Venice

Day 9: Depart Verona / Arrive Venice
Saturday, August 24, 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, August 25, 2024
This morning visit a squero, or boatyard, and 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. Did you know that before 1884, gondolas were symmetrical and required two gondoliers to row the boat by standing on opposite sides of the hull? Discover how proud craftsmen use multiple kinds of wood to build their vessels.

Later, meet an artisan who creates amazing masks, and learn about the history of the Venetian Carnival. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: Hotel Savoia & Jolanda (B)

Day 11: Venice / Mazzorbo / Burano / Venice
Monday, August 26, 2024
After a leisurely breakfast, board private motorboats to reach the island of Mazzorbo. Rich in agricultural tradition, here one finds hundreds of artichoke fields, vineyards, and fruit trees. Visit a local vineyard and discover how wine producers have overcome the challenges of the area's high tides to create celebrated Venetian wines. Savor a lunch pairing a menu with various wines produced by the property. Traditional dishes, such as locally caught fish and shellfish with fresh vegetables and wild herbs cultivated on the grounds, are highlights of this delightful, relaxed osteria—traditionally a wine bar recognized for its welcoming and informal atmosphere. 

Cross a pedestrian bridge and explore colorful Burano at your own pace. Perhaps in Galuppi Square engage with locals to admire the lacework, Burano's main craft product. Lacemaking dates back to the 1500s, and the island has precious works from the Burano Lace School's collection exhibited in a museum. Then, return to the hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Savoia & Jolanda (B,L)

Day 12: Depart Venice for U.S.
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch

This post-tour is not escorted by an Orbridge Travel Director. Included sightseeing is accompanied by a local guide. Space on this post-tour is limited, so it's recommended to reserve early for best availability.

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
• Guided vineyard tour and wine pairing with lunch 
• 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