COMO LAKE, GARDA LAKE AND DOLOMITI ALPS
The exclusive adventure that will take you to the very heart of Alps in Italy
where postcard-perfect landscapes and authentic life experiences await. The "Italy Lakes and Dolomiti Alps Adventure" tour by Taste and Slow Italy is a 14-day, 13-night journey designed to reveal the wonders of an Italy that blends the romantic allure of its lakes, the vibrant energy of its mountains, and the timeless charm of its historic cities.
From the sparkling waters of Lake Como – where history and literature intertwine in the evocative views of Varenna and Bellagio – to the rejuvenating atmosphere of Lake Garda, each stop is crafted to deliver unique emotions. Continue on to the majestic Dolomites, where hiking and biking trails allow you to breathe in the pure air of pristine nature and admire panoramic views that seem lifted from a painting.
This itinerary also invites you to experience the authentic spirit of Bolzano and Livigno, cities that artfully combine tradition and modernity, before being enchanted by the timeless allure of Venice. In this city of art, every canal, bridge, and alley tells a story, offering you a multisensory experience that goes far beyond a simple trip.
With private transfers, expert guides, and premium accommodations, this tour is designed to ensure maximum comfort and meticulous attention to every detail. It is not just a tour, but a life experience that unites culture, nature, and adventure—tailored for the discerning traveler who wishes to immerse themselves in la dolce vita with style and elegance.
Choose to live an experience that goes beyond the ordinary: be captivated by Italy’s authentic beauty and transform every moment into an unforgettable memory. With Taste and Slow Italy, every detail is passionately curated to offer you a dream journey where tradition meets luxury and adventure.
THE TOUR INCLUDES
- Accommodation Selected Above or Same Level.
- Private guided tours, experiences, hiking as per description.
- Entrance tickets.
- Experiences, tastings, as per itinerary.
- Private transfers by car and taxi where indicated.
- Transfer From and To Airports.
- Train transfers.
THE TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Everything not mentioned in “the tour includes.”
- Flight tickets /Rental car
- Tourist accommodation taxes
- Medical-luggage and cancelation insurance
- Optional tours/experiences
- Meals / Gratuities
COMO LAKE |2 NIGHTS
DAY 1 – VARENNA
WELCOME TO ITALY!
Arrival at Milano Airport. Train transfer from airport station to towards Varenna – Como Lake. 2 hours 20 min. travel
Optional Private comfortable car Transfer
COMO LAKE: afternoon Varenna and lake boat tour!
Take a taxi to pay on the spot from Varenna train station towards your accommodation in Varenna. You will explore one of the most spectacular of the lakes, Como Lake. Alessandro Manzoni set here his great novel “I Promessi Sposi”.
Check in at your accommodation front the Como lake shores Hotel Olivedo a lovely double room superior lake view
In alternative: Hotel Royal Victoria Varenna twin beds room, in bed and breakfast treatment
Afternoon central Lake Como boat Tour (from Varenna harbor) & Visit to Villa Balbianello in a small group! (14.30pm-17.00pm)
Itinerary: Varenna, Cadenabbia, Tremezzo, Lenno, private guide at Villa del Balbianello, San Giovanni, Bellagio, Fiumelatte and Varenna.
You will admire the most remarkable villas and towns in the central Lake Como area such as Villa Carlotta and Villa Melzi. As part of the tour, you will arrive at Villa Balbianello’s private dock by boat and stop for a visit with a guided tour. This villa is one of the most beautiful and romantic attractions on Lake Como. A number of feature films have used the villa for location shooting, including “A Month by the Lake”, starring Vanessa Redgrave and Uma Thurman (1995), “Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones” (2002), and “Casino Royale” (2006).
Evening at leisure in Varenna.
Bellagio and Varenna are the the pearls of Lago di Como. These village are compact, beautiful, and flawless. They fascinated many artists, poets and writers such as Plinio il Giovane, Longfellow, Twain, Shelley, Stendhal, Flaubert.
