Excursions
Excursions can be some of the most exciting moments of your vacation
We always use the best transport companies in Venice, the best hostesses and escorts and the most experienced city guides. The coaches we use are the most modern with air-conditioning and PA system. The drivers are always smartly dressed and respect a no smoking policy. Our guides are highly experienced and licensed by the Venice Tourism Authority.
Please find below some sample shore excursion itineraries, for your perusal... Kindly note that, other itineraries can also be created as per your requirements.
1»
CITY SIGHTSEEING TOUR
2»
ORIENTATION TOUR
3»
CITY TOUR ON FOOT AND GONDOLA RIDE
4»
TOUR OF THE UNKNOWN VENICE/1
5»
TOUR OF THE UNKNOWN VENICE/2
6»
DOGE'S PALACE SECRET ITINERARY
7»
EXCURSION TO THE ISLANDS
8»
PANORAMIC VENICE AND THE ISLANDS
9»
TORCELLO AND THE ISLAND OF ST. FRANCIS OF THE DESERT
10»
GONDOLA SERENADE (with musicians)
11»
GONDOLA SERENADE BY NIGHT (with musicians)
12»
GONDOLA TOUR (without musicians)
13»
GONDOLA TOUR BY NIGHT (without musicians)
14»
GONDOLA TOUR BY NIGHT (without musicians) &
CONCERT IN 17th C. CHURCH
15»
NIGHT CRUISE ON THE LAGOON
16»
NIGHT CRUISE & DINNER
17»
MASTERPIECES OF VENICE
18»
VENETIAN WATERWAYS
19»
THE JEWISH GHETTO
20»
VENETIAN MASK DECORATION MINI-COURSE
21»
VENETIAN EXPERIENCE: “BACARO” AND BOAT TOUR
22»
PADUA AND THE VENETIAN VILLAS ALONG THE BRENTA RIVER
23»
THE FAMOUS PALLADIAN VILLAS
24»
THE BRENTA RIVER ON THE BURCHIELLO BOAT
25»
VALPOLICELLA WINE TOUR – Half Day
26»
VALPOLICELLA WINE TOUR – Full Day
27»
VERONA AND AMARONE
28»
VERONA AND THE LAKE GARDA
29»
THE LAKE GARDA
30»
RAVENNA AND THE POMPOSA ABBEY
31»
THE PROSECCO WINE TOUR
32»
CORTINA AND THE DOLOMITES
33»
VICENZA AND PALLADIO
34»
THE WALLED TOWNS OF THE VENETO REGION
35»
TRIESTE, THE CASTLE OF MIRAMARE AND THE POSTOIJNA CAVES (SLO)
36»
VERONA OPERA FESTIVAL IN THE ROMAN AMPHITHEATRE
1.
CITY SIGHTSEEING TOUR
Meeting the official
English speaking guide in St. Mark's Square and guided visit to
the historical centre of the city and its monuments. Itinerary:
St. Mark's Square, the Basilica (inside visit according to the
queue), Doge's Palace, Prisons and Bridge of Sights. The tour
lasts about 2 hours. The tour includes a private guide and
entrance fee to the Doge Palace. For the visit of the Basilica
suitable clothes are requested. For security reasons sacks, bags
or knapsacks are not allowed inside the Basilica, also the visit
during liturgical celebrations is not permitted. It can be
operated every day at 09.00 h am, 11.00 h am, 01.00 h pm and 03.00
h pm.
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2.
ORIENTATION TOUR
Meeting the official
English speaking guide in St. Mark's Square and guided visit to
the historical centre of the city. Itinerary: St. Mark's Square,
the Basilica (inside visit according to the queue), its monuments
from outside and Rialto Bridge The tour lasts about 2 hours. This
tour ends with an optional visit to a glass factory and lasts
about 2 hours. Tours includes a private guide. It can be operated
every day at 09.00 h am, 11.00 h am, 01.00 h pm and 03.00 h pm.
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3.
CITY TOUR ON FOOT AND
GONDOLA RIDE
Meeting the official
English speaking guide in St. Mark's Square and, walking through
the typical lanes of the old medieval Venice, you will reach the
gothic Frari Church, where the guide will show you paintings by
Tintoretto, Tiziano e Bellini. After the visit you will take a
gondola ride along the Grand Canal and the back canals. For
technical reasons the tour may be effected vice-versa. This tour
lasts about 2,5 hours. Tour includes a private guide, entrance
free to the Frari Church and a 30 minutes gondola ride. It can be
operated every day at 09.00 h am, 11.00 h am, 01.00 h pm and 03.00
h pm.
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4.
TOUR OF THE UNKNOWN
VENICE/1
Meeting the official
English speaking guide over the Rialto Bridge and walk up to the
Grand Canal, cross over the Rialto Bridge, visit the market area
and the first church in Venice “San Giacomo di Rialto”. We
continue to the “Erberia” (fruit and vegetable market) and then to
the “Pescheria” (fish market). Then we cross over the Grand Canal
with the typical Venetian boat “gondola” over to Santa Sofia. From
here we walk through Strada Nova (new Street). We pass many
typical canals and small bridges to arrive at Scuola della
Misericordia and the church of Santa Maria de la Misericordia. We
then continue to “La Corte Vecchia”. Our tour continues to the
lovely Gothic church “Madonna dell'orto” founded in the mid 14 th
century. Then we cross the small canal “Rio Madonna de l'Orto”,
pass Palazzo Mastelli (Tintoretto's house) and arrive at “Campo
dei Mori” and we walk along a typical little Venetian “fondamenta”
(Fondamenta della Misericordia). Here there are many small bars
and restaurants where local meet for a typical drink (the “spritz”).
