The Grand Canal, Piazza San Marco, Carnevale masks, and darkened alleyways full of mystery. This is likely what you know about Venice. But what if Venice was a completely different place than you expect? In this Venice Staycation exploring one of the world’s most mysterious and romantic cities, we will uncover the city that the locals know, and get to the heart of what it means to be Venetian.
The floating city shaped like a fish may be packed in the main tourist zones, but steps away, we will find quiet campi and locals going about their daily errands. Our activities will focus on learning about the lagoon, the artists of the city, and the truly surprising history that most tourists miss. Our tour has also been scheduled to coincide with the opening of the Biennale, an international art expo so unpredictable, that all we can say is that you’ll see things you’ve never seen before.
Join us for a week of residency in a city like no other.
For more info see our Venice Tour Diary!
Day One
Overnight: Venice
Welcome to Bella Venezia
In the late afternoon we meet in our centrally located hotel for a tour orientation. Then we will board a private water taxi for a joyride down the Grand Canal, finishing with a dinner of local Venetian specialties.
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Day Two
OVERNIGHT: VENICE
The Venetian Highlights
In the morning, we will be joined by a local guide to take us around the back streets of this unique city and to Piazza San Marco. We will experience the Accademia Gallery filled with Venetian masterpieces. If you still have energy, you’ll be free to see more art masterpieces at the nearby Frari church and Scuola San Rocco. Tonight we will eat like the locals do with a cicchetti walk to sample the best Venetian snack offerings. Our evening will finish with a gondola ride, the most touristy thing in Europe that is justifiably hyped.
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Day Three
OVERNIGHT: VENICE
Lagoon Tour
Today we will hop aboard a vaporetto and explore the islands of the lagoon to learn about the history that shaped the early days of Venice. We’ll enjoy a fancy lunch in a bucolic island setting, then head back to the hotel to relax, or to explore more hidden corners on your own.
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Day Four
OVERNIGHT: VENICE
Cooking Class
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and learn to cook like a real Venetian. Our friend Michele, a professional chef who has worked in famous Venetian kitchens such as the Gritti Palace, welcomes us into his own home and shows us how to level up cooking skills. Even if you’ve taken lots of cooking classes, Michele will surprise you with new hints and techniques. This evening is a perfect time to have a spritz and watch the sunset.
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Day Five
Overnight: Venice
Exploring the Veneto
Today we will explore the Veneto, the inland empire of the Venetian Republic. Our day will take us to Padova, where we will get to know the wonders of Giotto, one of Italy’s most influential artists. Padova is a university town, so we will wander through parts of the campus and mingle with the students. We will have a tasting of the most famous wines of the Veneto, including Prosecco.
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Day Six
OVERNIGHT: VENICE
Row Row Row Your Boat
Today you will learn the basics on how to row a Venetian boat (weather permitting) with a local women’s organization committed to preserving Venetian style rowing. You, yes YOU, will helm a boat and row through the canals. We promise it isn’t too scary or difficult, but you’re also welcome to be a passenger. After, we’ll head to the tail of the island to visit the Venice Biennale, the bi-annual contemporary art show that will delight, intrigue, offend, and confuse. This evening we will gather for our farewell dinner in a favorite local restaurant.
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Day Seven
Tour Ends After Breakfast
Your guide will be available this morning to help you with your further travel plans. Airport boats depart just a few feet from your hotel.
Grazie e arrivederci!
Our founder Sarah is a professional tour guide, travel writer, and artist with over 20 years of experience leading travelers around the globe. After earning a degree in architecture, she traded the drafting board for a life of adventure, guiding tours and sharing her travel expertise through writing, speaking engagements and media appearances.
A former Rick Steves guidebook researcher and co-author of Rick Steves Sicily, Sarah is also known for her popular packing-focused insights and content helping travelers around the world streamline their journeys. Based in Seattle but often found exploring the world, Sarah brings passion, insight, and a love for culture to every tour she leads.
Price: $3550 (Air not included) per person for a double room. Single Supplement is $500. We welcome singles and if you do not have a travel partner, please sign up for a single spot. In the event that a roommate is found, your booking can be changed to a double before final payment is due.
What’s included: 6 breakfasts, 3 dinners and 2 lunches (wine included), and 6 nights lodging in a clean, comfortable, and centrally located hotel. All admissions and fees for group activities. Transport and private guides, tips included.
You can reserve a spot on this tour with a non-refundable deposit of $600.
The tour begins and ends in Venice and the international airport there is VCE.
If you have additional questions please email us at info@adventureswithsarah.net
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