My suggestion is to visit in Bellagio Villa Melzi gardens. The villa was designed in 1808 on a promontory. It fronts Lake Como and is surrounded by a gardenesque planting, including Japanese maples, American redwoods, rhododendrons and azaleas. The owner was a friend of Napoleon and the garden has a statue of the goddess Pacht from his Egyptian campaign.
Lunch at leisure, dinner at leisure. My suggestion: Vecchia Varenna, Osteria Quattro Pass, Trattoria San Giacomo
DAY 2 – COMO LAKE
COMO LAKE: BIKING AND HIKING WITH YOUR HIKING AND BIKING GUIDE!
Breakfast and meeting at your accommodation with your biking & hiking guide. Your expert guide will be with you for 6 hours to make you discover Como Lake by bike (in the morning) and with a nice hiking (in the afternoon, or viceversa).
Your guide will take you to the bike rental (rental included) and you will depart for a nice 2 hours biking trail of Como Lake!
You will decide with him/her on the spot the trail that is more suitable for you (bike rental to be payed on the spot).
Afternoon with your hiking guide devoted to the exploration on the Lake through its hiking paths (you will decide with your hiking guide the path that will be more suitable for you!)
Varenna highlight: Sentiero del Viandante (3 h, 4.34 miles)
Beautiful path that stays in the east side of Lake Como. Actually the total length of the path is 45 km (about 28 miles). It was the old passage used by locals to move from one village to another. During this hike you will follow the most representative section of the total trail. You will walk in the wood, and you will have nice views both of the northern part of the lake and of its southern part.
Bellagio Peak: Monte San Primo (4/5 h, 5.28 miles)
Monte San Primo is the main mountain in Bellagio area. During the path as well as at the top of the mountain, you can see pretty much all the ranges of mountains that surround Lake Como. With a very clear view it is possible to see the Alps . This hike has no technical difficulties, with a very clear path even if sometimes could be steep. The feeling of being in the middle of the nature is a real recharge of energy
You can easily reach Menaggio (with hiking).
Menaggio is a larger village (if compared to Varenna and Bellagio): there are more people around here but the views of Lake Como are just as amazing! I love the way that Menaggio has a busier feel but the buildings remain untainted by modern life. Just as it is like in Bellagio, the buildings are kept relatively consistent and look almost exactly as they did 100 years ago. In the old city centre you can visit the church of S. Stefano, the church of S. Marta, the church S. Carlo, the Sanctuary della Madonna della Pace.
Menaggio offers several trekking routes, like the one that starts from Loveno and goes through Sanagra Valley.
Hiking proposals:
Uphill hike from Menaggio to Sant’Amate church (4/5 h, 3.42 miles)
Sant’Amate ‘s church is a little mountain chapel at an altitude of 1.623 m (5,324 ft) above the sea level. It is located on a mountain ridge which leads to the locally famous mountain “Monte Bregagno”. From here, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the lake and the surrounding hills. From the start the hike takes places in a typical mountain environment. After a while trees disappear and leave room for grassy pasture. From up here you have a clear, photographic view of Lake Como and the whole area all around. You really get the impression of walking in the sky!
Monte Bregagno - Menaggio (6 h, 7.45 miles)
Monte Bregagno and its wonderful views. A long but technically easy uphill hike that will lead you to one of best-known peaks among Lombardy hikers. A 360° view that will allow you to admire most of Lake Como with Bellagio, the town known as the “pearl” of the lake.
Lunch at leisure, dinner at leisure. Suggested: Il Cavatappi, Ristorante Mella, Salice Blu
GARDA LAKE |3 NIGHTS
DAY 3 – GARDA LAKE
GARDA LAKE JEWELS!
Breakfast and check out from your Hotel in Como Lake (Varenna).
Direct local train transfer (2nd class) from Varenna to Milano Centrale (around 09.30 am).
