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Day 1
Venice In the rich cultures of Europe and celebrated cities of Italy, few places capture the imagination as much as Venice. Its fabled canalled thoroughfares and gilded palaces possess a beguiling beauty unsurpassed by anywhere else on Earth. Everywhere you go you'll find works of art - in the architecture itself or within the walls of the palaces and basilicas that are liberally sprinkled in every area of the city. Venice is an ever-changing, living canvas. No other place has such a mutable geography where you can discover delightfully peaceful piazzas and deserted canals seemingly unmarked on any map. Quite simply, there is nowhere else in the world quite like it. At the Venice Airport, you will find a water-taxi ticket booth near the end of a covered walkway from the arrivals hall. Upon arrival, go outside the Arrivals terminal and turn left. Walk to the end of the terminal's sidewalk and look for the sign for Venice Water Taxis and the Alilaguna Water Bus. The walkway to the piers is straight ahead and follow the covered walkway to the piers. The sidewalk is flat, so you can easily roll your wheeled suitcase or trolley. Once there, and if an attendant is on hand, say that you want a water taxi; otherwise, go to the pier and negotiate directly with a boat driver. The fare to Venice is dependent on the location of your hotel and how many people are traveling with you. Please note that a private boat transfer can easily be arranged for you and by local Venetian Law, the price is approximately 120-300 Euro. A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at the first hotel on your trip. Enjoy time at leisure exploring the fascinating city of Venice by foot. Visit St. Mark's Square, the heart of political and religious power of the Venetian Republic for centuries, and learn the history that lies behind the walls of its most famous landmarks; the Basilica and its Byzantine heritage, and the Doge's Palace and its adjoining prisons that retain the true secrets to comprehend how a city built on swamps became one of the most enlightened cities in the western world. Then, leave St. Mark's behind you to discover the enchanting Hidden Venice. View Marco Polo's House, a Merchants’ Warehouse. Explore the lively Campo Santa Maria Formosa with its outstanding Venetian Palaces and the Church of San Giovanni e Paolo (the Pantheon of Venice) and the Scuola di San Marco where you'll learn about the famous Confraternities (Schools) of merchants and artisans of Venice that provided the foundations of the Venetian mercantile empire. be sure to top and have a coffee break at one of the many cafe's with outdoor seating and watch the world go by! The Best Western Albergo San Marco Hotel (3*) is located in the heart of historical Venice, just 50 mts from St. Mark Square, the Basilica of St. Mark, and Doge's Palace and is 20 minutes by boat from St. George's Island. The Guggenheim, Accedemia Galleries and the Rialto Bridge are located nearby. Set in a 19th century building completely refurbished, this property is equipped with all modern facilities. All rooms are furnished in the typical Venetian style and the warm, careful service will make you feel like home. The restaurant offers tasty typical Venetian dishes and an international menu. Thanks to its position, this hotel is the ideal starting point to enjoy all the charm of this unique city. Overnight at Albergo San Marco (3*). |
 Venice |
 Venice, Italy |
 Albergo San Marco Hotel |
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Day 2
Venice Enjoy a tour to Murano, Burano and Torcello today. After sailing past the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, the Public Gardens, the tip of Sant' Elena and the famous Lido beach resort, the boat arrives in Murano, known throughout the world for its glass manufacturing industry. Stop for around 40 minutes to visit to one of the factories before continuing on to the picturesque island of Burano, famous not only for its lace but also for the fishermen's houses painted in bright colours (the stop will last about 30 minutes). Then after a short cruise, reach Torcello, the earliest centre of civilization in the estuary. Only the Cathedral with its magnificent mosaics and the church of Santa Fosca remain as testimony of its former glory. The stop will be for about 30 minutes before returning to St.Mark's Square. (Please note your guide remains on board the boat and allows you free time on each island). Enjoy some time at leisure to check out the great shopping opportunities in Venice. Overnight at Albergo San Marco (3*). |
 Murano |
 Venetian masks |
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Day 3
Venice Enjoy the many wonders of Venice; Consider taking a private gondola ride finishing at a beautiful Venetian restaurant with a private boat entrance, wander the streets with a personal guide to show you the sites, take a private boat to see the stunning islands of Murano and Burano or to lesser well known areas in the Venetian lagoon. For those looking at something outside of the city, we suggest a visit to the romantic city of Verona or enjoy a half day shared tour to the outskirts of Venice enjoying some wine tasting among the ancient Venetian vineyards. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if any of these options are of interest. Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel. Overnight at Albergo San Marco (3*). |
 Gondola ride in Venice |
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Day 4
Venice Take a water taxi from your hotel to the airport. Your hotel concierge should be able to help you with the arrangements on site. The fare to the Venice Airport is dependent on the location of your hotel and how many people are traveling with you. Alternatively, if you would like to have a private transfer arranged for you in advance, please speak to your Sales Advisor. Depart from Venice Airport (Marco Polo) - end of itinerary. Overnight at Depart. |
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