Viva Venezia
Venice
(Trip Extension)
September 25-28, 2019
A city of mystery, decadence, intrigue, and romance, there is nowhere on earth like Venice.
Our four-day trip extension will focus on giving you an elegant overview of this grand city with a deeper dive into the famed Venice Biennale that will be open for exploration during our visit.
A magical place whose secrets and stories permeate every cobblestone, bridge, and canal, stepping into Venice is like stepping back in time. Few cities can boast the beauty and historical significance of Venezia. Its creative influence on art, architecture, and music has left an indelible mark on the world.
See what we have in store!
Wednesday, Sept. 25 - Venezia Through the Lens
An early morning departure from Lake Como lands us in Venice just in time for lunch. After a quick bag drop at our sultry, art-deco inspired five-star hotel, we will embark on a photo journey wandering the narrow streets and canals in search of the perfect photo ops while learning about the rich history and hidden gems of this important city.
Late-afternoon cicchetti and an aperol spritz at one of the city’s oldest haunts will cap-off our day. The evening is yours.
Thursday, Sept. 26 - Art, Art, and More Art
Today we visit the famed Venice Biennale; the oldest contemporary art expo in the world. As the name suggests, this extravaganza occurs once every two years and is a convergence of the most prestigious contemporary artists from across the globe. Participation in the Biennale is by invitation only and is extremely selective. There will be art everywhere. Works are placed within the show in unexpected combinations based on their media, visual associations, and desired impact. Expect the unexpected. You will be surprised, delighted , disturbed, provoked, confused, and amused by what you see …that is the Biennale mission.
We will privately tour the exhibition visiting the must-see pavilions in the Giardini and Arsenale (the two main venues). Afterward, you will have time to explore the exhibition on your own and we will rendezvous at day’s end for drinks and lively conversation at one of Venice’s best under-the-radar wine bars.
Dinner is on your own tonight but we will meet later for people watching and a night cap at the famed Harry’s Bar (birthplace of the Bellini).
Friday, Sept. 27- Libre!
This is your free day: return to the Biennale, explore the incredible art museums of the Guggenheim and Accademia (oh, so close to our hotel), take a gondola ride (touristy but worth it!), grab an espresso on St. Mark’s Square and sit in awe of the ornate Doges Palace, grab a quick selfie on the iconic Rialto Bridge, duck into the ancient Libereria Aqua Alta and hunt for some rare first editions, meander to the Chiesa di San Vidal where Vivaldi composed his glorious Four Seasons, lose yourself shopping for gorgeous fabrics reminiscent of Venice’s origins as a textile hub, find your favorite mask for the next Carnivale. The possibilities are endless. Regardless, we will help you plan a day that caters to your mood and fascinations making sure you are back at the hotel early evening to prepare for our final night. We will begin with drinks at the Gritti Palace followed by a farewell dinner you will never forget.
Saturday, Sept. 28 - Ciao Venezia
Our final breakfast together and then “arrivederci”.
Viva Venezia
September 25 - 28, 2019
$2150
Maximum Guests: 7
Every Travel Sister tour is planned down to the most thoughtful detail, from meals to private tours and excursions. You will want for nothing. By the time you get home, you’ll feel like you have been away for a month.
Inclusions:
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Pre-trip planning: conference call “meet and greet” with fellow travelers 1-2 weeks to review trip checklist and answer any questions
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Transportation from Moltrasio to Venice
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Local ground transportation: provided to and from Travel Sister activities
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Accommodations: three nights in the sultry art-deco inspired Hotel Palazzo Barbarigo on the Grand Canal
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Activities: all activities described above and included in detailed itinerary
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Meals: daily breakfast, plus drinks, lunches, and dinners listed above.
Exclusions:
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Airfare
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Passport or visa fees
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Travel or health insurance
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Telephone expenses
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Airport transfers
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Local transportation outside of planned activities and not listed in final itinerary
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Services/meals/alcohol not listed in final itinerary
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All items of a personal nature
See our Terms of Service page for details on deposits, refunds, and more.
Most questions you may have about this trip can be found here or on our general FAQ’s page.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Get in touch!
Will I need to learn how to speak Italian?
It can’t hurt, but it’s not necessary! Most of the people we’ll meet along the way will speak English.
How do we get to Venice? How do we get around once we are there?
If you are extending your trip from our La Dolce Vita tour in Lake Como, we will arrive in Venice by train. From our Lake Como hotel we will taxi to the train station in Milan. From there we will board a train for a leisurely four hour journey across northern Italy into Venezia. If you are going to meet up with our group directly in Venice, you will arrange for own transportation and meet us at the hotel.
Once we arrive in Venice there will be lots of walking and use of the vaporetto system (waterbus) to get us to and fro. Your tour will include a three day vaporetto pass so no need to worry about paying each time we use it. Venice is quite a manageable walking city too and very safe. You will understand its layout in no time.
Will Travel Sister help me with arranging independent activities and related ground transportation?Absolutely. Let us know your fancy and we will do our best to help you. We will also have a full list of activities, restaurants, museums and shops that may suit your interest and pique your curiosity.
When do I get a full itinerary?
Please get in touch with us directly to learn the details about this trip. Once you submit your deposit, you’ll receive a full outline of the itinerary and we’ll get you scheduled for our pre-trip informational conference call for the entire group.
How much does the trip cost? Are refunds permitted?
Travels are priced based on meals, accommodations, activities, and can vary by location. See the pricing page and terms of service for all the details you need about prices, fees, deposits, and refunds.
What happens if there’s an incident on this trip? Do you provide insurance?
Our sisters in travel should read our liability waiver to have a full understanding of what every traveler is responsible for and what is/isn’t covered by Travel Sister.
Who will be my roomate? Can I get a private room?
Tour prices are based on double occupancy. If you are travelling with a companion , we will ask you to provide their name so we can place you together. If you are travelling solo we will place you with another travel sister. Alternatively, you may request your own room for a supplemental fee.
I have some dietary restrictions. Will I still be able to enjoy the culinary experiences?
We take your health and well-being very seriously. If you have any hesitations at all, please review our itinerary or get in touch and allow us to help you decide whether this is the trip for you.
Is it safe to travel to Mexico?
We understand your concern, and suggest reading the following International Travel Advisory to have the latest information on where you’ll be going, and steps you can take to help you feel confident in departing for your upcoming adventure! If it helps, San Miguel de Allende was cited by MSN Traveler as one of the top 10 safest places in Mexico.
International Travel Advisory
Traveler is responsible for ensuring they have all the proper documents for transit or entry. All names on documents must match the legal name on your photo I.D., and travel document information must match transportation tickets. Please check the State Department website at http://travel.state.gov for further information.
Immunizations may also be required. Please check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list
Failure to comply with any of these regulations may result in denied boarding, denied entry, and/or government-imposed fines. If you are a citizen of another country, there may be additional requirements. Check with the nearest consulate or embassy of the destination you are traveling to and find out the entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens. Finally, U.S. Citizens should register all travels with the U.S. Embassy via the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://step.state.gov/step/.