Then we continue to the oldest Jewish district the “Ghetto di
Venezia” and the tour finishes at the bridge of Guglie. The tour
lasts about 2 hours. It can be operated every day at 09.00 h am,
11.00 h am, 01.00 h pm and 03.00 h pm.
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5.
TOUR OF THE UNKNOWN
VENICE/2
Meeting
the official English speaking guide in St. Mark’s Square and walk
through San Zaccaria, Santa Maria Formosa and SS. Giovanni e Paolo
Church. Inside visit of the largest church of Venice, called the
Pantheon of the Doge’s. Here there are many small bars and
restaurants where local meet for a typical drink, the “spritz”.
Then we continue via the famous Corte Botera (a private typical
Venetian courtyard – the visit might be not permitted) and via the
Miracoli Church to the Rialto Bridge. The tour finishes at the
Rialto Bridge after having seen the most beautiful Post Office you
have ever seen. The tour lasts about 2 hours.
It
can be operated every day at 09.00 h am, 11.00 h am, 01.00 h pm
and 03.00 h pm.
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6.
DOGE'S PALACE SECRET ITINERARY
The Secret
Itinerary through the Doge’s Palace covers the rooms and
chambers where the delicate work of some of the most important
bodies in the Venetian administration was carried out. The tour
offers an interesting insight into the civil and political
history of the city, its public organisations and administration
of justice.
The itinerary starts in the rooms
of the Ducal Notary
(a sort of secretary to the various magistracy within the
Venetian Republic) and the “Deputato alla Segreta” (who kept a
special archive for the Council of the Ten, containing reserved
material). From here, one passes up to the Office of the Great
Chancellor and the beautiful Chamber of the Secret Chancellery,
whose walls are lined with cabinets containing public and secret
documents. Then, visit to the Torture Chamber, also known as the
Chamber of Torment, a very disturbing place directly linked with
the prisons. From the Torture Chamber you pass to the so-called
Piombi.
The name comes from the lead (piombo) covering on the roof.
These cells were used exclusively for the prisoners of the
Council of Ten - either those accused of political crimes, those
awaiting sentence or those serving short prison terms. Located
directly under the roof, the six or seven cells were formed of
wooden partitions to which were nailed sheets of iron. Though so
vividly described by
Giacomo Casanova,
the Piombi did in fact offer prisoners much better conditions
than those in the pozzi (the wells), the terrible cells on the
ground floor of the Doge’s Palace.
From the attic, two
long flights of stairs bring one to the Chamber of the
Inquisitors, a much-feared magistracy that was set up in 1539 to
protect state secrets. From here, one passes through to the
Chamber of the Three Head Magistrates, chosen every month from
amongst the members of the Council of Ten. The decoration of the
ceiling and of the side compartments are by artists such as
Giambattista Zelotti, Giambattista Ponchino and
Paolo Veronese.
Through a
secret passageway
within a wooden cabinet, the Chamber of the Three Head
Magistrates is linked directly to the Chamber of the Council of
Ten, from which one can go on to visit the rest of the Palace.
The visit must be
pre-booked, and can only take place -
at certain times, conditions
and limited number of persons - in the company of a special
Doge’s Palace guide who will explain all the special features of
each individual room. The reservation is subject to
reconfirmation by the Doge’s Palace Direction.
This English speaking guided tour lasts about 1 hour and
15 minutes and it is operated everyday. For INDIVIDUALS, only in
the MORNING (regular tours at 9:55am, 10:45am and 11:35am). For
GROUPS (min. 10/max. 25 persons per group), only in the
AFTERNOON (group tours starting from 1:30pm every half an hour
according to availability). During the hottest summer months
(July/August), the secret itinerary tours in the afternoon may
be limited or suspended due to the high temperature under the
Doge’s Palace roof.
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7.
EXCURSION TO THE ISLANDS
Departure from St. Mark's
Square's waterfront with reserved private motor-launch and visit
first to the Island of Murano, where one can watch the antique art
of making glass in a glass blowing factory. Then one proceeds to
the characteristic Island of Burano, with its strong colours and
light contrast, fisher island and renowned for the lace making.
Last Island Torcello, the first settlement in the lagoon, with its
old Cathedral and its atmosphere of remote venation past. The tour
lasts about
5 hours. The tour includes a private tour escort and
entrance fee to the Torcello Basilica. It can be operated every
day.
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8.
PANORAMIC VENICE AND THE
ISLANDS
Departure (departing point
to be decided) with reserved private motorboat. Panoramic tour of
St. Mark's Basin with view of the most important building and
monuments of the historic centre of Venice. Stop in the Island of
San Giorgio Maggiore for a panoramic view of the St. Mark's Basin
and for the visit of the Church built by Palladio in 16th C.
