Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
A Classic Weekend in Venice Winding Canals and Wonderful Cuisine
Italy – Venice
Kick off your getaway with a guided walking tour through the heart of the city. Wander around St. Mark’s Square and grab your favourite gelato. On your final day, discover the Venetian Lagoon with a sailing trip to the islands of Murano and Burano, home to Venice’s glass and lace industries. We’ve planned everything for an original escape, from private boat transfers to bespoke walking tours, so you can just sit back and relax.
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Your exciting weekend in Venice begins today, so head to the airport, fast-track through security and hop on a two-hour flight to Italy. Once you’ve landed, collected your bags and made it through customs, a private driver will be waiting to whisk you away to your hotel via water taxi. Admire the canals during this sneak peek of the city, before dropping your bags off and heading out for your first taste of Venice.
Today’s all about discovering the magic of Venice on foot. Head to St. Mark’s Square, where a local guide will bring the city’s history to life. Step inside St Mark’s Basilica and admire its gilded mosaics and shiny treasures before visiting the Doge’s Palace, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that’s home to works by famous Italian artists like Titian, Tintoretto and Guardi.
Continue your tour to the prisons, connected to the palace by the famous Bridge of Sighs, so named because it was where prisoners caught their last glimpse of the city. Ready for a break? Wave goodbye to your guide and wind your way through Venice’s streets to find a restaurant for lunch (your Concierge can recommend the best spots).
Spend the afternoon exploring at your own pace before settling down for a bowl of Venice’s signature pasta in anchovy sauce, followed by a scoop of gelato. Bellissimo.
Kick off today with a freshly baked pastry and an espresso, then meet a private guide for a sailing tour of the Venetian Lagoon.
Begin in Murano, an island known for its incredible glassware. After a spot of exploring, head to a local glassware factory for a demonstration of the fascinating glass-blowing process, watching as lumps of silica, soda and quicklime are transformed into intricate works of art.
Then, it’s onto Burano, where colourful streets are home to high-end lacemaking workshops. Having begun in the 15th century, Burano lace became a symbol of wealth and social status, so be sure to pop into local shops to pick up a delicate souvenir.
Back in Venice, the afternoon is yours to spend as you please. Need some inspiration? Our Concierge is on hand to make some super suggestions. Perhaps hop aboard a classic Venetian gondola and let the waterways serenade you or head to one of the city’s rooftop bars to toast your final Italian evening.
Sadly, your backstage tour of Venice has come to an end today. Venture out for one last look around the city’s labyrinthine streets before hopping back in the water taxi, heading to the airport and catching your two-hour flight home.
Suggestions
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
EXPLORE CONTEMPORARY VENICE
Calling all art lovers: head to the Grand Canal and step inside the Venier dei Leoni Palace, home to Peggy Guggenheim's 20th-century art collection. It includes works by Picasso, Magritte, Mondrian, Miro, Tanguy, Chagall, Kandinsky and more, offering one of the best insights into Western art history.OPERA AT TEATRO LA FENICE
Spend an evening at the opera in the famous Teatro La Fenice. This is a magical opportunity to discover this legendary theatre that’s welcomed some of history's greatest composers – we’re talking Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti and Verdi.THE SECRET JEWELLERY GARDEN
Enjoy a private jewellery-making workshop in a secret garden, tucked away along a charming Venetian street. Craft one-of-a-kind aluminium jewellery pieces during the two-hour class – the perfect memento of your time in Venice.DISCOVER VENICE'S SACRED SITES
Embark on a two-hour private walking tour, starting with the Basilica Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari (commonly known as 'the Frari'), one of Venice's most important monastic churches. Admire its religious relics and impressive chapel artwork. Then, make your way to the Scuola Grande di San Rocco and marvel at its grand exterior, intricate painted ceilings and sweeping staircase.AN OUT-OF-HOURS TOUR OF ST. MARK’S BASILICA
After a more exclusive experience? Alongside an expert guide, visit the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica after hours, discovering its storied history and Italo-Byzantine architecture without the hustle and bustle.AFTER HOURS AT DOGE’S PALACE
Skip the crowds and head to Doge’s Palace in the evening for an out-of-hours tour with an expert guide. Built in Venetian Gothic style and once home to the Doges (dukes) of Venice, this pretty palace is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Cameras at the ready…
Why visit Italy with Original Travel ?
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire nowA few of the benefits of travelling with us to Italy
- Our local Concierges
- The Original Travel app
- Destination Dossier
- 24-hour helpline
- Expert guides
- 100% carbon absorption
