The Veneto
Extending from the Alps to the coast across seven provinces, the Veneto is a region of contrasting landscapes. Follow the mountain-kissed highlands down through the flat plains of the Brenta valley, past castles and villas to the Adriatic maritime jewel of Venice, which for centuries has been the political and cultural centre of the entire region. Splendid rural villas are a highlight of the drive – many of them along the riverbanks leading into Venice, in the historic aristocratic holiday playground of the Riviera del Brenta.
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ACTIVITIES
Taste delicious cheese in Asiago
Mountain bike, hike, or ski in the Altopiano dei Sette Comuni
Follow the Strada del Prosecco e dei Vini around Valdobbiadene and sample the wine
Take a boat down the Riviera del Brenta to Venice
Admire the art on display at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Venice
Take a long stroll around the atmospheric Dorsoduro and San Polo districts of Venice
Vaporetto hop around Venice for the day between districts, islands and the beaches of the Lido
PLAN YOUR DRIVE
Number of days: 4 days, allowing a day in the region around Bassano del Grappa, half a day on the Riviera del Brenta and a full day in Venice.
Distance: 249 km (155 miles).
Road conditions: In the mountainous area of the Veneto some roads may not be in good condition. The drive could be hazardous after heavy snow, and winter tyres or chains are required by law from November to April. Take the bends cautiously on the Altopiano dei Sette Comuni.
When to go: June to September for warm weather; winter for skiing and fewer crowds in Venice.
Opening times: Museums and shops open 10am–7pm, shutting earlier on Sundays and in the winter. Many are closed on Mondays. Churches tend to open 7am–12:30pm and 4–7pm.
Main market days: Bassano del Grappa: Via del Mercato, Mon–Sat; Marostica: Piazza Castello, Tue; Asiago: Thu–Sat; Valdobbiadene: Mon; Asolo: Sat; Castelfranco Veneto: Piazza Giorgione, Tue & Fri am; Montebelluna: Wed; Venice: Campo S Margherita, daily; S Polo Rialto: Campo della Pescaria, daily; Cannaregio: Rio Terrà S Leonardo, daily.
Major festivals: Bassano del Grappa: Mestieri in Piazza, Sep; Marostica: Spring Festival, 1 May; Cherry Festival, end May–early Jun; Partita a Scacchi (human-chess tournament, bi-annual even-numbered years), mid-Sep; St Simeon Fair, last Sun Oct; Asolo: International Art Film Festival, Aug; Asolo Musica (chamber music), Aug–Sep; Venice: Carnevale, Feb; Regata Storica, first Sun Sep; 120 regattas, Apr–Sep.
DAY TRIP OPTIONS
Lovers of architecture and art can take the route between Bassano del Grappa and Castelfranco Veneto; the Altopiano is perfect for family nature outings or a day of skiing; while Venice is the obvious magnet from the Riviera del Brenta. For full details, see Day trip options.
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