Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Arrive in, Italy’s hot-blooded capital & one of the world’s most romantic & charismatic cities, Rome with its heady mix of haunting ruins, awe-inspiring art & vibrant street life.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? – Rome Leonardo da Vinci - Fiumicino Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort, transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in & provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next day.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Balance of the morning / afternoon is at leisure to relax or independent exploration or optional activities (we shall be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements). 

There simply is no way to tour Europe and not be awestruck by its natural beauty, epic history and dazzling artistic and culinary diversity. From the thrill of fresh powder on the mountain top to the peace of a twilight stroll through a gorgeous medieval town, Europe is a place that stimulates your sense of curiosity. Through shared history, cultural diversity, and natural beauty, this continent inspires connections, experiences and memories that stretch beyond borders.

Whether you wish for the serenity of a quiet trip in the countryside or the excitement of a music festival, it’s all here in Europe, waiting just for you. In a continent where travel is free-flowing, adventures are limitless.

Home to many of the world's greatest works of art, architecture and gastronomy, Italy elates, inspires & moves like no other.

Italy's cities each have a unique character with a wide range of attractions. Epicentre of the Roman Empire & birthplace of the Renaissance, this European virtuoso groans under the weight of its cultural cachet.

Amongst the masterpieces housed in Cathedrals, Museums & Galleries are Michelangelo's David & Sistine Chapel frescoes, Botticelli's Birth of Venus & Primavera & da Vinci's The Last Supper. In fact, Italy has more UNESCO World Heritage cultural sites than any other country on Earth. Should you walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans in Pompeii, revel in Ravenna's glittering Byzantine treasures or get breathless over Giotto's revolutionary frescoes in Padua?

In few places do art & life intermingle so effortlessly. This may be the land of Dante, Titian & Verdi, but it is also the home of Prada, Massimo Bottura & Renzo Piano. Beauty, style & flair furnish every aspect of daily life, from those immaculately knotted ties & seamless espressos to the flirtatious smiles of striking strangers.

One day you are tearing down Courmayeur's powdery slopes, the next you could be galloping across the marshes of the Maremma, or diving in coral-studded Campanian waters. After a day of exploring or sightseeing, finding a local trattoria for a taste of Italy each evening is always a highlight. The Italians are, after all the masters of pizza & pasta and a traditional gelatto during the day always refreshes things nicely too. And, why not also enjoy a visit to a vineyard, olive grove or cheese producer & sample their fares. Not bad for a country not much bigger than Arizona.

Ah…Rome - there is simply no place like it.

Monumental History| Artistic Treasures| Roman Feasting| Living Life

A trip to Rome is as much about lapping up the dolce vita lifestyle as gorging on art & culture. It is about relaxing into the city's Mediterranean rhythms & idling around the picturesque streets. Whiling away hours at street side cafes & people-watching on pretty Piazzas are an integral part of the Roman experience. The tempo rises as the heat of the day fades into the evening cool & the fashionably dressed aperitivo (aperitif) crowd descends on the city's bars & cafes. Restaurants & trattorias hum with activity & cheerful hordes mill around popular haunts before heading off to cocktail bars & late-night clubs.

Few cities can rival Rome's astonishing artistic heritage. Throughout history, the city has starred in the great upheavals of Western art, drawing top artists & inspiring them to push the boundaries of creative achievement. The result is a city awash with priceless treasures. Ancient statues adorn world-class Museums; Byzantine mosaics & Renaissance frescoes dazzle in art-rich Churches; baroque facades flank medieval Piazzas. Stroll through the centre & without even trying you will come across masterpieces by the titans of European art – sculptures by Michelangelo, paintings by Caravaggio, frescoes by Raphael & fountains by Bernini.

The result of 3000 years of ad hoc urban development, Rome's cityscape is an exhilarating spectacle. Ancient icons such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Pantheon recall Rome's time as the fearsome hub of the Roman Empire, the caput mundi (capital of the world), while catacombs & clandestine Churches hark back to the early days of Christianity. Lording it over the Vatican, St Peter's Basilica is the greatest of the city's monumental Basilicas, a towering masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Elsewhere, ornate Piazzas & elaborate Churches add a baroque flourish to the city's historic streets.

