Venice

Day 9: Depart Verona / Arrive Venice
Saturday, September 28, 2024
Arrive in Venice Santa Lucia and transfer to your hotel by private boat. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Venice from the water. Cross the Grand Canal, the city’s main “street,” lined on either side by palaces, churches, hotels, and other public buildings in various architectural styles. Connecting waterways bustle with transport as automobiles are banned throughout much of the city. See iconic landmarks, including St. Mark's Square, Giudecca, and San Giorgio Maggiore. The rest of the afternoon and the evening are at leisure. 
Overnight: Hotel Savoia & Jolanda

Day 10: Venice
Sunday, September 29, 2024
Begin the day with a Sunday church service at Hotel San Zaccaria. Then enjoy a guided walk before meeting an artisan who creates amazing masks and learn about the history of the Venetian Carnival.

The tradition of mask making dates back centuries, with its origins rooted in the city's vibrant Carnival celebrations. Masks were initially worn during the annual festivities, which began in the Middle Ages as a period of revelry and indulgence before the solemn observance of Lent.

Venetian mask making evolved into a highly skilled craft, with artisans known as "maschereri" crafting exquisite masks using traditional techniques passed down through generations. The masks are considered works of art, depicting styles ranging from elegant and ornate to whimsical and theatrical.

The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: Hotel Savoia & Jolanda (B)

Day 11: Venice / Murano / Burano / Venice
Monday, September 30, 2024
After a leisurely breakfast visit a squero, or boatyard, to learn the fascinating secrets of the art and science of traditional gondola construction. See these symbols of Venice under construction, and hear about the techniques used by artisans to build and repair gondolas for generations. Discover how proud craftsmen use multiple kinds of wood to build their vessels.

Next board a private motorboat and cruise to the island of Murano. Here learn about the island's long tradition of glassmaking dating back to the 13th century. The small island is one of the most prominent centers of glassmaking in the world. Enjoy a private visit to an exclusive glass blowing factory to see artisans creating exquisite objects.

Continue to Burano by private water taxi for a guided walking tour. Burano is famous for their colored houses and lace. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant followed by free time to explore. Then return to your hotel by private motorboat.
Overnight: Hotel Savoia & Jolanda (B,L)

Day 12: Depart Venice for U.S.
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
After breakfast transfer to the airport for flights home. (B)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch

Post-tour space is limited. We recommend reserving early for best availability.

This post-tour is not escorted by an Orbridge Travel Director. Included sightseeing is accompanied by a local guide.

Activities are generally not very strenuous, however, we expect that guests can enjoy two hours or more of walking, are sure-footed on cobbled surfaces, can walk up and down hillsides and stairs, and can board/disembark a water vessel without assistance. Historic city centers are usually more accessible by foot than vehicle. Due to the structure of some buildings, facilities for the disabled may be limited.

• Transfer by train (in business class) from Desenzano del Garda to Venice accompanied by your Orbridge Travel Director
• 3 nights accommodations at Hotel Savoia & Jolanda (or similar)
• 3 breakfasts and 1 lunch
• Guided touring accompanied by an art historian
• Private visit to an artisan mask workshop
• Private gondola boatyard visit
• Private glass blowing factory visit
• Private water taxi transportation for canal and lagoon tours
• Luggage porterage
• Gratuities to hotel staff, local guide, drivers for included activities and excursions, porters, and wait staff for included meals
• Airport transfer for guests departing during the suggested time on departure day