Views and vintners in Northern Italy:
Lake Como, Lake Garda, Verona,
The Veneto Wine Road and Venice
Oct 12 - 22, 2024
May 10 - 18, 2024
10 days/9 nights
From $7534/per person.
Priced for a minimum group of 12 guests traveling with Tour Director, Sandy Gregory.
Please inquire
Lake Como, Lake Garda, Verona,
The Veneto Wine Road and Venice
Oct 12 - 22, 2024
May 10 - 18, 2024
10 days/9 nights
From $7534/per person.
Priced for a minimum group of 12 guests traveling with Tour Director, Sandy Gregory.
Please inquire
|
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: April through October |
|
Pre-tour options:
• Switzerland • Milan Northern Lakes and Veneto Wine Road Tour: 2 nights in Bellagio on Lake Como 2 nights in Verona 1 night in Valdobbiadene 2 nights in Venice Post-Tour options from Venice: • Murano, Burano, Torcello • The Dolomites • The Architecture of Palladio |
PRE-TOUR OPTION TO SWITZERLAND
Pre-Tour Day 1. Arrive Zürich
Transfer from the airport to your hotel. Enroute to the lake hotel, you will enjoy a short orientation driving tour around the Zürich’s city highlights. Our boutique 4-star hotel is located on the harbor promenade on the island of Lindau. It has a spa, fitness center and free WIFI throughout the property.
Tonight: Included Welcome Dinner
Pre-Tour Day 2: A Day on Lake Constance
Optional activities:
- Take a 3 hr. round-trip boat ride around the lake
- Rent a kayak
- Bicycle around the lake. There is a 170-mile flat and well-paved cycle route around the lake.
- Shop for selected cheeses, local products, and wine.
- Ride up to the mountain paradise on the cable car, where you’ll find a panoramic viewpoint, an alpine wildlife park, and lots of biking and hiking trails
Depending on your travel dates, you can enjoy Opera at the Bregenz Festival. The “festival” is an opera production on the world’s largest lake stage. Yes, the stage is IN the lake. Begin your festival evening a ferry to floating stage.
Pre-Tour Day 3: Morning transfer from Lake Constance to Lucerne
You will have time to stretch your legs and have included lunch at a Michelin star restaurant in Vaduz looking over the Alps Liechtenstein castle. What you definitively shouldn’t miss: the Sonnenhof chocolate collection “Princely Chocolate”.
This will be a 5 hour trip with and 1.5 hours in Vaduz.
Overnight in Lucerne 2 nights, including breakfast. Our luxurious 5-star hotel boasts a rich tradition in a prime location right on the lake.
We'll enjoy an orientation stroll through the Old Town when we arrive. The sidewalk along Lake Lucerne is lined with big beautiful trees, benches to relax, and swans that’ll easily entertain you. We'll start on the Old Chapel Bridge. It’s known for the beauty of the flowers that line the sides of the bridge and the stunning interior paintings. Built in the late 1300’s, it’s the oldest surviving truss bridge in the world. The Rauthaus Brewery is right by the Chapel Bridge and is a must-do for a happy hour beer and pretzel before dinner.
Included dinner in Lucerne
Pre-Tour Day 4. A Day in Lucerne and Mt. Pilatus Excursion.
These days clean water is a big treasure, but in Lucerne it is everywhere, running through the river Reuss. And then there is this beautiful lake and the view to the Alps. We'll climb the high staircase that leads to the cathedral to begin our tour. Later we will take a short detour to see Lion Monument. Heading back to the Reuss river will will stroll around the center and have time on your own to enjoy the architecture of its squares and richly fresco painted houses. Then you can climb to the ancient fortresses. We hope the view from here will remain in your memory as a true portrait of Lucerne - spires and domes of churches, medieval houses decorated with bright frescoes, bridges under the triangular roofs, mountains Pilatus and Rigi and . . . a lot of clean water.
This afternoon, think about visiting:
- Rosengart Museum. This museum features works of art by Pablo Picasso and Paul Klee along with other artists from the Impressionist and Classic Modernist period.
- Swiss Museum of Transportation
- Shopping!
Day 5: Transfer from Lucerne to Chur (1.5 hours) to catch the Bernina Express to Lugano, transfer to Bellagio on Lake Como.
The Bernina Express is a scenic train ride through the Swiss Alps and one of the most unforgettable train journeys in the world.