Direct high speed train transfer from Milano Centrale to Desenzano del Garda (around 11.45), 1st class, the mythic Frecciarossa bullet train, travel speed over 196 miles/hour.
Meeting with your private driver at Desenzano train station and transfer towards Lazise, with panoramic view of the Lake (Desenzano, Sirmione, Peschiera and Lazise).
Check in at your boutique accommodation front the lake Classic Boutique hotel, one double room in bed and breakfast treatment
In alternative: Villa dei Cedri double room in bed and breakfast treatment.
Relax at your hotel.
Visit at leisure of Lazise from which you can easily reach Vigneti Villabella for a nice tasting at leisure of Bardolino Docg wine, Amarone DOCG and Valpolicella denomination.
I would suggest the wine denomination AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA
GRAPES AND METHOD VINIFICATION:
Produced mainly from Corvina, Rondinella and Corvinone grapes from vineyards situated in the Valpolicella Classico area. It gives a fundamental contribution to the local landscape and terroir. The grapes are pressed after the traditional drying in special rooms (fruttai). This wine matures in traditional large Slavonian oak casks.
The result is the typical fruity fragrances of cherries and wild berries preserve, together with elegant hints of sweet spices and dark chocolate. A wine of great structure, rich and rounded.
Lunch at leisure, dinner at leisure. My suggestion: Quanto basta
DAY 4 – DESENZANO
GARDA BY BOAT, HALF DAY GUIDED TOUR!
Today you will have a daily ticket to explore all the hamlets of Garda Lake and hike around them: (Desenzano, Peschiera, Toscolano Maderno, Torri del Benaco, Bardolino). Meeting with your expert local Guide who will stay with you for 3 hours (in which you can even decide to make some trekking paths on Garda Lake!)
Garda lake is the place where Poets and politicians, divas and dictators have been drawn, with wind-ruffled waters in the north and vineyard-hopping in the south. The lake is famous for its cultural diversity: in Riva del Garda and Torbole restaurants serve air-dried ham and Austrian-style carne salada (salted beef), while in the south; Italian families bed down in the beautiful spa towns of Sirmione and Bardolino.
Suggested hiking trail: from Bardolino to Garda!
The trail starts from via Lungolago Cipriani, it goes on Via Lungolago Rom and continues by Via Riva Cornicello, Via Lungolago Preite, Rivalunga Walk, Via Lungo Lago Europa, along Lago Regina Adelaide, Via Guglielmo Marconi. Total km 10.5. Total time 2 hours. Easy level.
Lunch at leisure, dinner at leisure. My suggestion: Trattoria Clementina
DAY 5 – Monday 28th July
LAKE GARDA
FULL DAY GUIDE AROUND LAKE GARDA, BIKING AND HIKING: SIRMIONE; MALCESINE AND MONTE BALDO!
Breakfast at your Hotel.
Meeting with your private hiking guide. Your guide will stay with you for the full day, and you will decide with her/him whether to take a bike tour of the lake, or follow the trekking trails that the wonderful lake has to offer!
My suggestions are:
Sirmione (Sirmione magic atmospheres were already described in Catullus´ poems in first century before Christ. Catullus was born here, and probably lived in the beautiful villa on the extreme tip of Sirmione peninsula. In Sirmione you will admire the Castle built by the Scala family built over water, with its walls enclosing a small protected harbour. Moreover you´ll have the chance to see the palace where Maria Callas, world most famous soprano, lived with Aristotle Onassis).
Visit at leisure of Montecroce olive mill (few kilometres far from Sirmione) where Ramanzini family produces the rare Garda DOP extra virgin olive oil!
Then head towards Malcesine (ferry boat tickets to be payed on the spot).
The town is famous for the Scaliger Castle, overlooking the water. The other attraction of Malcesine is the Monte Baldo cable car, which starts right from the center. A 20 minute climb is enough to reach a height of 1760 meters! From the top station opens a natural balcony with breathtaking views of the lake. The Baldo, known as the "Garden of Europe" for the variety of flowering plants that grow there, offers numerous panoramic trails on the coast (where to go hiking) and is also an exceptional launching point for paragliding enthusiasts.
