jakeydog

I'll be in Vicenza, Italy, in mid-October and would like to do a reasonably priced one-day guided tour, that includes transportation, of:

(1) Palladian Villas (ideally including Villa di Maser) OR
(2) vineyards, ie wine tasting

Any and all suggestions appreciated! I'm hoping to do a group tour.

massimop

The area around Vicenza is not particularly interesting for its wine production unless you are a specialist. Plus, while there are thousands of places all over the world where you can do a wine tour, Vicenza is one of the very few places on the planet where you can see Palladio's architecture (where he supervised the building), and the only place on the planet where you can find a concentration of such variety. His influence on architecture across the globe, particularly elsewhere in Europe and in America, cannot be overstated.

It is also the case that it is usually quite difficult to organise an independent self-guided tour of Palladio's structures, because they have complicated & limited opening hours. A tour would be solve many of the difficulties.

massimop

https://www.theguardian.com/artandde...ndrea-palladio

vincenzo32951

I can't help you with the wine tours.
As for the Palladio tours, first myfull disclosure: I have not taken one of these tours myself. Any info comes from a friend who took this tour a few years ago and gave me the name as a recommendation.

The guide's name is Roberta Parlato. I think she's done graduate study in Palladian architecture and is a licensed guide. Truth is, I don't even know if she's still doing it, but you probably can Google her and find something.

Sassafrass

Have not taken a tour, but would definitely choose one of Vicenza. You can do wine tours many places. Only one Vicenza. Whatever tour you take, do not miss Teatro Olimpico!

jan47ete

Villas--you'll then have a different view of all the buildings in the US and around the world that were influenced by Palladio.

StCirq

Wine tours are a dime a dozen. Palladian architecture is unique.