Those guests who are not doing the Switzerland Pre-Tour will fly in to Milan Malpensa and be transferred from the airport to Bellagio. (1.5 hours)
Transfer from the airport to your hotel. Enroute to the lake hotel, you will enjoy a short orientation driving tour around the Zürich’s city highlights. Our boutique 4-star hotel is located on the harbor promenade on the island of Lindau. It has a spa, fitness center and free WIFI throughout the property.
Tonight: Included Welcome Dinner
Pre-Tour Day 2: A Day on Lake Constance
Optional activities:
- Take a 3 hr. round-trip boat ride around the lake
- Rent a kayak
- Bicycle around the lake. There is a 170-mile flat and well-paved cycle route around the lake.
- Shop for selected cheeses, local products, and wine.
- Ride up to the mountain paradise on the cable car, where you’ll find a panoramic viewpoint, an alpine wildlife park, and lots of biking and hiking trails
Depending on your travel dates, you can enjoy Opera at the Bregenz Festival. The “festival” is an opera production on the world’s largest lake stage. Yes, the stage is IN the lake. Begin your festival evening a ferry to floating stage.
Pre-Tour Day 3: Morning transfer from Lake Constance to Lucerne
You will have time to stretch your legs and have included lunch at a Michelin star restaurant in Vaduz looking over the Alps Liechtenstein castle. What you definitively shouldn’t miss: the Sonnenhof chocolate collection “Princely Chocolate”.
This will be a 5 hour trip with and 1.5 hours in Vaduz.
Overnight in Lucerne 2 nights, including breakfast. Our luxurious 5-star hotel boasts a rich tradition in a prime location right on the lake.
We'll enjoy an orientation stroll through the Old Town when we arrive. The sidewalk along Lake Lucerne is lined with big beautiful trees, benches to relax, and swans that’ll easily entertain you. We'll start on the Old Chapel Bridge. It’s known for the beauty of the flowers that line the sides of the bridge and the stunning interior paintings. Built in the late 1300’s, it’s the oldest surviving truss bridge in the world. The Rauthaus Brewery is right by the Chapel Bridge and is a must-do for a happy hour beer and pretzel before dinner.
Included dinner in Lucerne
Pre-Tour Day 4. A Day in Lucerne and Mt. Pilatus Excursion.
These days clean water is a big treasure, but in Lucerne it is everywhere, running through the river Reuss. And then there is this beautiful lake and the view to the Alps. We'll climb the high staircase that leads to the cathedral to begin our tour. Later we will take a short detour to see Lion Monument. Heading back to the Reuss river will will stroll around the center and have time on your own to enjoy the architecture of its squares and richly fresco painted houses. Then you can climb to the ancient fortresses. We hope the view from here will remain in your memory as a true portrait of Lucerne - spires and domes of churches, medieval houses decorated with bright frescoes, bridges under the triangular roofs, mountains Pilatus and Rigi and . . . a lot of clean water.
This afternoon, think about visiting:
- Rosengart Museum. This museum features works of art by Pablo Picasso and Paul Klee along with other artists from the Impressionist and Classic Modernist period.
- Swiss Museum of Transportation
- Shopping!
Day 5: Transfer from Lucerne to Chur (1.5 hours) to catch the Bernina Express to Lugano, transfer to Bellagio on Lake Como.
The Bernina Express is a scenic train ride through the Swiss Alps and one of the most unforgettable train journeys in the world.
Those guests who are not doing the Switzerland Pre-Tour will fly in to Milan Malpensa and be transferred from the airport to Bellagio. (1.5 hours)
PRE-TOUR OPTION TO MILAN
Pre-Tour Day 1. Your Che Bella greeter will meet you at Malpensa Airport as you walk out of baggage claim for your included private transfer into Milan.
Our stylish, contemporary 5-star property is set in the historic center and just 1,650 feet from the Cathedral and Milan’s famous shopping street, Via Monte Napoleone. Rooms are furnished with elegant, contemporary furniture and parquet floors. All of them come with a air conditioning, minibar, and flat-screen TV. Each bathroom boasts a rain shower and soft towels. A generous breakfast buffet is served daily and includes fresh fruit, organic yogurt and jams, homemade juices, and a selection of cereals and milk.
After you drop your bags, we’ll have time for lunch and a walking orientation of the area. The rest of the afternoon is on your own to get settled, take a short nap to help with the jet lag and prepare for our Included Welcome Dinner.
