Searching for your next great adventure? This Sweet July series taps top travel enthusiasts to share first-hand insight into their ventures across the country and world, so you know exactly what to expect and how to prepare once you book your ticket. Wishing you safe—and sweet—travels!
Today: Davon D. E Hatchett shares her best tips and recommendations for creating your perfect travel itinerary to experience the wine, food, culture and lush landscape of the Italian city of Treviso in the Veneto region.
There are three things I’m always going to do when I vacation: (1) as a experientially-driven person, immerse myself in the destination by engaging with the culture and people like a local; (2) as a lover of luxury, seek out sensory-engaging experiences that integrate ease, wellness, delight, and simple indulgences; and (3) as a wine & hospitality professional, have as many superb food and wine experiences as possible.
I got all of that and so much more in this incredible, under-the-radar Italian city–and you can, too. Check out my well-curated list of best places to stay, dine, sip, and take in all that Veneto has to offer.
How to Get There:
The closest airport is Venice Marco Polo (VCE), a little less than an hour’s drive away from Veneto. I had pre-arranged car service by Prosecco Wine Tours, who offer airport transfer services and tours of the Prosecco Hills. The service was impeccable and the transport vehicle was a very comfy Mercedes-Benz E-class.
Other options include hopping aboard one of the Rail Europe trains, which will also get you from Venice to Conegliano for a very economical US $8. Once you arrive, you can easily book a taxi through Co.Ta.Co. (Consorzio Taxi Conegliano Taxi) and you can even get an estimate of what your fare will be with the Go by Taxi Conegliano taxi fare calculator.
Note: for geographical clarity, the Province of Treviso is within the Veneto region, and the Prosecco DOCG region known as Conegliano-Valdobbiadene are actually two separate towns–Conegliano and Valdobbiadene–are within Treviso.
Accommodations and Lodging:
FOR A BUDGET:
Canon D’Oro (Conegliano):
This hotel is actually a Best Western property, but today’s BW reputation has moved well beyond its former “lower-budget” notoriety, with the brand quietly leveling up to include covetable hotel properties in Napa and France–and the 4-star Canon D’Oro. Located in “old town” Conegliano within a 5-minute stroll to the historic town square, Canon D’Oro is a perfect blend of historic details and charm (it’s been an inn since 1830) mixed with modern sensibilities. The rooms are super comfortable and the hotel provides a fantastic breakfast buffet replete with classic Italian and American dishes. Lovely hotel amenities include a street-level terrace where guests can sip espresso while people watching–especially on Friday mornings when the street is transformed into a city market–as well as an upper level garden patio in the rear of the hotel, located at the foot of Cogneliano castle and perfect for enjoying an evening aperitif.
FOR A SPLURGE:
Resort Colonia (Vittorio, Veneto):
This “relaxed-luxe” boutique is focused on effortlessly weaving tranquility and wellness into every aspect. Whether you’re craving incredibly fresh and inventive gourmet meals, are in need of pampering your mind and body with holistic spa treatments, or just want to spend languorous afternoons lounging at the hillside pool while sipping perfectly crafted Aperol spritzes, Colonia has got you covered. The rooms and suites are light-filled spaces with village and vineyard views, with one of the suite offerings being an onsite apartment with a fully furnished kitchen that sleeps four, perfect for girls or couples trips.
DISTINCT:
Relax, “Relais,” Release:
Derived in part from the French word “relassier” which loosely translates to “relaxing” or “refreshing”, a relais is defined as an exclusive “charming residence that focuses on attention to detail, refinement and quality of hospitality.” In short, a relais offers an off-the-beaten-path, extremely distinctive boutique hotel stay.
I fell in love with Alice Relais Nelle Vigne at winery Le Vigne de Alice (pronounced /Ah-LEE-chay/) where each room is tastefully designed with a clever play-on-its-name theme of “Alice in Wonderland”. This relais offers fresh breakfast (including gluten free options), complimentary wifi, spa quality bathrobes & slippers, and onsite tastings. Alice’s outdoor charm includes a gazebo for alfresco dining, a hot tub for relaxing, a garden, and an outdoor daybed for impromptu napping. When you’re ready to venture off-site you can book experiences with them directly, like a guided tour of the Prosecco Hills on a cool motorcycle with a sidecar.
Dining:
FOR A SPLURGE:
Seda Ristorante at Resort Colonia (Vittorio, Veneto): even if you aren’t staying at the resort the restaurant is still destination dining. Think chef-driven multi-course meals with dishes like “The Cucumber, the Goat, and the Fig” composed of cucumber sorbet, a hazelnut biscuit, goat cheese mousse, and dehydrated fig tartare–and that’s just the tip of the culinary iceberg. Pro tip: arrive early for your reservation to sip the best Aperol Spritz of your life while lounging on the lawn’s hilltop couches that overlook a bucolic expanse of homes and village vines.
Osteria Borgoluce (Susegana, Veneto): situated on the grounds of Borgoluce Winery, this restaurant is in a beautifully renovated farmhouse that puts the USA’s version of “farm-to-table” to utter shame, as 90% of the ingredients – from the meats to the cheeses to the wines and flours – have been produced right within the Estate. Whether you choose a table in the rustic yet elegant interior or on the terrace with panoramic views, Osteria Borgoluce’s respect for “ultra-fresh ingredients” will blow your palate away
FOR A BUDGET:
A Casa de Giorgio (Conegliano): A local family-run establishment where the restaurant’s namesake/owner comes out to your table to charm you all night long? Yes, please. Dining here is an absolute delight and genuinely makes you feel like you’ve been warmly welcomed into Giorgio’s actual home. Dishes not to miss include the “snails all Giorgio”, spaghetti cacio e pepe, beef filet, fried zucchini flowers, and the sublime marinated grilled pineapple carpaccio. No matter what’s on your plate, every bite is sure to be more sublime than the last.
