Oh Italy! A place near and dear in the hearts of many travelers.

Over the years, we’ve been privileged to travel to this beautiful country many times; and each trip we fall in love with a new corner. While a trip to Italy would not be complete without exploring parts of the well known regions like Rome, Florence, Milan, or Venice; there are hidden gems found along every road.

Through our lens, discover Bassano del Grappa, Marostica, and Vicenza; three cities in Northern Italy that are worth including on your itinerary. If your travels take you between Venice and Verona, these gems can be easily reached with small detours off the main highway.

BASSANO DEL GRAPPA

Located about an hour’s drive from Venice, Bassano del Grappa is situated along the clear waters of the Benta River with mountains looming in the distance. We recommend walking along the Ponte delgli Alpini; the covered pontoon bridge designed by the famous Italian architect Andrea Palladio in 1569. While you’re there, stop in for a drink at Italy’s oldest grappa distillery, Distelleria Nardini.

MAROSTICA

Ten minutes down the road from Bassano del Grappa, is the quaint town of Marostica. Surrounding the town is a beautiful ancient wall that you can hike up, and be rewarded with views of the surrounding region below. If your trip just happens to be during the second week of September in an even-numbered year, you could be fortunate to experience the human chess game that the town is famous for. Played using humans as game pieces, this festival is put on in the town’s main plaza where the large scale chess board can be seen year round.

VICENZA

The largest and probably most well known town we’re recommending is Vicenza. This small but still very cosmopolitan town is worth roaming around. Grab a gelato and wander through the Palladian Basilica, and then take a drive out of the city to tour more of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites at the Palladian villas of Veneto. The renaissance architect whose Palladian Arch design is world renown, has left his mark all over this region.