Christmas in The Veneto, Italy

ITINERARY

Thursday (21st) - Very early morning departure from Dorset to Folkestone for Channel crossing to France and on to Mercure Hotel Saarbrucken Sud for dinner and overnight stay.

Friday (22nd) - After breakfast resume southbound and ascend the Alps with views of snow-covered peaks, entering Italy and descending into Bassano with a welcome glass of Prosecco while the bags are portered. A delicious 3 course dinner this evening with tea/coffee to follow.

Saturday (23rd) - Staying fairly local we shall first "Walk in History" at the medieval town of Cittadella - the only European town to have a complete elliptical walkable parapet to its intact town walls. At 15 metres high they give an amazing view down onto the narrow streets and red roofs. During Advent there is a little Christmas market in Piazza Scalco and the streets are lit with fairy lights and filled with music creating a very festive atmosphere - truly enchanting. Later we make the short drive to Castlefranco Veneto, another walled town, the symbol of which is its impressive twelfth-century castle complete with intact towers. The enclosed old town is very small so easy to explore - the main sight being the Duomo (cathedral) which contains an alter-piece by the famous artist Giorgione who was born here in 1478. Back at the hotel this afternoon we are treated to cakes and tea/coffee before a 4 course speciality dinner this evening.

Sunday (24th) - To the UNESCO city of Verona, backdrop to the story of Romeo and Juliet - there are so many sights to enjoy within the knot of narrow lanes in the heart of the town: see the Roman Bridge and Amphitheatre, the 16th century City Gates, Piazza del Erbe and Juliet's House to name a few. There is a quaint German style Christmas Market with over 100 wooden chalets selling gifts and culinary treats. The streets are festooned with fairy lights and decorations which make it a sight not to be missed. Back at the hotel enjoy another 4 course Christmas Eve dinner followed by live musical entertainment into the night.

Monday (25th) - Christmas morning at leisure to relax in the hotel and exchange gifts. A traditional English style Turkey Christmas meal with roast potatoes and vegetables is served at lunchtime. This afternoon maybe take a stroll into Bassano - under porticoes and through the lanes and squares, past renaissance palaces and medieval churches leading to the river. Here stands the towns most impressive symbol, the Ponte Vecchio is a wooden covered pontoon bridge, rebuilt many times but always faithful to Palladio's 16th century original - the views of the mountains and valley are breathtaking from here. A light buffet of soup and sandwiches is provided this evening.

Tuesday (26th) - Visit another stunning UNESCO heritage city - this time Vicenza. View fabulous palaces in the streets of the historic centre in a harmonious blend of architectural styles. Andrea Palladio, who designed the bridge at Bassano, made Vicenza his adoptive city and had a major impact on its appearance marrying sophistication with rustic simplicity. Not all sights relate to Palladio's 16th century creations - The Basilica St Felice dates back to the 4th century, the Duomo (cathedral) to the 8th among many others that beg a photo. Back at the hotel this afternoon we shall enjoy more delicious cakes and snacks. After dinner there will be another evening of live musical entertainment.

Wednesday (27th) - A fond farewell from our host family as we head back across the mountains bound for Saarbrucken in Germany for overnight stay at Mercure Hotel with dinner and breakfast.

Thursday (28th) - Homewards through France to Calais for afternoon Channel crossing and return to Dorset that evening.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner