ITALY: Venice Tour - 4 days
Tour Summary
If you are travelling to Italy, Venice is a treat not to be missed.
Venice is an engineering marvel, ornate palaces and marble churches built on top of ancient posts rammed into the very muddy banks of the lagoon. The Venetians were such practical people, escaping the barbarians from the north they managed to build a stunning city in the most inhospitable of places- and what a city it is.
Venice is magnificent. Its main square, St Mark’s, can quite clearly be judged the most beautiful in all of Italy – the Doge’s Palace sits overlooking the lagoon next to the magnificent St Marks Basilica – so many treasures in such a small space.
Destination: Italy: Venice
Tour Commences In: Venice
Tour Concludes In: Venice
Tour Style: Luxury / Deluxe Boutique Journey
Accommodation: Luxury & or Boutique Hotels
Meals: Breakfasts; 3: Lunch; 1: Dinner; 2:
Leaders: Professional private local guide
Transportation: Walking and private boat as per itinerary
Tour Highlights
Explore St Mark’s basilica (Basilica di San Marco), often seen as the living testimony of Venice’s links with Byzantium
Doge’s Palace, once Venice's political and judicial hub; Doge's Palace was the residence of the Doge of Venice, the supreme authority of the Republic of Venice. It was built in Gothic style
Visit Torre dell’Orologio, a clock tower built between 1496 and 1506
Punt down one of the city's picturesque waterways in a private boat
View the Bridge of Sighs - known by the sound the prisoners made when they glimpsed their last view of Venice before their incarceration.
Experience the Grand Canal is on board a vaporetto
Discover the city's best shop for gelato
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Venice: (D)
Welcome to Venice. you will be greeted by your guide either at the train station or at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
Venice is an amazing engineering feat. Every building and bridge uses as its base vertical poles rammed into the earth and water to support the most beautiful villas lining the Grand Canal. This is a city unlike any other. So atmospheric, you could be forgiven for thinking that you were walking back in time when venturing out to the tiny streets away from St Mark's Square (which happens to be the most beautiful in all of Italy).
After settling in to your hotel, meet you guide in the foyer to begin an orientation walk to St Mark's Square. Later board a private boat (a gorgeous wooden boat), and explore the amazing back canals of Venice. You will find out how the real Venetians live, how they get around this island without the use of cars, how they live and work in a world quite different from other cities. We'll learn how they their school the children, bury their dead and why it's so difficult for young Venetians to live on the island. The stunning villas lining the Grand Canal can only be truly appreciated by travelling in a private boat.
Day 2: Venice: (B/L)
This morning your guide will take you on a walk through the back streets of Venice until you reach the seat of power, the Doge's Palace. This magnificent building is placed in the most prominent of places, St Mark's Square and you will discover the history of the Doges (the rulers of Venice). Discover the Bridge of Sighs and find the rare Byzantine art of St Mark's church. When touring with an expert guide of Venice, you can skip almost all the long lines.
This afternoon at leisure, it will be possible to take the local ferry to Murano, the only place where glass can be blown, away from the main island of Venice as they feared any fires on the main island. Watch artisans ply their trade and maybe take home a beautiful momento of Venice. Who's up for an evening gondola ride? Tonight do what all good tourists do and share a gondola ride through the magical back canals of Venice.....couldn't be more perfect than to be on the water in Venice.
Day 3: Venice: (B/D)
Venice is divided into sestiere (suburbs) and this morning venture to the other side of the river using a local traghetto (the local's version of the gondola). Visit the local fish market and do some exploration of this side of Venice. A favourite pastime is sitting in front of the Grand Canal watching the goings on with the transport boats, the many gondolas and the local ferries enjoying a coffee. You will have time to discover the many artisans of Venice, the hand made shoes, the ancient art of mask making, and of course, the glass. Tonight, dine in a tiny restaurant off the beaten track, producing truly authentic Venetian cuisine.
Day 4: Depart Venice: (B)
Your bespoke private tour concludes after breakfast.
At your leisure before transferring to the airport or train station for your onward or homebound journey.
Depending on your departure itinerary, you may have time for some last-minute sightseeing and shopping. We are able to organise a private guide to accompany you. Some guests may wish to stay another day or more. Please don’t hesitate to contact Boutique Tours & Travel for further travel arrangements.
Our specially curated itineraries are carefully planned and well thought out to ensure you are rewarded with the best experiences. The magic of travelling in private tours allows us to cater for spontaneity and sometimes we often find some wonderful surprises along the way and it can be these unplanned occurrences that are the most memorable. The rich tapestry of experiences and the characters you meet along the way will make this guided private tour something special and one you will remember for a lifetime.
