Day 01 : VENICE
Upon arrival at Venice, make your own way to the Hotel of your choice. Check-in at the Hotel. Day free at leisure. Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 02 : VENICE
Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast enjoy Grand City Tour of Venice. Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 03 : VENICE
Day free for at leisure for shopping & other independent activities. Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 04 : VENICE
In the afternoon check out and proceed for your onward journey.
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Venice Attractions

Basilica di San Marco
One of the most precious Christian relics, the body of St. Mark, was recovered by a miracle and, buried beneath the Basilica di San Marco. The church is a gem of Venice and a symbol of the power and wealth that Venice once attained. The outside is elaborately decorated with beautiful marble and amazing mosaics, including one from the 13th century. Inside there are an endless amount of mosaics on the walls and ceiling, which help to dim the natural light to create a mysterious, exotic atmosphere. Also inside is the Pala d'Oro which should not be missed, as the 10th-century golden alterpiece is embellished with nearly 2000 precious gems and 255 enameled panels.

Palazzo Ducale
The Doges Palace served as the official Venetian residence of the Doges, who were the elected officials of the former Venetian Republic. This splendid, Gothic-style palace was a showplace for the artistry, architecture and craftmanship of the day. In addition to living quarters, the palace contained offices, meeting rooms, law courts and its infamous prison cells, which are connected to the palace by the Bridge of Sighs.

Canal Grande
Illustrating the uniqueness of Venice, this great 'road of water' is the most beautiful street in Venice. One can glide along the Grand Canal and be surrounded by the most opulent architecture. The atmosphere is absolutely unforgettable, as the splendour of the Grand Canal is unparalleled. To meander along the canal by gondola is literally to take a journey through Venetian history.

Galleria Dell' Accademia
This amazing gallery contains the finest collection of Venetian art. You can see renowned works, such as 'Pieta' by Titian, 'The Tempest' by Giorgione, Veronese's 'Christ in the House of Levi', and Bellini's 'Madonna Enthroned'. 24 separate rooms house works by all the great Venetian artists.

Ponte di Rialto
Arched high over the Grand Canal, Ponte di Rialto is the most famous of the city's bridges. Built severn times, today's bridge was constructed by Antonio di Ponte in 1591. It is in the centre of the city's old trading area and trades such as wine, coal and iron are still reflected in the nearby street names. To this day, shops are strung along this famous bridge, selling jewellery, linens and Murano glass.

Chiesa dei Frari
Due to the size and style of this massive church, i Frari is often compared with the Church of San Giovanni e Paolo. The architecture displays fine detail around the plain brickwork, but due to the sheer size of the building it appears rather rigid and plain, although nonetheless pleasing to the eye. The outside appearance is reflective of the Franciscan lifestyle, which focused on spirituality and poverty. Inside, there are Venetian treasures including the extraordinary Titian altarpieces and Bellini's Madonna and Four Saints.

Scuola di San Giorgio degli Schiavoni
This structure was once a brotherhood devoted to charitable works. Here, between 1502 and 1507 AD Vittore Carpaccio painted an exceptionally interesting series of paintings, known as the Cycle of St. George. Other works of Carpaccio are also displayed, showing the beautiful colour and vitality ever present in his works. St. George and the Dragon is a favourite, as the painting demonstrates the romance and courage of heroic chivalry.

Scuola di San Rocco
This school of painting is richly decorated with Tintoretto's mystically spiritualistic paintings from the 16th century. Tintoretto was skilled in embodying emotions into his paintings drawn from emotive chapters in the Bible.

Ca' d' Oro
This Venetian Gothic palace displays incredible opulence with its elegant Gothic architecture and décor. The mansion was given the name Ca' d'Oro or House of Gold because the façade was once gilded, but over time it has suffered from erosion. Through restoration, the original majestic colours of the façade reflect in the Grand Canal once again. Ca' d' Oro houses the Franchetti Gallery, which is dedicated to Venetian Byzantine Art. Among this gallery's fine collection of paintings, sculptures and Flemish tapestries is the renowned Saint Sebastian by Mantegna.