Lunch at leisure, dinner at leisure. My suggestion: Ristorante l´Incontro
DOLOMITES |3 NIGHTS
DAY 6 - BOLZANO
Breakfast and transfer to Bolzano.
Bus Garda Link train transfer from Lazise to Verona Porta Nuova; direct train transfer from Verona Porta Nuova to Bolzano 1st class.
Take a taxi to pay on the spot an transfer towards your accommodation in Bolzano,
Goldstern 4**** a lovely and typical central boutique hotel (limited rooms, I would suggest to reserve as soon as possible)
In alternative: Stadt Hotel Città 4**** one Double Room in B&B Treatment.
Time at leisure in Bolzano, a small city worldly and engaged, a long-time conduit between cultures. Its quality of life – one of the highest in Italy – is reflected in its openness, youthful energy and an all-pervading greenness. Bicycles ply riverside paths and wooden market stalls are laid out with Alpine cheese, speck (cured ham) and dark, seeded loaves. Bolzano is also a wine-growing town literally immersed in the vineyards: it is here that you can find the renowned wines of St. Magdalena and Lagrein.
I suggest to reach the surrounding plateaus by the three cable cars (St. Genesio, Kohlern and Renon). We suggest to visit to the Archaeological museum where "Ötzi" Iceman stands, with an enchanting, adventurous and ancient story to ear… almost a thriller thousands year old…
Lunch at leisure. Dinner at leisure. My suggestion Franziskanerstuben
DAY 7 – Bolzano
VENETO DOLOMITES TOUR WITH HIKING!
Breakfast at your accommodation and day devoted to the exploration of the Veneto Dolomites with time for hiking! Today you will have with you your great private driver, he is also an expert Alpine hiking guide (for the full day) to take you to the best trails of the Dolomites!
The spiked peaks and emerald-green valleys of the Venetian Dolomites are encompassed within the 315-sq-km Parco Nazionale delle Dolomiti Bellunesi, just north of the Piave river and the historic town of Belluno. Further north there is the fashionabe Cortina d´Ampezzo with excellent skiing and the Parco Naturale di Fanes-Sennes-Braies. In summer, there´s excellent hiking and climbing here!
The Dolomites tour brings us from the romantic Ega Valley to the legendary Carezza Lake, from Catinaccio to Sass Pordoi with its beautiful view over the Dolomites most famous mountain tops, from Cortina d’Ampezzo to Misurina Lake from where you can admire the Three Lavaredo Mountaintops.
The trip will give you time to hike and also include a short stop at the marvelous Braies Lake.
During the day you will stop (optional) in a typical "malga" to taste unique dishes from the mountains and characteristic wines from the Dolomites vineyards!!!
Lunch at leisure. Dinner at leisure. My suggestion: Wirtshaus Voegele
DAY 8 – Bressanone Castle
DOLOMITES OF SOUTH TYROL & CASTLES: BRESSANONE AND VIPINENO HIKING!
Breakfast at your accommodation and day devoted to the exploration of the Dolomites belonging to South Tyrol, with their astonishing castles, fortresses and mansions.
This area boasts over 300 castles!
Today you will have with you an expert Alpine hiking guide (for the full day) to take you to the best trails of the South Tyrol!
The jagged peaks of the Dolomites span the provinces of Trentino and Alto Adige, jutting into neighboring Veneto. People flock here in winter for highly hospitable resorts, sublime natural settings and extensive, well-coordinated ski networks. This is also a beautiful summer destination, offering excellent hiking, sublime views and lots of fresh, fragrant air.
Direct train transfer from Bolzano to Bressanone (around 10.34am-11.03am), tickets to be payed on the spot; these tickets cannot be purchased in advance
Time at leisure in Bressanone, a real combination between Medieval-Baroque atmosphere and modern lifestyle.
