London, Paris & Venice

8 nights

From Euro 3,995 using charming 3 star hotels with all comforts

For 2 persons

LAND ONLY

 

Prices to be confirmed based on time of year and availability

 

Your custom trip includes the following services and hotel accommodations:

v      8 nights in unique and charming boutique hotels with breakfast. (complete list is available for every location)

·         3 nights in London;

·         Superior First Class hotel:  LANESBOROUGH, COVENT GARDEN HOTEL, THE PELHAM, THE BLAKES or similar with breakfast;  centrally located

·         Charming 3 star Bed and Breakfast:  DRAYCOTT, BASIL STREET HOTEL, THE EBURY COURT HOTEL, ROYAL CAMBRIDGE HOTEL, THE WILLET or similar

·         3 nights in Paris;

·         3 star category:  HOTEL DU BOIS, HOTEL QUEEN MARY, DU DANUBE, LUXEMBOURG or similar

·         4 star category:  BEAU MANOIRE, LE PERGOLESE, LA TREMOILLES, BEDFORD, LUTETIA, VICTORIA PALACE

·         5 star category:  PRINCE DE GALLES, COSTES, ST REGIS, GEORGE V or similar

v      2 nights in Venice

·         3 star options: KETTE, ALA, SANTA CHIARA or similar

·         4 star options:  GIORGIONE, BELLINI, METROPOLE, LONDRA PALACE or similar

·         5 star options:  EUROPA e REGINA or similar

LONDON SERVICES

• Theatre ticket to a top show of choice in LONDON
• Private guide for a half day in London – The Tower of London and Westminster or other
• Traditional High Tea at the Edwardian Brown’s Hotel
• Half day London Walk – with guide and small group.  Select from many
• Custom Designed itinerary to your specifications
• Fruit basket in the room or bottle of wine

PARIS SERVICES

• Luxury Seine Dinner Cruise with music and dancing – gourmet dinner served on board
• Half day mini bus and guide tour in or outside Paris – select from many possible options
• Champagne upon arrival in your hotel room
• Custom designed itinerary with special walks

VENICE SERVICES

• Special half-day walking tour of the Secret Venice: Your guide will pick you up at your hotel and take you to corners of Venice, that usual tourists never enjoy…it is really incredible how many beautiful places in Venice are still almost unknown to the public, since the most of the crowds stop at usual sightseeing locations and do not explore further…
• Gondola ride for 30 minutes along the canals

 

OPTIONALS, NOT INCLUDED

• Outside excursion (Hampton Court or similar) in or outside London
• Private guide for half a day – walking itinerary or museum of choice in Paris
• Private cooking course in Paris for half a day at the Ritz Cooking school
• Beauty treatments/appointments at the top institutes in Paris or London
• Full day Loire or Normandy tours with luxury bus and guide
• Private full day chauffeur driven excursion in Tuscany visiting farmhouses, private villas, wineries and medieval hill towns.  Lunch included (also wine and cheese/olive oil tastings)
• Balloon ride over the Loire Valley with champagne picnic basket
• NOT INCLUDED:  Flights from Paris to Venice/Italy
• RT airport transfers
• Guided visit to the 3 Islands of Torcello, Murano and Burano.  Visit the enchanting islands only 15 minutes from Venice – the tiny villages, the glass blowers shops and stroll around discovering unique corners of these charming Islands.
• Tickets to a Vivaldi concert (depends on availability).
• Bottle of champagne upon arrival
• Full day private chauffeur tour with driver/guide to Verona or Lake Garda. Customized itinerary and visit to private villas. Lunch at small and intimate restaurant included.

§         One on one cooking course in Venice for half a day, followed by tasting.  Select your own menu and type of regional cuisine meal follows.

§         Private dinner in a Venetian Palazzo, an elegant dinner prepared for you and the chance to meet some local residents that are “in the know” on Venetian Culture while enjoying some top wines and excellent cuisine.

·          Full day cruise outside Venice: The Brenta Canal and its Venetian Villas: The trip follows the classic itinerary of the boat of the 17^th century called “Burchiello”, which Carlo Goldoni, a famous Venetian dramatist of the 17^th century, made famous.  Traveling along the lagoon and the network of rivers and canals that cross the territory between Venice and Padua. Enjoy the view of splendid Venetian Villas built in the 17^th and 18^th century  by the nobility of the two cities. The guide on board will illustrate the itinerary and will guide you during the visit to the museums.

