Refrontolo
After breakfast, we will move to Refrontolo. Here you will be welcomed by the Pro Loco of Refrontolo who will take you on a tour of the Molinetto della Croda. The Water Mill stands in the Lierza Valley. It is an example of rural architecture in the area and dates back to the 17th century. Active until the 1950s, it attracted and continues to attract artists and visitors from all over the world. The Molinetto is called “della Croda” because it rests on the bare rock, the “croda.” Inside is a millstone still in operation driven by the motion of the adjacent waterfall. The Molinetto is active and fascinating all year round, which allows it to host exhibitions and displays of Veneto rural tradition inside.
Address: Refrontolo, TV, Italy
Cison di Valmarino
After the visit is over, we will move on to Cison di Valmarino, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. In August, “Artigianato Vivo” an event is held here in the week before Ferragosto. During this week, the city is transformed into a kind of open-air workshop; hundreds of artisans produce and reproduce traditional Veneto objects in lego, iron, glass and other materials.
We recommend that you immerse yourself in the streets of the village independently so as to create a close bond with the crafts of yesteryear, stopping for each booth as long as necessary. During the visit, you will still be supported by the IAT of Cison di Valmarino, ready to guide you and resolve any doubts you may have.
However, the village can be visited all year round, but in case you do not come here in August, we recommend that you proceed with a guided tour of Castelbrando, one of the most impressive buildings in the municipality. The fortress, built several times between 1200 and 1800, overlooks the entire DOCG vineyard area. Castelbrando is one of the largest castles in Europe and one of the best examples of redevelopment of Italy’s historical and artistic heritage.
Address: Cison di Valmarino, TV, Italy
Follina
Once the visit to Cison di Valmarino is over, we will move on to Follina, another among the most beautiful villages in Italy.
Here we will proceed with a guided tour of the abbey of Santa Maria, a former Cistercian monastery. The abbey with a Latin cross plan was built in the fourteenth century, but the first finds date back to the twelfth century. The most striking area of the entire complex is the cloister, dating back to 1268.
This will be followed by lunch at one of the typical restaurants in the area.
Address: Follina, TV, Italy
Valdobbiadene
After finishing lunch, we will move to Valdobbiadene. The road to Valdobbiadene is very picturesque as it is surrounded by Prosecco DOCG vineyards.
Once there, you will independently visit the Cathedral and Marconi Square and the Church of San Floriano located in an excellent elevated position overlooking the vineyards. Next you will move to the famous Villa dei Cedri, a former factory and since 2019 the headquarters of the Association for the Heritage of the Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene. The association was established to protect and enhance UNESCO heritage. Here you will meet the Association, which, once the tour of downtown Valdobbiadene is over, will take you to a winery in the area where you can taste Prosecco di Conegliano e Valdobbiadene DOCG, being guided and listening to stories directly from the owners themselves.
After the winery tour, dinner and overnight stay in local hotels.
Address: Valdobbiadene, TV, Italy