Classic Sites and Secret Spots: A Luxury City Break in Venice
Harriet is here to help give you the inside track.
Venice is one of Europe's (and indeed the world's) most beautiful cities, and a luxury city break here makes for a perfect romantic trip. There is one fly in the ointment, though. Venice is also probably the world's most prominent victim of that modern curse: overtourism. The city is busy pretty much all year around, which means that the current, and short-lived, lull in visitor numbers post coronoavirus is a genuine once in a lifetime opportunity to see 'La Serenissima' at her most serenissima (serene). Let this culture-packed long weekend itinerary introduce you to both the classic sights as well as a few of Venice's best kept secrets.
Itinerary at a Glance:
- Take a romantic gondola journey down the city's canals.
- See the world famous Murano Glass being crafted on Murano island.
- Marvel at the Byzantine masterpiece of St Mark's Basilica.
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When To Travel
All of the holidays we create are completely tailor-made to you
Day 1: Flight and Classic City Tour
After an early morning flight, you will arrive in Venice as the sun is warming up the pavements. After you have cleared customs and collected your luggage, you will be met for private water taxi transfer into the city centre - possibly the most romantic arrival in Europe?
After dropping your bags at your hotel, you will spend your first day exploring the classic must see sights with an expert guide. Start with St Mark's Basilica and marvel at its beautifully ornate architecture, dome-shaped turrets and commanding stature, once inside, keep your eyes aloft for it's the gold painted ceiling which really impresses. Next, dodge the crowds as you navigate your way onto the Rialto Bridge and capture that perfect gondola shot. Then, when the afternoon starts to fade, head back to St Mark's Square and test your weary legs with a climb up the Campanile; it'll be worth it for the sunset views across the square and the floating city beyond.
Day 2: Venice Lagoon
Today you will head out into the lagoon to discover the history behind two of Venice's most famous exports, exquisite blown glass and hand sewn lace.
Your private guide will meet you at your hotel and then take you first to Murano, world renowned for its beautiful glass-making; then to Burano to see the island's colourful houses and famous lace makers, and finally to Torcello, the oldest settled island on the lagoon.
Day 3: Hidden Gems
On your final day in Venice there's time to really get beneath the radiant surface of La Serenissima.
Start your morning with a late breakfast, before a guided tour of the state rooms and prison cells of the Doge's Palace (as travel types, we tend to linger in the Sala dello Scudo with its maps and globes). Then, with a gelato to keep you going, opt for a walking tour around the Cannaregio district.
After a final, Aperol spritz-filled late lunch it's sadly time to head home. Your water taxi will meet you at your hotel for a private transfer back to the airport in time for your two-hour flight home.
Additional Activities
- Workshops of the 'Ferrari of Gondola' builders in Dorsoduro
All of the holidays we create are completely tailor-made to you
A Rough Idea of Price
This Itinerary
If you would like to book the itinerary mentioned above, with economy flights, during mid-season and staying in our preferred room category at our preferred hotels.
From
£1,945pp
Bare Necessities
If you would like to pare back the above itinerary by travelling at non-peak times, staying in a standard room and removing some or all of the guided activities.
From
£1,905pp
Bells & Whistles
If you are looking for something extra special, we can discuss with you upgrading your accommodation, flights or activities.
From
£2,330pp
Harriet is our expert for this itinerary and, as a seasoned traveller, has the inside track on the most memorable adventures.