A ROMANTIC WINTER GETAWAY:
Valentine's Day in Verona, a warm winter villa and the famous Carnival of Venice
FEB 13 - 23, 2020
Let's get a few couples together and enjoy two special events in Italy. It will be fun! And think about an optional pre-or post-tour excursion for a little skiing or snowshoeing in beautiful Cortina.
Pricing will be based on the size of the group and the activities you would like include. Please inquire.
Day 1. Feb 13: Arrive in Verona
Verona, where Romeo and Juliet swore each other eternal love, is universally known as one of the most romantic towns in the world. Every year Verona becomes an even more special place during the week leading to February 14th: Valentine’s Day. It is called “Verona in Love“ and it’s a week of special events dedicated to all lovers. Streets in the city center are decorated with hearts. Shop windows are also decorated with love related themes, contributing in creating a magic atmosphere. Plays, concerts, dance and art events take place in the streets, squares, palaces and other wonderful locations in Verona.
You’ll be transferred from the airport or train station to our hotel and your Tour Director will get your oriented to the city. You’ll have the day to soak up the beauty and romance of this beautiful town.
Tonight: Included Welcome dinner.
Day 2: Feb 14: Valentines Day in the city of love
We'll begin our day with a private city tour. We'll enter the famous courtyard of Juliet’s house and see her legendary balcony to discover that love, passion, sacrifice, courage, tenderness, dedication are timeless emotions and then take a tour inside her 13th century villa. We're then on to Romeo’s house and Prince Escalo’s burial place, the Piazza Erbe, where Medieval towers and ancient palazzi with frescoes and statues overlook an everyday market, and finish up at Castelvecchio: a very special castle where Medieval history, contemporary architecture and the riverside scenery wonderfully mix together.
Tonight: A Very Special Valentine's Day Dinner
Day 3: Feb 15: Valpolicella Wine Country Day Trip
Today we visit a beautiful and a quaint stone village and with its lovely Romanesque church and visit a 300-year-old winery in Valpolicella for wine tasting and lunch.
In the afternoon we’ll make a stop in Sirmione on Lake Garda. Sirmione is a colorful town on the sourthern bank of Lake Garda. It’s know for its thermal baths and Rocca Scaligera, a medieval castle overlooking the lake. Set at the tip of a penninsula, Sirmione is surrounded by historic city walls and a castle, and as soon as you step in through the gates, you feel like you’re in a different world altogether. Enjoy lots of little independent boutiques, sit in one of the cafes and take in the amazingly colourful architecture.
Overnight in Verona. Dinner is on your own.
Days 4 - 7: Feb 16 - 20: On to Veneto. 4 nights in a luxury villa
Today we travel to our villa and will spend the next 4 days exploring the area. From our villa base:
• we visit the quaint and historical towns of Vincenzan, Asolo and Treviso
• explore the sparkling wines on the prosecco road
• and have a day in the kitchen learning how to make the delicacies of this region.
Valentine's Day in Verona, a warm winter villa and the famous Carnival of Venice
FEB 13 - 23, 2020
Let's get a few couples together and enjoy two special events in Italy. It will be fun! And think about an optional pre-or post-tour excursion for a little skiing or snowshoeing in beautiful Cortina.
Pricing will be based on the size of the group and the activities you would like include. Please inquire.
Day 1. Feb 13: Arrive in Verona
Verona, where Romeo and Juliet swore each other eternal love, is universally known as one of the most romantic towns in the world. Every year Verona becomes an even more special place during the week leading to February 14th: Valentine’s Day. It is called “Verona in Love“ and it’s a week of special events dedicated to all lovers. Streets in the city center are decorated with hearts. Shop windows are also decorated with love related themes, contributing in creating a magic atmosphere. Plays, concerts, dance and art events take place in the streets, squares, palaces and other wonderful locations in Verona.
You’ll be transferred from the airport or train station to our hotel and your Tour Director will get your oriented to the city. You’ll have the day to soak up the beauty and romance of this beautiful town.
Tonight: Included Welcome dinner.
Day 2: Feb 14: Valentines Day in the city of love
We'll begin our day with a private city tour. We'll enter the famous courtyard of Juliet’s house and see her legendary balcony to discover that love, passion, sacrifice, courage, tenderness, dedication are timeless emotions and then take a tour inside her 13th century villa. We're then on to Romeo’s house and Prince Escalo’s burial place, the Piazza Erbe, where Medieval towers and ancient palazzi with frescoes and statues overlook an everyday market, and finish up at Castelvecchio: a very special castle where Medieval history, contemporary architecture and the riverside scenery wonderfully mix together.
Tonight: A Very Special Valentine's Day Dinner
Day 3: Feb 15: Valpolicella Wine Country Day Trip
Today we visit a beautiful and a quaint stone village and with its lovely Romanesque church and visit a 300-year-old winery in Valpolicella for wine tasting and lunch.
In the afternoon we’ll make a stop in Sirmione on Lake Garda. Sirmione is a colorful town on the sourthern bank of Lake Garda. It’s know for its thermal baths and Rocca Scaligera, a medieval castle overlooking the lake. Set at the tip of a penninsula, Sirmione is surrounded by historic city walls and a castle, and as soon as you step in through the gates, you feel like you’re in a different world altogether. Enjoy lots of little independent boutiques, sit in one of the cafes and take in the amazingly colourful architecture.
Overnight in Verona. Dinner is on your own.
Days 4 - 7: Feb 16 - 20: On to Veneto. 4 nights in a luxury villa
Today we travel to our villa and will spend the next 4 days exploring the area. From our villa base:
• we visit the quaint and historical towns of Vincenzan, Asolo and Treviso
• explore the sparkling wines on the prosecco road
• and have a day in the kitchen learning how to make the delicacies of this region.