Pre-Tour Day 2. This morning we’ll enjoy a private tour of Milan, including reserved timed admissions to the Scala Opera House and the Last Supper. Discover how business and history blend together in Milan. We'll begin our morning at the Piazza del Duomo, including a skip the line ticket to the roof. Just across the square is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, one of the most beautiful covered gallerias in the world. Begun in 1865, it was the first to make use of an iron glass structure. We’ll then visit La Scala opera house, the most famous theatre hall in the world. After lunch (not included), we're on to see Leonardo’s masterpiece, The Last Supper, painted in the refectory of the Santa Maria Delle Grazie church. The church and adjoining refectory were badly damaged in World War II, and during the repair work, old sgraffito paintings in the dome were brought to light.
The rest of the afternoon and evening is on your own.
What to do for the rest of the day:
• Castello Sforzesco features a collection of decorative art, prehistoric and Egyptian antiquities, a collection of musical history, and an armory of weapons and medieval armor. Between the two rear courtyards of the Castello, a passage leads into the park, originally the garden of the dukes of Milan and later a military training ground.
• Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology. Housed in a former Olivetan monastery, the museum illustrates the history of science and technology from the work of early scientists into modern times. Of particular interest is the Leonardo da Vinci Gallery with working models of many of his inventions and machinery, created from da Vinci’s drawings.
• Milan Fashion Tour. Since the beginning of the 20th century, Milan has symbolized the concept of “Made in Italy,” and evolved into a mecca for for fashion lovers, trend setters, and fashion businesses. As you wind our way through the heart of Milan’s fashion district with a local insider, you'll learn about the history of fashion in Italy, how it evolved from something for the elite during the Italian monarchy to the democratization of boutiques and department stores today. This 1/2 day private tour will help you dig in deeper into the ins and out of today's styles and trends plenty of time to shop.
Our stylish, contemporary 5-star property is set in the historic center and just 1,650 feet from the Cathedral and Milan’s famous shopping street, Via Monte Napoleone. Rooms are furnished with elegant, contemporary furniture and parquet floors. All of them come with a air conditioning, minibar, and flat-screen TV. Each bathroom boasts a rain shower and soft towels. A generous breakfast buffet is served daily and includes fresh fruit, organic yogurt and jams, homemade juices, and a selection of cereals and milk.
After you drop your bags, we’ll have time for lunch and a walking orientation of the area. The rest of the afternoon is on your own to get settled, take a short nap to help with the jet lag and prepare for our Included Welcome Dinner.
Pre-Tour Day 2. This morning we’ll enjoy a private tour of Milan, including reserved timed admissions to the Scala Opera House and the Last Supper. Discover how business and history blend together in Milan. We'll begin our morning at the Piazza del Duomo, including a skip the line ticket to the roof. Just across the square is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, one of the most beautiful covered gallerias in the world. Begun in 1865, it was the first to make use of an iron glass structure. We’ll then visit La Scala opera house, the most famous theatre hall in the world. After lunch (not included), we're on to see Leonardo’s masterpiece, The Last Supper, painted in the refectory of the Santa Maria Delle Grazie church. The church and adjoining refectory were badly damaged in World War II, and during the repair work, old sgraffito paintings in the dome were brought to light.
The rest of the afternoon and evening is on your own.
What to do for the rest of the day:
• Castello Sforzesco features a collection of decorative art, prehistoric and Egyptian antiquities, a collection of musical history, and an armory of weapons and medieval armor. Between the two rear courtyards of the Castello, a passage leads into the park, originally the garden of the dukes of Milan and later a military training ground.
• Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology. Housed in a former Olivetan monastery, the museum illustrates the history of science and technology from the work of early scientists into modern times. Of particular interest is the Leonardo da Vinci Gallery with working models of many of his inventions and machinery, created from da Vinci’s drawings.
• Milan Fashion Tour. Since the beginning of the 20th century, Milan has symbolized the concept of “Made in Italy,” and evolved into a mecca for for fashion lovers, trend setters, and fashion businesses. As you wind our way through the heart of Milan’s fashion district with a local insider, you'll learn about the history of fashion in Italy, how it evolved from something for the elite during the Italian monarchy to the democratization of boutiques and department stores today. This 1/2 day private tour will help you dig in deeper into the ins and out of today's styles and trends plenty of time to shop.
