July 3 – 10, 2024      Sparkling Adventure through Italy   “Walking the Prosecco Hills" - Veneto to the Dolomites

Join our new Sparkling Adventure with bubbly fun deep into the vineyards and breathtaking mountains of Italy’s Veneto region. Wineries, llamas, spas and alps, oh my! It begins in the hidden gem of captivating beauty of the Prosecco Hills, now declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each day we explore the unblemished scenery in meadows of wildflowers and charming historic villages. Our AFS Grape Escape is for travelers seeking something off the ordinary tourist paths in Europe.

Note -  itineraries are prepared up to a year ahead and things can change.  Modifications may be made.  Always refer to the itinerary found at www.afstravelers.com 

July 3 – Depart USA to Venice  (Details soon in Trip Tips)

July 4 – Ciao Italia!   

Upon arrival, take the free hotel shuttle and settle in for a comfy stay at Courtyard Venice Airport Hotel l ink and address

July 5 – Full day tour Venice & Burano

Many of you have been to dreamy Venice before, but who wouldn’t want to return! This morning, our guided walking tour reveals the enchanting city’s most iconic sites and the storied history behind them. We meet our guide at Ponte Constitution Bridge and begin in legendary Saint Mark Square. Visit the Doges Palace, Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs. See the stunning art of the Basilica. Hear about the life of the golden age here as we explore the labyrinth of alleyways and piazzas of the hidden Venice.  Then we board our private boat to the north lagoon and visit charming Burano. The vibrant colored houses make it a photographer’s delight. Stroll the quaint streets and then enjoy an Italian lunch fresh from the Adriatic Sea.

Afternoon transfer by coach 2-hours to our wonderful retreat in the Prosecco Hills. After we check in to Castle Brando, meet at the Faun Terrace for aperitivo and breathtaking views. Then get to know your fellow AFS Travelers over a Welcome Dinner of delectable cuisines.

Overnight:  CastelBrando                        B,L,D

CastelBrando is one of the largest and oldest castles in Europe.  It dominates the Prosecco hills, recently a UNESCO World Heritage Site, halfway between Venice and the Dolomites between Cison di Valmarino and Follina, elected among the most beautiful villages in Italy.  CastelBrando is a national historic monument. The careful restoration has brought to light the original beauty of a place with 2000 years of history, home to nobles and illustrious leaders over the centuries.

July 6 – Buffalos & Bubblies!       Borgoluce Wine Tasting, Prosecco

After breakfast, we coach to the family-run Borgoluce farm and vineyard to learn about dairy and cheese-making.  The 1000-hector agricultural estate lies in the heart of beautiful Veneto region.  They take food and wine seriously to unparalleled heights of internationally renowned “Prosecco Superiore” culture. See meadows, orchards, vineyards, mills and dairies working as they have with a thousand-year history in the rich soil here.

The Farm – We begin with a guided educational farm tour to learn about the principles of organic and biodynamic farming. It’s all about slow food now in Italy…pasta made from ancient grains, the finest olive oils, honey and nuts. Meet the free-range chickens, pigs and cows. At the modern Buffalo Shed, learn from the dairymen how mozzarella is produced. Explore the organic garden and small museum.

The Winery – After a walk through the estate and vineyards, we indulge in a wine-tasting experience complemented by delicious food pairings!  This estate is the region where the first natural sparkling wines began. Free time to shop for a wonderful array of organic products and wines to ship home. This experience will make you passionate about food and wine.

Walking Tour - Conegliano, in the province of Treviso, is a charming town with a rich history, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant culture. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a wine connoisseur, or simply looking for a peaceful getaway, Conegliano has it all. We begin a guided walking tour from Corso Vittorio Emmanuel outside the defensive walls known as Refosso. View important monuments such as the 17th century Church of San Rocco, Piazza Cima, Fountain of Neptune, Dantes Gate, academy theater and many sites in the old town. It has some charming shops and cafés to explore. The town offers cool Vespa tours, E-bikes, picnic hikes and rafting.

Overnight:  Castel Brando.     B, wine tasting and snacks

July 7 – Grape Escape & Llama Trek

 We start the day with a delightful hike into the Prosecco Hills to Pianezze with Slow Llama Tours. Enjoy a Slow Walk with four or five llamas through picturesque forests high in the foothills. Our guide will commentate an interesting fact about the surrounding nature of this region and you’ll get plenty of great “selfies” with your llama. After our group slow walk, you may choose to continue on your own and hike up to the charming mountain town and farm of Malga Mariech for a delicious lunch.

