The work of Andrea Palladio had an immediate impact on the architecture of his day and this influence has, uniquely, remained undiminished by the passage of time. Palladianism spread to the rest of the Mediterranean, northern and eastern Europe and is extremely visible in the Anglo-Saxon world. The great Inigo Jones returned to England from a visit to the Veneto and brought English Renaissance architecture to a new and sudden maturity.

Palladio's villas are dotted across the beautiful and serene countryside inland from Venice. Here the superb northern Italian landscape rises abruptly from the fertile plain to the edge of the Dolomite massif which forms the backdrop of our walk. We alternate our walks between the high mountains and the tranquil scenery of the valleys. Three delightful country villas reflect the theme of our walk and provide our first class accommodation whilst the food of the northeast includes some of the best ingredients in Italian cuisine, porcini and other wild mushrooms, wonderful fish and game from the mountains and the best polenta.

The altitude varies from about sea level to over 5000ft.

Excellent accommodation and food throughout.

Arcugnano - 4 star hotel. Marostica - 3 star hotel. Bassano - 4 star hotel. Asolo - 4 star hotel.

Maximum number of walkers 16.

Average hours walked per day 4.5.

Average miles walked per day 10.