Eating out is one of Rome's great pleasures & the combination of romantic alfresco settings & superlative food is a guarantee of good times. For contemporary fine dining & 5* wine, there are any number of refined restaurants, but for a truly Roman meal head to a boisterous Pizzeria or convivial neighbourhood Trattoria. That is where the locals go to indulge their passion for thin, crispy pizzas, humble pasta dishes & cool white wines from the nearby Castelli Romani hills. To finish off, what can beat a gelato followed by a shot of world-beating coffee?

The Eternal City is one of the world's most beautiful & inspiring capitals. The well-preserved remains of the capital of the Roman Empire stand alongside modern Rome creating a city like no other with wonderful opportunities for exploration. From the Coliseum & Forum to St. Peter's Basilica & the Vatican Museum, the city's fine art & architecture are arguably second to none. Famous fountains & Squares sit amidst cosmopolitan shops & amenities.

Overnight.  

Morning, proceed (on your own) to Metro station entrance in Piazza di Spagna to meet the Tour-guide & embark on a - 3 hour - “walking” tour of Rome.

Ask any local about the best way to spend a day in Rome & they are likely to recommend “il dolce far niente”, the sweetness of doing nothing. The best way to experience Rome is to spend a day wandering its streets, enjoying hidden gems & lively Piazzas in the historical core of the city - sites like the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon & Piazza Navona. Let the Eternal City enchant you as you stroll through its picturesque cobblestone alleyways & discover some of the world’s most famous sites, all in a single afternoon!

Our guided Tour does just that, visiting all the most important sights of central Rome & a few of its unsung heroes. Let the city enchant you as you stroll through its picturesque cobblestone alleyways & discover some of the world’s most famous sites, all in a single morning!

We start at the “door to Rome”, Piazza del Popolo, with its twin churches & ancient Egyptian Obelisk. Once upon a time these were placed as markers for new arrivals to indicate a passage between the most important Churches in the city.

Then, it is on to the Spanish Steps, one of the most atmospheric spots in Rome. From there we trace a path through the cobbled streets of the city to the colossal Trevi Fountain, part water feature, part magnificent sculpture. Listen as the Guide explains the strange history behind this famous monument, including the reason why there’s one spot from which the entire structure is obscured.

You are now in the very heart of Rome now, where narrow streets snake out in every direction. Next stop will be the Pantheon with its famous occulus, a hole in the roof through which the sun shines & rain falls. Here you’ll see Raphael’s Tomb & learn about the real cause of the famous artist’s death.

Stop for a coffee, beer or wine break (your call, your payment) before paying homage to another incredible artist - Rome’s favorite sculptor, Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Perhaps the most beautiful Piazza in the city - Piazza Navona is home to spectacular Renaissance buildings & Bernini’s beautiful Fountain of Four Rivers, the sculpture that saved his reputation after he almost tore St. Peter’s Basilica in half.

The Tour ends in Campo dei Fiori, a favorite hangout among locals. The Square plays host to a Flower Market during the day, becoming one of the city’s hottest social spots after nightfall. Like so many of the sites you will visit on your tour, this Piazza has a history you never would have guessed. Lucky you have your Tour-guide on hand to educate & amuse you! Traveling in groups of 25 people or less, your stroll through the streets & Piazzas of Rome will be hassle-free & unhurried.

Return to the hotel (on your own).

Balance of the day is at leisure for independent exploration (we would be happy to offer suggestions or perhaps you might want to try one of the many Optional tours available here).

Overnight.  B 

Full day is at leisure for independent exploration (we would be happy to offer suggestions or perhaps you might want to try one of the many Optional tours available here).

Rome’s ancient roots uncoil throughout the city, flaunting icons like the Colosseum & Pantheon and priceless masterpieces by Bernini & Michelangelo.

With a lively artisan culture, breathtaking basilicas & a food scene that needs no introduction, there is a reason why la citta eterna has charmed travelers for centuries. You may want to visit the places which you saw only from the outside or explore where you did not go.

Check out the Vatican Museum Complex founded by Pope Julius II in the early 16^th century & enlarged by successive Pontiffs.

These Museums boast one of the world's greatest art collections, displayed along about 4 miles of halls & corridors, ranging from Egyptian mummies & Etruscan bronzes to ancient busts, old Masters & modern paintings. Highlights include the spectacular collection of classical statuary in the Museo Pio-Clementino, a suite of rooms frescoed by Raphael & the Michelangelo painted Sistine Chapel.