Onto a sparkling afternoon to Parco della Filandetta, a place of wine, nature and art. Stroll the vineyards and admire the art installation set in lush gardens.  Tour the Bortolomiol's Winemaking Cellars family estate. In the wine cellars, an oenologist will teach us about the production here of some of Italy’s finest organic wines. Time for tastings and gourmet bites. You’ll discover five of the best, from dry to sparkling Prosecco wines.

Transfer back to our hotel for your evening free.  The Castel Brando, a grand medieval castle, provides a truly unique stay in a hamlet of the Prosecco Hills. The terraces offer stunning panoramic views of the valleys. The gardens are perfect for walking and horse rides. Enjoy the Roman spa, hot tub and pool. Dining halls with 16th century décor. Three restaurants, wood fire pizzas, a gelato parlor and several bars. See the wine cellars. There’s even a museum and art gallery.

Overnight:  Castel Brando link.  B, wine & snacks

July 8 -  Cortina, Waterfalls & Cooking

We check out and head to the town of Cortina, home of the Dolomites – there are a few alpine walks that encompass a region so entirely stunning as the circuit through the dramatic spires of the Dolomites in northern Italy. Our base is from the lively ski town of Cortina d’Ampezzo. It is flanked by the distinctive peaks of Tre Cine, the forest of alpine lakes of Sextener to the WW I bunkers in the Tofane massif. Visitors from around the world come here to hike or walk the breathtaking alpine scenery within the valleys and mountains of pure star beauty.

Glamorous resort town of Cortina - Host of the 1956 Winter Olympic Games and defined solely in terms of chic and ski, Cortina is a glitzy, glam symbol both on the Italian and international scenes Cortina has always been a top destination for mountain and nature enthusiasts, as well as those in search of winter sport activity and, in general, fun.  Not only skiing and summer sports: in Cortina are about 250 shops where shoppers can find Italian high fashion and the best of Made in Italy, in addition to local artisan goods, art, jewelry and antiques. Corso Italia, Cortina’s thriving center, is one of the best-known shopping streets on the Peninsula, always teeming with tourists admiring the shop windows and abounding with the cafes and trendy locales that line the Corso.

Check into our 5-star hotel. Faloria Mountain Spa Resort, in the quaint village of Zuel, is the perfect retreat for mind, body and soul, www.floriasparesort.com.  The alpine design by Flaviano Architetti is “Nordic elegance,” and our renowned chef Giovanni here has won culinary awards. Guests are offered free access to the spa areas and shuttle vans into the town of Cortina. It features a large spa area with heated swimming pool, Turkish bath, sauna and unique spa treatments. Rooms include a balcony with terrace or garden views. Our spa resort is located at the base of the Olympic ski jump near the Faloria chairlifts. Also nearby is Skyline Cortina for summer chairlifts and cable cars to explore the Dolomites!

This afternoon, we embark on a guided hike among the mountains of Ampezzo Dolomites National Park.   Meet our mountain guides who will divide us into two groups of slow walk to vigorous hikers to explore the magnificent lake region of this area. It’s about a 1 to 2 hour walk around Lake Sorapis. Then our exploration takes us to the gorgeous Fanes Waterfalls. Time for a dip in the lake and wander for more Instagram moments.  Packed lunch included.

Later, we visit a local Cooking School to learn the art of slow cooking from a team of skilled local chefs. Mangia-magia! Time to enjoy our fresh Italian dinner we crafted from scratch.

Overnight: Hotel Faloria Spa    B, L, D

Set among the Dolomite mountains, this upscale 5-star hotel is 4 km from both the Mario Rimoldi Modern Art Museum and the Faloria cable car.  Elegant rooms with wooden floors, flat-screen TVs, Nespresso machines and Wi-Fi, pool and spa.

July 9 -  Yoga, Paragliding, Venice

After early breakfast, we meet our yogi for a guided Yoga Class. Check out of hotel and head into the mountains up to Rifugio for lunch at a mountain hut at a sunny terraced café for iconic panoramic views.   In the region of the iconic Cinque Torri Mountains, we arrive to Lake Santa Croce with free time for nature walks. The nearby town of Alpago is famous for paragliding. This optional activity is a magical experience with a thrilling tandem flight over the mountains. (Details later).

Late afternoon, we head by coach 2.5 hours back to Venice. Check into hotel.

Courtyard Venice Airport Hotel, by Marriott             B, L

July 10 – Arrivaderci.  Departure home. (Many may want to extend on own their Italian vacation at trips end to other regions. The new trains can whisk you anywhere.)