Where History Meets Ecology in Venice

Welcome to Venice! Your first Venitian experience begins as you travel from airport to hotel via water taxi. From the water, you’ll see panoramic views of this beguiling city resting on the lagoon.

Enjoy a stroll along the Grand Canal, taking in Venice and all her wonder. Sip a traditional Spritz Veneziano (an aperitif made with Prosecco, Aperol and a splash of soda water), and people watch before relaxing at an alfresco welcome dinner along the canal.

Today we’ll learn more about this magical city! Meander through the city and learn about Venice’s architecture. Marvel at the structures as your guide explains the wooden pile engineering that keeps these ancient stone structures up.

Your adventure will shift to riding in a gozza (a traditional Venetian boat). This part of your day will focus on modern-day Venice and how the city is struggling with the effects of climate change and the variable water levels.

Visit some of the smaller islands surrounding Venice. Highlights include the ecologically important salt marshes of the Bacan area and the Church of Santa Maria Assunta on the island of Torcello; which houses the oldest mosaics in Venice area. Enjoy a late lunch in the beautiful fishing village on the island of Burano. Burano is Instagram perfection!

Last stop of the day will be the island of Murano, where the classic Venetian glass is made. Watch a glass blowing demonstration and browse the aisles of beautifully fragile glass creations.

Today you have the opportunity to join the Save Venice Foundation. The Save Venice Foundation is an American Foundation that works to save Venetian works of art and architecture. The foundation does important work for the Venice art community, repairing some of the worlds oldest artistic sites.

Visit a current foundation project. Watch the restoration crew while they perform their delicate work. Your private Save Venice Foundation expert guide will lead you on tour of the current project and let you in on a sneak peek of what is next on their restoration agenda.

This afternoon we’ll have the opportunity to take a cooking lesson from an Italian chef. What is Italy known for if not it’s phenomenal food? Learn to cook and present a traditional Antipasto, Focaccia, Carbonara, Grilled Seafood and a Torte for dessert.

Today you live like royalty! Enjoy a private, unique tour of the Doge’s Palace. Visit rooms that are not open to the general public including the Doge’s Apartment, Office of the Grand Chancellor, the Torture Room and more. Transport yourself to the political and civil historical 14th and 15th century Venice.

Next stop is St. Marks Basilica. Your tour led by the Procuratoria of St. Mark, highlights the biblical and theological messages in the Church’s 8,000 plus square meters of mosaics that cover the walls, vaults, and cupolas. You will be in awe of the meticulous masterpieces.

Option 1: Soak up the rural sites when you embark on a tour to Prosecco Hills. Enjoy the lush, farming scenery on your ride out of Venice. Today you have the opportunity to tour two wineries. Meet the people who take great pride in their sparkling wine and Italian heritage. Sample some of the most delicious wine in the world paired with local cheese & charcuterie.

Option 2: You also have the option to spend the day on a walking tour of the Venetian Ghetto, the oldest Jewish Ghetto in the world, established in 1516. Explore the neighborhood of Cannaregio, where the locals work, raise their families and enjoy life.

Carnival in Venice is truly a spectacle! Today you’ll watch a master artisan create the iconic paper-mache masks. Learn the history of this colorful festival & let your inner artist shine as you decorate your own mask!

Wake up early to explore the Rialto Market and wander through the stalls, absorbing the delicious smells and variety of breakfast options. Explore the shops and stalls as you wander through the streets. Barter with the street vendors or visit the small, tucked away specialty shops.

Engross yourself in interesting art during a private tour and cocktail reception at the Peggy Guggenheim Museum. As a collector and art patron, Ms. Guggenheim amassed a priceless modern art collection. A museum docent will discuss highlights of the collection as your group wanders about the art installations. The museum is located on the Grand Canal, and it is a perfect way to spend your last night in beautiful Venice.

The classic Venice experience is a gondola ride while being serenaded by a local tenor. Your personal gondolier, in traditional garb, will guide you down the Grand Canal while your group’s tenor entertains you with operatic classics. Conclude your tour by gliding down smaller, local waterways catching a peek into the neighborhoods of the residents.

Finish up any last minute shopping, enjoy that last gelato, snap that last perfect picture before you board your private water taxi to head back to the airport for your departure home.