Frassanelle

It was peaceful and there weren't many tourists, so a picnic would be lovely here. This beautiful park is near Vicenza and Padova. The 8 euro entry ticket felt well worth it.

I’ve visited this hidden gem in the Colli Euganei three times, and this time I joined a guided tour of the Villa. It was exciting and full of information. The tour was in Italian, but we could follow most of the history, including the Countess story about dining with her grandparents. The trails are plentiful and well maintained, leading through the caves and around the park. We also tried and bought local cheeses, beer, and sandwiches. There are gorgeous, exotic-looking plants, trees, and gardens for the area in the English Garden, and spectacular views. Check the site for events. It’s a great place to spend a day, and we'll be back.

There's an entrance fee, but I thought it was worth it. You can eat, join activities, and then walk through the whole forest. It's especially suitable for children, with lots of weekend activities listed on the official website. Food is sold there, though the queues can take a long time, so bringing your own is better.

We were 13 family members and had a wonderful time at the Villa. The property is amazing, with nice, clean rooms and a fantastic dining area. The manager was very supportive with all our requests, and the pool and gardens were spectacular. It's away from the crowded cities but close to plenty of activities.