Continue to Murano for the visit of an old glass-blowing factory
with demonstration of the old glass-blowing techniques. Then
journey to Burano, famous for its coloured houses and for the
production of the “Venetian Lace”. In Burano a typical Venetian
‘cicchetto' (snack) will be offered to the clients in one of the
local bars of the island. From Burano journey through the Northern
part of the Venetian Lagoon to the Cannaregio district, to visit
one of the most secret and unknown areas of the city of Venice:
the Jewish Ghetto. Walking tour through the old Ghetto, then
journey back to Venice (disembarking point to be agreed). The tour
lasts approx
6 hours and includes a private tour escort and
snack on the Island of Burano.
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9.
TORCELLO AND THE ISLAND OF
ST. FRANCIS OF THE DESERT
Departure by reserved
motor-launch with your guide on a tour through the Venetian
lagoon. Stop at the Island of Torcello and visit to the oldest
Basilica of Venice, the 7th Century Church of Santa Maria Assunta
with its lovely Byzantine wall mosaics. After the visit to the
Church, you continue to the island of St. Francis of the Desert, a
real oasis of peace in the middle of the Venetian Lagoon. T he
island is very ancient. Traces which have emerged from the subsoil
reveal it was frequented by the Romans, and there are finds from
the lst, 4th, and 5th Centuries A.D.. The name is of popular
origin and goes back to the fIrst half of the 15th Century, when
the island was abandoned for more than twenty years because of the
insalubrious state of the lagoon. The Franciscan story begins in
1220: St. Francis landed there with an anonymous companion on his
return from the East and was greeted by the joyful singing of the
swallows (the account of the prodigy is narrated by St.
Bonaventura in the Legenda Maior). In March 1223 the island was
donated to the Order by Jacopo Michiel, who belonged to the doge's
branch of the family and was nephew, on his wife's side, to the
patriarch of Grado, Angelo Barozzi: at the time of the donation
two churches were in existence, of which one was dedicated to the
Saint. Guided visit to the Island (gardens and cloisters) by a
local English speaking Friar. At the end of the visit, return to
Venice. This tour lasts 4 hours.
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10.
GONDOLA SERENADE (with musicians)
Departure during the day
(from 10.30 h am to 05.30 h pm) from the Gondola's pier. A
romantic “promenade” by gondola with live music on board which
will make you dream along the canals of Venice. The tour includes
the gondola, two singers and last about
35 minutes.
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11.
GONDOLA SERENADE BY NIGHT
(with musicians)
Departure in the night
(from 05.30 h pm to 09.30 h pm) from the Gondola's pier. A
romantic “promenade” by gondola with live music on board which
will make you dream along the canals of Venice. The tour includes
the gondola, two singers and last about 40 minutes.
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12.
GONDOLA TOUR (without
musicians)
Departure during the day
(from 10.30 h am to 05.30 h pm) from the Gondola's pier. A
romantic “promenade” by gondola which will make you dream along
the canals of Venice. The tour includes the gondola ride which
last about
35 minutes.
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13.
GONDOLA TOUR BY NIGHT
(without musicians)
Departure in the night
(from 05.30
h pm to 09.30 h pm) from the Gondola's pier. A
romantic “promenade” by gondola which will make you dream along
the canals of Venice. The tour includes the gondola ride which
last about 40 minutes.
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14.
GONDOLA TOUR BY NIGHT
(without musicians) & CONCERT IN 17th C.
CHURCH
Departure in the night (at
7.00
h pm
or 07.30 h pm,
according to the beginning time of the concert) from the Gondola's pier. A romantic
“promenade” by gondola (40 minutes ride) which will make you dream
along the canals of Venice. After the gondola ride, you will be
accompanied by our escort to the concert place, one 17 th Century
Venetian Church. Your seats will be reserved. The tour includes the
40 minute
gondola ride and a concert in one of the 17 th Century Venetian
Churches (reserved seats).
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15.
NIGHT CRUISE ON THE LAGOON
Departure in the night for
special atmospheric night cruises on the Venetian Lagoon. Cruise
along the Guidecca Canal past St George's Island and the Southern
Lagoon, to the beautiful islands San Servolo and San Lazzaro,
famous for its ancient Armenian Monastery. Continue along the
Lido, a long strip of land dividing the Lagoon of Venice from the
Adriatic Sea, to the island of Murano, which is renowned for its
glass manufacturing. As you proceed deeper into the lagoon, pass
the island that serves as Venice's cemetery, before cruising back
towards Venice. See the Arsenale, a vast walled dockyard in
eastern Venice which was once the most efficient industrial
complex in Europe during the Serenissima Republic. The panoramic
night tour also passes the ancient church of San Pietro di
Castello, the city's cathedral until the beginning of the 19 th
Century. Live music on board and possibility of dancing. Open bar
at disposal of the guests. Return to the departure place in the
night. The tour lasts approx 3 hours.
Operated for groups only.
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16.
