A Romantic Winter Getaway:
Valentine's Day in Verona and Carnevale in Venice
11 days/10 nights
Let's get a few couples together and enjoy two special events in Italy.
Post-tour options from Venice
Please inquire about 2023 pricing
Valentine's Day in Verona and Carnevale in Venice
11 days/10 nights
Let's get a few couples together and enjoy two special events in Italy.
Post-tour options from Venice
Please inquire about 2023 pricing
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Please join Tour Director Sandy Gregory for this wonderful adventure through Italy, or contact us to help you create your own independent travel experience with our Concierge Travel Services.
Suggested time to travel: February |
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Romantic Winter Getaway:
2 nights in Verona 1 night in Valdobbiadene 2 nights in Venice Post-tour options from Venice: • Murano, Burano, Torcello • The Architecture of Palladio • Ski or snowshoe trip to Cortina d'Ampezzo |
DAY 1: FEB 13. ARRIVE VERONA |
Flights in to Milan Malpensa Airport. You will be met by your driver for your private transfer to Verona. 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.
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. It’s a wonderful place to stroll and enjoy the old and the new. The old town wraps around the most well-preserved Roman Colosseum in Italy. It is still in use today and is internationally famous for the large-scale opera performances given there. It is one of the best preserved ancient structures of its kind. In ancient times, nearly 30,000 people was the housing capacity of the Arena. Today, it holds 15,000 people - one of the largest opera stages in the world!
Tonight: Included Welcome dinner
Overnight in Verona, 3 nights with breakfast
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. It’s a wonderful place to stroll and enjoy the old and the new. The old town wraps around the most well-preserved Roman Colosseum in Italy. It is still in use today and is internationally famous for the large-scale opera performances given there. It is one of the best preserved ancient structures of its kind. In ancient times, nearly 30,000 people was the housing capacity of the Arena. Today, it holds 15,000 people - one of the largest opera stages in the world!
Tonight: Included Welcome dinner
Overnight in Verona, 3 nights with breakfast
DAY 2: FEB 14. A DAY IN THE CITY OF LOVE |
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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 Included Valentine's Day Dinner
Overnight in Verona
Tonight: A Very Special Included Valentine's Day Dinner
Overnight in Verona
DAY 3: FEB. 15. VALPOLICELLA DAY TRIP TO THE COUNTRYSIDE
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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.
The evening is for you to enjoy at your leisure.
Overnight in Verona.
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.
The evening is for you to enjoy at your leisure.
Overnight in Verona.
DAYS 4-7: FEB 16 - 19. A LUXURY VILLA |
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.
This evening we'll prepare for tomorrow's wine route with an included food and wine pairing of the local Valpolicella region.
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.
This evening we'll prepare for tomorrow's wine route with an included food and wine pairing of the local Valpolicella region.
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DAY 8: FEB 20. TO VENICE |
Today we travel east 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.
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.
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DAY 9: Feb 21. A DAY IN VENICE |
We’ll start our morning sightseeing in style on our private walking tour 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.
We finish our tour at 11:00 to enjoy The Best Masked Costume Contest Award Ceremony - San Marco Square.
You might want to enjoy the afternoon parading in your finery and enjoy the 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.
Inquire about one of our Dig a Little Deeper private optional tour excursions below. Pricing will be based on the number of participants and winter availability. Click on the + below for details.
We finish our tour at 11:00 to enjoy The Best Masked Costume Contest Award Ceremony - San Marco Square.
You might want to enjoy the afternoon parading in your finery and enjoy the 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.
Inquire about one of our Dig a Little Deeper private optional tour excursions below. Pricing will be based on the number of participants and winter availability. Click on the + below for details.
NEW! Dig a Little Deeper Series
The Ecology of Venice. Venice is a city that should not exist, yet still does. The city itself is a masterpiece, comprised of 117 tiny islands connected by 400 bridges over 150 canals. The city is separated from the Adriatic Sea by the lagoon and thin stretch of land. When the tide rises, the seawater enters the lagoon; when the tide falls, it exits. This happens twice a day, every day. Sometimes weather contributes to unusually high tides, which typically last between two and four hours. This is called the Aqua Alta. In November of 2020, the Aqua Alta plunged more than 80 percent of the city under water. Venice just might be the earth's canary in the coal mine, and a glimpse in to what the future might bring to many coastal cities. Who knows whether technology and/or human behavior will save it? This afternoon tour is led by a local ecologist. You'll learn how Venice was built, the engineering that sustains it, and the critical threats facing it. This is an excellent tour for those interested in learning about the engineering, ecology, and architecture of the city. You'll see where urban maintenance (canal dredging, relaying cables, raising walkways) is being carried out, and gain a better understanding of the techniques involved in safeguarding its future.
Venice Jewish Ghetto Tour. Venice has one of the oldest, most enduring Jewish cultures in Europe. This afternoon tour takes you to the home of the Jewish Venetian community so vividly depicted in Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice. Founded in 1516, its serene nature has entranced visitors and locals alike for centuries, providing a respite from the city's many bustling streets. Led by a local scholar of Jewish history, you'll visit sites of historical importance throughout Venice's deeply important Jewish Ghetto, including the Jewish Museum and Synagogues, as well as two moving memorials to Italian Jews lost in World Wars I and II.
