Vicenza ; A Long Weekend in Veneto Between Asiago and Palladio

A long weekend in the province of Vicenza is a chance to discover the riches of this Italian territory. Between heritage, landscapes and the art of living, discoveries abound.

The Province of Vicenza ; Four Days of Discovery

Day 1 – From Lausanne to Roana

To start this long weekend in Italy, it is off to Roana, in the province of Vicenza. After more than six hours’ drive from Lausanne, arrival at the Col del Sole Bike Hotel. With its architecture blending wood and stone, this establishment fits perfectly into the landscape of the Asiago plateau. The hotel notably offers bike rental to explore the region’s many mountain trails.

Once the bags are dropped off, it is time for one of the great pleasures of travel: food. Off to the Vecchia Stazione Mountain Elegance restaurant for the first meal of the stay. In a friendly atmosphere, Italian specialities follow one another at the table and set the tone for this weekend of discovery. A lovely, indulgent start.

The Province of Vicenza ; Day 2 of Discovery

Hiking and Flavours of the Asiago Plateau

After a good night’s sleep, the day begins with a breakfast of breads, pastries and coffee. An indulgent moment before setting off to discover the Asiago plateau. Off to the centre of Cesuna for an accessible hike through the region’s mountain landscapes.

The aim of this walk is to reach an alpine pasture to discover local traditions linked to making Asiago cheese. Under generous sunshine, the trail is easy and offers lovely views of the surroundings. Once there, it is time for explanations about the history and production of this iconic cheese from the province of Vicenza. The visit ends with a tasting of specialities made from cow’s milk, a lovely introduction to the local food heritage.

Asiago ; Treats and Masterclasses

After the visit to the alpine pasture, it is off to Asiago for lunch and two masterclasses devoted to cheese and wine. These tastings are part of Made in Malga, an event that showcases the territory’s products and know-how.

Even without being a great wine connoisseur, the experience teaches you more about local productions and their specific features. Between the two workshops, a few hours are enough to discover the centre of Asiago and browse the many stalls set up for the occasion. There is no shortage of regional specialities and the temptations are many. A stop at Casa Del Dolce finally means giving in to a few scoops of ice cream before continuing to discover the town.

After these two masterclasses, the discovery of the province of Vicenza continues with dinner at the Locanda Stella Alpina. This hotel-restaurant is a welcome stop before a more original activity: a night hike under the stars.

Starting from Turcio, the trail crosses the forest and climbs gradually towards the Asiago astrophysical observatory. The route remains accessible and leads to a lovely viewpoint over the surrounding landscapes. The visit to the observatory is also a chance to learn more about astronomy and stargazing. After this evening between nature and discovery, the return to the hotel ends a particularly full day.

A Hike on the Heights of Conco

This third day begins with breakfast before returning to the trails of the Asiago plateau. This time, it is off to the green hills of Conco and the Malga Montagna Nuova di Dietro alpine pasture for another hike in the heart of nature.

For nearly two hours, the route crosses meadows and mountain landscapes in a friendly atmosphere. The panoramas follow one another and shades of green dominate the horizon. On a perfectly clear day, the view stretches all the way to Venice and even lets you glimpse part of the Croatian coast. Accessible and pleasant, this walk offers a lovely immersion in the landscapes of the province of Vicenza. Back at the alpine pasture, the setting is perfect for a few photos before continuing the day.

Asiago and the Local Art of Living

Back in Asiago, the day continues with lunch at the Hotel Europa Residence restaurant. In a friendly, sunny atmosphere, this moment lets you fully enjoy the setting before setting off to explore the town.

A slight change of plan leaves more time to discover Asiago and the Made in Malga event. The markets are full of local specialities, artisan products and treats that invite tasting. Between the stalls, the stroll also reveals the town’s charm. The colourful façades and typical architecture add to the warm atmosphere of Asiago, one of the most delightful favourites of this stay in the province of Vicenza.

For this last evening, it is off to the Rifugio Kübeleck, in the heart of the Cesuna hills. With its large stone fireplace and mountain atmosphere, the address has undeniable charm. In this warm setting, the meal is a pleasant end to this stay in the province of Vicenza.

Day 4 – In the Province of Vicenza

A Visit to Villa Godi

For this last morning in the province of Vicenza, it is off to Lugo di Vicenza and Villa Godi. Designed by Andrea Palladio, this residence is considered the first of the famous Palladian villas that marked the history of architecture.

The visit begins with the fossil museum before continuing through the villa’s various rooms and their remarkable frescoes. For nearly an hour, this discovery teaches you more about Palladio’s work and his influence around the world. A lovely cultural and historical interlude to end this Italian stay.

For a first discovery of this region of Italy, the verdict is very positive. Between rolling landscapes, characterful villages, food and heritage, the province of Vicenza offers an accessible change of scene just a few hours from Switzerland. Whether for a long weekend or a longer stay, the destination is well worth the trip.

This stay was not my only Italian discovery. Thanks to an invitation from the Italian Chamber of Commerce for Switzerland, I also had the chance to discover Cuneo (in French) on another trip.

Vicenza

Article written as part of a collaboration with the Italian Chamber of Commerce for Switzerland.
Many thanks to Nicholas for being a wonderful translator and guide.

Practical info[]

Col del Sole Bike HotelVia Chiesa 52, 36010 Roana

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Hotel Europa ResidenceCorso IV Novembre 65, 36012 Asiago

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Locanda Stella AlpinaVia Campiello 86, 36010 Roana

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Malga Montagna Nuova di Dietro36046 Conco

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Observatoire astrophysique d’AsiagoVia Osservatorio Astronomico 8, 36012 Asiago

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Rifugio KübeleckVia Monte Zovetto 3, 36010 Roana

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Vecchia Stazione Mountain EleganceVia Roma 147, 36010 Roana

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Villa Godi MalinverniVia Andrea Palladio 44, 36030 Lugo di Vicenza

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All addresses in Roana in the address book ›