What to see
Venice
Venice is a city composed of a series of islands and canals stretching along the lagoon. The city is famous for its unique architecture, with numerous churches, historical palaces and bridges, many of which date back to the Renaissance period.
Venice was a trading power during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, and this has left an indelible mark on the city, with numerous artistic and cultural testimonies from this historical period.
Some of Venice's most iconic sights include St Mark's Square, the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge and the Doge's Palace. The city is also famous for its carnival, held every year in February, and for the production of Murano artistic glass.
Murano, Burano, Torcello
Burano, Murano and Torcello are three islands located in the Venetian Lagoon, a short distance from the city of Venice.
Burano is famous for its colourful houses, painted in bright colours such as red, yellow and blue, and for its fine lace, handcrafted by the island's women.
Murano is world famous for its artistic glass production, which dates back to the 13th century, and for its glass artisans who produce unique works of art, such as decorative objects, jewellery and chandeliers.
Torcello is the oldest island of the three and has a very important history, dating back to Roman times. The island is known for its Byzantine basilica, Santa Maria Assunta, dating back to the 11th century, with beautiful mosaics and ancient frescoes. Torcello is also a popular destination for tourists seeking tranquillity and nature.
Verona
Verona is famous for its well-preserved historical centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city is known worldwide as the city of lovers, thanks to the famous story of Romeo and Juliet, set in Verona. In fact, many tourists visit Juliet's house, which is located in the historical centre of the city.
Verona is also famous for the Arena di Verona, a Roman amphitheatre that hosts opera, classical music festivals and other cultural events every year.
The city also offers numerous other attractions, including the Piazza delle Erbe, the Palazzo della Ragione, the Basilica of San Zeno and the Castelvecchio. The city is also famous for its local wines, such as Valpolicella and Soave, and for its cuisine, which offers specialities such as 'bigoli' and 'gnocchi di zucca'.
Vicenza
Vicenza is known for its Renaissance architecture, which earned it inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list. The architect Andrea Palladio left a strong imprint on the city, with numerous works such as the Basilica Palladiana, the Olympic Theatre and the Villa Capra 'La Rotonda'.
Vicenza has a long history, dating back to Roman times, and was an important cultural and economic centre during the Renaissance. The city has preserved many examples of medieval and Renaissance architecture, such as the Duomo di Vicenza and the Church of Santa Corona.
Vicenza is also famous for its cuisine, which combines Venetian and Italian influences, with fish, meat and vegetable dishes. The city is located in the Veneto region, famous for its fine wines and prosecco, and offers many opportunities for tasting local products.
Padua
Padua is famous for its ancient university, founded in 1222, and the Basilica of St. Anthony, an important place of pilgrimage for the Catholic faithful. The city is rich in history and culture, with numerous museums, churches and historical buildings to visit. Padua is also known for its public gardens, including the famous Orto Botanico, the oldest botanical garden in the world still in operation. The city is located close to Venice and other important tourist cities in northern Italy, and is well connected by trains and buses.
Trieste
Trieste has a rich cultural history, having been ruled by several powers over the centuries, including the Roman Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire and Italy. This variety of influences is reflected in the city's architecture, with a mixture of styles and cultures.
Trieste is known as Italy's main seaport, with a strong commercial and industrial tradition. The city also has an important cultural heritage, with numerous museums, theatres and art galleries, as well as a lively university environment. Among the main tourist attractions in Trieste are the Miramare Castle, the Grand Canal and the Revoltella Museum. The city is also famous for its cuisine, which combines Italian, Austrian and Balkan influences.
Aquileia
Aquileia, founded by the Romans in 181 BC, has been an important cultural and religious centre over the centuries. Today, Aquileia is famous for its archaeological heritage, including the ruins of the Roman city and the ancient Christian catacombs.
Aquileia's main tourist attraction is the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, an imposing church built in the 4th century that preserves valuable mosaics from the 4th and 5th centuries. The city also houses an important archaeological museum, displaying numerous Roman and early Christian artefacts.
Passariano
Passariano is a fraction of the municipality of Codroipo in Friuli Venezia Giulia. The hamlet is famous for Villa Manin, a magnificent aristocratic residence built in the 18th century and surrounded by a large park.
Villa Manin was the birthplace of Ludovico Manin, the last doge of Venice, and was used as a summer residence by the Manin family until the end of the 19th century. Today, the villa houses an important cultural centre and regularly hosts art exhibitions and concerts.
Passariano is also an important centre for the production of high-quality wines, thanks to the presence of numerous wine cellars and vineyards in the surrounding area.
Dolomites
The Dolomites are a mountain range stretching some 200 kilometres through the regions of Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige and Friuli Venezia Giulia. The Dolomites are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are famous for their spectacular landscapes, towering peaks, uniquely shaped limestone rocks and Alpine lakes.
The Dolomites offer numerous opportunities for winter sports, such as alpine skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing, thanks to the many ski resorts in the area. During the summer, on the other hand, the Dolomites are a paradise for hikers, climbers and cyclists.
The Dolomites are also an area rich in local culture and traditions, with numerous towns and mountain villages that preserve their architecture and traditional lifestyle, but also its cuisine, which combines Italian, Austrian and German influences, and its fine wines and craft beers.