§         Interior Design tour……Venetian fabrics, artisan shops and furnishings as well as antiques guided by a local expert. 

 

 

London

FOOD

No longer the worst place to find a meal, London has become one of the world's most cosmopolitan eating centers offering every kind of cuisine from fish and chips to New Californian cooking

 

HOTELS

We offer a superb range of Boutique Hotels right in the center of sightseeing and shopping.  OR since you are staying over a week, why not rent an apartment right in the center.  This gives you the option of shopping at Harrods fabulous food halls and eat one meal in if you so desire.

 

OTHER POSSIBLE ITINERARIES TO PLAN…..

Depending on your interests:  antique markets, Portobello Road near Notting Hill Gate, the eclectic and surprising Sir John Soane's Museum, Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, Hyde Park, Kensington Park, a day of beauty and relaxation at a day SPA, the secret gardens of London.  There are many specialty "London Walks" for every interest and background.  The list is staggering so if you will let me know what you want to do I can lay out a program for you.

 

EXCURSIONS FROM LONDON

Oxford and Cambridge (the 3* Michelin restaurant and Inn "Le Manoir aux Quate Saisons" in Oxford offers superlative cuisine in a restored Manor House).  Canterbury Village and Cathedral - there is much to do here.  Palaces, Castles and Shakespearean Villages.

 

 

 

Here is a sample of our London Tour - but we can modify it to your heart's content.  London has something for everyone.  We can make this expensive city affordable through a selection of high quality Bed and Breakfasts, moderate boutique hotels and apartment rentals.  On the other hand if it is luxury you are seeking, look no further.

 

 

Day 1 - DEPARTURE

Depart for your overseas flight to London. Take taxi or underground to get to downtown London.

 

Day 2 - ARRIVE LONDON - ORIENTATION -

Time to freshen up after which you can take an orientation walk around or hop of the city center or we can organize an orientation tour of the city.

 

WEST END - CITY OF LONDON - WESTMINSTER ABBEY - BUCKINGHAM PALACE - TOWER OF LONDON

Settle into your hotel and then your private guide can take you through the highlights of London are Westminster Abbey a medieval masterpiece, the Tower of London and its incredible jewel collection and Trafalgar Square.

 

Check in early to get some rest for the next days…….

DAY 3, 4

SELECT FROM OPTIONS BELOW or we can create a CUSTOM ITINERARY for EACH DAY

 

BRITISH MUSEUM

One of the finest museums in the world with a collection of the finest relics of mankind such as the Elgin Marbles, the Rosetta Stone and the Magna Carta and Ur Treasure.  This is a huge museum so expect to spend a minimum of half a day there.  Guides can be provided as an optional service.  The famous Ebyptian mummis are on the upstairs galleries as well as other archeological treasures.

 

After why not stop to enjoy a traditional High Tea?

 

AFTERNOON TEA, THE GREAT BRITISH TRADITION

 

Some of our favorites:

v      Most original Victorian - BROWN'S HOTEL - Dover Street off Piccadilly.

v      Ritziest - The RITZ - everything you ever expected from a grand hotel and more - must reserve.  Piccadilly

v      The Savoy - a bastion of British elegance and tradition.

v      Fortnum and Mason's Fountain Restaurant  and Upstairs Restaurant - another favorite.  181 Piccadilly.  Great British Breakfasts all day long.

v      Richoux - less formal, serving breakfast, lunch and light dinners, and midday snacks, always handy to catch a light meal or a good British breakfast.  Piccadilly and across from Harrods in Knightsbridge.

 

OTHER FAVORITE MUSEUMS

Explore the incredibly vast collections at the Victoria and Albert Museum or the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery.  If shopping is on your itinerary there are markets, the hot new area around Notting Hill Road, and Kings Road to visit.   Both museums offer great restaurants for a snack or light and eclectic meal.

 

The V & A as it is affectionately called is perhaps the favorite museum of the city.  An incredibly vast collection of everything can be found here from Paintings (very fine Constables), sculpture, medieval artifacts, furnishings including reconstruction of entire rooms from various palaces, Islamic art and carpets, Indian collections, Renaissance works, and its famous Costume Gallery.  The restaurant serves a Jazz Brunch on Sunday.

