Walk The Prosecco Hills & Hidden Venice

Name: Walk The Prosecco Hills & Hidden Venice
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.8 (65 reviews)

65 reviews

Activity

Walking & Trekking

Overview

Enjoy the perfect pairing: idyllic walks in the Prosecco Hills and an exploration of Venice beyond the guidebooks

Sheltered by the Dolomites, the Prosecco Hills are surprisingly undiscovered by mass tourism, despite the ever-growing popularity of the eponymous sparkling wine. On this culture-filled adventure, we stay in a four-star hotel on the Prosecco Road, the oldest wine route in Italy, to stroll through vineyard hills, sample regional cuisine and sip bubbly. We pair that with an alternative daytrip to Venice, visiting lesser-known neighbourhoods and the workshop of a master artisan to learn more about traditional life in the floating city.

Key Information

Trip Code: TDH
Ways to Travel: Guided Group
Countries: Italy
Carbon Footprint: 16kg CO2e per person per day

What's Included

All accommodation: 7 Classic nights (Hotel Conta)
All breakfasts, four lunches, two dinners and two wine tastings
Immersive itinerary with all transport and listed activities
Expert tour leader to enhance your adventure
Group arrival and departure transfers available

Don't Forget To

Request a single room if required, purchase travel insurance and arrange any visas and vaccinations. On this trip local tourist taxes are not included and will be paid locally.

5 days of Walking & Trekking

Pace:

Leisurely to Moderate; during the day we walk for three to six hours (including lunch and photo stops).

Terrain:

Well-marked trails and paths. The terrain and type of path will vary from man made paved tracks and tarmac to forest trails and dirt roads.
Altitude maximum 4,593ft (1,400m); average 1,969ft (600m)

Day 2: 8 km / 5 miles
Day 3: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Day 4: 6 km / 3.7 miles
Day 5: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Day 7: 9 km / 5.6 miles

Highlights

Walk through the vineyards of the UNESCO-listed Prosecco Hills with a small group of like-minded adventurers

Sample a selection of wines and snacks at two local wineries

Explore the lesser-visited areas of Venice with a local guide

Visit the workshop of a Venetian artisan who creates traditional gondola oars

Enjoy Italian hospitality at our family-run hotel in the riverside village of Pieve di Soligo

Itinerary

First Destination: Pieve di Soligo
Next Destination: Pieve di Soligo

Meals included:Dinner

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast

First Destination: Pieve di Soligo
Next Destination: Pieve di Soligo

The trip starts in Pieve di Soligo, a small village in the heart of the Prosecco Hills, approximately 37mi (60km) north of Venice. Here, lush vineyards cover the slopes of every possible hill, and old churches, abbeys, villas and ancient castles dot the landscape. Prosecco has been produced here for centuries, but only more recently, thanks to the surge in its popularity worldwide, has the area captured a deserved spotlight. Nevertheless, relatively few tourists visit this wine region each year, making it an ideal location for a week of walking, wine tasting and cultural discovery. Depending on the group arrival time, there might be time for a quick orientation walk near our hotel.

If you want to extend your adventure, consider booking additional nights in Venice. Speak to your sales representative for more information on our ‘Pre-Tour’, ‘Post-Tour’ and ‘City Extension’ packages.

Meals included:Dinner

This morning, we take a short transfer to the Soligo Hills, one of the most charming parts of the Prosecco area. From the foothills, we cross woodlands until we reach a pretty hamlet with an ancient monastery, where we can enjoy panoramic views over the farmland and villages far below. Later, we have a delicious lunch at a renowned osteria (an informal, rustic restaurant).

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Today’s walk takes us to the heartland of the Prosecco Hills, namely Valdobbiadene, San Pietro di Barbozza and Santo Stefano. Most of the local winemakers are based right here, among the steep terraced hills, which are arguably the prettiest in the Veneto region. Our walk follows a mix of human-made tracks and paths twisting through the vineyards and offers spectacular views of the fertile landscape and hillside hamlets. During the walk, we can visit the Pietrovecchio winery, one of the top local Prosecco producers. After a general introduction to the winery and its history, we can sample different varieties of sparkling wines on a guided tasting. We return to the hotel in the afternoon.

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

We transfer to Conegliano station and catch a train to Venice for a morning tour of the floating city. Rather than jostle through the crowded attractions, we harness our expert guide’s local knowledge and explore the neighbourhoods less visited by tourists, where the true soul of Venice is found.

Here we meet up-and-coming artisans keeping traditional crafts alive, stopping at the workshop of a master carpenter-artist who makes gondola oars using traditional methods and wood from the Dolomites.

We then have a short ferry ride across the grand canal to end the experience with a toast: a spritz, the classic Venetian drink, and cicchetti, typical local snacks.