NIGHT CRUISE & DINNER
Departure in the night for
special atmospheric night cruises on the Venetian Lagoon. Cruise
along the Guidecca Canal past St Gorge's Island and the Southern
Lagoon, to the beautiful islands San Servolo and San Lazzaro,
famous for its ancient Armenian Monastery. Continue along the
Lido, a long strip of land dividing the Lagoon of Venice from the
Adriatic Sea, to the island of Murano, which is renowned for its
glass manufacturing. As you proceed deeper into the lagoon, pass
the island that serves as Venice's cemetery, before cruising back
towards Venice. See the Arsenale, a vast walled dockyard in
eastern Venice which was once the most efficient industrial
complex in Europe during the Serenissima Republic. The panoramic
night tour also passes the ancient church of San Pietro di
Castello, the city's cathedral until the beginning of the 19 th
Century. Live music on board and possibility of dancing. Dinner
will be served on board with the following menu: Aperitif/Fish
horse d'oeuvre/fish lasagne/fish
filet/vegetables/dessert/wine/water/limoncello. Return to the
departure place in the night. The tour lasts approx 3 hours.
Operated for groups only.
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17.
MASTERPIECES OF VENICE
Departure by reserved motor-launch,
reach San Tomà, along the Grand Canal, where your experienced
guide will introduce you the programme before starting the walking
tour. Reaching Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, this huge Gothic
Church is said to be the most splendid cathedral in Venice after
St. Mark’s Cathedral. Some of its outstanding treasures are works
by Titian and Bellini. Proceed on foot to the near Scuola Grande
di San Rocco to visit this illustrious school, which houses an
impressive and rich collection of art from the Italian Masters.
The Scuola Grande di San Rocco is named after Saint Roch, to whom
the power of healing
the plague-stricken
was attributed. A winding route of narrow
streets and courtyards will lead you to the Ca’ Rezzonico Palace,
where a stop will be made to relax and sip a cup of coffee before
visiting this venue. There you will have a special opportunity to
step inside a former Grand Canal Venetian Palace that now houses
the Museum of 18th Century Venice. Climb the grand ceremonial
staircase leading to the first-floor Ballroom with its remarkable
ceiling fresco and then continue to the Long Gallery and other
lovely rooms. At the end of the visit, a motor-launch will be
available at the Palace pontoon to take you through a short
portion of the Grand Canal. Cruising through this section of the
Grand Canal you will see Palazzo Grassi, the Accademia Bridge,
Palazzo Venier dei Leoni which now houses the Peggy Guggenheim
Collection and, passing La Salute Church, reach St. Mark’s basin
before returning to the departing point. PLEASE NOTE: each
motor-launch contains max. 10 persons. This tour lasts 3 hours.
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18.
VENETIAN WATERWAYS
Departure by reserved motor-launch with
your guide on a narrated tour through the Venetian canals and
lagoon. After boarding, proceed to the city's nerve centre, the
2,3-mile inverted "S" of the Grand Canal. Police and fire brigades
zip by in their boats, grey customs boats make their rounds,
tradesmen, deliverymen ply their services, wedding and funeral
processions take place; everything in Venice travels by water.
Cruise past baroque and Renaissance palaces, some housing museums
and exquisite private art collections. During the course of your
exclusive ride of Venice, a stop will be made to give you an
opportunity to disembark and enjoy the atmosphere of a typical
Venetian café. Complimentary coffee and a sample of the
traditional Venetian biscuit will be served before returning to
the departing point. PLEASE NOTE: each motor-launch contains
max.10 persons. This tour lasts 2 hours.
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19.
THE JEWISH GHETTO
Departure by reserved
motor-launch, travelling a short stretch of the Grand Canal, to
your drop-off point near Santa Lucia Railway Station, where your
walking tour begins. On your way to the Ghetto, you pass the
Baroque Church of Santa Maria degli Scalzi, built 1660-1680, and
the Church of San Geremia, built by Carlo Corbellini in the mid
18th century. Next to the church is one of Venice's most imposing
palaces, the Palazzo Labia. The Jewish Ghetto - Venice was home to
a sizeable community of Jewish merchants by the 12th century. In
1516, the Great Council ordered all Jews confined to a small
island. Jews were not allowed out of the ghetto after sunset; they
were forced to wear distinctive clothing, and were barred from
most professions save medicine. Learn about the district's past as
you tour the narrow streets. Jewish Museum: enjoy free time for a
non-guided visit to this small museum displaying a collection of
religious artefacts from the 17th to 19th centuries, including
lamps, silver vessels and textiles. The museum is located in a
small, shaded square with a central fountain. Synagogues: your
guided walk visits at least two of the district's synagogues,
decorated with richly carved woodwork. At that time in Venice, it
was considered prestigious to occupy a building's upper stories;
most of the synagogues are only accessible by steep flights of
stairs. After your visit to the Ghetto, join your tour escort for
a stroll through the Cannaregio market district before returning
to the departing point. This tour lasts 3 hours.
It is reccomended not to take the tour on Saturdays as the
Synagogues and most shops are closed.
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20.