Campo dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo
Formerly known as the Campo delle Maravege (marvels), this square is appropriately full of wonderful sights. The grand sculpture by Verrocchio, Monumento di Bartolomeo Colleoni, now stands in the square. The infamous John Ruskin praised Verrocchio's sculpture as 'one of the noblest works in Italy.' Also the largest church in Venice is located here; the Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo.

Santa Maria della Salute
The Ciesa di Santa Maria della Salute is a famousVenetian landmark, guarding the entrance to the Grand Canal. After the 1630 plague subsided, this gigantic, white, domed 17th–century church was designed by Longhena and officially dedicated to Our Lady of Good Health. This majestic church demonstrates serenity and grandeur through its bold Baroque architectural style.

Ca' Rezzonico
This gigantic Baroque mansion contains the most dazzling ballroom in Venice. Also inside is the Museo del Settecento Veneziano, which is home to a number of fine pieces from 18th-century Venetian artists, including an admirable series of frescoes by Tiepolo.

Chiesa di San Sebastiano
Rich decoration embellishes the inside of this 16th-century church where the painter Veronese established his reputation by painting amazing frescoes whilst still in his twenties. Veronese continued to produce astounding works within the church, throughout his career and was eventually buried here. The opulent nature of Veronese's art beautifies the church and makes it so unique.

Chiesa di San Zaccaria
This is a wonderful church built in the 15th century and incorporates the former 9th-century church that was originally on this site. The inside is literally covered with paintings including Bellini's 'Sacra Conversazione' and Tiepolo's 'Flight into Egypt'.

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Venice Travel Tips

When to Visit - Arts and Events

The most famous event in Venice is the annual Carnevale held each winter for the ten days prior to lent, finishing on Shrove Tuesday. Performances, balls and pageants with an ongoing theme of elaborate costumes and masks are sponsored by local government and held in the city's squares.

On the first Sunday in September another major event, the Regata Storica is held on the Canal Grande and consists of a fine procession of historic sailing craft and a highly competitive trial of strength between the venetian gondoliers. It is useful to remember that August is Italy's official holiday month and many shops, restaurants and services are likely to be closed or offering a reduced service.

Venice Dining

Historically, Venice was the crossroads of the spice trade between Europe and the Orient and was a city that played host to a myriad of nationalities and cultures. As a result, Venetian cuisine is a blend of numerous cooking styles and dishes, such as 'Rio al cavroman' - a Levantine method of cooking lamb with cloves and cinnamon, transformed by the Venetians into their famous risotto. Polenta, too, is a basic ingredient found in many of Venice's dishes. Specialists in seafood, Venetians can find an infinite variety of ways to cook 'baccala' and liven up the humble sardine with onions, spiced vinegar, pine nuts and raisins to make 'sardelle in saor'. However, if you prefer a more international flavour, there are a wide variety of foreign restaurants throughout the city.

Venice Tipping Advice

Expect to tip five percent to waiters in restaurants, as well as a standard service charge. Taxi drivers should get between five and ten percent whereas chambermaids and bellboys should get up to 1000 ITL. Smaller tips to any other staff are sure to be appreciated, as tipping is widely practised in Italy.

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TOUR COST :

HOTEL Rate ( Per person on TWIN sharing basis )
Alcyone (2*+) EUR 138.00
San Gallo (3*+) EUR 195.00
Sofitel Venezia(4*) EUR 245.00

PRICE INCLUDES:
1) 03 Nights accommodation at the Hotel of your choice.
2) Daily Breakfast.
3) Half-day sightseeing Tour.
4) All applicable taxes.

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Have a great trip! This itinerary and supplementary information has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it may be subject to change, and DOES NOT form part of a contract between the client and AirCruise.

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