VENICE

6 nights

 

 

Your special Venice package includes:

v      Stay at charming, unique hotels, villas or country inns, centrally located with breakfast;

v      6 nights in Venice

·         3 star options: KETTE, ALA, SANTA CHIARA or similar

§         Private guided visit to the 3 Islands of Torcello, Murano and Burano.  Visit the enchanting islands only 15 minutes from Venice – the tiny villages, the glass blowers shops and stroll around discovering unique corners of these charming Islands.

·         Tickets to a Vivaldi concert (depends on availability).

·         Bottle of champagne upon arrival

·         Full day private chauffeur tour with driver/guide to Verona or Lake Garda. Customized itinerary and visit to private villas. Lunch at small and intimate restaurant included.

·         Special half-day walking tour of the Secret Venice: Your guide will pick you up at your hotel and take you to corners of Venice, that usual tourists never enjoy…it is really incredible how many beautiful places in Venice are still almost unknown to the public, since the most of the crowds stop at usual sightseeing locations and do not explore further…

·         Gondola ride for 30 minutes along the canals

·         All assistance in planning a custom designed itinerary to your specifications; 

·         Not included are meals unless part of an excursion, airfare and anything not listed.

·         Federal Express package to your home: containing all vouchers, hard copy itinerary, train tickets and any other bookings included in your package

 

Any services you do not with to use can be subtracted from the tour.

 

OPTIONALS

§         RT airport transfers by private boat

§         One on one cooking course in Venice for half a day, followed by tasting.  Select your own menu and type of regional cuisine meal follows.

§         Private dinner in a Venetian Palazzo, an elegant dinner prepared for you and the chance to meet some local residents that are “in the know” on Venetian Culture while enjoying some top wines and excellent cuisine.

·          Full day cruise outside Venice: The Brenta Canal and its Venetian Villas: The trip follows the classic itinerary of the boat of the 17^th century called “Burchiello”, which Carlo Goldoni, a famous Venetian dramatist of the 17^th century, made famous.  Traveling along the lagoon and the network of rivers and canals that cross the territory between Venice and Padua. Enjoy the view of splendid Venetian Villas built in the 17^th and 18^th century  by the nobility of the two cities. The guide on board will illustrate the itinerary and will guide you during the visit to the museums.

§         Interior Design tour……Venetian fabrics, artisan shops and furnishings as well as antiques guided by a local expert

 

 

DAY 1 – EN ROUTE

You will arrive at Venice Marco Polo International Airport the next day.

 

ARRIVAL - VENICE ORIENTATION

After getting your luggage, purchase a ticket for the launch inside the terminal and be taken to the main stop - San Marco .  From here you catch the waterbus (purchase tickets) and stop at the closest stop to your hotel. (We will tell you where to get off).  Alternatively take the water taxi ($70) and be taken to your hotel's doorstop.  The ride is memorable, but expensive.  Ride takes 30 minutes by water bus.

 

If included in your package you will be met by your transfer service outside customs.

 

Rest and unpack and then head for the main square - San Marco and take an orientation walk.  Sip a cappuccino at one of the outdoor café's, walk along the seashore and admire the view across the lagoon of St. George's Church.  In the evening there is a Hungarian orchestra playing outside on San Marco at the famous Café'  Florian. 

 

DAY 2 - DOGE'S PALACE - SAN MARCO BASILICA - RIALTO BRIDGE

 

AM

Head back to San Marco Square to the Doge's Palace - (open every day). 

 

The Palace is one of the most magnificent in Italy and well deserving of at least an hour and a half.  This Gothic-Renaissance fantasy of pink-and-white marble is the majestic expression of the prosperity and power attained by Venice during its most glorious period - it was the Venetian Republic's White House, Senate, Supreme Court, and prison rolled into one.

Since it is quite extensive, you might want to purchase a good guidebook to get the most out of it.  Inside are sumptuous rooms, private apartments, dungeons and great paintings/works of art to admire; it has always been a focal point in the rich history of the city. 

 

Next-door is the Basilica of San Marco, one of the richest and greatest Byzantine churches in the world.  San Marco is famous for its 43,055 sq ft of stunning mosaics, for the Cappella della Madonna di Nicopeia (Chapel of the Madonna of Nicopeia), and for the extraordinary Pala d'Oro (Golden Altarpiece), a dazzling gilded silver screen encrusted with gems. 