VENETIAN MASK DECORATION
MINI-COURSE
Departure by reserved
motor-launch, travelling a short stretch of the Grand Canal, to
your drop-off point near San Barnaba (Accademia Bridge). From
there to the mask shop Ca' Macana and beginning of the mask
decoration course. These mini courses are on decorating
papier-mâché masks. They are very short and are presented in
English and can be afforded by all. No dangerous materials or
tools are used. The method of presenting the activities is the
result of long experience working with all types of groups. Each
group has its own particular needs and these activities can be
easily adapted, giving the right emphasis to the theoretical part
without taking anything away from the practical. The aim of these
activities is very ambitious and not only practical: on one hand
we intend - indeed, we guarantee - that each participant, even
those with no experience of manual work, will create a genuinely
well-finished mask of which he or she can be proud and which will
be a gratifying reminder of their stay in Venice. But this
practical experience is also an excellent opportunity for learning
at least some of the more fascinating aspects of how people lived
in Venice in days gone by. Venice is the only city in the world
where the mask became an object of common, general, everyday use
for most of the year. Before, during and after Carnival, life in
Venice was conducted incognito and was extremely free and
adventurous. There is an enormous wealth of historic facts,
anecdotes, customs and practices associated with the mask; a real
treasure of knowledge that is hardly ever re-evaluated and offered
to the public. They want those who participate in our activities
to get to know that world because they will be fascinated by it,
and because they can then better understand the meaning of that
strange object, the mask, which they will soon be making or
decorating with their own hands. The practical activity is
therefore always preceded by a theoretical explanation which,
though brief, gives the mark of quality to the whole experience
and which, according to the particular needs of the group, entails
the use of more or less sophisticated explanatory techniques. Mini
course: decorating of a typical Venetian mask in papier-mâché.
Time required: 2 ½ hours (including the theoretical part). Maximum
number of participants: 40. Each participant can choose one of the
numerous unpainted models from our range. These are antique masks
from the Carnival, from Venetian daily life and the theatre
(Commedia dell'Arte) or modern, fantasy models. The theoretical
explanation allows everyone to understand the meaning of each
mask, making the choice itself more gratifying. Each participant
may also choose from seven different practical work possibilities:
two colouring techniques suggested by us that are typical of
traditional masks or, for those wishing to freely express their
creativity, fantasy decoration with five finishing techniques. At
the end of the work each participant can take home their own mask
which will be professionally finished and unique. This tour lasts
3 hours. Operated for maximum 40
persons.
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21.
VENETIAN EXPERIENCE:
“BACARO” & BOAT TOUR
Meeting the official English speaking guide in St. Mark’s Square.
Our two hour combined boat and walk tour
includes the Grand Canal by boat for the first hour, which is a
wonderful relaxing way to start your evening, then our guide will
accompany you through the narrow alleyways to a typical Osteria/Bacaro
where you can enjoy a couple of glasses of wine and taste the
local ‘cichetti’. On hand you will meet Venetians who are truly
enthusiastic about the wines and Venetian “Tapas” served daily in
this city. To experience the Venetian life, you must sample the
wonderful “in-house” made snacks that the locals swear by along
with a glass or two of wine to make your trip to Venice
complete. At the end of the tour you can either stay in the Bacaro
or our guide will walk you back to the Rialto bridge.
The tour lasts about 2 hours.
It
can be operated every day at
6.30 pm.
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22.
PADUA AND THE VENETIAN
VILLAS ALONG THE BRENTA RIVER
Departure from the city
terminal by air conditioning car, minibus or coach. Full day
excursion with English speaking tour leader. Walking tour of Padua
(St. Anthony's Basilica, Historic Centre). On request, possibility
of visiting the Scrovegni Chapel with its famous frescoes by
Giotto from the beginning of the 14th century. Free
time. Optional 3 course lunch in a restaurant in the town centre.
Afternoon journey through the ‘Riviera del Brenta' where the most
imposing Venetian Villas from the 16th and 17th C are situated.
Stop at Villa Pisani and Villa Widmann Rezzonico Foscari for a
visit to their interiors, and later final stop for a glance from
the coach to the Palladian Villa Foscari, called
'La Malcontenta'.
The tour includes a private tour escort, guided tour Padua and
entrance fee to the Villa Pisani and Villa Widmann.
OPERATED: Every day except
Mondays
according to availability
of escort & vehicle 8.30 am -
5.30 pm. MEETING POINT: Bus Terminal Piazzale Roma.
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23.
THE FAMOUS PALLADIAN
VILLAS
Departure
from the city terminal by air conditioning car or minibus. Full
day excursion with English speaking tour escort. The tour features
3 villas by Italian Renaissance Architect Andrea Palladio; Villa
Emo, Villa Barbaro and Villa Foscari (also known as La Malcontenta)
and a visit to the enchanting village of Asolo. In Asolo there is
also an included lunch in a local restaurant where you can taste
some dishes of the regional cuisine and local wines.
The tour includes the entrance
fees to the following 3 Villas:
The
Villa Emo by Andrea Palladio,
unencumbered by lavish decoration, surrounded by elegant gardens,
its simple form makes it one of Palladio's purest creations as a
Villa architect. Enjoy the Zellotti's frescoes, one of Palladio's
favourite frescoes artists, as we tour the villa. And learn why
many people regard this as the most beautiful of the Palladian
Villas.
The
Villa Malcontenta by Andrea Palladio,
along with its famous legend, is one of Palladio's most famous
villas. Built for the wealthy Foscari family, it sits in splendid
isolation beside the waters of the Riviera Brenta Canal. As we
tour the interior we'll discuss how Palladio's architecture
evolved. The design of this Villa reflects the transition of
Palladian architecture from his early years of imitating other
architects to a period when he began to realize his own unique
designs.
