Discover Venice and Veneto's DOP Food Treasures This Summer: A 5-Day Itinerary
Venice and the surrounding Veneto region are renowned for their rich culinary traditions, featuring a variety of DOP (Denominazione d'Origine Protetta) foods. This summer, dive into the authentic flavors of Veneto with a journey that takes you off the beaten path. Here’s a 5-day itinerary that showcases the region’s culinary gems.
Day 1: Venice - Seafood and Cicchetti
Morning:
Rialto Market Tour: Start your journey in Venice with a visit to the famous Rialto Market. Explore the bustling market stalls filled with fresh seafood, vegetables, and local specialties. Learn about the different types of fish and seafood that are central to Venetian cuisine.
Afternoon:
Cicchetti Tasting: Enjoy a traditional Venetian lunch by hopping between bacari (small bars) to sample cicchetti, Venice's version of tapas. Try a variety of small dishes like baccalà mantecato (creamed cod), sarde in saor (sweet-and-sour sardines), and polpette (meatballs).
Evening:
Explore Venice: Wander through Venice’s winding streets and canals, visiting iconic landmarks like St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. For dinner, indulge in a seafood feast at a local osteria.
Day 2: Treviso - Radicchio and Prosecco
Morning:
Radicchio Farm Visit: Travel to Treviso to visit a farm specializing in Radicchio Rosso di Treviso IGP. Learn about the cultivation and harvesting of this distinctive bitter vegetable. Enjoy a tasting of radicchio-based dishes, such as risotto and salads.
Afternoon:
Lunch in Treviso: Savor a leisurely lunch in Treviso, featuring dishes made with fresh radicchio and other local ingredients. Pair your meal with local wines.
Evening:
Prosecco Winery Tour: Head to the nearby Prosecco hills for a tour of a vineyard producing Prosecco DOCG. Discover the winemaking process and enjoy a tasting session of this sparkling wine. In the evening, explore the charming town of Treviso and dine at a local trattoria.
Day 3: Verona - Amarone and Pandoro
Morning:
Amarone Winery Visit: Travel to Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet. Visit a renowned winery in the Valpolicella region to learn about the production of Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG. Enjoy a guided tasting of this rich, full-bodied red wine.
Afternoon:
Lunch in Valpolicella: Have lunch at a local restaurant in the Valpolicella region, featuring dishes that pair perfectly with Amarone wine. Try specialties like risotto all'Amarone.
Evening:
Explore Verona: Spend the afternoon exploring Verona’s historic center, including the Roman Arena and Juliet’s House. For dinner, savor a meal at a local ristorante, and don't miss out on a slice of Pandoro, a traditional Veronese cake.
Day 4: Padua - Montasio Cheese and Prosciutto Veneto
Morning:
Montasio Cheese Dairy Tour: Head to Padua and visit a dairy producing Montasio DOP cheese. Learn about the cheese-making process and enjoy a tasting of this semi-hard cheese with its distinct flavor.
Afternoon:
Prosciutto Tasting: Travel to the nearby town of Montagnana to visit a prosciuttificio producing Prosciutto Veneto Berico-Euganeo DOP. Discover the curing process and taste the delicate, sweet slices of prosciutto.
Evening:
Explore Padua: Explore the historic university town of Padua, visiting landmarks like the Scrovegni Chapel and Prato della Valle. For dinner, indulge in regional dishes at a local osteria, featuring Montasio cheese and prosciutto.
Day 5: Vicenza - Asiago Cheese and Grappa
Morning:
Asiago Cheese Factory: Travel to Vicenza and visit a cheese factory in the Asiago plateau, known for producing Asiago DOP cheese. Learn about the different varieties of Asiago and enjoy a tasting session.
Afternoon:
Lunch with Asiago: Have lunch at a mountain chalet, featuring dishes made with Asiago cheese, such as gnocchi with melted Asiago and cheese platters.
Evening:
Grappa Distillery Tour: Visit a distillery producing Grappa di Barolo, a traditional Italian spirit. Learn about the distillation process and sample various types of grappa. Spend the evening exploring Vicenza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and dine at a local restaurant that showcases the flavors of the region.
Final Thoughts
This 5-day itinerary through Venice and the Veneto region offers an immersive journey into the area’s DOP food treasures. By exploring these off-the-beaten-path destinations, you’ll experience authentic flavors, support local producers, and gain a deeper appreciation for Veneto’s rich culinary heritage. This summer, let your taste buds guide you through an unforgettable adventure in one of Italy’s most enchanting regions