A fascinating alpine world surrounds the historical city center: time at leisure to explore the village, immersed in a wide valley basin that gives it a mild climate: imagine that vineyards and fruit orchards continuously flourish in the area!
Time for hiking in Bressanone!
I suggest you to stop in one of the local typical taverns called Buschenschank for a drink and a gourmet stop!
Afternoon direct train transfer from Bressanone to Vipiteno (around 14.35pm-15.02pm), tickets to be payed on the spot; these tickets cannot be purchased in advance.
Time at leisure in Vipiteno, one of the most beautiful small towns of Italy. It is the northernmost city of the country characterized by a Medieval atmosphere.
Walk along its lovely streets where colorful facades adorn the houses and suggested stop for a gourmet cheese tasting at Am Tor. Time for hiking in Vipiteno!
Direct train transfer from Vipiteno to Bolzano (5.57pm-6.59pm), tickets to be payed on the spot; these tickets cannot be purchased in advance.
Time to relax at your Hotel.
Lunch at leisure. Dinner suggested at Maso Ebnicherhof (not far from the city centre)
VALTELLINA |2 NIGHTS
DAY 9 – LIVIGNO
LIVIGNO EXPERIENCE!!
Morning check out from your accommodation in Bolzano.
Meeting with your driver (who is also a hiking guide) and private car transfer from Bolzano to Livigno (2 hours and 30 min). Your driver will pass through the wonderful Stelvio national park, where you will make a nice stop for a two hours hiking.
The Stelvio National Park is characterized by Alpine pastures, forests, and above all glaciers and rocky areas, offering world-class opportunities to hikers. Located among the highest peaks on the South Tyrolean side of the mountain range are extensive areas suitable for mountain hiking.
The Ortler-Cevedale Group includes some of the highest peaks and widest valleys in the Eastern Alps. The varied hiking opportunities on offer in the National Park range from family hikes along irrigation channels to more challenging hikes leading through coniferous forests up to Alpine pastures and huts.
You will head off towards the easternmost section of the Valtellina, an unspoilt area where alpine pastures take the place of vineyards; villages are few and far between.
Check in at your charming accommodation in Livigno,
Hotel Touring a comfortable central hotel, double room in bed and breakfast treatment.
Free time in Livigno, a beautiful Alpine village with the so called “baite”, houses made of stones and wood. Here you will enjoy shopping (of every kind of good) without VAT taxation.
Lunch at leisure, dinner at leisure. My suggestion for dinner is a typical restaurant featuring local Valtellinese food, la Pioda. Here you will have the chance to taste one of the most famous liquors of the area, Amaro Braulio in a wonderful sorbetto, produced with the herbs of Stelvio National Park.
DAY 10 – BERNINA TRAIN
BERNINA TRAIN, THE MOST SPECTACULAR WAY TO CROSS THE ALPS: ST. MORITZ!
Morning meeting with your private driver at your Hotel and private transfer towards Tirano (1 hour 20 min transfer).
Direct Bernina train experience from Tirano-St. Moritz (approx.10.07am-12.36), first class tickets
The so called “Albula and Bernina lines of the Rhaetian Railway” is the most spectacular way to cross the Alps! This mountain railway connects northern and southern Europe without the use of any toothed-wheel mechanism. A particular high-point of the ride is the panoramic view from the Bernina Express, as it passes mighty glaciers on its descent to a land of swaying palms. This train climbs across Europe’s highest railway Alpine pass, the 2253 metres-high Bernina.
You will experience a magnificent train itinerary from Tirano to St.Moritz, enjoying a wonderful panorama.
Once in St. Moritz you will have time at leisure to hike and tour the chic, elegant and exclusive village, where you will enjoy the dry, sparkling “champagne climate” given by the sun that shines for an average of 322 days a year.
Optional expert guide in St. Moritz, or hiking guide for 3 hours
Around 15.00pm: Private transfer back (by private chauffeured car) from St.Moritz towards Livigno (1 hour and 10 min transfer).
