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Description:
One of the most famous Dutch poets called Marsman wrote: "Thinking of Holland I see wide rivers, slowly flowing through endless lowlands". Of course, this is but a pitiful translation. But because the Dutch have always been interested in other countries – and still are – especially if they are planning a vacation elsewhere, they know that the North of Italy also has landscapes formed by a majestic river, and meadows. But yet…the river Po is wide, and does stream through endless lowlands. But there, the comparison stops. Our green polders, where fat cows lazily graze off the lush grass, do not look like the landscapes of the Veneto. At first sight, we did not particularly care for these landscapes. But we had to ask ourselves: Why not? Just because Holland is flat? Just because this part of Italy is not Tuscany? And we have to admit: there is a lot to enjoy here.

For instance, the delta of the Po river has an unique character, typically a delta but no delta is the same. Many streams and brooks, here and there changed by human hands to realise a better water management and drainage of swampy pieces of land. If only you would dare to spend a couple of hours, just driving around, "far from the maddening crowd", you will find perfect little beaches with beautiful white sand, constantly being washed by the brackish waters of both sea and river. And for those who like bird watching, this is an absolute paradise. Lots of special plants to discover, too!

But of course, you will not be travelling here for just the landscape. Venice is, very deservedly so, the absolute attraction of this region. This enchanting city, so unique and full of culture, will always be in the top-ten of Italian cities to be seen. All Italians in this region, earning their living in the tourism industry, will take care that you get to and from Venice in the best possible way. But apart from Venice, there are many more very special little towns and villa’s to be visited and admired, and then there is the Adriatic Sea!

We drove along the river Brenta, a subsidiary of the Po river, and saw very many romantic, very old villa’s with beautiful gardens we dreamed of purchasing and restoring. Unfortunately, we will have to keep on dreaming; the costs would be overwhelming.

In these surroundings, along the green banks of the river Brenta, flowing through the lowlands of Padua to the Venetian lagoons, many Venetian noble families had their, very luxury, summer residences built. You can visit the famous Palladio villa’s, for example; miracles of architecture, very much worth a visit!


Possibilities for sports/excursions:
Tennis at 1,5 km. away; horse riding at 3 km, golf at 10 km. and swimming pool 2 km. Mountain bike trips are recommended for all those who like some sportive activities. And then, of course, there are many trips to the surrounding towns possible: Venice, Padua, the Palladio-city of Vicenza, Bassano del Grappa, Asolo, Verona and Treviso. You might be sorry if you miss a visit to the age-old Venetian harbour Chioggia, with its famous fish-market. And the same goes for a boat-trip along the Brenta river, spiced with visits to some of the most famous villa’s. Or a day of wine-tasting, specially devoted to the Prosecco. Or you go by boat to the beach of Alberoni, the Lido of Venice… And so on, and so forth.

Distances:
Dolo (small, old-Venetian town centre with lovely shops), 4 kms., within 10 minutes driving distance you are in the historical centre of yet another old, Venetian town, Mira. Venice itself is at about 30 min. and the city of Padua as well at 30 min. driving distance, Bassano del Grappa 1 hr., Vicenza 30 min., Verona just less than one hour and Treviso about 40 min. driving