A TASTE OF THE NORTH |
|
|
|
Your Che Bella greeter will meet you at Milan's Malpensa Airport as you walk out of baggage claim for your included private transfer to Bellagio on Lake Como with any of our guests who have done the Milan pre-tour. If you are doing the Switzerland pre-tour, your driver will meet you as you exit the Bernina Express train Lugano and transfer you to Bellagio.
On the southern shore of Lake Como, the town of Bellagio is called la perla del lago (the pearl of the lake). Thanks to its narrow cobbled streets, breathtaking views, impeccable homes and glorious villa gardens, many consider this to be the most beautiful town in all of Europe. You'll have the late afternoon to enjoy this charming town before our included dinner.
Tonight: Included dinner
Overnight in Bellagio 2 nights, including breakfast.
On the southern shore of Lake Como, the town of Bellagio is called la perla del lago (the pearl of the lake). Thanks to its narrow cobbled streets, breathtaking views, impeccable homes and glorious villa gardens, many consider this to be the most beautiful town in all of Europe. You'll have the late afternoon to enjoy this charming town before our included dinner.
Tonight: Included dinner
Overnight in Bellagio 2 nights, including breakfast.
DAY 2: A DAY ON LAKE COMO |
|
|
|
This morning, we’ll meet our guide at our hotel and walk to the dock to meet our private boat. Your tour price includes a private guide, 3 hour water limo and admissions to Villa Balbianello, a place of rare beauty, with luxurious interiors, great views and gardens. We’ll finish our tour with an included lunch at one of the most beautiful restaurant locations in the world. It is only accessible by boat and has served the same set menu since 1947.
The rest of the day and evening is yours to enjoy in Bellagio.
There is lots of great shopping and nooks and crannies to explore. Villa Melzi is one of Bellagio’s most famous residences. English style gardens are embellished by monuments, artifacts (including a Venetian gondola transported to Bellagio, expressly desired by Napoleon, and two precious Egyptian statues), rare exotic plants, secular trees, hedges of camellias, groves of azaleas and gigantic rhododendrons.
The rest of the day and evening is yours to enjoy in Bellagio.
There is lots of great shopping and nooks and crannies to explore. Villa Melzi is one of Bellagio’s most famous residences. English style gardens are embellished by monuments, artifacts (including a Venetian gondola transported to Bellagio, expressly desired by Napoleon, and two precious Egyptian statues), rare exotic plants, secular trees, hedges of camellias, groves of azaleas and gigantic rhododendrons.
DAY 3: TO VERONA |
|
|
|
Morning transfer from Bellagio to Verona with a stop in Lake Garda
This morning we leave Lake Como and take a beautiful drive to Sirmione, a colorful town on the southern bank of Lake Garda. It’s known for its thermal baths and Rocca Scaligera, a medieval castle overlooking the lake. Set at the tip of a peninsula, Sirmione is surrounded by historic city walls and a castle; 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. You’ll enjoy lunch (not included) and some strolling time.
We’re then on to 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!
Set on the corner of Verona’s most charming square Piazza delle Erbe, our luxury hotel is set in an 18th-century building and features wooden ceilings, frescoes and antique paintings.
Included dinner in Verona
Overnight in Verona, 2 nights including breakfast
This morning we leave Lake Como and take a beautiful drive to Sirmione, a colorful town on the southern bank of Lake Garda. It’s known for its thermal baths and Rocca Scaligera, a medieval castle overlooking the lake. Set at the tip of a peninsula, Sirmione is surrounded by historic city walls and a castle; 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. You’ll enjoy lunch (not included) and some strolling time.
We’re then on to 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!
Set on the corner of Verona’s most charming square Piazza delle Erbe, our luxury hotel is set in an 18th-century building and features wooden ceilings, frescoes and antique paintings.
Included dinner in Verona
Overnight in Verona, 2 nights including breakfast
DAY 4: A DAY IN VERONA |
|
|
|
On our private walking 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. You’ll also see Romeo’s house and Prince Escalo’s burial place. Then to the colors and sounds of the Piazza Erbe, where Medieval towers and ancient palazzi with frescoes and statues overlook an everyday market.
You'll have the afternoon on your own to discover more of Verona.
This evening we'll prepare for tomorrow's wine route with an included food and wine pairing of the local Valpolicella region.
Overnight in Verona
You'll have the afternoon on your own to discover more of Verona.
This evening we'll prepare for tomorrow's wine route with an included food and wine pairing of the local Valpolicella region.