The Museums are housed in the lavishly decorated Halls & Galleries of the Palazzo Apostolico Vaticano (the original Vatican Palace nearer to St Peter’s) & the 15^th century Palazzetto di Belvedere - joined by 2 long galleries, on a vast 13.6-acre complex. On the inside are 3 courtyards: the Cortile della Pigna, the Cortile della Biblioteca & to the south, the Cortile del Belvedere.

Museo Chiaramonti & Braccio Nuovo is effectively the long corridor that runs down the east side of the Belvedere Palace, its walls lined with thousands of statues & busts representing everything from immortal gods to playful cherubs & ugly Roman patricians. Near the end of the hall, off to the right, is the Braccio Nuovo (New Wing), which contains a famous statue of the Nile as a reclining god covered by 16 babies.

Museo Gregoriano Egizio (Egyptian Museum) was founded by Pope Gregory XVI in 1839 & contains pieces taken from Egypt in Roman times. Fascinating exhibits include a fragmented statue of Ramses II on his throne, vividly painted sarcophagi dating from around 1000 BCE & a macabre mummy.

At the top of the 18^th century Simonetti staircase, the Museo Gregoriano Etrusco contains artifacts unearthed in the Etruscan Tombs of northern Lazio, as well as a superb collection of vases & Roman antiquities. Of particular interest is the Marte di Todi (Mars of Todi), a black bronze of a warrior dating from the late 5^th century BCE.

Rome’s tenacity is best illustrated in its ancient monuments, remarkably intact nearly 2000 years on.

Not to be missed is the iconic Colosseum, the mainstay of Italian tourism images & so many movies. Debuting in 80 AD, the behemoth 50,000 seat amphitheater famously hosted frenzied spectators who would watch Gladiators facing off against each other or wild animals. No photograph can prepare you for the thrill of seeing it for the first time. More than any other monument, this iconic masterpiece symbolizes the power & drama of ancient Rome & still today it is an electrifying sight.

Right next to it is the Roman Forum, a bustling stretch of Markets & Temples in its heyday, encompassing must-see sights like the Arco di Settimio Severo & Tempio di Saturno. To walk through the tumbledown ruins in what was once the heart of the Roman Empire, is to retrace the footsteps of the great figures of Roman history - people like Julius Caesar, Augustus & Pompey.

Rome's 7 hills offer some superb vantage points for memorable photos. Palatino (Palatine Hill) where Romulus allegedly founded the city in 753 BCE, is one of the best. It is a gorgeous green expanse of evocative ruins, towering pine trees & stunning views that rise above the Roman Forum.

Overnight.  B

Morning, transfer (on your own) to Station Roma Termini to board your highspeed train to Florence.

On arrival at Florence Station Santa Maria Novella, you will be welcomed by a Journeys Rep / Driver (holding a placard with your Name), waiting right outside your carriage door, who will ensure your comfort, transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in & provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next day.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Station & make your own way to the hotel.

Reach the hotel & Check-in & relax.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Art & Architecture | Culinary Delights | Stylish Shopping | La Dolce Vita

More than any other Italian city, Florence is associated with the creative spirits who established the Renaissance. The most important poet of the late Middle Ages, Dante Alighieri, was a Florentine. Thriller author Dan Brown recently brought him into the 21^st century in his novel "Inferno".

Few cities so compact in size are so packed with extraordinary art & architecture masterpieces at every turn. The urban fabric of this small city, on the banks of the Arno river in northeastern Tuscany, has hardly changed since the Renaissance & its narrow cobbled streets are a cinematic feast of elegant 15^th – 16^th century Palazzi (palaces), medieval candle-lit Chapels, fresco-decorated Churches, marble Basilicas & world-class Art Museums brimming with paintings & sculptures by Botticcelli, Michelangelo et al. Unsurprisingly, the entire city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the 14^th century, under the ruling Medici family, the quintessential Renaissance man, Leonardo da Vinci, the architect Filippo Brunelleschi & the sculptor & painter Michelangelo, all living in Firenze, rose to be the most important artists of their time. They made the city into the cradle of Renaissance & in doing so, a center of the arts in Europe, to this day.

