Venice | Past & Present!

Itinerary What's Included Pricing Hotels Map Request

Enjoy 4 days in Venice exploring the many alleyways, lanes, canals & bridges that make up this magical city. Visit Venice’s most important sites, linger in a multitude of unique boutiques selling colourful Murano glass & sail across the lagoon to visit one of Venice’s islands. Venice is filled with treasures just waiting to be discovered.

Day 1 Arrival

Upon arrival in Venice make your way to your selected hotel for check-in. An optional transfer can be booked on request. Rest of the day at leisure to relax or start getting acquainted with Venice. Overnight accommodation.

Day 2 Venice & Gondola Ride

After breakfast at your hotel enjoy a morning walking tour through the most characteristic and important places for the history of Venice. The tour starts with a historical introduction to St. Mark's Square, and its architectural delights, allowing you to discover the history of the majestic St. Mark’s Basilica, the illustrious Doge’s Palace, once the seat of the power of the Republic of Venice, and the extraordinary, renaissance clock tower. Leaving the square, you will be guided into the residential Castello area, allowing you to discover this part of Venice in all of its elegance, through its labyrinth of narrow alleys - “calli”, many bridges, winding canals, and wide picturesque squares - “campi”. You can expect to discover the Santa Maria Formosa Square, one of the largest squares in Venice with its church, named after its visitation of the Holy Virgin; the Saints Giovanni and Paolo Square where you will be able to admire the famous church, the resting place of several Doges; and the equestrian monument of Bartolomeo Colleoni, an Italian mercenary Captain. The former residence of Marco Polo, probably the most famous Venetian merchant, and the Malibran theatre are also part of the itinerary. After this 1.5-hour walk, you will head to the Doge's Palace, once the seat of power of the Republic of Venice, for a guided tour. Once inside the Palace, you will visit the halls where the Duke (Doge) and his Council controlled the fate of the Serene Republic, whilst surrounded by hundreds of artistic masterpieces, and discover the political history of Venice and its people. You will be able to admire the paintings realized by some of the most important artists of the Italian Renaissance, amongst them, the world's largest oil painting by Tintoretto. Passing through the famous Bridge of Sighs, you will reach the new prisons. After about 3 hours this guided tour concludes in the courtyard of the Doge's Palace. Here it will be possible for you to stay longer inside the Palace absorbing the history and mystery of days gone by.  
In the late afternoon, enjoy an enchanting shared gondola and glide through centuries of history, allowing yourself to be captivated by the glamour and elegance of the Venetian Palazzi. The perfect way to appreciate the beauty, charm and colour of this unique city built on water. Feel part of an ancient Venetian tradition and experience Venice as the locals have for more than a thousand years. Once upon a time, the noblest & most wealthy of families would have travelled around by gondola - the slightly eccentric Peggy Guggenheim was the last person to have her own private gondola in the 1960s. During this unique exploration of the Venetian romantic canals, unwind and relax into the gentle rhythms and movements of the Grand Canal, appreciating the skill involved in steering the gondola through the intricate waterways of the city. As you sit back and take in the views on this 30-minute ride, you will inevitably become involved in the friendly banter of the gondoliers - as much a part of Venetian culture as the gondola itself! This charming classic gondola tour in Venice will take you one step closer to the romantic facades of Venice and will enable you to understand what it was to be truly Venetian. (B)

Day 3 Venice - Three Islands of the Lagoon

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before embarking on a tour of Venice's unique islands. Departing from your Venice, sail across the lagoon to visit the Three Islands of the Venetian Lagoon: Murano, Burano and Torcello. The first stop is at the well-known Island of Murano, famous for its glass-making since the 10th century. Here you will visit a glass factory and furnace to see the making of Venetian glass. Your local guide will explain to you the history and the process of glass making throughout the years. Then, crossing the northern part of the Lagoon, we arrive at the colourful Island of Burano, famous for its brightly coloured houses, fishing industry and also its lace making. You'll have time to walk around this elegant little island and visit its shops. Your guide will point out to you one of the specialized shops where it is possible to see local ladies working on the Burano Lace, and show you the different stitches involved in making these wonderful works of art. We then leave Burano and take a short boat ride to the Island of Torcello, known as the “Mother of Venice”. You have the chance to visit the Basilica, one of the oldest in the Lagoon and which holds some beautiful mosaics, or maybe visit the museum. Alternatively, you can just spend your time walking around this enchanting and very historical island. Return to Venice and the remainder of the day is free to spend as you please. (B) 

Day 4 Venice

Today marks the end of your Venice City Break. Following breakfast at hotel check-out and end of our services. An optional transfer to the airport/railway or cruise pier can be booked on request. (B)

Daily Departures

Please note: Some excursions included in this City Break does not operate daily. The itinerary will be modified to suit.