 

THE WALLACE COLLECTION

The Wallace Collection is one of London's secret treasures housed in the former mansion of the 4^th Marquess of Hertford; a passionate art collector.  Sumptuous it is, with room after room displaying priceless furnishings, paintings, and Sevres porcelain.  Walls are hung with Van Dykes, Rembrants and Rubens.  Afterwards, the nearby Oxford, Bond and Regent Streets filled with shops and department stores are yours to explore at your own pace.  Bond Street is the prime luxury shopping area of London, lined with boutiques bearing the names of top fashion designers

 

SHOPPING

BOND STREET, OXFORD STREET, KINGS ROAD, NOTTING HILL ROAD and KENSINGTON HIGH STREET along with KNIGHTSBRIDGE and SLOANE AVENUE are the top shopping areas of London.

 

Piccadilly Circus is another must see as is the vast China Town and Covent Garden.  The area is an exciting shopping and eating center and wonderful to discover on foot.

 

LEGAL LONDON

Don’t miss a visit to the TEMPLE – the entry to the City which is the heart of the legal world of London.  The 17t^h century timeber-frame houses are a stark contrast to the rest of the city.  Visit the OLD BAILEY and the Central Criminal Courts and the GUIDLHALL, BANK OF ENGLAND and St. PAUL’s CATHEDRAL.  The The Guildhall is absolutely fascinating and definitely worth a visit to see the amazing hall with coats of arms and banners.  The Old Bailey is the present Criminal Court and is part of Dicken’s London.  If you keep walking in this direction you will end up at the TOWER OF LONDON

 

GUIDED WALKS!!

You can meet a guide for just about any special GUIDED WALK under any subject in London.  Duration of 2 hours.

 

Groups meet at a particular place and then travel by underground to the various location and a guide walks through the various parts of the city or museum lecturing on the sites.  Examples:   Shakespeare’s & Dickens’ London, Westminster and the West End, The Old Chelsea Village Pub walk, Jack the Ripper Haunts, The National Gallery Walk, Ancient London, Old Westminster, Little Venice and DOZENS more!! Cost of only £5.00 or US $8.00 per person.  Visit www.walks.com  

 

OUT OF THE CITY EXCURSIONS with BUS AND GUIDE

 

WINDSOR CASTLE  (possible excursion)

The town of Windsor is easily accessible from London and is a nice day trip.  The Castle of course is the greatest attraction and enjoys a panoramic position above the Thames and is visible from the surrounding region.

 

The town is a maze of narrow streets filled with shops and old buildings but the castle is quite a site.

 

The highlights will be the Henry VIII gateway, the St. George’s Chapel, the Throne Room and the Waterloo Chamber and Collection of Master drawings including works by da Vinci and Holbein.  The State apartements were totally burned down and are now completely renovated and open once again.

 

CANTEBURY and LEEDS -  FULL DAY TRIP

CANTEBURY is in the beautiful Kent Coutryside on the River Stour and is one of the finest pearls of the Southern region of England.  Highlights not to be missed are:

 

CHRISTCHURCH CATHEDRAL – the heart of the city and built in 1096, it is one of the finest Norman cathedrals in the World.  Beckets was buried here – Thomas à Becket was the bishop of Cantebury.  Visit the CLOISTERS and the TRINITY CHAPEL.

 

LONGMARKET is the shopping area and visit the CANTEBURY TALES exhibition which dramatizes 14^th century English life.

 

Finally the CANTEBURY HERITAGE MUSEUM, the WESTGATE MUSEUM and the MEDIVAL city walls and 12^th century EASTBRIDGE HOSPITAL which used to lodge the poorer pilgrims that came to Cantebury.