Day 8. Feb 20. To Venice
We’ll will be staying at lovely 4-star hotel right in the heart of Venice, and just a short walk to San Marco Square. After we check in and have lunch, we'll go to our costume fitting at the Atelier. Having pre-selected your costume prior to your arrival, this appointment is to ensure that the costume is comfortable and fits well. We're then on to our mask-making class to complete the ensemble.
Please note that Carnival costumes are optional and you do not need to have one to enjoy this spectacular event.
As the Carnevale Calendar develops, we will schedule in the events that take place.
Tonight, we'll enjoy a wine tasting and included Special Carnival Welcome Dinner.
We’ll will be staying at lovely 4-star hotel right in the heart of Venice, and just a short walk to San Marco Square. After we check in and have lunch, we'll go to our costume fitting at the Atelier. Having pre-selected your costume prior to your arrival, this appointment is to ensure that the costume is comfortable and fits well. We're then on to our mask-making class to complete the ensemble.
Please note that Carnival costumes are optional and you do not need to have one to enjoy this spectacular event.
As the Carnevale Calendar develops, we will schedule in the events that take place.
Tonight, we'll enjoy a wine tasting and included Special Carnival Welcome Dinner.
Day 9. Feb 21. A Day in Venice.
After included breakfast, we’ll start our morning sightseeing in style with our local guide. We tour by walking today, with in-depth visits to St. Mark’s Square and St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, the prison, and the Bridge of Sighs.
11:00 The Best Masked Costume Contest Award Ceremony - Saint-Mark Square.
After lunch, we have made arrangements for a private water taxi to tak you over to the island of Murano for a glass blowing demonstration and viewing in one of Venice’s most prestigious galleries. You’ll have the rest of the afternoon at your leisure. You might want to enjoy the afternoon parading in your finery; in the afternoon in Saint Marks square there is the best mask competition. And like Verona, Carnevale brings a plethora of plays, concerts, dance and art events taking place in the streets, and squares.
This evening at sunset, the romance will continue as we’ll be serenaded during our included private gondola ride.
Dinner tonight is on your own. On every tour, we have included dinners as a group as well as nights on your own. Of course you are always invited to join me as I explore new and interesting restaurant finds. I also have a lot of recommendations and would be happy to make reservations for you.
Day 10: Feb 22: Carnevale Ball!
Today is a day of leisure as you prepare to attend the Masquerade Ball, where you will enjoy a magical evening at one of the most important events of Venice Carnival.
Dressed as 18th century noblemen, you will be welcomed into a Venetian fantasy fairy tale. The evening starts with a cocktail and appetizer. The dinner - made by one of the best chefs of Venice - will be served in the majestic, traditional dining room of the Palazzo. During the 'aperitivo' and dinner there will be several live performances. This unforgettable night will end with an after party with modern music (DJ).
Includes:
• entry to the Palace at 20.00 h.
• Welcome cocktail with appetizer
• Exclusive dinner at the Noble Floor
• Entertainment with international artists
• After dinner party: disco with open bar from 23.00 h.
• Dessert buffet
Day 11: 23th February
...Arrivederci!
Water taxi transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight home after your Venice Carnival Experience.
After included breakfast, we’ll start our morning sightseeing in style with our local guide. We tour by walking today, with in-depth visits to St. Mark’s Square and St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, the prison, and the Bridge of Sighs.
11:00 The Best Masked Costume Contest Award Ceremony - Saint-Mark Square.
After lunch, we have made arrangements for a private water taxi to tak you over to the island of Murano for a glass blowing demonstration and viewing in one of Venice’s most prestigious galleries. You’ll have the rest of the afternoon at your leisure. You might want to enjoy the afternoon parading in your finery; in the afternoon in Saint Marks square there is the best mask competition. And like Verona, Carnevale brings a plethora of plays, concerts, dance and art events taking place in the streets, and squares.
This evening at sunset, the romance will continue as we’ll be serenaded during our included private gondola ride.
Dinner tonight is on your own. On every tour, we have included dinners as a group as well as nights on your own. Of course you are always invited to join me as I explore new and interesting restaurant finds. I also have a lot of recommendations and would be happy to make reservations for you.
Day 10: Feb 22: Carnevale Ball!
Today is a day of leisure as you prepare to attend the Masquerade Ball, where you will enjoy a magical evening at one of the most important events of Venice Carnival.
Dressed as 18th century noblemen, you will be welcomed into a Venetian fantasy fairy tale. The evening starts with a cocktail and appetizer. The dinner - made by one of the best chefs of Venice - will be served in the majestic, traditional dining room of the Palazzo. During the 'aperitivo' and dinner there will be several live performances. This unforgettable night will end with an after party with modern music (DJ).
Includes:
• entry to the Palace at 20.00 h.
• Welcome cocktail with appetizer
• Exclusive dinner at the Noble Floor
• Entertainment with international artists
• After dinner party: disco with open bar from 23.00 h.
• Dessert buffet
Day 11: 23th February
...Arrivederci!
Water taxi transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight home after your Venice Carnival Experience.
Are you interested in skiing or snowshowing? Think about joining me for a few days to nearby Cortina.
Cortina has a 1,000-year history and a beautiful ski resort. Located a few hours from Venice, it nestles in the valley of the river Boite, surrounded by the Dolomites in the southern part of the Alps. Click here for more information
Cortina has a 1,000-year history and a beautiful ski resort. Located a few hours from Venice, it nestles in the valley of the river Boite, surrounded by the Dolomites in the southern part of the Alps. Click here for more information