11 April 2011

day tripping: colli euganei

Great weather. Italy. Spring.
Must be time to start the day trips.

Being nestled in these hills means all sorts of opportunities for spring exploits. The place is hopping, and so were we in the Cinquecento as we made our way to the nearby hills of Padova: the Colli Euganei.

Villa Sceriman

The fist stop on Saturday was Villa Sceriman, where we sipped wine under a tent of wisteria before selecting some spirits to add to Richard's growing collection in his cantena. I never tire of the fact that I can purchase a pretty decent bottle of Cabernet Riserva (this one aged in oak barrels for two years) for under seven Euro in this country. LifeIsGood.

Villa Sceriman
Villa Sceriman
This, a bit of Asiago cheese, and a glass of wine .... perfect lunch. 
Villa Sceriman
Hmm, looks like a good start of a play house, Mom.
Villa Sceriman
I'll take the giant clear one on the bottom left, please.
Villa Sceriman
I don't understand the fuss over the wine. I'll take Fanta any day.

Right NOW is the perfect time to visit Villa Sceriman as the wisteria is in bloom, likely full bloom by today. We were there at full sun time, and I just couldn't manage to photograph it. The canopy that covers the outside area is a sight to see; it will inspire you to kick back and stay for a while. The scenic drive through the Colli Euganei won't disappoint either.

If you are looking for a place for lunch or dinner in the area, you might try Il Cenacolo, which is housed in a carefully restored elementary school building;  it has proven to be excellent every single time. (Call ahead for reservations.)

We left so inspired that we went to day trip #2 on Sunday. More to follow :)

12 comments:

  1. I so need to get to Italy in the spring before the cottonwood trees bloom. Was once there at the end of May and spent my whole 10 days with itchy eyes. Love Italy and Love day trips. Glad you had a sunny day.

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  2. An adorable little model in the photos. I will take anyone of those bottles. So... cool. xo

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  3. i was just commenting on jane's blog how i can smell the wisteria from here. such a beautiful sign of spring.

    dana, these pictures have my daydreaming. it's still so cold and dreary here in nyc. thanks for shedding some sunshine on us!

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  4. Kelleyn,
    It's been a bad year for allergies for me, especially. And I'm usually not at all affected. It's the trade off, I suppose.
    Thanks Joyce. Wouldn't you just love to have that glass jar? Mamma Mia.
    D

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  5. Thank you for the great suggestions. I will definitely keep them in mind for when we travel to Italy this fall. I love Asiago cheese, too, and wine and olives and fresh bread. =)

    Can't wait to see the rest of your photos from trip #2.

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  6. These are stunning - looks like a picture perfect day and the pics reflect that!

    Tamar - linking through Community Global

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  7. looks like a wonderful place!

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  8. Ahh... it is a dream to visit Italy. So, so beautiful. And your model is adorable! :) Stopping by from communal global!

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  9. Love love love your Fiat 500! And your daughter's adorable poses. Is Villa Sceriman a Palladio? With that wisteria and those columns, it reminds me a bit of some Southern plantation.

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  10. These pictures are just beautiful! I love that you shared them with us today at Communal Global! Thank you so much!

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  11. Hi Jann --
    I don't think it's Palladian, but we do have many, many, many others to choose from in these parts.
    D

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  12. We were just there today at Villa Sceriman. I was determined not to miss the wisteria this year, as I've missed it the last two years and I fear this is my last chance.

    It was so gorgeous! I love that place.

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