The
Villa Barbaro by Andrea Palladio,
the most richly decorated of all Palladian villas, is famous for
its delightful Veronese frescoes. As we tour the interior, we'll
discuss the beautiful frescoes of the Villa and the famous
conflict between Palladio, the patron Marcantonio Barbaro and
Veronese as they wrestled over the design and ideology of the
building. Providing the perfect interlude between villas, we'll
visit the enchanting
village of Asolo
and take
an included leisurely lunch at a local Osteria where we'll enjoy
delicious regional cuisine and some of the local wines. Asolo,
"the pearl of Veneto", is arguably one of the most beautiful
hill-towns in Italy. OPERATED: Every day except
Mondays
according to availability
of escort & vehicle 9.30 am - 6.30 pm. MEETING POINT: Bus Terminal Piazzale Roma.
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24.
THE BRENTA RIVER ON THE
“BURCHIELLO” BOAT
Departure from the city
maritime terminal “Stazione Marittima” by boat. Full day excursion
with English speaking tour leader (only over 15 persons). Journey
from Venice by the Burchiello® boat. Along the River you can
admire more than 50 villas, or better, the summer residences of
the Venetian nobility, with stop at the 3 most important villas:
Villa Pisani (nowadays National Monument, ordered by the Pisani
family between 1736 and 1756 to celebrate the election of the Doge
Alvise Pisani) Barchessa Valmarana (a structure of the XVII C.
frescoed Michelangelo Schiavoni better known as "il Chiozzotto") e
Villa Foscari "Malcontenta" (wonderful inside, it is one of the
most beautiful and important works by Andrea Palladio. Erected in
1571 by Nicolò and Alvise Foscari, which still belongs to the
noble family). Possibility of having lunch on board the boat or in
a local restaurant. End of the cruise in Stra. From there by
car/minibus/coach to Padua. At the arrival in Padua, free time.
Walking tour with tour escort of the city centre. Then, return by
coach to Venice. The boat used for the navigation along the Brenta
River is equipped with central heating and conditioning, bar,
toilette, microphone, stereo HI-FI and television. Comfortable
seats and tables are available for the guests. The tours includes
a private tour escort (only over 15 persons), the boat tour and
the free visit to the 3 villas as indicated in the programme.
OPERATED: every day according to availability of escort, boat,
vehicle 8.30 am - 6.30 pm.
MEETING POINT: maritime terminal
Stazione Marittima. EXTRA: Optional 3 course
lunch in restaurant: Euro 26,00 per person (drinks included).
Optional 2 course lunch in restaurant Euro 16,00 per person
(drinks included).
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25.
VALPOLICELLA WINE TOUR
-
Half Day
from the
city terminal by air conditioning car or minibus. Half day
excursion with English speaking tour escort. Travelling through
the Veneto countryside, we enjoy the beautiful landscape made of
vineyards and wineries. The Valpolicella area is rich in colours
and perfumes with its hills full of vineyards. The mild climate
with the perfect balance between rains and temperature, the
variety of soils with the passion and ability of the producers
makes Valpolicella wine one of the best in the world. You’ll taste
3 different wines with one Amarone reserve 97’ in one of the most
important wineries. OPERATED: Every day according to availability
of escort & vehicle 8.30 am - 1.30 pm. MEETING POINT: Bus Terminal
Piazzale Roma. EXTRA: wine tasting Euro 22,00 per person.
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26.
VALPOLICELLA WINE TOUR - Full Day
Departure from the city terminal by air
conditioning car or minibus. Full day excursion with English
speaking tour escort. We'll visit
celebrated vineyards each producing their own unique versions of
the Amarone - "the big dry one".
Along with other local
wines like the Valpolicella Classico and rare Recioto. With scenic
back-roads to explore, as well as enjoying some of the delicious
local cuisine at a restaurant with spectacular vistas for an
optional lunch, and visiting an enchanting hill town with distant
views of Lake Garda this day will provide you with memories that
will last you a lifetime.
During the day we'll
visit a vineyard to savour the Amarone, and other wines of the
Valpolicella wine region of Italy. The region boasts numerous
types of indigenous grapes that have been naturally selected over
the last 2,000 years. Like the famous wines of Bordeaux, the wines
of the Valpolicella are made from a blend of these indigenous
vines. Each vineyard, has its preference in regards to the types
and quantity of grapes used in the production of their wines.
On this tour you'll
enjoy two included full wine tastings and vineyard tour of a
selected vineyard in the Valpolicella wine region. At each
vineyard a local expert sommelier will conduct a tour of the
vineyards' facilities so that you fully appreciate the unique
methods of production utilized to make the very special wines of
the Valpolicella. With this new knowledge at hand, you'll be able
to truly appreciate the unique and diverse wines that you'll taste
at each vineyard. Noting the subtle differences between the
different wines produced, and the varied tastes they produce on
your palate. In between vineyards, we'll traverse the soft
undulating hills that stretch like fingers from the high mountains
above to create the various valleys that are home of production of
the Amarone & Valpolicella wines. These hills covered with vines,
olive and cherry trees provide the perfect scenic back-roads to
explore passing through enchanting villages. Along the way, we'll
pause for views of Lake Garda and a chance to visit an Ancient
pagan temple that dates back to Roman times at one of the most
enchanting of the Valpolicella hill towns. You'll have an
additional opportunity to taste the local wines at an optional
lunch at a delightful local restaurant, where you can enjoy
distant views of the plains and the surrounding hills covered in
vines. Savour a delightful lunch of home-made pastas and regional
dishes, accompanied by local wines to complete a very special day
in the Valpolicella wine region.
