Experience one of the world’s most exciting celebrations in the world, Venice Carnival. This annual Italian festival ends with Lent, forty days before Easter on Shrove Tuesday or Fat Tuesday (Martedi Grasso), the day before Ash Wednesday. Masks have always been a key feature of this festival. Traditionally they were made in leather, porcelain or with the original glass technique. The original masks were rather simple in design, decoration, and often had a symbolic and practical function. Nowadays, most masks are made with the application of gesso and gold leaf and are all hand-painted using natural feathers and gems to decorate. On this tour you cruise the canals aboard a gondola, masquerade in costume and attend an exclusive ball before bidding farewell to the city of love. Venice Carnival is a celebration of life.
Day 1 – Venice
Upon arrival in Venice, you will be met by our representative for a private motorboat transfer to your hotel. The Carnival of Venice 2013 will be dedicated to the colors because each color communicates and evokes emotion and to each one of theme we tend to associate a state of mind. The colors are an expression of subjectiveness, and they share with the spirit of Venice Carnival the infinite variety and the numbers of disguises, each one corresponding to our endless different attitudes. Hotel Loconda Vivaldi (Standard Room) – 5 nights(B)
Day 2 – Venice
This morning, enjoy a private guided walking tour of Venice and admire its hidden treasures nestled amid its squares, bridges and narrow streets. Prepare to be enchanted by the world’s most romantic city as you wander through its picturesque cobblestone alleyways and enjoy a gondola ride through the Grand Canal. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure, or join the locals in one of the city’s many Carnival festivities. (B)
Day 3 – Venice
After breakfast, join your guide on an excursion to the atelier at the Hotel Danieli—which showcases elaborate 18th-century costumes and masks—for a private fitting and costume rental. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure or linger over coffee in a local café. (B)
Day 4 – Venice
Your costumes will be delivered to the hotel in the morning, in time to take part in the Costume contest and parade. In the evening, attend an exclusive costumed ball at the Hotel Danieli, including dinner and traditional dancing. (B)
Day 5 – Venice
Day at leisure to relax and enjoy Venice. In a city as unique as its history, there is much to explore if you’re feeling adventurous. Hop aboard a vaporetto (one of Venice’s public water buses) to discover the grand basilica, the Doge’s Palace or the modern art masterpieces in the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. If you’re moving at a slower pace, why not venture out to the Campo Santa Margherita to spend some time at a friendly café? (B)
Day 6 – Depart Venice
On Valentine’s Day morning, bid arrivederci to Venice as your trip comes to an end and a motor boat takes you to the airport for your onward flight or extend your trip! (B)
