A Veneto Journey by Train: Wines, Villas & Timeless Towns

Bassano del Grappa, Veneto

The Veneto region is more than Venice. By train, you can wander elegant Palladian villas, sip world-famous wines, and stroll historic towns that inspired Shakespeare. September and autumn are ideal—vineyards are heavy with grapes, harvest festivals spill into piazzas, and cooler days make exploring comfortable.

What to Expect

• Easy rail links from Venice, Verona, and Padua to towns across the region

• Rolling vineyards producing Prosecco, Soave, and Valpolicella

• Elegant villas and theatres by Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio

• Quieter autumn travel compared to Venice’s high summer crowds

A Bit of History

The Veneto was once the domain of the powerful Venetian Republic. Beyond the lagoon, nobles built lavish villas in the countryside and established thriving wine estates, many still operating today.

Things to Do

1. Vicenza – Discover Palladio’s Teatro Olimpico, one of Europe’s most beautiful Renaissance theatres.

2. Valpolicella Wine Country – Train to Verona, then explore wineries producing Amarone and Ripasso reds.

3. Padua – Visit Giotto’s frescoes in the Scrovegni Chapel and enjoy the lively university city atmosphere.

4. Bassano del Grappa – Cross the covered Ponte degli Alpini and sample local grappa.

5. Treviso – Explore canals, cobbled streets, and Prosecco wine bars.

Veneto Cuisine & Wine

The Veneto is one of Italy’s richest food and wine regions. In the kitchens, you’ll find dishes like risotto al nero di seppia (squid ink risotto from Venice), baccalà mantecato (creamed salt cod), and hearty bigoli pasta with duck ragù. Inland, polenta often replaces bread as a staple. The wines are just as famous: sparkling Prosecco from the hills around Treviso, crisp Soave whites, and robust reds like Amarone della Valpolicella. September and autumn are especially rewarding, with grape harvests and food festivals filling the towns.

Where to Stay/Eat

• Stay: Boutique hotels in Vicenza or Verona are central bases.

• Eat: Osteria del Bugiardo (Verona) for Valpolicella wines; Antica Trattoria da Ballotta (near Padua) for traditional Veneto cooking.

Hidden Gems

• Villa Barbaro (Maser) – Palladian villa with frescoes by Veronese, reachable by train + short taxi.

• Asolo – Hill town known as the “pearl of Veneto,” quieter than the big cities.

Travel Tips

• Regional trains connect most Veneto towns affordably.

• Autumn is harvest season—book vineyard tastings in advance.

• Allow 2–3 days to combine art, food, and wine at a relaxed pace.