Italy's fashion industry was born & bred here in 1951 before Milan took over the role of leader in the 1970s. To this day, expensive made-to-measure fashion is firmly established here. Homegrown designers Guccio Gucci, Roberto Cavalli & Salvatore Ferragamo opened haute-couture boutiques in Florence in the 1920s & shopping in the Tuscan capital has been stylish ever since. A-lister fashion houses among them Bulgari, Prada & Armani, can be found around the shopping street Via de' Tornabuoni & a Pandora's box of specialist boutiques selling all manner of beautiful objects parade alongside family-run botteghe (workshops) in a glorious tangle of medieval backstreets. From here to the Via Roma & Via Calimala, there is a wealth of luxury brands. Watch 4^th generation Florentine Goldsmiths & Shoemakers at work, buy artisan scents evocative of the Florentine countryside & Tuscan sea breeze & know the tag 'Fiorentina' is one of the finest international labels going.

Quality produce sourced locally, seasonally & sustainably is the holy trinity & Florentines share an enormous pride in their culinary tradition. Their city, surrounded by wine-rich hills, is a gourmet paradise where eating & drinking exceedingly well is mandatory. Be it a traditional bowl of earthy ribollita (bean, bread & veg soup), a tripe panino at a family-run food truck or a blue T-bone steak served in a market Trattoria unchanged since 1915, dining in Florence is timeless & memorable. Raw cuisine, fish bistros, craft cocktails & the dazzling creativity of modern young Tuscan chefs add contemporary edge.

Stand on a bridge over the Arno river several times in a day & the light, mood & view changes every time. At sunset hike to Piazzale Michelangelo to be dazzled by a palette embracing every known shade of soft pink, orange & fiery amber. Surprisingly, small as it is, this riverside city looms large on the world's 'must-see' list & not just for its unmatched treasure chest of art. Rich in culture, backdropped by history & anchored by family, faith & food, the Florentine lifestyle is enviably sweet. Enjoy a go-slow afternoon passeggiata, indulge in an aperitivo at dusk, savour la dolce vita…

Handicrafts also have great significance in Florence. In the 12^th century, the city's wealth was based on working in wool & silk. Now hand-made shoes, leather goods & jewelry are sought-after Florentine specialties.

Cradle of the Renaissance & world-class art, magnetic Firenze is romantic & busy. Its urban fabric has hardly changed since the Renaissance, its narrow streets evoke a thousand tales.

Afternoon, proceed (on your own) to Piazza Stazione to meet the Tour-guide & start a short - 2 hour - orientation “walking” tour of the City Centre.

Florence is made for walking, The city is noted for its culture, Renaissance art, architecture & monuments and numerous acclaimed Museums & Art Galleries, such as the Uffizi Gallery & the Palazzo Pitti, which still exerts an influence in the fields of art, culture & politics.

It is impossible not to be completely & utterly seduced by the sheer size & grandeur of Brunelleschi's red Cathedral dome on Piazza del Duomo or by the sensual beauty of a stash of lesser-known Michelangelo sculptures that no one really talks about.

Florence's Museums, Palaces & Churches house some of the greatest artistic treasures in the world. The most popular & important sites include the Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Uffizi, the Bargello & Accademia. The Churches of Santa Maria Novella & Santa Croce are veritable art galleries & the Library of San Lorenzo is a magnificent exhibition of Michelangelo's architectural genius.

You will pass by the Franciscan Church of Santa Croce. A short walk through the historic streets of the heart of Florence brings you to the famous Piazza Signoria, where you can admire the imposing Palazzo Vecchio (exterior), the beautiful Loggia del Lanzi, Giotto Bell Tower & Duomo.

Palazzo Vecchio - a fortress palace, with its crenellations & 94 metre high Torre d'Arnolfo (Tower) with unforgettable views, was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio between 1298 & 1314 for the Signoria (city government). Today, it is home to the Mayor's office & the Municipal Council. Inside, Michelangelo's Genio della Vittoria (Spirit of Victory) sculpture graces the Salone dei Cinquecento, a magnificent painted hall created for the city's 15^th century ruling Consiglio dei Cinquecento (Council of 500). During their short time in office the 9 Priori (consuls) - guild members picked at random - of the Signoria lived in the Palace. Every 2 months 9 new names were pulled out of the hat, ensuring ample comings & goings.