Lunch at leisure, dinner at leisure. My suggestion: Restaurant Lac Salin, Bait Dal Ghet
OR ALTERNATIVE DAY 10 ACTIVITY
BORMIO
BORMIO NATURAL SPA & HIKING WITH PRIVATE GUIDE!
Breakfast at your Hotel and full day in Valtellina´s most famous villages. Meeting with your private driver and car transfer from your Hotel in Livigno towards Bormio.
Meeting with your expert hiking guide in Bormio (with you for 4 hours), discovery of the city and hike!!!
Among trenches, glaciers, lakes and spectacular landscapes, these are some excursions not to be missed. Over 600 km of trails of varying difficulty – perfect for all tastes – from families to expert mountaineers.
An obligatory hike is to visit the alpine huts, the mountain restaurants, the alpine dairies and enjoy farms where you can taste the local dishes, such as pizzoccheri, sciatt, bresaola, cheeses, wild game and much more.
The walks starting from Bormio are:
From Bormio to Croce della Reit: a trail ideal for any season and suitable for all. At the end of the trail, you will reach a view point affording great sights of Bormio, Valfurva and Valle d’Uzza.
From Bormio to Chiesa Rotta: short but intense walk, being almost entirely uphill, and leading to the remains of Castello di San Pietro. After reaching your destination, a breathtaking view of the centre of Bormio awaits you.
From Bormio to the Madonnina del Soccorso: easy walk, suitable for all, not requiring the use of a car.
From Bormio to Santa Lucia: easy and relaxing walk, ideal for children, being surrounded by nature and in a totally flat area.
Among the most beautiful huts in Bormio, there is the alp of the Alpe.
Located along the road that leads to the Gavia pass, the Malga dell´Alpe managers are ready to let young and old know the rural world and make you taste all their products!
Optional stop in one of the worldwide famous Hot springs spas in Bormio, where you will experience the real relaxing and healthy atmosphere of the Alps!
Afternoon departure by direct local bus towards Livigno (1 hour by bus), 16.10 pm-17.16pm, or 18.10-19.16 tickets to be payed on the spot; they cannot be purchased in advance
Lunch at leisure, dinner at leisure. My suggestion: Bellavista
VENICE |3 NIGHTS
DAY 11 – VENICE
Breakfast and morning check out from your Hotel in Livigno.
Meeting with your private driver and transfer towards Verona train station.
Direct high speed train transfer from Verona to Venezia Santa Lucia, 1 st class train
Private water taxi (motorboat) transfer included from Venezia Santa Lucia train station to your accommodation in Venice Venezia Orologio Hotel a lovely hotel front the Venice Canal, you will appreciate its unique style
Alternative option Hotel ai Cavalieri an enchanting typical Venetian Hotel
Afternoon at leisure to relax among Venice cultural jewels!
You can enjoy the impressive Rialto bridge, San Marco Square, Doge´s Palace, the halls and golden staircase, the famous Bridge of Sighs. Finally, I suggest you to tour one of the most majestic Cathedrals in the world - the Golden Basilica.
In the evening I would suggest this itinerary (at leisure):
You can follow this map and have fun eating the “cicchetti”, a sort of local tapas…
The traditional Bacari are a real local institution, perfect for a drink during the evening, the Italian aperitivo.
Here you will choose from a wide variety of mini sandwiches and nice glasses of wine. All this, just for a few Euros!
The food is simple and genuine: "ovi duri" (boiled eggs), meats, cheeses, salt cod, sopressa salami, porchetta, artichokes. The wine is served directly from the carboys and even in this case the prices are really low. The walls of the rooms inside are covered with special items, and you can always find some interesting reading between the books at the entrance.
Lunch and Dinner at leisure.
Really suggested: Osteria Bea Vita, Osteria La Zucca
DAY 12 – Monday 04th August
VENICE
FULL DAY TOUR WITH PROFESSIONAL GUIDE AND PRIVATE WATER MOTORBOAT TOUR OF THE VENICE LAGOON!
