Hidden Venice

Itinerary

Days 1 & 2 — Depart the U.S. for Venice
Upon arrival the next day, transfer to the centrally located Hotel Monaco. This evening, gather for a welcome reception and dinner at the hotel. (R,D)

Day 3 — Doge’s Palace and San Marco
Begin your immersion into Venetian history, culture, and art with a guided tour of the Doge’s Palace, the former political seat of the Serene Republic. This afternoon, enjoy a visit to Palazzo Pisani-Moretta to admire the Tiepolo ceiling, the beautiful Murano glass chandeliers, and the view of the Grand Canal from the piano nobile. Then, savor the experience of a special after-hours tour of the grand Basilica di San Marco. View dazzling mosaics, which reflect the eastern Byzantine style that influenced the Venetian craftsmen, and admire the exquisite Pala d'Oro, a 10th-century golden altarpiece studded with enamel work and precious stones. Enjoy privileged access to parts of the Basilica that are normally closed to the public. (B)

Day 4 — Murano, Torcello, and Burano
Travel by private motorlaunch to other islands in the Venetian Lagoon. Murano has been the home of Venetian glassblowers since 1291, when the furnaces and glass craftsmen were ordered to leave Venice due to the risk of fire in the city. Visit a glassblowing factory by special arrangement. Then continue to the island of Torcello and savor a lunch of Venetian specialties at the renowned country inn, Locanda Cipriani. At the 9th-century Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, view the 13th-century apse mosaic, a moving portrayal of the Madonna and Child, and the Last Judgment mosaic covering the entire west wall. Return to Venice in the late afternoon, after a stop at the colorful fishing island of Burano, renowned for its lace-making. (B,L)

Day 5 — Ca’ Rezzonico and the Dorsoduro District
Experience the sumptuous style of 18th-century Venice during a visit to Ca’ Rezzonico on the Grand Canal, a baroque palace that showcases a rich collection of 18th-century frescoes, paintings, and period furniture. Conclude the morning with a walking tour of the neighborhood, known as the Dorsoduro district. Visit the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, filled with a dramatic cycle of paintings by Tintoretto. Continue to the magnificent Gothic church of S. Maria Gloriosa dei Frari to admire works by Titian and Bellini. Then enjoy some time at leisure to explore this magical city on your own. (B)

Day 6 — Accademia
A lecture on the use of color and light in Venetian painting prepares you for an in-depth visit to the Galleria dell’Accademia, whose fine painting collection spans the Byzantine, Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo periods. Highlights include large altarpieces by Carpaccio, Giovanni Bellini, and da Conegliano and paintings by Titian, Veronese, and Tintoretto. (B)

Day 7 — San Giorgio Maggiore
Learn about the unique architectural design of Venice during a morning lecture. Then cross the lagoon to visit a Palladian masterpiece, the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore, rebuilt between 1559 and 1580. Palladio used the Classical style of ancient Rome in designing the temple front and the perfect interior proportions of this church. By special arrangement, tour the adjacent Cini Foundation, a former Benedictine monastery with cloisters, also designed by Palladio. The monastery was rehabilitated in the 1950s by Count Vittorio Cini and now houses international events and exhibitions. Enjoy some time at leisure strolling through enchanting streets of this idyllic city. This evening celebrate your Venetian interlude during a festive farewell reception and dinner. (B,R,D)

Day 8 — Depart Venice
Depart Venice for the U.S. on individual flights (B)