Walking the Prosecco Hills

Discover one of the oldest wine regions in Italy

Just an hour’s drive north of Venice, in the foothills of the Dolomites, is one of the best, though largely undiscovered, wine regions in the world. Here ancient terraced vineyards clinging to the sides of every possible slope are dedicated exclusively to grapes for Italy’s most prized sparkling wine: prosecco. Based in an elegant hotel, located in the heart of the so-called Prosecco Road – the oldest wine route in Italy – we spend a week walking through rolling hills and sampling regional cuisine and sipping bubbly. We also visit charming medieval villages such as Cison, Follina, Asolo, plus the beautiful capital province of Treviso.

This trip includes a few of our Citizen Science Departures. These special departures offer you the opportunity to be involved in the collection of freshwater samples during the trip. The environmental DNA information derived from this sample will contribute directly to the eBioAtlas; the world’s largest repository of flora and fauna species data, contributing to the conservation and restoration of biodiversity both locally and globally. To book onto one of these special departures, see the Dates & Prices tab. For more information on these departures and the eBioAtlas, click here.

Did you know you can travel by train to this trip? Find out more here

People, Places & Planet

We work hard to create trips that improve life for the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Find out more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here, and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.  

Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:

People

How this trip helps improve life for local communities.

• The use of a local guide means our customers will be well informed about local traditions, and cultural and social sensitivities.
• This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally-owned hotels and restaurants, the emphasis on eating locally produced food and support of other local enterprise.
• With a strong emphasis on the area’s delicious cuisine and authentic bubbles, culture and history this trip provides plenty of opportunities to visit various local wineries, cultural sites and museums. Our visits to these sites will benefit the locals and contributes to the preservation of their cultural assets through the money spent on entrance fees and other purchases made within the area.
• Our clients will have the opportunity to visit a local winery and to learn more about how the Prosecco wine is made.

Places

How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.

• We work with our partners on the ground to proactively eliminate or reduce waste. For example, we encourage eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles and instead encourage clients to take a refillable water bottle with them on the tour.
• By travelling in a small group, led by a local guide, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment. For example, we don’t just stay in busy cities during the itinerary and venture to more remote locations
• During the trip, we visit the UNESCO Palladian Villa Barbaro. Our entrance fees directly contribute to the upkeep & conservation of this UENSCO site.
• Some departures of this trip provide the opportunity for you to collect water samples for the International eBioAtlas initiative which collects vital DNA information to assist in essential conservation initiatives.
• Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us and the eBioAtlas.

Planet

How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.

• Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.
• Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally-sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
• This trip favours locally-owned and run accommodation.

Tips for sustainable travel on this trip

• Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, we’d ask you to consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
• Plastic waste reduction: Please bring your own re-usable water bottle on this trip; filtered water will be provided where tap water is not drinkable.
• Take the train: Consider taking the train to this trip. Not only will it significantly reduce the carbon footprint of your holiday vs. flying, it also extends your adventure! Read more about which train journeys we can book, or how to book your own, here.

Visa

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.

Vaccination

There are no required vaccinations for this trip.

Eating and Drinking

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. Please note that breakfast is usually available between 8.00 a.m and 9.00 a.m.

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.

Weather

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.

Is this trip for you?

Activity Level 2: (Leisurely/Moderate). Each day, we walk for three to six hours (excluding the free day).

The terrain and path type will vary from paved tracks, to forest trails and dirt roads. The walks are easy, but a reasonable level of fitness is required as there are some steep ascents, and descents. Please be aware that the province of Treviso can also be very warm, possibly reaching 30C (86F) between June and September. Walking hours stated in the itinerary are given as approximates only. Timings stated include lunch and photo stops and will vary depending on the pace of your group. Some of the drives, although short, follow twisty mountain roads.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.