Breakfast and morning meeting with your expert guide for 5 hours guided tour of the city center!
In the morning you will explore the major Venician monuments (tickets included): St Mark Basilica, the most majestic Cathedrals in the world, Doge´s Palace, the halls and golden staircase, Marciana Library, Clock Tower, Bell Tower, Bridge of Sighs where prisoners crossed into the prisons you will walk through, the Procuratie, Rialto bridge, San Marco Square.
At the end of the city tour, you will meet your private motor boar driver (always assisted by your private Guide) for a great boat tour exploring the less seen Venice. You will tour all the beautiful canals and stop at a squero to see gondola making. Along the way you will also pass through San Giorgio Church, and climb bell tower, stop at the Jewish ghetto learning everything about legends and history.
It seems difficult to imagine that in addition to postcard Venice, the crowded Venice of Piazza San Marco, Rialto and the Grand Canal, there is another, out of the ordinary, still unexplored and secret. And yet, only at a short distance from the most famous town square, you will discover an unusual and unexpected Venice to explore.
Lunch and dinner at leisure. Really suggested: Osteria al Tempo Perso, Osteria La Giostra
DAY 13 – VENICE
GROUP TOUR OF VENICE ISLANDS; ARTISTIC HINTS IN VENICE!!!
Breakfast and morning Half day group tour of Venice´s Islands (09.30 am–13.00 pm)
This excursion takes you on a visit to its islands, famous not only for handcrafts: Murano for the glass factory, Burano for the laces, and then there’s the jewel of an island called Torcello, where the first cathedral in Venice was built.
Sailing among the islands of San Giorgio Maggiore, San Servolo, San Lazzaro degli Armeni and Sant’Elena Gardens the boat arrives at MURANO. Divided into nine islets crossed by a wide canal, Murano is the island of glass blowing. A long and still-thriving tradition dating back to 1291, when the glass artisans moved their kilns here from the old city centre. Murano is the town of glass: during XV and XVI centuries it was the main glass centre in Europe. A stop at a glass factory is included to watch an expert master glass blowers create a work of art. Second stop will be at TORCELLO: centre of the first Venetian civilization founded between the V and VI centuries, the island became a flourishing center full of palaces and churches. Nowadays the island preserves archeological proof of its glorious past such as the wonderful Byzantine Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Church of Santa Fosca with a delicious portico and striking Byzantine interior. The last but not least stop will be on BURANO island, one of the prettiest islands in the whole lagoon: it’s a miniature Venice where all the houses are painted in bright colors. Burano is famous for its lace work, an art that has been carried out since the XVI century when it was considered the most refined and famous n Europe. Open your eyes and your imagination. Head for the Lagoon!
Afternoon at leisure in the superb Venice!!
I invite you to visit the "Bottega dei Mascareri", real temple of Maskmaking. This art in Venice can be documented to the 13th century, when masks were used for a variety of reasons -- in government, on stage, as a form of dress and as a means of disguise. During Carnival, social and class distinctions were flipped on their heads, with serts dressing up as masters and vice versa. La Bottega´s creations are completely handmade the traditional way, from papier mâché, and were featured in the film, "Eyes Wide Shut."
Gems of Venice: this jewelry tells you the story of the Venetian Marco Polo, one of the most famous travelers on the ancient Silk Road. He returned in rags to Venice in 1295 after years of traveling, arranged a banquet, ripped open the linings of their ragged coats, and out tumbled a fortune in gems.
This laboratory continues Polo´s tradition, assembling the jewels into unique, wearable works of art.
Càrte Venezia Rosanna Corrà creates marbled paper and then, with cardboard, turns that paper into usable or wearable works of art.
Acqua Alta Bookshop
There´s a gondola piled high with books inside Acqua Alta Bookshop, the self-proclaimed "Most Beautiful Bookshop in the World." There are books in the bathtubs.