Ristoro Collagu – Le Rive de Nidal (Farra di Soligo): A curvy, picturesque uphill drive leads you to the quaint, antique Ristoro Collagu, an ideal spot for a respite of a casually superb “spuntino” (a quick, light meal) after a day of sightseeing. They butcher and make their own salumi (sopressa, salami, pancetta, sausages, etc.) plus offer a variety of cheeses made by local dairy farmers that you can indulge in al fresco at wooded picnic tables overlooking the idyllically pastoral grounds.
There’s an onsite shop too that sells wines (including those they produce themselves) and culinary wares, which allows them to host a variety of experiential wine tastings like the “Scents, Flavors, and Landscape” tasting with 3 glasses of Prosecco and charcuterie for just 20-50 euros per person..
Adventures, Activities and Experiences:
The (Prosecco) Road Less Traveled – Wine Tours + Tastings: Veneto is known for its Prosecco, and the Conegliano-Valdobbiadene, Cartizze, and Asolo areas are known for making Prosecco of the highest quality known as Superiore DOCG. You can visit wineries and do wine tours by bicycle (biking culture is big there so ride the curvy, winding roads for astonishing views and a good workout), van transportation (private or via services open to the public) and via walking tours. Here are a few of my recommended must-visit wineries:
Sommariva (Conegliano)
Sorelle Bronca (Conegliano-Valdobbiadene)
Gabara (Cartizze, Valdobbiadene)
Le Riva de Nadal (Farra di Soligo)
Riva Granda (Farra di Soligo, Valdobbiadene)
Le Vigne di Alice (Vittorio Veneto)
Marchiori Wines (Farra di Soligo)
Get Out(side) While the Getting’s Good: The Course – Asolo Golf Club is a golfer’s paradise known for its 3 glorious routes and 27 holes for those who live life on the greens. This golf club’s got something for the non-golfers, too: fitness enthusiasts can sweat it out to a vineyard view in the gym; the “40-Love” folks can pick up a racket instead of a club; and those looking for a little rest & relaxation can grab a glass of wine and lounge at the pool.
For a little “horseplay” be sure to check out Ai Cadelach Resort and visit their AgriGallop riding school to book a glorious lakeside horseback ride.
Take it to the Altar: Considered one of the “historical and artistic jewels” of the entire region, you’ll be blown away by the stunning Parish Church of San Pietro di Feletto (“San Pietro” means “Saint Peter”) which boasts ornate ancient wall paintings known as frescoes dating from the thirteenth to the fifteenth century (open on Sundays and public holidays only from 3:00-7:00 p.m.).
After you’re done being awestruck with the church, stretch your legs with the “Giovanni XXIII Route” walking tour that starts from the San Pietro di Feletto parking lot. This 4-kilometer walk retraces the exact path that Pope John XXIII walked during his stays in San Pietro di Feletto and offers incredible panoramic vistas of vineyards, valleys, and villages.
Indulge Your Senz-es: Cartizze, located in Valdobbiadene, is a destination in and of itself offering 360-degree views of Veneto, as well as housing its namesake Prosecco Superiore DOCG di Cartizze, the creme de la creme of Prosecco DOCG. Plus no trip to Cartizze could be complete without visiting the infamous Osteria Senz Oste, a 19th century three-story farmhouse perched on one of the highest hilltops in the region.
This unique Osteria has a cool charcuterie and books vending machine and a small “honor bar” style shop to select from a variety of meats, cheeses, bread, and wines that you pay for by leaving an amount you believe represents the value of the food and experience. Locals and tourists alike visit to hike the Osteria’s steep hills; have a snack, or grab a book from the vending machine to relax and read on one of the shaded terrace areas.
What To Pack:
I visited in June so, if you’re traveling during the warmer weather months of mid-April to August, you’ll inevitably spend some time in the sun. Must-haves include a sunhat, good SPF sunscreen, light fabrics, a portable neck fan to keep cool and, of course, some super stylish sunglasses. I adore the sunnies from luxury brand Shades of Shades (the “Kingston” collection is fab) and wallet-friendly Jembere House, a brand inspired by Ethiopian culture. Thirst-quenching packets of liquid IV were lifesavers, as were 2 pairs of well broken-in, good walking shoes, and a lightweight jacket for those cooler, breezy nights up in the hills.
A lightweight, great quality bag that allows you to move around handsfree is also clutch and my absolute favorite is the handmade leather “Saddle Bag LE” by Black-owned brand Mifland. Compact yet roomy, its versatility in how it can be worn makes it a perfect travel bag for exploring.
Lastly, if you’re a bonafide wine lover like me, it’s essential to bring an empty suitcase to tote back all those incredible bottles of wine you’ll have access to that you can’t buy in the States! I love VinGardeValise, which is a luggage line specifically designed to transport wine and spirits safely.
In sum, if a food and wine-elevated, culture and history-inspired, nature and wellness-oriented “soft-life” kind of vacation vibe is what you want, then Veneto is definitely what you need. Bon voyage!
