Tour in the Prosecco Hills Tour from Padua

A 6-hour guided tour in the Prosecco Hills from Padua offers an engaging way to discover Italy’s celebrated sparkling wine region. Priced at $189.01 per person, this tour has earned a perfect 5.0 rating from 12 reviews, with 100% of participants recommending it. With an average booking lead time of 79 days, it’s a popular choice for those eager to explore the upper Treviso area just over an hour’s drive from Venice. The tour combines visits to historic sites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site landscape, and two distinguished wineries, culminating in a tasting of the renowned Cartizze Prosecco.

This tour emphasizes convenience and education, offering pickup options, group discounts, and a mobile ticket, making it accessible and straightforward to join. It suits visitors keen on learning about Prosecco production, enjoying scenic views, and experiencing authentic local culture without the hassle of planning. While the itinerary is packed with highlights, the tour is designed to keep a comfortable pace, with some stops lasting around 30 minutes and ample time allocated for tastings and sightseeing.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: At $189.01 for around 6 hours, this tour offers a cost-effective way to explore the Prosecco Hills.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: The landscape between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene is recognized for its natural beauty and cultural significance.
• Historic Stops: The tour includes visits to the Molinetto della Croda, a 16th-century water mill, and the Cistercian Abbey of Santa Maria di Follina.
• Wine Experiences: You visit a Prosecco winery with a guided tour, tasting multiple glasses of Prosecco Superiore DOCG, plus a stop in a second cellar to toast with Cartizze.
• Scenic Treviso Area: The tour explores the rolling hills, vineyards, castles, and charming towns of Valdobbiadene, the heart of Prosecco production.
• All-Inclusive: The package covers winery visits, tastings with local snacks, return transport, and a knowledgeable guide.

Starting Point and Logistics in Padua

This tour departs from Padua, Italy, with the convenience of pick-up options and a mobile ticket, simplifying your planning. The tour size is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience. No specific meeting point details are provided, but the inclusion of return transfer means you’re transported comfortably back to your original location or designated drop-off point.

Exploring the UNESCO-Protected Prosecco Hills

The tour’s highlight is the chance to walk through the Prosecco Hills, a landscape listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2019. The natural amphitheater formed by Conegliano and Valdobbiadene offers a stunning backdrop for a day of sightseeing and learning. The rolling hills, dense vineyards, and historic castles create a picturesque setting that makes the tasting experiences even more memorable.

Visiting Vecchio Mulino della Croda

The first stop is at Vecchio Mulino della Croda, an old water mill dating back to the 16th century. This building was constructed in stages, with its foundations resting on bare rock called ‘croda’. Visitors enjoy about 30 minutes exploring this historic site, with the admission ticket included. The mill is a captivating reminder of traditional local industry and adds a tangible sense of history to the day.

The Cistercian Abbey of Santa Maria di Follina

Next is a 30-minute visit to the Abbazia Cistercense Santa Maria di Follina, situated at the foot of the Treviso-Bellunesi Prealps. This religious site is notable for its artistic value and spiritual atmosphere. The abbey is free to explore, and it’s considered a key stop for those interested in Italy’s religious heritage and tranquil surroundings.

Prosecco Winery Tour and Tasting

The core of the day unfolds at a Prosecco winery, where a guided tour provides insight into the production process of the celebrated sparkling wine. Visitors observe the various phases of winemaking, gaining a better understanding of what makes Prosecco Superiore DOCG so special. This 1-hour experience concludes with a wine tasting, featuring multiple glasses paired with local appetizers. The winery visit is included in the price, offering a deep dive into the region’s viticulture.

Exploring Valdobbiadene’s Vineyards and Castles

Following the winery tour, the group spends around 2 hours in Valdobbiadene, the heart of the Prosecco region. The area is characterized by thick rows of vines, imposing castles, and lovely parish churches. The landscape here is quintessentially Italian, with the Prosecco Road weaving through the hills at the foot of the Treviso Pre-Alps. This stop allows time for sightseeing, photography, and soaking in the atmosphere of Italy’s iconic wine country.

Tasting the Famed Cartizze Prosecco

The tour culminates with a toast in a second cellar, where the prestigious Cartizze Prosecco is served. This is one of the most renowned styles of Prosecco, celebrated for its quality and finesse. The tasting experience offers a chance to savor Italy’s sparkling wine excellence and reflect on the day’s discoveries.

The Experience at a Glance: What’s Included

The tour package features winery visits, tastings with local snacks, return transfer, and an expert guide familiar with the region. The insurance and technical organization are managed by a certified travel agency, ensuring a smooth experience. Service animals are allowed, and the tour is accessible to most travelers. The small group size maximizes comfort and interaction.

What’s Not Included

All activities not explicitly mentioned are considered not included. Travelers should plan for additional personal expenses if they wish to purchase extra wine or souvenirs during stops.

Booking and Cancellation Policies

Reservations can be confirmed immediately upon booking, with the possibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour start. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are non-refundable, and changes less than 24 hours prior are not accepted. The tour requires a minimum number of travelers, and if this isn’t met, an alternative date or full refund is offered.

Insights from Guest Reviews

Reviewers praise the knowledgeability of the guide, with descriptions of friendly and gracious hosts who share stories and insights about the region. The scenery is repeatedly highlighted as stunning, especially the views over vineyards, castles, and quaint villages. The wine tastings are described as generous, often paired with cheese and ham, enhancing the overall experience.

Some note that the stops are well-paced, with enough time to enjoy each location without feeling rushed. A minor criticism involves the guide’s interpersonal approach, but overall, the reviews emphasize warm hospitality and excellent value.

Final Thoughts on the Prosecco Hills Tour from Padua

This small-group experience offers a well-rounded look at Italy’s premier sparkling wine region. It combines cultural stops, historical sites, and wine tastings in a scenic landscape that is both UNESCO-protected and breathtaking. The expert guides make the region’s history and production process accessible, making it ideal for anyone interested in wine, history, or Italy’s countryside.

While the price may seem high for some, the inclusion of multiple tastings, guided visits, and convenient transportation makes it a good value. The limited group size ensures an intimate experience, and the perfect reviews reflect consistent quality.

This tour best suits visitors who enjoy learning about wine, appreciate beautiful scenery, and want a comfortable, organized day trip from Padua. It’s an excellent choice for celebrating special occasions or simply indulging in Italy’s famed Prosecco with a knowledgeable guide by your side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for those with mobility issues?
The tour involves walking at stops such as Vecchio Mulino della Croda and Valdobbiadene, which may require some mobility. It’s best suited for those able to walk on uneven terrain.

How many people participate in each tour?
The maximum group size is 8 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Does the tour include lunch?
No, lunch is not included, but the wine tastings are paired with local appetizers at the wineries.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

What is the cost per person?
The tour costs $189.01, which covers all visits, tastings, transportation, and a guide.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are permitted. Specific age restrictions are not mentioned.

Is pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered, simplifying the logistics of meeting your guide.

What makes this tour unique?
The combination of visits to historic sites like Vecchio Mulino della Croda and the UNESCO-protected landscape sets this tour apart, along with the exclusive tasting of Cartizze.

How far in advance should I book?
Booking typically occurs 79 days in advance, reflecting its popularity.

What is the main highlight of this experience?
The guided visit to a Prosecco winery and the opportunity to toast with Cartizze Prosecco stand out as the key highlights.