In 1540, Cosimo I made the Palace his ducal residence & centre of government, commissioning Giorgio Vasari to renovate & decorate the interior. What impresses is the 53 metre long, 22 metre wide Salone dei Cinquecento with swirling battle scenes, painted by Vasari & his apprentices. These glorify Florentine victories by Cosimo I over arch-rivals Pisa & Siena: unlike the Sienese, the Pisans are depicted bare of armour (play 'Spot the Leaning Tower').

To top off this unabashed celebration of his own power, Cosimo had himself portrayed as a god in the centre of the exquisite panelled ceiling - but not before commissioning Vasari to raise the original ceiling 7 metre in height. It took Vasari & his school, in consultation with Michelangelo, just 2 years (1563 - 65) to construct the ceiling & paint the 34 mesmerising gold-leafed panels.

Wander some of the oldest streets in the city until you reach the Arno River, cross the Ponte Vecchio & experience the "newest" area of the city, the Oltrarno.

The sightseeing concludes & balance of the day is at leisure for independent exploration (we would be happy to offer suggestions or perhaps you might want to try one of the many Optional tours available here).

Be sure to set aside time to see the vast & varied art collection housed in the Palazzo Pitti, the former official residence of the Dukes of Tuscany.  

Italy's only state Fashion Museum is located in a wing of the Palazzo. The "Galleria del Costume" shows such treasures as an evening gown inspired by the lavish garments in the Renaissance painting "La Primavera" (Spring) by Sandro Botticelli. With this design, Florentine seamstress Rosa Genoni not only stole the show from the leading Parisian couturiers at the World Exposition of 1906; she also used her celebrity to campaign for better conditions for seamstresses in Florence.

Forays into quarters such as Santo Spirito, Santa Croce & San Frediano are well worth it as well. Hip fashion boutiques spring up next to trendy Pubs; tucked between them is a re-invigorated Silk Mill from the 18^th century - the Antico Setificio Fiorentino - which weaves & sells fabrics in historical patterns, made on pre-industrial looms. You can also find Studios of wood gilders & copperplate engravers in these districts.

If you want to take home a special souvenir made of wood, go back over the Ponte Vecchio bridge into the old town & buy a Pinocchio head from Bartolucci. The traditional artisans' & jewelers' area has always been around in the old town. In the 14^th century, butchers & tanners who threw their waste into the river were residents here. That changed with a decree by the Medici in 1565, which settled goldsmiths in the shops on the bridge, making hand-made costume jewelry.

The long-established Florentine cafes include not only the Caffe Scudieri on the Cathedral Square but also the Caffe Gilli. Since 1733, Florentines have been sipping cappuccino for breakfast, with the popular dolci, sweet pastries. One kind of dolce has made it from Florence to the whole world: the biscuits with almonds called cantuccini, also called "biscotti di Prato" for the town of Prato, where a confectioner, Antonio Mattei, is said to have baked them for the first time. 

When you grow weary of Museums & monuments, head outdoors. Spend a day at the Boboli Gardens or climb the hill to the Church of San Miniato al Monte to experience an enchanting view of Florence.

Return to the hotel (on your own) whenever you have had enough of Firenze.

Overnight.  B 

Morning, transfer (on your own) to the Station Santa Maria Novella, to board your Train for Venice.

On arrival at Venice Santa Lucia Station, you will be welcomed by a Journeys Rep / Driver, (holding a placard with your Name), waiting right outside your carriage door, who will ensure your comfort, transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in & provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next day.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Station & make your own way to the hotel.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Balance of the morning / afternoon is at leisure to relax or independent exploration or optional activities (we shall be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements). 

Epic Grandeur | Venetian Feasts | Artful Lifestyle | Defying Conventions

Imagine the audacity of building a city of marble Palaces on a lagoon - & that was only the start.

The entire city of romantic Venice, capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region dating back to the Middle-ages, made up of over 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea, famous for its canals & bridges & of course its Gondolas & Gondoliers, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It has no roads, just canals. Never was a thoroughfare so aptly named as the Grand Canal, reflecting the glories of centuries of Venetian architecture in the Renaissance & Gothic 50 Palazzi & 6 Churches lining its banks.