OPERATED: Every day according to availability of escort &
vehicle 8.30 am - 6.30 pm. MEETING POINT: Bus Terminal Piazzale
Roma.
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27.
VERONA & AMARONE
- Full Day
Departure
from the city terminal by air conditioning car or minibus. Full
day excursion with English speaking tour escort. Come discover the
magic of Verona & the Valpolicella with us! We arrive in Verona at
Piazza Bra where the world famous 1st century outdoor coloseum is
located (the third largest in Italy). It has over 22,000 seats
under the stars, and everything from operas and concerts take
place. You will enjoy a 2 hours guided tour + some free time to
see the house of Juliet (as in Romeo & Juliet), the historical
Piazza dell Erbe and some of the exclusive shops around the city.
After Verona, we will head on over to the Valpolicella region for
a delicious included lunch in a typical local restaurant. With
time permitting we will have a chance to visit the 13th century
church S. Giorgio with it’s splendid altar dating back to 712 a
.d., and the beautiful panoramic view of Sirmione and Lake Garda .
From here we drive to a vineyard to have a guided visit and learn
more about the famous “Amarone” wine of the region. We will enjoy
an included tasting some of the different wines they produce and
have a chance to purchase a few bottles to take with you such as
Amarone & Recioto. Then just sit back and enjoy the views as we
head back to Venice. OPERATED: Every day according to availability
of escort & vehicle 8.30 am - 6.00 pm. MEETING POINT: Bus Terminal
Piazzale Roma.
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28.
VERONA AND THE LAKE GARDA
-
Full Day
Departure
from the city terminal by air conditioning car or minibus. Full
day excursion with English speaking tour escort. The “Romeo and
Juliet” city with the famous Arena amphitheatre. This tour
includes the visit of the main monuments like: Castelvecchio
medieval castle, the S. Zeno Maggiore Abbey, Piazza dei Signori,
Piazza delle Erbe. On the way back we visit Sirmione on the Garda
lake to admire “La Rocca Scaligera” and the famous archaeological
area known as the “Catullo caves”.
OPERATED: Every day according to availability of escort
& vehicle
9.30 am -
6.00 pm.
MEETING
POINT: Bus Terminal Piazzale Roma.
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29.
THE LAKE GARDA
- Full Day
Departure from the city terminal by air conditioning car, minibus
or coach. Full day excursion with English speaking tour escort.
Arrival at Sirmione. Free time. Boat tour from Sirmione to
Bardolino. Free time. Optional 3 course lunch in a restaurant in
the town centre. In the afternoon, return to Venice via motorway.
The tour includes a private tour escort and a public boat tour
Sirmione/Bardolino. OPERATED: Every day according to availability of escort
& vehicle 8.30 am -
6.00 pm.
MEETING POINT: Bus Terminal Piazzale Roma. EXTRA: Optional 3
course lunch in a restaurant in the town centre: Euro 23,00 per
person (drinks not included).
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30.
RAVENNA & THE POMPOSA ABBEY
TOUR - Full Day
Departure from the city terminal by air conditioning car, minibus
or coach. Full day excursion with English speaking tour escort.
Journey
along the State Road "Romea". Ravenna, the city of the mosaics, it
is a Unesco World Heritage City with its collection of paleo-Christian
and Byzantine churches. We visit S. Vitale Abbey, Galla Placidia
Mausoleum, the Neonian Baptistery. The church of S. Apollinare
Nuovo with its splendid mosaics dating from VI and VII century.
Just outside Ravenna we find the S. Apollinare in Classe Basilica,
the old port of the city with its huge mosaic. On the way back to
Venice we visit the Pomposa Abbey dated before 1000ac. The church
has three naves following the classical Ravenna model. Inside
there are frescoes, majolica, terracotta friezes and Byzantine
sculptures. Its Monastery is famous for the invention of the music
pentagram by Guido Monaco.
OPERATED: Every day excluding Monday according to availability of
escort & vehicle
9.30 am -
6.00 pm.
MEETING
POINT: Bus Terminal Piazzale Roma.
EXTRA:
Optional 3 course lunch in a local restaurant: Euro 22,00 per
person (drinks not included).
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31.
THE PROSECCO WINE TOUR
- Half Day
Departure
from the city terminal by air conditioning car or minibus. Half
day excursion with English speaking tour escort. Close to the
Veneto Dolomites we reach Conegliano and Valdobbiadene area
- through the famous Italian White Wine Road – well known for its
‘Prosecco' (Italian sparkling white wine).
We visit one of the vineyards to learn the techniques and the
specific characteristics of this Italian white wine with an expert
oenologist. We enjoy a wine tasting and the wonderful sceneries
around this hilly area. OPERATED: Every day according to
availability of escort & vehicle 8.30 am - 1.30 pm. MEETING POINT:
Bus Terminal Piazzale Roma.
