Venice
Never was a thoroughfare so aptly named as the Grand Canal, reflecting the glories of Venetian architecture lining its banks. Venice. There is no place like it.
Over the years, I’ve celebrated in Puglia, fallen in love in Tuscany and spent summers discovering hidden wonders in the Aeolian Islands. You happen to pick up a thing or two when you’ve lived a place long enough. Now, my fascination with all things Italian has given me unrivalled expertise to craft tailor-made holidays to Italy that, like the fine wines of Chianti, just keep on getting better and better. So, fall in love with la dolce vita and discover why I just can’t stay away.
Away from the water and up into the air: I definitely recommend a helicopter tour of the city. For a bird’s eye view of the UNESCO world heritage site, we’ll soar over the 18 small islands in the marshy lagoon which make up the city, and see the sandbars, bridges and traditional buildings from a totally new perspective. Simply amazing.
Pity the day trippers dropped off at San Marco with a mere three hours to take in Venice. That’s about enough time for one long gasp at the show-stopper that is Piazza San Marco, but not nearly enough time to see what else Venice is hiding. Stay longer in this fairy-tale city and we’ll discover the pleasures of la bea vita (the beautiful life) that only locals know: the wake-up call of gondoliers calling ‘Ooooeeeee!’, a morning spritz in a sunny campi (square), lunch in a crowded bacaro (bar) with friends and fuschia-pink sunsets that have sent centuries of artists mad.
The best bit? We’ll still have time to see the incredible sights on land which give Venice its name as the Queen of the Adriatic. I can arrange comprehensive city tours with expert historians, but if you’re after something really special, how about behind the scenes and into places no-one else can reach. Ask me about private houses and collections not open to the public, as well as after-hours trips to the Basilica di San Marco and the Ducal Palace. All this from the private gardens of Belmond Hotel Cipiriani. The real cream of the crop…
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Departure
Your Town
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Departure Time
Please arrive by 9:15 AM for a prompt departure at 9:30 AM.
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Return Time
Approximately 8:30 PM.
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Dress Code
Casual. Comfortable clothing. Dinner wear. Business Sexy.
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Included
5 Star AccommodationAirport TransfersBreakfastDinnerHelicopterLunchPersonal Guide
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Not Included
Departure TaxesEntry FeesPrivate JetPrivate Yacht
Day One
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Location
A haven of 18th century Venetian style, Belmond Hotel Cipriani sits centre stage on the edge of Venice’s iconic lagoon, basking in stunning panoramas over the water and theatrical city skyline.
YOUR VENETIAN PALACE
Staying at the super-stylish Cipriani hotel in the heart of the city’s busy canal ways, we will be just a stone’s throw from the Accademia art gallery and bridge, and a short stroll from incredible sights, restaurants and ice-cream parlours of the city. A short vaporetto ride away lies the Venice lido, and our all-important kayak base. The perfect starting point for our Venice adventure, the Cipriani is a sleek haven in the busy city to set the scene for your cutting-edge break.
LOCATION
Perched on the tip of Venice’s Giudecca Island, Belmond Hotel Cipriani is just a couple of minutes by boat from Saint Marks and all of Venice’s most iconic historic sights. The hotel’s beautiful wooden boat is on hand to glide us down the city’s shadowy waterways and islets, with Burano and Murano being a must-visit for some of the world’s finest glassware. Outside the city in the surrounding region of Veneto, explore the charming towns of Vicenza, Padua and Verona to soak up some truly sensational Renaissance artwork and architecture. After just a day walking their streets, it won’t be hard to see why Shakespeare was so infatuated with this alluring part of the world.YOUR ROOM
Belmond Hotel Cipriani is actually split into two opulent quarters; –the main building and the Palazzo Vendramin, a 15th-century residence linked to the hotel through an ancient, flower-lined courtyard. Both house sumptuous rooms and suites, masterfully designed in a classical Venetian style, with sweeping views over either the lush Casanova gardens or shimmering lagoon. For me it’s all about the Palladio Suite, a true masterpiece that is the showpiece of the hotel, the suite appears to be suspended above the water, with 180 degree views of the lagoon with floor-to-ceiling windows and its own dock at the end of private gardens. Private gardens...WHY I LIKE IT
The sensational water-side dining is the perfect place to lose yourself in Venice’s theatrical charm and if the city really was a theatre, we know Belmond Hotel Cipriani would have to be the royal box..
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Matthew C.
Never in my life did I think 4 days could go by so quickly, yet so wondrously slow. Every moment was like a dream. Every meal delicious. Arriving by private jet made the experience truly memorable, and the skies quite friendly. If you’re really nice…you may be able to get her to sing with the gondolier. She has an angelic voice and speaks Italian like a native. I highly recommend. You are in for a magical time with a magical tourguide.
Nick W.
Her attention to detail was second to none. She took care of me ashen I needed attending and insured without a doubt that I was always in the right place. I was blown away by the helicopter tour of the city. Something I never would have thought was possible. A simply amazing time with an amazing tourguide.