We had a wonderful time at the Mulberries with the generous, friendly and very helpful hosts Phil and Silvy. It's the perfect base for exploring the Veneto, within an easy drive of Padova, Vicenza, Verona, Venice, Chioggia, Este, Mantova, lake Garda, Bassano and many other great sites. It was quick to get to all places; each town has good car parks to leave the car and explore on foot (including Venice, where the main Autorimessa Comunale had spaces so long as you got there early).

The farm is very beautiful. It is situated at the edge of the Colli Berici: perfect for walking and cycling. Bikes are provided which is fantastic for children and adults alike, whether they want to explore the fields, hills or nearby long cycleway. There is a climb featuring in the Giro; views from the top are exceptional due to the steepness and vegetation, the large plain, and other hills and mountains as backdrop.

The outstanding cultural heritage of the area repays going off the beaten track, whether in Venice or elsewhere, and you can find yourself alone with world class art and architecture, even in high season. We'd strongly recommend Mantova as a day out for art (Palazzo Te and Palazzo Ducale). Verona is more busy and repays staying away from the tour route through the middle of the old town; the route along the river banks is much nicer and you can cut to the main sites from it. For shorter outings, we'd recommend Este and Montagnana. These are smaller towns blessed with medieval walls and castles, as well as beautiful town squares where it is very pleasant to enjoy local ice-creams and drinks. Bassano can get busy and is better mid-week; the Hemingway connection is worth following. In Chioggia, you can combine beach and town, to get a sense of a still active canal crossed fishing port on the Laguna. Padova has many excellent restaurants and the feel of a lively and deeply cultured university town. Do not miss the view of Vicenza from the sanctuary on Monte Berico (left turn as you reach Vicenza). The view gives a great alternative perspective of the Palladian buildings and there are different cafes you can chose from for your coffee, as you pick out the different sites below you.

The farmhouse makes the most comfortable home for a long tour of some of the greatest and most inspiring art and architecture in stunning natural settings. Above all, we'd stress Phil and Silvy's kindness and local knowledge, invaluable in getting the best out of their magnificent region.