 

HAMPTON COURT PALACE EXCURSION

This morning is dedicated to Hampton Court Palace and gardens - a 25 minute train ride from downtown London.  Built by Cardinal Wolsey and confiscated by an envious King Henry the VIII, it is a staggering monument reflecting the royal pomp and wealth of the British Crown.  Six years of restoration after a devastating fire have brought the Kings Apartments back to their magnificent splendor.  Inside this architectural masterpiece are works by Caravaggio, Brughel, and Mantegna.  Stroll through some of the finest gardens in the country, they are replanted each season.  After returning to the city you may want to explore Covent Garden Market, one of London's liveliest areas filled with restaurants and unique boutiques selling every type of goods imaginable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paris

DAY 5

Leave London and take the Eurostar from downtown arriving in downtown Paris in 3 hours.  Take a taxi to your hote. And settle in.

 

 ORIENTATION - ILE DE LA CITE' - ST. LOUIS - NOTRE-DAME - CONCIERGERIE - MARCHE' AUX FLEURS

This afternoon visit the Cité and its surroundings, where 2000 years ago the Parisii founded the colony that in later centuries grew to be the city of Paris.  This is an excellent way to get oriented. 

 

Stop in Notre Dame Cathedral and the haunting Conciergerie where prisoners were kept during the Revolution before being taken to the guillotine.

DAY 6

JACQUEMART ANDRE' MUSEUM - CHAMPS-ELYSEES - ARC DE TRIOMPHE - HOTEL DES INVALIDES.

The recently restored Jacquemart-Andre' mansion houses an extraordinary collection of 19th century art and furnishings which was acclaimed even in its own day.  The museum hosts a lovely tea room with wonderful pastries.

 

Your morning walk continues with the nearby Champs-Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe, and the beautiful Alexander Bridge, passed the Petit and Grand Palace.  The last stop is at Napoleon's imposing tomb under the golden dome of the church of Invalides.   After lunch check our suggestions, the afternoon is at your disposal to visit the golden triangle of fashion at the avenue Montaigne and rue Francois 1er and stop at the intoxicating Maison du Chocolat to order a cup of the best hot chocolate in Paris. 

           

ORSAY MUSEUM - COOKING COURSE

The Orsay museum with its Impressionist collection is one of the highlights of your trip.  The structure itself re-designed by Italian architect Gae Aulenti merits a visit and displays objects d'art, furnishings and sculpture.  After you may choose to walk to the nearby Left bank boutiques selling fashion, home accessories and antiques. In the afternoon if you opt for this activity we could arrange for a cooking course and tasting (optional). Your instructor will guide you through the steps of classical French cuisine (for those who prefer a wine course we provide that option.

 

CHOCOLATE!! and MORE                                

There is nothing as intoxicating as the smell of a Parisian chocolate shop.  The major problem is deciding what to have…  our top 3 chocolate meccas are:

 

v    The MAISON DU CHOCOLATE - where Mr. Linxe reigns supreme buying and importing his own cocoa beans and mixing them himself.  The largest chocolate boutique in his roster is the one on rue Francois Ier #52 off the Champs Elysees.  There is space to sit down and order a superb cup of hot chocolate (choose from an entire menu!) and buy a nice box of his exquisite hand made chocolates.  We particularly recommend his Romeo's with an arabica coffee interior and the Rigoletto's with caramel filling.

v    DEBAUVE & GALLAIS - dating from the 1800's as a pharmacy it now has been restored to its original splendor.  Around the corner from the Blvd. St. Germain on 30 rue des Saint-Peres.

v    MICHEL CHAUDUN - 149 rue de l'Universite' also near the Blvd. St. Germain.  We recommend the pure bittersweet tablettes….. they linger in your mouth for a long, long time.

 

For a step into the past and a cup of some of the best hot chocolate don't miss ANGELINA's on the rue de Rivoli, their mont-blanc (chestnut and meringue concoction) isn't bad either. 

 

DAY 7

RUE MONTORGEUIL MARKET - PALAIS ROYALE - OPERA' - MADELEINE - FREE AFTERNOON - DINNER CRUISE

Head for the Rue Montorgeuil market where food is displayed as in a still art painting by Cezanne.  The surroundings are dotted with cookware and gourmet shops for those wishing to add to their kitchen collection. The market sells everything from cheeses to bread and pastries and is an excellent way of observing local life. If the sight of all this food is too much for you to bear, and making you hungry, stop at Stohrer open since 1730 for a flaky cream-filled puff pastry creation called pithiviere.

