"If you’re into real estate porn, it doesn’t get much more spectacular than the villas built by Andrea Palladio. The influential Renaissance architect was responsible for some of the most beautiful buildings of the 16th century, catering especially to the demands for country houses from Venice’s growing bourgeoisie. The structures themselves are classical in style, inspired by his study of traditional Roman houses, and often filled with stunning frescoes and surrounded by bucolic gardens. Perhaps the best known are Villa Foscari (a.k.a. “La Malcontenta”), Villa Almerico Capra, and Villa Maser. You could rent a car and pack a few into one day, or pick one and make an afternoon out of it, with stops to refuel at the funky, self-service Righetti (near La Rotonda) or the pizza spot Al Giardinetto (on the way to Foscari)." - Andrea Whittle