Overnight in Verona
DAY 5: THE VENETO WINE ROUTE - PART UNO |
|
|
|
We begin our wine route with a stop in Soave. These white wines are dry, crisp and refreshing, with a bright lemon flavor - perfect for a morning tasting.
We're then on to the city of Vicenza, also called Palladian city, where we'll enjoy a private tour of the town, including the great villas of the Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio.
We'll then enjoy an included lunch with local dishes, accompanied by the local wines of Braganze DOC Area. You'll have some time on your own in Vincenza to enjoy the stunning architecture and stop in to a few of the over 1,000 goldsmiths who make jewellery and gild the lives of tourists with their creations. We'll finish our day Valdobbiadene.
Included dinner
Overnight in Valdobbiadene, 1 night with breakfast
We're then on to the city of Vicenza, also called Palladian city, where we'll enjoy a private tour of the town, including the great villas of the Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio.
We'll then enjoy an included lunch with local dishes, accompanied by the local wines of Braganze DOC Area. You'll have some time on your own in Vincenza to enjoy the stunning architecture and stop in to a few of the over 1,000 goldsmiths who make jewellery and gild the lives of tourists with their creations. We'll finish our day Valdobbiadene.
Included dinner
Overnight in Valdobbiadene, 1 night with breakfast
DAY 6: THE VENETO WINE ROUTE - PART DUE |
|
|
|
“Prosecco,” is a small town in the north of Italy in the Province of Trieste. Wine production began here in the 13th century. Prosecco cannot be made everywhere. To call a wine Prosecco it must originate from one of the Prosecco DOC production areas in the province of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. The Prosecco Road “Strada del Prosecco” lies between the towns of Valdobbiadene and Conegliano and is the road the highest quality Proseccos are produced. This morning, we will weave through wine villages and rolling countryside dotted with vineyards, medieval fortresses, family owned cantinas, and frescoed churches. Enroute, we'll visit some of the best wineries where the vintners will explain about the methodology of Prosecco making and introduce you to their finest DOCG Proseccos - which we will taste, of course. It will be a relaxing day, ending in Venice
The location of our hotel is right by the famous La Fenice Opera House and a quick walk to all of the major sights. The rooms are classic and spacious and the included breakfast is plentiful with fresh meats and cheeses, cereal, breads, fruit and of course, your choice of Italian coffee.
This evening, we’ll be serenaded during our included sunset gondola ride. After, we celebrate our first night in Venice with our Included Dinner.
Included dinner in Venice
Overnight in Venice, 2 nights with breakfast
The location of our hotel is right by the famous La Fenice Opera House and a quick walk to all of the major sights. The rooms are classic and spacious and the included breakfast is plentiful with fresh meats and cheeses, cereal, breads, fruit and of course, your choice of Italian coffee.
This evening, we’ll be serenaded during our included sunset gondola ride. After, we celebrate our first night in Venice with our Included Dinner.
Included dinner in Venice
Overnight in Venice, 2 nights with breakfast
DAY 7: A DAY IN VENICE |
|
|
|
This morning we'll enjoy a private walking tour, with in-depth visits to St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace - including the prison and the Bridge of Sighs - and St. Mark’s Basilica. All of our tours include skip-the-line reservations.
The rest of the day and evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure.
Inquire about one of our Dig a Little Deeper private optional tour excursions below. Pricing will be based on the number of participants. Click on the + below for details.
The rest of the day and evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure.
Inquire about one of our Dig a Little Deeper private optional tour excursions below. Pricing will be based on the number of participants. 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.
Venetian Mask Making. This is a fun activity for any age. Surrounded by artisan masks of every size and shape, you'll learn about the meaning and history of Venetian Carnival masks. You'll then choose one of over sixty different types of white Venetian masks, and learn how to decorate using a variety of techniques and materials,
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.
Venetian Mask Making. This is a fun activity for any age. Surrounded by artisan masks of every size and shape, you'll learn about the meaning and history of Venetian Carnival masks. You'll then choose one of over sixty different types of white Venetian masks, and learn how to decorate using a variety of techniques and materials,
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 8: 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 Excursions
POST-TOUR OPTIONS 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 OPTIONS 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 OPTIONS FROM VENICE - THE DOLOMITES
The combination of wide green meadows, jagged peaks, beautiful skies and incredible stars- the whole package is captivating. The Dolomites are made for road trips. They are perfect for picnics up mountains with incredible views, hiking, late-night photography and getting up early to see the sunrise. Contact us to plan a road trip itinerary from Venice that is perfect for you.