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32.
CORTINA AND THE DOLOMITES
- Full Day
Departure
from the city terminal by air conditioning car or minibus. Full
day excursion with English speaking tour escort. Passing through
tunnels with astounding views of canyons and valleys that suddenly
appear, the scenery is absolutely breath-taking. The Dolomites are
this and much more. Arriving at Cortina “the pearl of the
Dolomites”, we take time for a stroll and take in the picturesque
views of the mountains. We then continue our trip towards the
natural lake of Misurina (1756 mt.) to admire the scenery of the
“Tre Cime di Lavaredo” (three Peaks of Lavaredo 2999 mt, where
take place the “Tre Cime Alpin Marathon”), the “Sorapis” (3205 mt.),
the “Marmarole” where we stop for an included tasty rustic lunch
at Misurina (1812 mt.). After lunch we journey on the other part
of the Dolomites to admire the bigger “Auronzo lake” and on the
way back to Venice, time permitting, we make a last stop at
Longarone to see the view of the Vajont valley. OPERATED: Every
day according to availability of escort & vehicle 8.30 am - 6.30
pm. MEETING POINT: Bus Terminal Piazzale Roma.
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33.
VICENZA AND PALLADIO
- Full Day
Departure from the city terminal by air conditioning car, minibus
or coach.
Guided
sightseeing tour on foot (2 hours) of Vicenza including visit to
the Palladian ‘Teatro Olimpico’. Free time. Optional 3 course
lunch in a restaurant in the town centre. Afternoon journey to
Maser for the Visit of the Palladian Villa Barbaro (16th
C.). Then, return to Venice. The tour includes a private tour
escort, guided tour in Vicenza and entrance fee to Teatro
Olimpico and Villa Barbaro. OPERATED: Every day according to
availability of escort & vehicle 9.00 am - 6.30 pm. MEETING POINT:
Bus Terminal Piazzale Roma. EXTRA: Optional 3 course lunch in a
restaurant in the town centre: Euro 23,00 per person (drinks not
included).
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34.
THE WALLED TOWNS OF THE
VENETO REGION - Full Day
Departure from the city
terminal by air conditioning car, minibus or coach. Full day
excursion with English speaking tour escort. Walking tour of
Bassano and tasting of the local famous brandy ‘grappa'. Visit to
the Lower Castle of Marostica with exhibition of the real costumes
used during the famous ‘live chess game' and of the ‘chess game
square'. Optional 4 course lunch in a typical restaurant around
the hills of Bassano. In the afternoon, stop at the mediaeval town
of Asolo. The tour includes a private tour escort, visit to the
Lower Castle of Marostica and lunch in a typical restaurant.OPERATED: Every
day according to availability of escort & vehicle 9.00 am -
5.30 pm. MEETING POINT:
Bus Terminal Piazzale Roma. EXTRA: Optional 4 course lunch in a
restaurant in the hills around Bassano: Euro
30,00 per person (drinks not
included).
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35.
TRIESTE, THE MIRAMARE CASTLE AND THE
POSTOIJNA CAVES (SLO) - Full Day
Departure from the city
terminal by air conditioning car, minibus or coach. Full day
excursion with English speaking tour escort. Journey along the
panoramic coast-road to the Castle of Miramare, Residence of
Maximilian of Habsburg. Walking through the Park and guided visit
to the Castle. Then journey to Trieste. Guided walking tour of the
historic centre and free time for an optional 3 course lunch in a
restaurant in the town centre. In the afternoon, departure from
Trieste to reach, through the border between Italy and Slovenia,
the small village of Postoijna. Guided visit into the Postoijna
caves where nature has created a wonderful world of stalactites
and stalagmites. The first descent into the caves is made by an
electric train. Then on foot. At the end of the visit, journey
back to Venice. Passport is required. The tours includes a private
tour escort, the guided visit to the Miramare Castle and the
Postoijna Caves.OPERATED: Every day
according to availability of escort & vehicle 8.30 am - 6.30 pm. MEETING POINT:
Bus Terminal Piazzale Roma. EXTRA: Optional 3 course lunch in a
restaurant in the town centre: Euro 19,00 per person (drinks not
included).
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36.
VERONA OPERA FESTIVAL IN THE ROMAN
AMPHITHEATRE - Full Day
Departure in the afternoon
from the city terminal by air conditioning car, minibus or coach
with English speaking tour leader (only with a minimum number of
15 people). Journey along the motorway to Verona. At the arrival,
free time for a free visit of the town and for optional dinner in
a central restaurant. Then, entrance in the Roman Amphitheatre of
Verona for the Opera performance. At the end of the performance,
return by coach to Venice. This tour is operated only from the end
of June to the end of August. The tours includes a private tour
escort (only with a minimum number of 15 persons), free time in
Verona and entrance tickets to the Arena.OPERATED: Every
day according to availability of escort & vehicle 2.00
pm - 3.00
am. MEETING POINT:
Bus Terminal Piazzale Roma. EXTRA: Optional dinner
in a
restaurant in the town centre: Euro 20,00 per person (drinks not
included).
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Feel free to ask our
competitive current rates.
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