Books on the walls. Out back along the patio is a staircase made of encyclopedias that leads to a view of a quiet canal. There are thousands and thousands of books inside Libreria Acqua Alta, some new, most used. Acqua Alta means "high water," a tide that´s been invading Venice with ever-increasing frequency, flooding the streets and shops.
Battiloro is the last craftsman left in Europe able to transform gold into tiny sheets, an ancient profession that arrived in Venice from Byzantium back in the 11th century. In the small atelier, finely decorated with 24K gold, Marino, together with his wife Sabrina and their two daughters Eleonora and Sara, creates the precious gold foils that are largely used in the art, beauty and food industries. In this historic artisan laboratory, gold, silver and other precious metals are transformed into ultra- slim leaves, suitable for applications in multiple fields.
Atelier Pietro Longhi. Tucked away in a small alley, Atelier Pietro Longhi is a cult address in Venice for haute-couture historical and theatrical costumes, official partner of the Venice Carnival for some of the most iconic dresses like the one for the “Flight of the Eagle” event and those for the “Feast of the Marie”. The Atelier was founded in 1994 from the dream of tailor Francesco Briggi that, with the help of his wife Annamaria, driven by an innate passion for costumes and history, decided to open his own workshop named after the painter Pietro Longhi, one of the first artists of the 18th-century to represent everyday life scenes, those same images that today inspired Francesco for his creations. Most of the Atelier’s products are, in fact, perfect reproductions of the most famous historical outfits, conceived after a careful study of original documents and then re-created with the finest fabrics, such as the Rubelli ones, and accessories. Today, Francesco is increasingly involved in the organization of exhibitions and shows, where clothes are active part of the performance, thanks to the artistic collaboration with Raffaele Dessì, dancer, architect, choreographer and passionate expert in ancient dances and costume history.
Caffè Florian. Among the best known cafés in the world, beloved by the international jet-set, the Caffè Florian in Piazza San Marco is a real institution, one of the few places where you can still feel the dreamy atmospheres of the cafés of the last century. Here many cult movies have been shot, including “Summertime” with Katherine Hepburn and “The Talented Mr Ripley” with Gwyneth Paltrow. A destination for artists, intellectuals, historians and fortune hunters, the Florian literally saw the history of Venice flowing between its elegant tables and the Piazza in front of it. The Caffè Florian became famous for coffee but also for its delicious hot chocolate, called “the Indian broth”, and was also the only place to admit a female audience in derogation of the prohibitions imposed by the Serenissima Republic. In fact, in the eighteenth century’s Venetian cafes, especially during the Carnival time, every type of transgression was on the agenda so that the Government of the Serenissima Republic decided to restrict their attendance. Thanks to its special clientele composed by nobles and international diplomats, often accompanied by their wives, Caffè Florian obtained the permission and right here, in fact, the famous Giacomo Casanova began to meet his lovers.
The Merchant of Venice The pleasure of entering the world of the luxury brand The Merchant of Venice is a unique experience of sensations, old memories and sublime beauty. The Venetian perfume tradition was born thanks to a Byzantine princess, married to one the Doge’s brothers, who brought over with her to the lagoon the oriental fragrances that she used to wear. The princess habit immediately became a trend among the Venetian noblewomen who began to use the purest essences to enhance their femininity. From here in the sixteenth century the local perfume tradition took off, making Venice a stronghold of this art. The concept of The Merchant of Venice has its roots in this treasure of knowledge, becoming the world ambassador of a fascinating excellence. The locations of the two Venetian boutiques, an ancient eighteenth-century spice shop in Santa Fosca and a seventeenth-century pharmacy in Campo S. Fantin, n. 1895, just speak for themselves.
Lunch at leisure. Dinner at leisure.
DAY 14 – ARRIVEDERCI!!
GOODBYE ITALY!
Breakfast and check out from your Hotel in Venice towards Venezia Marco Polo airport
Private motorboat transfer will take you to the Airport.