 

Across from the Basilica is the Correr Museum - also worth a stop.  Your entry to the Doge Palace includes the entry to the Correr Museum, so if you have time during the day, stop over. Canova's neo-classical sculptures are on display, as well as many eclectic collections, furniture, elegant rooms, artifacts etc…

 

 

 

PM

Begin to discover the various quarters of the city.  San Polo, Dorsoduro, La Guidecca, Rialto, San Marco.  The best thing is to just get lost actually.  You can walk everywhere in Venice, and where you cannot walk you go by water. While the city has hundreds of bridges, the Grand Canal can only be crossed on foot at three points: Ponte degli Scalzi, near the train station (Ferrovia); Ponte di Rialto, at the Rialto; and at Ponte dell'Accademia. As an alternative, take the traghetti, essentially gondolas that ferry across the canal. The vaporetti (water buses) that circulate through the city on set routes are best used to cover long distances.

Away from the crowds, strolling along narrow alleys you discover the real Venice, no tourists.  Magically bright squares and gardens appear. 

It is a relief to get away from the people and find out how intimate this city can be.  Your camera will be busy clicking away as you cross little bridges; they look like picture postcard settings.

 

SAN POLO - Campo S. Rocco and Campo D. Frari - Campo San Polo.  The Scuola di San Rocco houses some great works by Tintoretto - one of my favorite artists.  (1500's)

 

GREAT PLACES TO DINE IN VENICE…

Alla Madonna Don't judge the place from the outside - the rooms are actually well kept and, by Venetian standards, rather elegant, with some decent artwork: Boiled granseola and seafood salads can be followed by a hearty fish soup with croutons, or deep-fried eel for the more adventurous.  Ask hotel to reserve.  Calle della Madonna, 594 San Polo, Phone: 041/522-384 AE, DC, MC, V. Closed Wed. and part of Aug.

Osteria al Bacco It's worth making the effort to track down this ancient osteria where you can mingle with the locals and find refuge from the crowds. For alfresco dining, the small but charming garden has a few tables. Fondamenta Capuzine, 3054 Cannaregio, Phone: 041/717-493. AE, DC, MC, V. Closed Mon., Jan., and Aug.

Trattoria C'a d'Oro  Just a small place serving authentic Venetian Food with a rough Venetian floor, old marble counter, wooden paneling, and long tables invite conviviality. Calle del Pistor, 3912 Cannaregio, Phone: 041/528-5324. No credit cards. Closed Thurs., Sun. morning, Aug., and 1st wk in Sept.

Al Graspo de Ua  Opened in the 19th century as a small osteria, the "Bunch of Grapes" became the meeting point of artists and movie stars back in the dolce vita days. The wide menu offers fresh pasta tossed with fish, seasonal risotto, and meat and seafood. Calle dei Bombaseri, 5094 San Marco, Phone: 041/522-3647. AE, DC, MC, V. Closed Mon. and several wks between July and Aug.

 

DAY 3 - RIALTO MARKET - ACCADEMIA - or - Ca' d'Oro PALACE or Ca' REZZONICO PALACE – PEGGY GUGGENHEIM COLLECTION

 

 

AM      

A stop at the Rialto market is a must.  The freshest fish, vegetables and fruits are on view and worth a detour. 

 

Then head for the Accademia and stop at the GALLERIE DELL'ACCADEMIA - Accademia Galleries -  the finest painting collection in Venice. Hanging in this museum is unquestionably the most extraordinary masterpieces of Venetian art in the world, ranging from Gothic to 1800's.  There is usually a line since they only allow a certain number of persons in at a time, so take some patience with you.

 

Once you cross the bridge (what a view!) just keep heading towards the right and wind around.  Or alternatively head towards the CA’ D’ORO, known as the finest example of Gothic architecture. This exquisite palace was once literally a "Golden House," its marble traceries and ornaments embellished with pure gold.  Each section has a charm all its own.

Ca' Rezzonico a truly unique Baroque mansion has some elegant rooms overlooking the Grand Canal and furniture collections. With its stucco work, colored marble fixtures, brocade tapestry, fine furniture, Murano glass chandeliers, and valuable frescoes, this Grand Canal palace shows how elegant the Venetian lifestyle was in spite of the declining times.

Many of these palaces still host some of Carnival's most elegant balls every February.

 

 

 

PM

After stopping at one of the Palaces along the Grand Canal you may want to head for: The "Lesser Known"  Venice:  CASTELLO.  Behind the Doge's Palace, walking along the water lies a residential quarter that has not lost any authenticity after all these years.  Families live here, there is a large green Park overlooking the lagoon and further inland are some truly charming sections with bridges lovely to walk in.

 

COLLEZIONE PEGGY GUGGENHEIM. Directly on the Grand Canal, the museum, displayed in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, her residence for 30 years, are works representing the most important artistic movements from the early 20th century through the post-war period.