In the afternoon, you have free time to explore the city some more and we return to the hotel in the evening.

Meals included:Breakfast

After a short transfer, we reach the start point of today’s walk, Maser, a village on the Prosecco Road. We stop to admire the architecture of the UNESCO-listed Villa Barbaro, a masterpiece of Italian architect Andrea Palladio (1508-80). It is situated in the middle of a flourishing privately owned estate; we have time for an optional visit if you’d like to see inside.

Our walk begins with a climb to Monte San Giorgio; the route then veers west, following one of the original frontlines used during the First World War. The conflict affected most of this area (and many other towns around the Prosecco Hills) and we see evidence and memorials to epic deeds during our walk. Our end point is the hilltop town of Asolo, known as the Pearl of the Treviso province for its beautiful setting and historic centre. On a clear day, we might be able to see the Belluno Dolomites and the Venetian Lagoon, the Adriatic bay in which Venice is situated.

Enjoy free time before returning to Pieve di Soligo for a wine-tasting at a local enoteca (wine bar).

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

We have a free day, allowing you to choose your own adventure. One option is to visit the lovely town of Conegliano, the other major centre of prosecco production and wine studies. Alternatively, take a daytrip to the pretty provincial capital of Treviso, restored after Second World War bombing and considered the birthplace of tiramisu. The town centre, encircled by a wall and waterways, is a maze of streets lined with arcaded walkways. Your final option is Pauda, only a short train ride away, where you can visit the Cappella degli Scrovegni, a simple chapel housing an astounding series of frescoes by Renaissance master Giotto (visits must be prebooked at least a day in advance, so please speak to your tour leader as soon as possible if you would like to take this option).

Meals included:Breakfast

Our final walk takes us above the Prosecco Hills to Mount Cesen, a rounded, grassy mountain, and the highest in the Venetian Prealps. Rising just above the Piave River, at an altitude of 4,593ft (1,400m), it offers a stunning panorama, plus popular walking trails that cross mountain pastures and meadows, and a landscape that differs completely to the one we explored earlier in the week. On a clear day, views can stretch as far as the eastern Alps, Dolomites and Venice. In the evening, we tuck into a farewell dinner in one of the best local restaurants.

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You’ve walked through one of the most picturesque wine regions in Italy. Now, however, it’s time for a final breakfast, before beginning your journey home. If you’d like to explore a little more, speak to your sales representative and arrange a longer stay in the hotel, which may feel a little like home by now.

Meals included:Breakfast

Dates & Prices

Skip the hassle: We’ll handle your trip from start to finish, with competitive flight prices, deposit-only payments, and full ATOL protection available.

Call us: 020 3733 5948

Your Group, Your Adventure

Want to choose your travel companions? Gather your family and friends and let us create a Private Adventure just for you.

View Details

Accommodation

Hotel Conta, a four-star property in Pieve di Soligo

Occupying a spot right next to the Soligo river, the family-run Hotel Conta provides an ideal place to stay for our adventures in the Prosecco Hills. The 49-room property sits in the historic centre of Pieve di Soligo, within walking distance of restaurants, bars and other shops.

Rooms are unfussy and stylish, some overlooking the waterway, while others face the internal patio. And if you feel like sampling more of the local produce, there’s a wine bar in the communal area selling regional food and drinks.

Extend Your Trip

Exclusive Add-ons

Venice Hotels

A city of shimmering canals, ornate palaces and hidden alleyways. Extra nights in Venice can make your adventure feel even more extraordinary. Here are a few of our favourite hotels to inspire your stay:

L’Orologio Venezia: Overlooking the Grand Canal in the heart of the San Polo district, this elegant boutique hotel blends modern design with Venetian craftsmanship. With stylish rooms inspired by vintage timepieces and easy access to the Rialto Bridge, it’s a refined base for exploring the city.

Ca’ dei Conti: Just a short stroll from St Mark’s Square, this charming hotel sits within a restored 18th-century palace complete with classic Venetian décor and canal views. Its warm atmosphere and historic setting make it ideal for travellers seeking an authentic taste of old-world Venice.

Carlton on the Grand Canal: Set directly on the Grand Canal just a short walk from Santa Lucia Station, this traditional Venetian hotel offers panoramic rooftop views and richly decorated rooms in classic style. With its convenient location and timeless charm, it’s a comfortable and well-placed choice.

This is just a glimpse of what’s possible. Speak to your sales representative, who can guide you through the options and arrange everything for you.

Essential Information

This trip is graded Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.

Hikes: Each day, we walk for three to six hours (excluding the free day). Walking hours stated in the itinerary are given as approximates only –stated timings include lunch and photo stops and vary depending on the group’s pace. The terrain and path type varies from paved tracks to forest trails and dirt roads. The walks are not technical, but a good level of fitness is required as there are steep ascents and descents.

