The floating city of Venice is packed with a historical and architectural Renaissance flair that goes unmatched worldwide. And let’s not forget the main attractions like impressive art collections, bustling squares, famous bridges, and beautiful churches that you’ll find dotted across the city. This itinerary for Venice covers all the major attractions.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Venice: known also as the “City of Canals,” “The Floating City,” and “Serenissima,” is arguably one of Italy's most picturesque cities. With its winding canals, striking architecture, and beautiful bridges, Venice is a popular destination for travel.
Day 1: ARRIVAL VENICE
Upon your arrival in Venice reach the hotel on your own and check in (transfer available as an optional extra). In the afternoon, reach the “Alilaguna of Giardinetti Reali” to explore Venice on board the most famous boat in the world: the Gondola! (the tour starts at 14.30/15.00/16.30 or 17.00 hrs). The traditional Venetian boat was the best way to travel around for the noblemen of the city. Originally, the Gondola had also a cabin for the privacy of the passengers and was decorated with the finest fabrics of the time: over the centuries, the boat has gradually taken the aspect and the colors we all know. Departing from Santa Maria del Giglio, you will navigate along the Grand Canal and other minor canals to discover the city from an extraordinary new point of view. The majestic Basilica della Salute, the mysterious and spooky palace of Ca’ Dario and the museum of Peggy Guggenheim are only a few of the marvelous buildings you will see along the way. You will then navigate along minor canals to discover the most authentic side of Venice. The Gondola Ride is a once in a lifetime experience and a true must if you’re visiting Venice!
Overnight in Venice.
Day 2: VENICE
After breakfast at the hotel, reach the “Alilaguna of Giardinetti Reali” to join a small group tour. This guided tour will give the opportunity to learn more about the history of Venice and its most important buildings: the magnificent Doge’s Palace, the seat of the government, the court of justice, the prison of the ancient Republic of Venice, historic residence of the Doges and the St. Mark’s Basilica, a symbol of the Christianity and of the religious power of the city. The visit begins in St. Mark's Square, where our guide will give you a taste of the history and traditions of the Venice of the past, illustrating the main monuments and revealing all the secrets jealously kept by the most beautiful square in the world. The visit will then continue inside the marvelous St. Mark's Basilica, also known as the Golden Church due to the majesty of the treasures stored inside it and the golden mosaics that decorate its walls. Symbol par excellence of the greatness and power of the Republic of Venice, the Basilica preserves the remains of Saint Mark, stolen, according to the legend, in Alexandria by two ingenious Venetian merchants. Last, you will visit the Doge's Palace, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that has no equal in the world. Besides the beauty of the Courtyard, the magnificence of the Chambers where the history of the Venetian Republic was decided and the charm of the most impenetrable prisons of the time, you will find important artworks by authors such as Tintoretto, Tiziano, Veronese and many others.
Overnight in Venice.
Day 3: VENICE
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy your free time. After lunch, reach “La Fenice Theater” to join an unforgettable small group tour. Follow your guide behind the scenes of one of the most important opera theatres in the world: La Fenice Theatre! Built in 1792 in Neoclassical style following a competitive public exam won by one of Canova’s friends, Giannantonio Selva, the theatre was at that time one of the many private theatres for theatrical and opera performing. In December 1836 a big fire destroyed the inside structure that was rebuilt one year later just like the mythical bird rebirthing from its ashes. In the nineteenth century, the theatre staged the world premieres of numerous operas, including Rossini’s Tancredi, Sigismondo and Semiramide, Bellini’s I Capuleti e I Montecchi and Beatrice di Tenda just to name a few. With a seating capacity for over one thousand people, the Fenice boasts excellent acoustics, a 98-member orchestra and 66-person opera chorus, a dedicated local audience and a large international following. The theatre is a leading creative venue, staging more than one hundred opera performances per year, a major symphonic season conducted by prominent conductors from across the globe, the full cycles of symphonies by Beethoven, Schumann, Brahms and Mahler, a contemporary repertoire focused especially on Venetian artists such as Nono and Maderna, ballets, and chamber music concerts.
Overnight in Venice.
Day 4: DEPARTURE VENICE
Enjoy your last breakfast in Venice and if time permits take the last walk to say “arrivederci” to the city. Transfer to the airport or train station is available as an optional extra.
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Italy. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
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