This is Italy’s, and Europe’s most visited region, with over 60 million tourists annually. Venice’s attraction is so strong that unfortunately the rest of the Veneto is underappreciated, and often overlooked. Towns like Vicenza, Padova, Treviso and Verona are stunning, home to outstanding art, history and architecture. The region is also known for its world famous wines and regional specialities such as risotto. Sandy beaches in summer, glamorous ski resorts in winter, and UNESCO World Heritage sites aplenty, this is region is like no other. 

Regional Hot Spots:

• The many sandy beaches along the Veneto coast are extremely popular during summer.  Venice’s Lido attracts millions of visitors. 
• Vicenza – as Venice declined, its wealthy residents fled to the hills surrounding Vicenza.  Here, they built amazing residences, some open to the public today.  This town is also home to Andrea Palladio, considered by some to be the most influential person in the history of architecture.  Some of his work is featured in the town centre. 
• Padua – home to one of the oldest universities in Italy, Padova (Padua) is a surprisingly cosmopolitan town.  There is plenty to see and do here with artistic treasures located throughout the centre, particularly Giotto’s frescoes in Cappella Scrovegni (Arena Chapel).
• Verona – Fair Verona, every bit as romantic as one could hope, offers more than most expect.  The main square is dominated by the massive Arena – a remarkably intact Roman amphitheatre still used to stage opera performances in summer.
• Cortina d’Ampezzo – One of the most exclusive and expensive ski resorts in Europe, Cortina d’Ampezzo is an idyllic town nestled in the Dolomites.  Host of the 1956 Winter Olympics, it has also featured in many famous films.