Evening Cicchetti Tour. Enjoy the beloved Italian tradition of cicchetti. In Italy, the hour of the aperitivo is the quintessence of la dolce vita—a glass of wine or cocktail, a variety of light bites to eat, and good company. With our local guides, we'll venture to the bacari taverns where to rub shoulders with residents, enjoy a wide variety of small plate delicacies and of course imbibe in a glass or two of Prosecco, Bellini, and Aperol Spritz.
Venice Jewish Ghetto Tour. Venice has one of the oldest, most enduring Jewish cultures in Europe. This afternoon tour takes you to the home of the Jewish Venetian community so vividly depicted in Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice. Founded in 1516, its serene nature has entranced visitors and locals alike for centuries, providing a respite from the city's many bustling streets. Led by a local scholar of Jewish history, you'll visit sites of historical importance throughout Venice's deeply important Jewish Ghetto, including the Jewish Museum and Synagogues, as well as two moving memorials to Italian Jews lost in World Wars I and II.
Evening Cicchetti Tour. Enjoy the beloved Italian tradition of cicchetti. In Italy, the hour of the aperitivo is the quintessence of la dolce vita—a glass of wine or cocktail, a variety of light bites to eat, and good company. With our local guides, we'll venture to the bacari taverns where to rub shoulders with residents, enjoy a wide variety of small plate delicacies and of course imbibe in a glass or two of Prosecco, Bellini, and Aperol Spritz.
DAY 10: FEB 22. CARNEVALE BALL! |
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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.
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.
Includes:
• Entry to the Palace
• 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
Overnight in Venice
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.
Includes:
• Entry to the Palace
• 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
Overnight in Venice
DAY 11: Feb 23. DEPARTURES FROM VENICE OR CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY WITH OUR POST-TOUR OPTIONS |
Included transfers to Venice Marco Polo Airport for flights our or on to your Post-Tour Options
POST-TOUR OPTION FROM VENICE - MURANO, BURANO AND TORCELLO
The Famous Islands of the Venetian Lagoon – Murano, Torcello and Burano Tour. Enjoy an afternoon sightseeing excursion by private boat. With your local guide, you'll stop at a glass-blowing factory on Murano, visit Venice’s first cathedral on the tranquil island of Torcello and shop for handcrafted lace on Burano. It’s a great introduction to the magical islands around the medieval city of Venice and its enclosed bay in the Adriatic Sea.
POST-TOUR OPTION FROM VENICE - THE ARCHITECTURE OF PALLADIO
THE ARCHITECTURE OF PALLADIO
Andrea Palladio was an Italian Renaissance architect in the Venetian Republic. Influenced by Roman and Greek architecture, he is considered to be one of the most influential individuals in the history of architecture, and the one who inspired our love of columns and porticos. Born in 1508 in Padua, he spent most of his adult life in the nearby city of Vicenza, trained as a stonemason and studied the ancient ruins of Rome. Palladio became known for designing the grand villas and country houses for aristocrats of Northeast Italy. Contact us for information and pricing.
• Morning visit to Villa Barbaro in Maser and Villa Emo in Fanzolo with a stop in the village of Asolo. After lunch, the tour will continue to explore the wine routes of Prosecco before returning to Venice.
• Morning visit to Villa Malcontenta and then the majestic Villa Pisani in Stra. We’ll then continue on to Padua where we’ll see the Scrovegni chapel with Giotto’s frescoes, St Antony’s church and leisure time in town.
• Morning visit to the walled cities of Cittadella and Castelfranco (where the famous painter Giorgione was born) and then on to Conegliano, famous for its Prosecco.
• Morning visit to Vicenza where Palladio lived and worked with a tour of Villa la Rotonda (which inspired Jefferson’s Monticello), villa Valmarana ai Nani, with the wonderful frescoes of Tiepolo and the famous Olympic Theater.
• A morning visit to the walled cities of Montagnana and then on to Fratta Polesine, a beautiful village where we’ll see the Palladian Villa Badoer and other villas the Venetians built in the 14th century.
Andrea Palladio was an Italian Renaissance architect in the Venetian Republic. Influenced by Roman and Greek architecture, he is considered to be one of the most influential individuals in the history of architecture, and the one who inspired our love of columns and porticos. Born in 1508 in Padua, he spent most of his adult life in the nearby city of Vicenza, trained as a stonemason and studied the ancient ruins of Rome. Palladio became known for designing the grand villas and country houses for aristocrats of Northeast Italy. Contact us for information and pricing.
• Morning visit to Villa Barbaro in Maser and Villa Emo in Fanzolo with a stop in the village of Asolo. After lunch, the tour will continue to explore the wine routes of Prosecco before returning to Venice.
• Morning visit to Villa Malcontenta and then the majestic Villa Pisani in Stra. We’ll then continue on to Padua where we’ll see the Scrovegni chapel with Giotto’s frescoes, St Antony’s church and leisure time in town.
• Morning visit to the walled cities of Cittadella and Castelfranco (where the famous painter Giorgione was born) and then on to Conegliano, famous for its Prosecco.
• Morning visit to Vicenza where Palladio lived and worked with a tour of Villa la Rotonda (which inspired Jefferson’s Monticello), villa Valmarana ai Nani, with the wonderful frescoes of Tiepolo and the famous Olympic Theater.
• A morning visit to the walled cities of Montagnana and then on to Fratta Polesine, a beautiful village where we’ll see the Palladian Villa Badoer and other villas the Venetians built in the 14th century.
POST-TOUR OPTION FROM VENICE - SKIING OR SNOWSHOEING
Think about joining us for a few days of winter fun in Cortina d'Ampezzo. Click here for information about the ski area and contact us for more information on the excursion.