The city built on water was never afraid to attempt the impossible. When plague struck, Venice consulted its brain trust of Mediterranean doctors, who recommended a precaution that has saved untold lives since: quarantine. Under attack by Genovese rivals, Venice’s Arsenale shipyards innovated the assembly line, producing a new warship every day to defeat Genoa. After Genoa backed Christopher Columbus' venture to the New World, Venice's shipping fortunes began to fade - but the iconic city was not about to relinquish the world stage, going on to become the launching pad for baroque music & modern opera.

At the end of Venice’s signature S-shaped waterway, the central Square, Piazza San Marco, contains St. Mark’s Basilica tiled with Byzantine mosaics, Palazzo Ducale & Basilica di San Marco & the Campanile Bell-tower offering views of the city’s red roofs. But, wait until you see what is hiding in the narrow backstreets: neighbourhood Churches lined with Veroneses & priceless Marbles, convents graced with ethereal Bellinis, Tiepolo’s glimpses of heaven on homeless-shelter ceilings & a single Titian painting that mysteriously lights up an entire Basilica.

Venetians are used to setting trends, whether it be with controversial artwork in the Punta della Dogana, racy Operas at La Fenice or radical new tech start-ups challenging Silicon Valley giants.  

On a smaller scale, this unconventional creative streak finds vibrant expression in the showrooms of local artisans where you can find custom-made red-carpet shoes, purses fashioned from silk-screened velvet & glass jewels brighter than semi-precious stones. Eyeglasses, platform shoes & uncorseted dresses are outlandish Venetian fashions that continental critics sniffed would never be worn by respectable Europeans. In a world of cookie-cutter culture, Venice’s originality still stands out.

When prolific Ghetto publishing houses circulated Renaissance ideas, Rome banned Venice from publishing books. The city was excommunicated for ignoring such bans - but when savvy street smart Venice withheld tithes, Rome recanted. Venice’s artistic triumphs over censorship now grace the magnificent Gallerie dell’Accademia.

Garden islands & lagoon aqua-culture yield speciality produce & seafood you won’t find elsewhere - all highlighted in inventive Venetian cuisine, with tantalising traces of ancient spice routes. The city knows how to put on a royal spread, as France’s King Henry III once found out when faced with 1200 dishes & 200 bonbons. Today, such feasts are available in miniature at happy hour, when bars mount lavish spreads of cicheti (Venetian tapas). Save room & time for a proper sit-down Venetian meal, with lagoon seafood to match views at canal side bistros & toasts with Veneto’s signature bubbly, prosecco.

Pity the day trippers dropped off at San Marco with a mere 3 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. Staying longer in this fairy-tale city, you will discover the pleasures of la bea vita (the beautiful life) that only locals know: the wake-up call of the gondoliers' ‘Ooooeeeee!’, a morning spritz in a sunny Campo (Square), lunch in a crowded Bacaro (bar) with friends & fuschia-pink sunsets that have sent centuries of artists mad.

Venice is unique environmentally, architecturally & historically and in its days as a republic, the city was styled la serenissima (“the most serene” or “sublime”). It remains a major Italian port in the northern Adriatic Sea & is one of the world's oldest tourist & cultural centres.

Overnight.  B 

Morning, proceed (on your own) to Tourist Information Office, San Marco where you will meet the Tour-guide & embark short - 2 hour - orientation “walking” tour passing through the most characteristic & important places for the history of Venice recalling the former charm of this unique city.

You will walk past Piazza San Marco, Bell Tower, Clock Tower, Procuratie Santa Maria Formosa, Giovanni e Paolo - The "Pantheon" of Venice, the Great School of Charity, the Captains of fortune.

Stop at Palazzo Ducale - representing for centuries the seat of the Venetian political power. Holding pride of place on the waterfront, this pretty Gothic confection may be an unlikely setting for the political & administrative seat of a great 1000 year old Republic, but it is an exquisitely Venetian one.

Beyond its dainty colonnades & geometrically patterned facade of white Istrian stone & pale pink Veronese marble, lie grand rooms of state, plastered & immersed in hundreds of masterpieces of painting, the Doge's private apartments & a large complex of Council Chambers, Courts & Prisons. The Doge's Apartments are now used for temporary art exhibitions,

The Doge's official residence probably moved to this site in the 10^th century, although the current complex only started to take shape around 1340. In 1424 the wing facing the Piazzetta was added & the Palace assumed its final form, give or take a few major fires & refurbishments.