Extremely rich, provocative, and extravagant, Peggy Guggenheim (1898-1979) - wife of Max Ernst and niece of Solomon Guggenheim - was among the 20th century's greatest collectors of modern art. Calle San Cristoforo, 701 Dorsoduro.

 

 

DAY 4 – EXPLORE THE LAGOON

Take the traghetto or a boat tour to the charming island of  MURANO, which as Venice is made up of a number of smaller islands linked by bridges. It is known for its glassworks, which moved here from Venice in the 13th century because they were a fire hazard. Many of these line the Fondamenta dei Vetrai, the canal-side walkway leading away from the Colonna landing stage, and can be visited. The Museo Vetrario (Glass Museum) details the history of Murano's glassworks; its displays range from priceless antiques to only slightly less-expensive modern pieces. 

BURANO. Dotting this fishing village on an island in the lagoon are houses painted in cheerful colors and a raked bell tower in the main square, Piazza Galuppi, about 100 yards from the landing stage. Lace is to Burano what glass is to Murano, but be prepared to pay a lot - $1,000 to $2,000 for a 10" doily - for the real thing. Stalls line the way from the landing stage to Piazza Galuppi. The Museo del Merletto (Lace Museum) is the best place to learn the intricacies of Burano's lace-making traditions and the nature of the skills needed to make the more expensive lace.

MORE RESTAURANTS SUGGESTIONS:

 

 

Al Conte Pescaor Delicious risotto and hot second courses. You can eat at the bar. 597 B, Piscina San Zulian, off Marzaria  San Zulian, Tel. 041.522.1483 Closed Sun. and Mon. aftnoon.

Taverna San Tomaso on Dorsoduro.  Good prices (near the Accademia).  Fondamenta Priuli, Dorsoduro 1016.  Tel. 5203703  Cl. Mondays

Antica Besseta Even if this old  trattoria is a bit off the beaten track, don't go without booking first, because there are only a few tables and the place is well known. Try the Risi e bisi (savory rice and peas) or fettuccine verdi agli spinaci con peperoni e basilico and then, of course, fish.1395, Salizada Zusto, between San Simeon Grando and San Giacomo dall'Orio, Tel. 041.721.687 closed Tue. and Wedn.

Harry's Bar More than just a tiny restaurant, this place is a landmark. Founder Giuseppe Cipriani, who ran it in the days when Hemingway nominated it as his favorite restaurants, has become more famous than any Venetian since the thirties. 1323, Calle Vallaresso, Tel. 041.528.5331 Closed Mon.

Linea d’Ombra Reserve a table outside overlooking the Guidecca.  Zattere ai Saloni, Dorsoduro 19.  Tel. 520 47 20.  Medium prices. 

 

PM

 

Full day boat tour of the Brenta Canal and Venetial Villas

Enjoy the 8 ½ hours guided tour on board the Burchiello launch to discover magnificent Palladian 17^th and 18^th century Villas on the Brenta River and canals between the Venetian lagoon and Padua, lunch included.

In a time span from 15^th to 18^th cent. Venetian nobles were used to build thousands of countryside luxury villas. They were both meant to be masters’ country houses and estate centers. Parks and gardens with plays of water particularly suit the elegant and refined social life.  Many of these scenographic villas were planned by famous architects, as Palladio and Scamozzi, and fresco-painted by artists such as Veronese and Tiepolo.

Water plays an important role in the scenographic asset of the building. The most outstanding villas lie along the Brenta River, which was canalized in the 16^th cent. and flows for a total of 36 Km. (22 miles), and their main façade face directly the water. Today some villas open their doors to the public: the Villa Foscari at Malcontenta, the Villa Widman-Foscari at Mira, the Villa Pisani at Stra.

 

 

DAY 5 - LAKE GARDA (This beautiful excursion is only 1 hour by train from Venice)

 

 

Lake Garda is the finest of the Lakes, absolutely gorgeous; it is probably everyone's favorite lake although the rich and famous have Villas on Como. Everyone considers it paradise, with lemon groves growing along the hills, the color of the water and enchanting towns overlooking the lake.  From here there are excursions not only for the lake but also on the Dolomite mountains.

 

 

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES:  There is windsurfing here, hiking and sailing.  Ask your concierge for information.

 

AM:     

It is easy to wax lyrical about Lake Garda - everyone does.  I cannot do it justice with the written word.  Along its shores are many picturesque towns - Sirmione, Riva del Garda, Gardone Riviera.  Incredible gardens and parks can be visited, you can sail, bike horseback ride and hike.  There are some wonderful spas, thermal baths and springs.

