PALLADIO'S MOST MAGNIFICENT PALACES

Itinerary

Vicenza is one of the gems of the Veneto region. Andrea Palladio (1508–1580), one of the most important architects of the Italian Renaissance, worked here. Churches, theaters, bridges, and villas are intact testimonies to his style-defining architecture. This exclusive reader trip from Regio aktuell, made possible by Heimatschutz Basel, follows in the footsteps of Palladio and his successors. In particular, palace doors that are usually closed will be opened to us. The perfect short break for anyone who wants to uncover a little-known cultural treasure. And, of course, culinary delights will not be neglected. It's well worth it, we look forward to seeing you! 

DAY 1 – Start in Franciacorte
Relaxed journey to Italy in a modern coach. In the Franciacorta region, we will enjoy a typical multi-course lunch in a beautiful agriturismo to get us in the mood for this reader trip. We will enjoy an exclusive tasting of the finest Franciacorta spumante in a special winery and discover the secrets of the traditional wine cellars on a private tour. In the late afternoon, we will check into our rooms in Vicenza in ****Palazzi Old Town hotels. Dinner is on your own. 

DAY 2 – BAROQUE CONCERT IN THE VILLA BARBARO WITH Apéro riche
Drive to Lugo di Vicenza. Guided tour of Villa Godi, built by Andrea Palladio and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to Bassano del Grappa. Stop at Villa Angarano. Guided tour of the villa and tasting of specialties from the winery of the same name. Individual exploration of the town. After lunch, guided tour of Villa Emo, followed by the highlight of the day: guided tour of Villa Barbaro, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Performance of Italian concertos by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750), played by Weronica Paine, trained at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis, on her own harpsichord. This will take place in the famous hall of the villa, frescoed by Paolo Veronese (1528–1588). Apéro riche in a princely setting. Return to Vicenza around 11:00 p.m. 

DAY 3 – FANTASTIC VICENZA
Leisurely breakfast, followed by a bus trip to the famous villas “La Rotonda” and “Valmarana ai Nani.” Return to Vicenza at noon and stop at the hotel. Afternoon tour of the city of Vicenza led by Andreas Häner: Basilica Palladina, Loggia del Capitano, Teatro Olimpico, and visit to Palazzo Chiericati. Followed by a well-deserved aperitif in Piazza dei Signori, courtesy of Heimatschutz Basel.

DAY 4 – VILLA TOUR ALONG THE BRENTA CANAL
Drive to the picturesque Brenta Canal. Visit the world-famous Villa Foscari “La Malcontenta.” Walk along the canal past other palaces. Guided tour of Villa Widmann, followed by relaxation and individual dining in the beautiful town of Dolo. Guided tour of Villa Pisani and free time to explore the “Versailles of Veneto.” Evening in Vicenza at leisure. 

DAY 5 – PRIVATE AUDIENCE AT VILLA LITTA AND RETURN JOURNEY
After breakfast and check-out, drive to the royal villa in Monza. Individual exploration of the enormous complex. Continue to Villa Litta, which is private and not open to the public. Lunch break with a princely lunch buffet. Exclusive guided tour by the owner, a relative of the Litta ducal family, through the magnificent rooms and grounds. In the evening, departure for the journey home via Gotthard to Basel. 

OUR OFFER

IMPLEMENTATION  
A trip organized by Heimatschutz Basel in collaboration with Born Reisen AG, Olten. 

TRAVEL GUIDE 
Andreas Häner, managing director of Heimatschutz Basel, will be your personal travel guide throughout the tour. He is a profound expert on Italian art and cultural history, especially the Renaissance and Baroque periods.  

First-class coach 
Travel in a modern, comfortable coach with on-board kitchen. All drinks are included. Level-access on-board toilet. Charging station for electrical devices at every seat.  
Adjustable seats. 

First-class accommodation 
We will spend all four nights in historic palazzo hotels (****) in prime locations in the old town of Vicenza, including breakfast, service, taxes, and WiFi.

FIXED PRICE PER PERSON
In a double room (king-size bed) CHF 2345
In a superior double room (two beds) CHF 2400 
In a double room junior suite (2-bed room) CHF 2465.--  
In a single room (classic) CHF 2495.-- 
In a double room for single use CHF 2565.-- 

Minimum number of participants: 25 people 
No changes to the program are planned, but we expressly reserve the right to make changes.