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 cobbled stone 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, 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 and that is an insatiable longing for the Italian peninsula. I studied in Florence for my undergraduate degree (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 Gulash 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.
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 (Yes, I am a perpetual student working on my second archaeology degree) 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 succumb to 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!
Day 1-2
Cortina D’Ampezzo
Rent a car and venture north to the lively ski town, 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 2 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 5-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.
Food: There are 2 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.
Stay: Rosapetra Spa Resort
Day 3
Asolo (2 hours of driving time)
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!
Food: La Terraza for sunset dining and Locanda Baggio for regional cuisine.
Stay: Hotel Villa Cipriani
Day 4
Treviso, Maser, Valdobbiadene (15-35 minutes of driving time)
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 (The Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle) is the official Bishop seat of the province of Treviso and features a painting by Titian.
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 homebase, Asolo.
Villa di Maser (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!
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 (1 hour driving time)
This small youthful city’s vibe is 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. Its famous Scrovegni Chapel (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.
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.
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 and is an incredibly emotional experience even if one is not religious.
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.
Tamar Miller is the founder of Italy Awaits Travel and is an expert in Roman Archaeology. She loves to mix popular destinations and sites with off the beaten path locales giving clients a more authentic Italian experience.
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