Venice, Italy
Hosted by Debbie and Barry Frangipane
Venice – La Serenissima (The Most Serene) as it was known in the days when the Venetian Republic ruled the Adriatic Sea. It was a land of doges (dukes), noblemen, Marco Polo and Cassanova. The beautiful music of Antonio Vivaldi filled the air. It was a time of revelry during Carnevale with opulent costumes, wine, dancing and forbidden romance between classes was made possible through such disguises. Masters such as Tiepolo, Tintoretto, Bellini, and Titian were creating incomparable works of art.
Come relive La Serenissima with us as we spend one week living in luxury as these nobles did in the 13th century home palazzo of the Doge on the Grand Canal.
Get whisked away directly from Venice’s Marco Polo Airport into a water taxi passing Piazza San Marco, home of the Doge’s Palace and on to the front door of our Palazzo Byzantine. Enjoy a welcome reception in the room where the Doge greeted guests from around the world, prepared by your personal chef for the entire week, Debbie Frangipane.
Throughout the week, leisurely visit and enjoy extraordinary museums such as The Accademia, Palazzo Grassi, Ca Rezzonico, just to name a few. Stroll through Piazza San Marco and visit the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica. There is no better way to soak in the ambience of Venice and people watch than sipping a cappuccino or glass of prosecco at Café Florian, one of the two oldest cafes in Venice with breathtaking frescos, mirrors and live music.
Perhaps you would enjoy a day of shopping in the premier boutiques of the top designers such as Gucci, Prada, Versace, Ferragamo followed by a Bellini at the place in which it was created, Harry’s Bar. This is where the likes of Hemingway sat and pondered life.
We will also enjoy a day on the water visiting the original island of Venice, which is Torcello. This is where it is said that Attila the Hun held court in the 5th Century. We will be dining at the famous restaurant Cipriani’s for lunch.
Relax while enjoying the view of the Grand Canal from the living room with the original Murano chandeliers and antique furniture.
For the music lover as well as anyone appreciating art and history, enjoy a private tour of La Fenice. The Venice opera house that has been rebuilt to its original splendor and breath-taking beauty after the tragic, infamous fire that destroyed it in 1996.
On the final day, upon returning to your chambers, you will be fitted and dressed in your personal costume for tonight’s exclusive Carnevale. The same designers who provide the costumes for La Fenice will be preparing us for tonight’s extravaganza. Travel by gondola to Piazza San Marco where we will have a stroll through the Piazza to our restaurant, Caffe Quadri, the other of the two original cafes in Venice. Enjoy Venetian music and dining overlooking Piazza San Marco.
Come join us as we live the life of nobility for an unforgettable vacation week in Venice!
Contact us to arrange a trip exclusively for your group to Venice!
Pricing Based on Double Occupancy, Exclusive of Air Fare
What's Included:
- Six nights luxurious en suite lodging in private palazzo
- Chef Dolce Debbie preparing meals in the palazzo
- All meals, from the welcome reception to breakfast before departure
- Wine with lunch and dinner
- Transfers between the palazzo and Marco Polo Airport
- Prosecco welcome reception
- Visit to Accademia, Palazzo Grassi, and Peggy Guggenheim Museums
- Visit to Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, and Museo Correr
- Tour of Burano to see the multi-colored houses and artisan lace making
- Visit to Torcello, the original Venetian Island
- Visit to Murano, home of blown glass
- Lunch at the famous Cipriani’s restaurant
- Private tour of La Fenice Opera House
- Morning shopping at the Rialto Fish and Vegetable Market
- Secrets of Venice walk
- Ciccetti Run (no tennis shoes necessary, this requires only endurance of wine and delectables!)
- Period Costumes with Custom Fittings
- Gala Costume Ball at Caffe` Quadri in St. Mark’s Square
- Gondola Ride in costume to Gala Ball
To read testimonials, click here.
|