Walking through the grand central courtyard, a display of historic masonry (Museo dell'Opera) on the ground floor, a circuit of the main part of the Palace leads visitors through the state rooms, armoury, prisons & institutional rooms.

The most impressive parts of the Palace are at the top. Ascend Sansovino’s 24-carat gilt stucco-work Scala d’Oro (Golden Staircase) & emerge into rooms covered with gorgeous propaganda. In the Palladio-designed Sala delle Quattro Porte (Hall of the Four Doors), Ambassadors awaited ducal audiences under a lavish display of Venice's virtues. Few were granted an audience in the Palladio-designed Collegio (Council Room), where Veronese’s 1575 - 78 Virtues of the Republic ceiling shows Venice as a bewitching blonde figure waving her sceptre like a wand over Justice & Peace.

The cavernous 1419 Sala del Maggior Consiglio (Grand Council Hall) provides the setting for Domenico Tintoretto's swirling Paradise, a work that is more politically correct than pretty: heaven is crammed with 500 prominent Venetians, including several Tintoretto patrons. Veronese’s political posturing is more elegant in his oval Apotheosis of Venice ceiling, where gods marvel at Venice’s coronation by angels, with foreign dignitaries & blonde Venetians rubbernecking on the balcony below.

Continue on to Basilica San Marco, one of the most majestic Cathedrals of the world! Enjoy this masterpiece of byzantine art, unique of its kind in Italy savour the beautiful gold mosaics & marble inlays of the floors, sitting comfortably while the Tour-guide will show you the represented biblical scenes, the history & the particularities of this ancient Basilica. Admire The Pala d'oro, an, exquisite example of the byzantine art with its thousands of gems & precious stones; enjoy the view of the Treasury, a splendour of the religious art collected along the centuries.

Return to San Marco through the Mercerie, the main street for the city shopping, between Rialto Bridge & San Marco, where the Tour ends.

You may want to explore & discover independently & see as much of Venice as you can.

Though expensive but the most romantic thing to do in Venice, an experience not to be missed, is a Gondola cruise on the Canal. Perhaps the most recognisable symbol of Venice & may be, Italy. If you want to splurge, you can also have the Gondolier singing romantic & melancholy songs.

A gondola is a traditional narrow & long Venetian rowing boat, steered by a gondolier with the help of one long oar. Although these boats were the main (only) means of transport in Venice centuries ago, today, it carries tourists from one point of the city to the other. During the 17^th century, the Canals were packed. Nowadays, there are less than 100 Gondolas plying the waters.

Climb aboard & explore the Grand Canal, home to some of the most picturesque buildings in the city. Sail by the Church of Santa María della Salute, & other iconic masterpieces that you admired o your walking tour. The 30 minutes cruise meanders around the smaller canals in the area which surround the Teatro de La Fenice (different Boat operators may have different sailing routes). The tour ends back at the starting point.

Walk back to the hotel (on your own).

Overnight.  B 

Alas, like all good things, the wonderful experience comes to an end. Time to say to say arrivederci to this enchanting country & go home.

Check-out of the hotel by 11:00 am (if the departure time is later in the evening, we will request the hotel to allow the use of the hotel facilities & leave the luggage at the Bell Desk if you want to go out). 

Bell'Italia! Repubblica Italiana, with a long Mediterranean coastline, has left a powerful mark on Western culture & cuisine. Cradle of European civilization - established by the Roman Empire, carried on by the Roman Catholic Church, Italian art, architecture & culture have had an influence around the world. Exploring Italy, you will stand face-to-face with some of the world's most iconic images from its 2,000 year history.

And we are sure you will come back to discover some more & we will be waiting to handle your arrangements.

 “Travel is like knowledge. The more you see the more you know you have not seen” - Mark Hertsgaard

In Venice, getting to the Airport is slightly unconventional. No roads.

In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep, who will ensure your comfort & accompany as you walk down to the Pier nearest to your hotel, wheeling your luggage & hop aboard a waiting water taxi at your scheduled time. Sit back & enjoy the ‘shared’ ride as you cruise by spectacular Venetian scenery on your way to Venice Marco Polo Airport the airport for your onward journey. Buon Viaggio! B

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