 

The peninsula of Sirmione stretches out from the southern shore of Lake Garda and enjoys a Mediterranean type climate. It is one of the most enchanting towns on the Lake and its Castle, the Rocca Scaligera is worth a stop.

 

The entrance to the main part of the resort is via the bridge of the beautiful 13th Century Scaligero castle with its 'inland dock'. Once inside the old town, the colourful, bustling, narrow streets are full of shops, restaurants and bars.

 

It is also the birthplace of the famous ancient roman poet Catullo, do not miss a visit to the Catullo’s Villa surrounded by a beautiful park. You can swim on the beaches weather permitting.

 

Take one of the hydrofoils or catamarans that ply the lake offering glimpses of villas and gardens, which cannot be seen from the coastal road.

 

DAY 6 - FURTHER SUGGESTIONS: VERONA

 

 

Take the train or drive to Verona (about one hour and an half) and spend the day there.

 

It is simply a matter of choice here!  VERONA is one of the cities that have better preserved its artistic heritage in Italy. The city, also known as Urbs Nobilissima, is the second biggest city in Veneto (after Venice) and also known worldwide for being the city of the most famous lovers in history: Romeo and Juliet.

Its ROMAN ARENA is the finest in Europe and it is here that every summer is held one of the best Opera Festivals in the world.  Great food and wine can be had and all around the town are vineyards and wine cellars happy to welcome visitors.

 

Where to eat in VERONA:

 

Near the arena Tre Marchetti in barca- Vicolo Tre Marchetti 19/b.  Tel. 045/8030463.  Closed Sunday.  Placido Domingo eats here and so has Jose' Carreras.

Don't miss the Bottega del vino (The Wine Shop).  Via Scudo di Francia 3, Tel. 045/8004535.  Expensive, but thy have some incredible wines and a wine museum.  Closed Tuesday.

All’oste scuro- vicolo San Silvestro 10, Tel. 045/592650 Closed Saturday lunch and Sunday.  Good prices and great food.  All pasta is made by hand.

 

 

The Roman amphitheatre, the Arena of Verona is one of the greatest and most prestigious archaeological monuments in Europe. Built in the first century A.C. during the last years of the emperor Augustus. From the beginning of its existence, the Arena of Verona has been a powerful and suggestive place of entertainment: gladiatorial fights, jousts and nightly games took place against a rich scenic background.

Today, the Arena of Verona is world wide famous for being the most impressive contemporary "archaeological theatre". The good state of preservation of the monument is clearly due to the way the monument has always been used; as a place of culture

All this is possible, thanks to the annual Opera Festival organized in the amphitheatre. The first performance of the Festival dates back to August 10th, 1913 when Aida by Giuseppe Verdi was performed.

 

Walk around the historic centre of Verona and enjoy the Piazza delle Erbe (Spice Square), once the Roman forum, owns its name from the ancient spice market that was usually held on its grounds. Nowadays you can still go shopping and the Palazzo Comunale rises between Piazza Erbe and Piazza dei Signori and encloses Cortile Mercato Vecchio with the 15th century Scala della Ragione and the majestic Torre dei Lamberti. 

The center of the Piazza presents and admirable marble canopy called the Capitello and the handsome Madonna Verona Fountain, built by Cansignorio and partly using Roman remains.

 

The Piazza dei Signori, contrary to "mercantile" Piazza delle Erbe, was an extension of the Prince's Palace, used for ceremonies and parades.  The Palazzo Comunale was soon flanked by the Palazzo per il Capitano del Popolo (previously the residence of Alberto), by the red Palazzo di Cangrande next to the gothic Arche Scaligere (funeral sarcophagi for the dynasty dating from the 14th century) and the Loggia del Consiglio (15th century).  

Verona's cuisine is known for typical local dishes tied to the history and traditions of the city.  These include Gnocchi potato dumplings (the Papà del Gnocco carnival figure), Pastissada de Caval (horsemeat stew), Boiled Meat with Pearà pepper sauce, Pandoro cake, Rice from Isola, Rivoli Asparagus, Valeggio Tortellini.  Verona's wines are famous throughout the entire world:  Valpolicella, Amarone, Recioto, Soave, Bardolino, Custoza and Valdadige.

 

The more important Verona became, the more it needed to be protected from foreign attacks.  Its walls followed the form of the land with blocks of stone and reinforced by towers. Verona’s monumental city gates were built during Venetian domination, including Porta S. Zeno, Porta Palio, Porta Nuova (an architectural masterpiece) and Porta Vescovo.  

DAY 7 – FLY HOME