Private Valpolicella Day Trip From Venice: Wine Tasting and Verona

Exploring the enchanting Valpolicella region from Venice offers a chance to take in Italy’s captivating history and culture. Visitors can savor the renowned Amarone wine during a guided tasting at a prestigious winery, before discovering the picturesque city of Verona, known for its Shakespearean charm. This private day trip promises a personalized escape into the heart of the Italian countryside, blending rich traditions with stunning natural beauty. What awaits those who embark on this journey might just surprise and delight.

Key Points

• This day trip offers a small-group excursion from Venice to the Valpolicella region, focusing on wine tasting and visiting the historic city of Verona.
• The tour includes a guided visit to an 8th-century church and a renowned winery for a tasting of the local Amarone red wine.
• Travelers will have 3 hours of leisure time to explore the highlights of Verona, such as Juliet’s balcony, the Roman Arena, and Castel Scaligero.
• Transportation is provided by an air-conditioned minivan, and the tour is limited to 8 participants for a personalized experience.
• The tour package includes guided wine tasting, entrance fees, and gratuities, with the option to cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour.

About the Tour

The Valpolicella Day Trip from Venice is a small-group excursion that offers visitors a chance to escape the bustle of Venice and enjoy the picturesque Valpolicella region.

The tour provides transportation from Venice to the Valpolicella wine country, where guests can explore the 8th-century Church of San Giorgio and enjoy a guided wine tasting at a renowned winery.

After the wine experience, the tour continues to the historic city of Verona, known for its connection to Shakespeare’s "Romeo and Juliet."

Guests are free to explore Verona’s charming streets and sights during the allotted leisure time.

Meeting Point and Transportation

The tour departs from Piazzale Roma in Venice at 8:30 am.

Guests will travel by air-conditioned minivan for the approximately 1.5-hour journey to the Valpolicella region.

The meeting point is Rio Terà Sant’Andrea, 460, Venice, where travelers should look for the sign and orange umbrella.

This small-group tour is limited to 8 people, ensuring a personalized experience.

The transportation and meeting arrangements make it easy for visitors to embark on this exploration of Valpolicella’s wine country and the historic city of Verona.

Valpolicella Region Highlights

After the scenic drive through the vineyards and olive groves of the Valpolicella region, the tour visits the Church of San Giorgio to see its impressive 8th-century stone altar.

The highlights of the Valpolicella region include:

• Exploring the charming Church of San Giorgio and its ancient stone altar
• Admiring the picturesque vineyards and olive groves along the scenic drive
• Visiting a renowned winery for a guided tasting, with a focus on the region’s renowned amarone red wine
• Discovering the unique history and culture of the Valpolicella area
• Appreciating the natural beauty and tranquility of the Italian countryside.

Winery Tour and Wine Tasting

Guests then make their way to a renowned winery in the Valpolicella region, where they embark on a guided wine tasting session. The winery focuses on the production of the iconic Amarone red wine, a local specialty. During the tasting, visitors learn about the unique winemaking process and the distinct flavors of the region’s terroir. The experience is enhanced by the scenic backdrop of vineyards and olive groves that surround the winery.

Wine	Aroma	Flavor	Body	Finish
Amarone	Ripe fruit, spice	Full-bodied, rich	Robust	Long, lingering
Ripasso	Dried fruit, vanilla	Medium-bodied, complex	Smooth	Persistent
Valpolicella	Red berries, herbs	Light, refreshing	Delicate	Crisp

Exploring Verona

After the wine tasting, guests are granted 3 hours of leisure time to explore the historic city of Verona.

The city is famous as the setting of Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’. Visitors can:

• Visit the iconic ‘Casa di Giulietta’ and see Juliet’s famous balcony.
• Wander the charming old town, including the Piazza delle Erbe and Ponte Scaligero.
• Admire the impressive Roman Arena, which hosts large-scale opera performances.
• Climb to the top of the Castel Scaligero for panoramic views over the city.
• Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the recommended local cafés.

With ample time to soak in the atmosphere, guests can fully enjoy the timeless allure of Verona.

Juliet’s Balcony and Historic Sites

Visitors flock to Verona’s iconic ‘Casa di Giulietta’, home to Juliet’s famous balcony from Shakespeare’s timeless tale. Guests on this tour are given the opportunity to explore the historic site and snap photos from the iconic balcony. Beyond Juliet’s home, Verona boasts numerous other captivating landmarks, including the grand Verona Arena, a Roman amphitheater dating back to the 1st century AD. Guests can stroll through the charming streets, admire the stunning architecture, and enjoy recommendations for local cafés to savor lunch at their own expense.

Historic Site	Interesting Fact	Year Built
Verona Arena	Roman amphitheater	1st century AD
Juliet’s Balcony	From Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’	N/A
Piazza delle Erbe	Historic market square	Middle Ages
Ponte Scaligero	Medieval bridge over the Adige River	14th century
Basilica of San Zeno	Romanesque architecture	12th century

Dining Recommendations in Verona

Though the Valpolicella tour offers ample time to explore Verona’s historic landmarks, guests may also want to take advantage of the city’s vibrant dining scene.

Verona is renowned for its traditional Italian cuisine, featuring:

• Risotto all’Amarone, a creamy rice dish made with the region’s famous Amarone wine
• Pastissada de caval, a slow-cooked horse meat stew
• Polenta e osei, a hearty dish of polenta and songbirds
• Pandoro, a tall, sweet yeast bread associated with the city
• Bicerin, a rich coffee, chocolate, and cream beverage

With the guide’s recommendations, visitors can discover Verona’s culinary delights and pair them with the exceptional wines of the Valpolicella region.

Tour Inclusions and Policies

The Valpolicella day trip from Venice includes a guided wine tasting session, hotel pickup and drop-off, and entrance fees to Verona’s main attractions. Gratuities are also covered.

However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though infant seats are available upon request. Participants must have a moderate level of physical fitness.

The tour is limited to a small group of up to eight people, ensuring a personalized experience. Guests can cancel their booking free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour starts.

Prices vary based on group size, starting from $1,096.05 per person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Itinerary to My Preferences?

Yes, the tour can be customized to your preferences. The private nature of the tour allows for flexibility in adjusting the itinerary to suit your interests, such as adding or modifying winery visits or Verona sightseeing.

What Is the Minimum/Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour is a small-group experience, limited to a maximum of 8 people. The minimum group size is not specified, allowing for personalized attention during the wine tasting and exploration of Verona.

Are There Any Additional Costs Beyond the Tour Price?

The tour price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fees, and gratuities. There are no additional costs, though lunch at local cafés during free time in Verona is at the traveler’s own expense.

Can I Take Pictures During the Wine Tasting Session?

Yes, you can typically take pictures during the wine tasting session. Most wineries allow and even encourage guests to capture photos of the experience, the wines, and the scenic surroundings.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Individuals With Disabilities?

The tour is not wheelchair accessible, though infant seats are available upon request. Guests with disabilities should expect a moderate level of physical fitness may be required to fully enjoy the experience.

The Sum Up

Enjoy the charming Valpolicella region on this private day trip from Venice. Savor exquisite Amarone wine during a guided tasting at a renowned winery, visit the historic Church of San Giorgio, and explore the iconic sites of Verona, including Juliet’s balcony. This small-group excursion offers a personalized escape into Italy’s picturesque countryside, blending culture, history, and fine wine.