italy, venice, piazzo
Piazza San Marco at night

Hidden Venice

Nov 3 - 10, 2013
Discover the hidden treasures of this ethereal city
Starting at $4,695
Call 855-330-1542
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Overview
  • The water-laced city of Venice lies suspended between reality and fantasy. Experience the unique pleasures of this ethereal city in the company of Resident Expert Bruna Caruso, a native Venetian and art historian. You’ll gain rare access to amazing art collections, including an after-hours tour of the Basilica San Marco and an in-depth visit to the Galleria dell’Accademia. During an excursion to the original settlement of Torcello, view stunning mosaics and savor lunch at the idyllic Locanda Cipriani. And by special arrangement, visit a glassblowing factory on the island of Murano. Become part of the rhythm of Venetian life as you watch the activity along the Grand Canal from the balcony of a private palazzo and enjoy local cuisine throughout your stay. We’ve selected a historic hotel only steps from Piazza San Marco to make for easy exploration during your time at leisure. Feel the magic of Venice when fewer tourists are here and experience its hidden treasures familiar only to the Venetians.
    • Special Savings
  • Special Savings when booking the 2013 Hidden Venice combined with Insider's Florence. Call for details.
    • Smithsonian Expert
  • Throughout this tour, travel in the company of an exceptional Smithsonian Study Leader. Bruna Caruso, a native Venetian and an art historian, provides travelers with an insider’s understanding of Venice. Bruna is the lead study leader for this departure. Eric Denker is a Senior Lecturer at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., where he has been since 1978. He frequently lectures in Italy for the Smithsonian Institution and for the Scuola Internazionale di Grafica in Venice.
    • Special Highlights
  • Explore the Basilica di San Marco during an after-hours viewing to admire dazzling mosaics and gain access to parts of the basilica not normally open to the public.
  • Tour a privately owned 17th-century palazzo on the Grand Canal known for its Tiepolo ceiling.
  • Discover the islands of Murano, Torcello, and Burano and savor a lunch of local specialties at a picturesque countryside inn.
  • Admire the architectural genius of Palladio during a private tour of San Giorgio Maggiore and the adjacent cloisters, not normally open to the public.
  • Visit a glassblowing factory, by special arrangement, on the island of Murano.
    • World Heritage site
  • This tour features the following World Heritage site in Italy:
    • Venice and its Lagoons
    See a complete list of all Smithsonian tours featuring World Heritage sites.


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