Venice

Day 9: Venice
Saturday, May 11, 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. Late afternoon and evening are at leisure.
Overnight: Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace

Day 10: Venice
Sunday, May 12, 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. 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 remainder of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace (B)

Day 11: Venice | Mazzorbo | Burano | Venice
Monday, May 13, 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.

Before returning to the hotel, 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.
Overnight: Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace (B,L)

Day 12: Venice | Depart for U.S.
Tuesday, May 14, 2024
After breakfast, guests departing during the suggested times take the complimentary 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 Nani Mocenigo Palace (or similar)
• 3 breakfasts and 1 lunch
• Guided touring accompanied by an art historian
• Private visits to an artisan-mask workshop and a gondola boatyard
• 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 transfers for guests departing during the suggested times