Please Contact Us for further information.
Flexibility
The itinerary may be flexible, sometimes due to weather or sometimes for sites or events which guests may wish to see. If there is something not included in this suggested itinerary that you would like to do or see, please contact us to discuss if it is possible.
Tour Inclusions
A specially curated itinerary for Boutique Journeys
Airport or train station Meet and Greet with transfers for all arriving guests
Airport or train station transfers for all guests departing
Hand selected Luxury Modern & Boutique hotel accommodation
Internet Access where possible
Meals as indicated in Itinerary; B = Breakfast: L = Lunch: D = Dinner:
Private services of a professional bilingual tour guide
Concierge / Bellhop Services throughout tour
24 hour on call support service
Porterage, tipping and gratuities, except to guide
Entrance fees for all sightseeing as per itinerary
Porterage, tipping and gratuities, except to guide/tour manager
Not included:
International and or Domestic air fares
Arrival / Departure Taxes, levies and other charges
Passport and visa fees
Excess baggage charges
Cost of any ‘luggage delivery’ via FedEx or postal service
Personal travel insurance
Porterage, tipping and gratuities
Meals not included
Alcoholic beverages
Personal expenses
Country Information
Accommodation:
All our hotels are excellent modern and boutique hotels. We highly recommend our hotels as they have excellent services and facilities. All rooms have modern facilities, private bathrooms with double or twin beds.
Climate & Clothing:
Given the choice, without a doubt the best time to see the Italy is from April to June, when the spring flowers are in bloom, the weather is just warm enough, and the temperature of the Mediterranean allows for the first dips of the season. By choosing late spring or early summer, you can also avoid the tourist crush of July and August and the oppressive temperatures later in the year.
The general rule is to bring comfortable clothing including lightweight cottons. Comfortable walking shoes are essential as is a light waterproof jacket. We provide a detailed packing list to all our guests prior to departure.
If you wish to travel in the summer or autumn the weather in Italy is warm with the temperature average in June and July is about 78°F - 26°C. Summers are relatively dry, but rain does occur all year round.
Currency & Money Matters:
The official currency in Italy is EURO (€). On January 1, 2002, the Euro became the official currency for 300 million Europeans, in use in 12 countries of the European Union. Traveller’s Cheques can be exchanged at some banks and currency exchange offices but are not as welcome as cash or credit cards. ATMs are widely available in the cities, villages and tourist areas.
Electricity:
The electrical current in Italy is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. The European two-pin plug is standard.
Insurance:
You must obtain Comprehensive Travel Insurance as a condition of travelling with Boutique Tours & Travel. We recommend that you purchase insurance at the time of Booking. Insurance is available from BT&T.
Language:
Italian is the official language, but English is widely understood in the main tourist areas.
Meals:
Our hotels offer a wonderful selection of dishes at their buffet breakfasts and your journey we offer a wide variety of both menu and venue for lunches and evening meals.
Medical Services & Facilities:
Our hotels have access to a doctor if required. They can also assist guests with purchasing of medicine. The international hospitals in Italy are very good and have western trained medical and surgical specialists. Dental care is also available.
Passports & Visas:
To enter Italy, you require a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry and with at least two blank pages. No visa is required for tourists.
Pre & Post Tour Accommodation:
Boutique Tours & Travel suggests that you may like to arrive a day before the start of your tour to allow time to relax and refresh. You are also very welcome to linger longer after the tour is completed.
Boutique Tours & Travel has negotiated special overnight rates at this hotel for both pre and post tour accommodation. Please ask for details at time of booking. Local tour guides are also available on request.
Solo Traveller:
We welcome single travellers and we are able to arrange single accommodation. We negotiate strongly to keep single supplements at a reasonable cost.
Special Requests:
Specific requests such as adjacent or connecting rooms, bedding requests, smoking or non-smoking rooms and special dietary needs or any other arrangement should be advised at time of booking. Please note that every effort will be made to secure your special request; however, they cannot always be guaranteed.
Time Zone:
Italy Standard time is GMT+ 1 (GMT + 2 during Summer Daylight Saving Time)
Transport:
We generally use modern luxury cars and minibuses for transfers and touring and other modes of transport as per an itinerary. We also walk where and when it’s suitable.
Water & Beverages:
Our hotels offer bottled water and bottled water is provided whilst touring in car or bus. No alcoholic beverages are included in the cost of this tour.
