place that will serve as your base for the next few nights.
The most special thing about Asolo is that it has very few tourists. The side effect of fewer tourists is amazing food. A rule of thumb: the further you get away from the crowds, the better the food!
Where to Eat: La Terraza for sunset dining and Locanda Baggio for regional cuisine.
Where to Stay: Hotel Villa Cipriani
Day 4: Treviso, Maser, and Valdobbiadene
15 to 35 minutes of driving time between stops
Morning in Treviso
Spend the morning in the medieval town of Treviso. As you arrive in the city center, make sure to walk along the canals that weave in and around the city. This is a perfect morning for a stroll and coffee. The Duomo, officially the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, is the official bishop seat of the province of Treviso and features a painting by Titian.
Villa di Maser
After some time spent walking around Treviso's city center, it is time to get into the car and explore some of Andrea Palladio's architectural marvels, his famous Palladian villas.
Maser is only a 30 minute drive from Treviso and only a 10 minute drive from your home base in Asolo. Villa di Maser, also known as Villa Barbaro, is an incredible complex that features Andrea Palladio's villa, a restaurant, and a historic winery. I cannot think of a better stop!
Prosecco Wine Country
After lunch, it is a short 15 minute drive to Prosecco wine country. Valdobbiadene is a stunning portion of the Veneto where the wine can officially be called Prosecco. There are multiple vineyards open for tastings and phenomenal food served on terraces that overlook the Dolomites.
Day 5: Padua
About 1 hour driving time from Asolo
This small youthful city gets its vibe from its large university. The University of Padua was founded in 1222 and is still an iconic institution in Italy. The city of Padua has always been a center of intellectualism and art.
The Scrovegni Chapel
The famous Scrovegni Chapel, also known as the Arena Chapel, was painted by the Proto-Renaissance artist Giotto. It is part of an Augustinian monastery which now makes up the Musei Civici di Padova complex. The frescoes are among the most important works of Western art.
Lunch at Pedrocchi Café
After your morning visit, grab lunch at the historic Pedrocchi Café dating from the 1800s. This café was a meeting place for students and famous writers as far back as the 19th century.
Saint Anthony's Basilica
After lunch, make your pilgrimage to Saint Anthony's Basilica. The Basilica is incredibly large and has massive pilgrimages multiple times a year to venerate the Saint's corporal relics housed in his tomb and in a wall reliquary. Even if you are not religious, it is worth the journey from the doors of the cathedral to St. Anthony's tomb. It is an incredibly emotional experience.
I hope those planning trips to northern Italy can add some or all of these places to your Venice itineraries. These cities are a bit off the beaten path, but what you will discover is a corner of Italy that is usually missed by the crowds and more than worthy of your time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Veneto region in Italy?
The Veneto is one of Italy's northernmost regions, located in the northeast. It includes Venice, Verona, Padua, and extends north to the Dolomite mountains and east to the Prosecco wine hills around Conegliano and Valdobbiadene.
What is the best base for exploring the Veneto?
Asolo makes an excellent base for exploring the region. This small hilltop town is centrally located, has few tourists, excellent restaurants, and is within easy driving distance of Treviso, Prosecco country, Palladian villas, and Padua.
When is the best time to visit Cortina d'Ampezzo?
Cortina is beautiful year-round. Winter offers skiing and snow activities, while summer provides excellent hiking and lake exploration. The town will host events for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
What is special about Villa di Maser?
Villa di Maser, also known as Villa Barbaro, is one of Andrea Palladio's most famous Palladian villas. The complex includes the historic villa with its original frescoes, a restaurant, and a working winery, making it perfect for architecture lovers and food enthusiasts alike.
Do I need a car to explore the Veneto?
Yes, a rental car is highly recommended for this itinerary. While Venice and Padua are accessible by train, the hilltop towns, Dolomites, Prosecco vineyards, and Palladian villas require a car to explore properly.
References
- Prosecco DOCG wine region information for Conegliano and Valdobbiadene.
- University of Padua historical records dating the institution's founding to 1222.
- UNESCO documentation on Palladian villas including Villa Barbaro at Maser.
- Cortina d'Ampezzo Olympic venue information for the 2026 Winter Games.
- Scrovegni Chapel preservation and visiting information from Musei Civici di Padova.
