Veneto

Overview:

Wealthy Veneto boasts a handful of stunning artistic cities; the most beautiful slice of the Dolomites surrounding the popular resort, Cortina; the 18 villas of Andrea Palladio in and around Vicenza; and the eastern half of scenic Lake Garda. Venice with its 120 inlets, 100 canals, and 400 bridges is the highlight of this region. Venice’s neighboring islands of Burano with its colorfully painted houses; Murano, the glass center; and Torcello, are all of interest. Farther south you find Chioggia and its wondrous fish market; Cappella Scrovegni with Giotto’s frescoed masterpiece and the 13th-century university (with graduates such as Dante and Galileo). Verona, a magical well-preserved city, is also part of this region. Verona is famous for its still-standing 1st-century amphitheatre, its summer opera festival, the Piazza Erbe with its open market, the Renaissance square, and the Piazza dei Signori. The houses of both Romeo and Juliet in Verona are a pilgrimage point where lovers sign a book of confessions, enhancing the fairy-tale aura. Top wines from Valpolicella, Soave, and Barbarano, and grappa from Bassano del Grappa are produced in Veneto.