Climate: The provinces of Treviso and Venice can be very warm, possibly reaching 30C (86F) between June and September.

Journeys: Some of the drives, although short, follow twisty mountain roads.

Key information

Start hotel: Hotel Conta, Via Borgo Stolfi, 25, 31053 Pieve di Soligo TV
Phone: +39 0438 980435
Recommended arrival time: You’re welcome to arrive any time, though rooms are typically ready in the early afternoon and there’s a welcome briefing in the evening
Airport: Venice (VCE)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately a one-hour drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:

Take a transfer

We provide one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. We gather for the transfer at Meeting Point 1 – keep right after making your way through arrivals and you will arrive at Meeting Point 1

Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times, to arrange a private transfer or for more information on joining this trip.

Catching your return flight

There’s a group departure transfer to the airport that’s scheduled to align with a chosen flight. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.

There are no required vaccinations for this trip.

Italy

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Italy. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/italy
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html

Please note: it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times in Italy.

The trip includes all breakfasts, four lunches, two dinners and two wine tastings.

The food in the Prosecco region has strong links to ancient traditions and uses mainly seasonal products grown in the area. It is typical country cooking and makes great use of garden vegetables, herbs, wild berries, wild mushrooms, asparagus, game and cheeses.

Breakfast consists of a good selection of cereals, fruit, homemade cakes, cheese and cold meats, along with tea and coffee. Breakfast is usually available between 7am and 10am.

Packed lunches are normally provided for the walks, and usually consist of a sandwich with a snack.

During the week, there will be opportunities to try some of the best local restaurants, which offer authentic cuisine and delicious homemade dishes such as spiedo (spit-roasted meat), wild mushroom risotto, gnocchi, cured meats and cheeses, all washed down with quality prosecco.

During March, April and May, Treviso province and the area around the Prosecco Hills warms up quickly after the normally cold winter. Temperatures rise from 8C (46F) in March to 20C (68F) on average by the end of May, although nights are always cooler. Spring is a little rainy at times, with between five and eight days of rain a month – nothing an umbrella can’t cope with. In September and October, temperatures are still very pleasant for walking, however occasional summer storms with heavy rain and strong winds do occur. Take layered clothing to adjust to the changing temperatures, and something warm for the cooler evenings.

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

You’ll also find Thriving Nature, Thriving People moments across our trips. These experiences are often a highlight of your adventure, while also benefiting the natural world or local communities.

On this trip, we:

Meet the next generation of great Venetian artisans in the workshop of a master carpenter to hear how they’re keeping old traditions alive.

Vania was a wonderful guide. Such knowledge of the area thanks to being born and living there.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Unwind and enjoy the slow pace of the hills life.

Debra Galey

Added April 2024

Great week hiking and tasting prosecco!

Rolling green hills covered in prosecco vines and wildflowers.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vania was wonderful, best Exodus leader yet! Friendly, fun and patient. She took great care of our group and provided all details with a daily briefing.

Sarah Niblock

Added September 2023

Wonderful Walking in Bubbly Hills

A well organised group tour in a very quiet and stunning part of northern Italy. Right mix of walking, Prosecco tasting and dining in local restaurants.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing all the vineyards with the Glera grapes was beautiful. The walking was good and often went through the vineyards.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Vania was wonderful. She was always mindful of each individual in the group and made sure all travellers could participate. She had a lovely sense of humour and made sure there was a bar with Prosecco at the end of most walks so we could appreciate the Prosecco Hills fully!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take walking poles. The trip is described as leisurely. However, there are parts on loose stones and some walks had very steep climbs. Walking poles are essential, as some of our party tripped on some paths.

Read all reviews

Walk The Prosecco Hills & Hidden Venice

Activity Level

Comfort Level

Activity

Overview

Enjoy the perfect pairing: idyllic walks in the Prosecco Hills and an exploration of Venice beyond the guidebooks

Key Information

What's Included

Don't Forget To

5 days of Walking & Trekking

Highlights

Itinerary

Dates & Prices

Skip the hassle: We’ll handle your trip from start to finish, with competitive flight prices, deposit-only payments, and full ATOL protection available.

Your Group, Your Adventure

Accommodation

Hotel Conta, a four-star property in Pieve di Soligo

Extend Your Trip

Venice Hotels

Essential Information

Key information

Getting to the start hotel

Catching your return flight

Italy

Reviews

Dheeraj Hinduja - Kudos to this place

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

More than amazing!

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

The Venice and Prosecco Hills

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Excellent in every way

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

What’s not to like!

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

Exceded my expectations

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Excellent hiking and cultural trip

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Felt like a dream

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Great week hiking and tasting prosecco!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wonderful Walking in Bubbly Hills

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

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