 

Continue with the nearby Palais Royale gardens encircled by unusual boutiques and restaurants, plus the Place des Victoires.  Always on gourmet themes, you can admire the windows of Fouchon the city's temple of gastronomy.

 

 

LOUVRE - PLACE de la CONCORDE - TUILERIES GARDENS

The Louvre is the world's undisputed greatest museum, even greater now after the renovations and embellishments that reorganised the various collections and made room for many more works of art that previously had been left in storage. Walk through the marvellous works of art housed under the new construction of I.M.Pei, a city within a city. In the afternoon is your beauty treatment (optional).

Tonight is your dinner cruise. At least once in a lifetime you should float down the Seine at night admiring the brightly lit monuments while dining on fine French cuisine and wine.

 

 

                                                             

PASTRIES, CROISSANTS AND CAKES

v      Voted the best millefuille in Paris, stop in FOUCHON's patisserie  on Place de la Madeleine.

v      LADUREE is our favorite tea room and their croissants and macarons the best in Paris.  Located off the Place de la Madeleine.  They serve Mariage Freres teas, while the café' au lait is possibly the finest in the city.

v      LENOTRE - the king of pastry chefs, you will find shops all over the city.  His chocolates are tops and we recommend his breads, cakes, ice creams…basically everything!

v      PATISSERIE MILLET - to taste Tradition: madeleines, the butter and almond financiers and almond croissants.  There is a small tea salon to sample whatever strikes your fancy.  The pain au chocolate is packed with bittersweet chocolate bars.

v      DOLLOYAU - all over the city.  Offering everything including light lunches. Feel free to indulge in their mogador a chocolate cake with chocolate mousse and a layer of raspberry jam.

 

 

 

THE MARAIS - CARNEVALET MUSEUM - PLACE des VOSGES - VICTOR HUGO'S HOME - BASTILLE

This fascinating Quartier used to be a marsh (Marais means marsh in French) which King Charles V had drained in the 14^th century.  Later, Henry IV in the 17^th century turned it into prime real estate and the area soon became the city's most fashionable address.  Today many of the mansions have been carefully restored and turned into museums. 

 

The Musee Carnevalet dedicated to the history of Paris, is our first stop. This wonderfully intimate museum used to be Madame Sevigne's home and is filled with an amazing variety of items including a recreation of rooms such as Prousts' bedroom and the splendid gilt ballroom of the hotel Wendel. Your walking itinerary continues to the Place des Vosges, Paris' most perfect square built by Henry the IV, Victor Hugo's home and the eclectic Bastille neighbourhood.  After lunch the rest of the afternoon is free to explore this fascinating area.  For lunch try some of the restaurants under the arches of the Place des Vosges such as La Guirlande de Julie.

 

OPTIONAL

FONTAINEBLEAU CASTLE and BARBIZON EXCURSION- (half day in the afternoon)

 

Fontainebleau Chateau and the village of Barbizon are this afternoon's destination, please be in your hotel lobby by 1:15 p.m. to be picked up by mini-bus and guide.  Francois I, during the Renaissance originally built it to be a hunting lodge. Successive additions and embellishments by King Henry II, Louis the XIV and lastly Napoleon, have resulted in one of the finest chateaux's in France.  The gardens laid out by royal gardener Le Notre, the throne room and magnificent ballroom are some of the high points of the excursion.

 

 

RESTAURANTS

 Note that all restaurants have fixed price menus for lunch and sometimes even for dinner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAFÉ'S are another great way of getting a quick bite and being able to people watch - you will find them everywhere.

 

The above are just a start, we suggest you arm yourselves with a good guide and a spirit of culinary adventure.  New places open up all the time.  If you wish for additional information, our staff is at your disposal.

 

SHOPPING                              

If shopping is on your mind the Right bank is the golden triangle. Starting from the Madeleine you can begin to explore the exclusive boutiques of the rue St. Honore' and Capucine and the department stores Galeries Lafayette and Printiemps. During your free time you may want to take a break at Laduree the most elegant tearoom in the area, their croissants and chocolate macaroons are the best in the city and a perfect match to a cup of Mariage Freres' famed teas.

 

LEFT BANK - SHOPPING

Start with the Blvd. St. Germain and then weave into the many side streets such as Rue de St. Peres, Rue St. Dominque, Rue Dragon, Rue du Seine (great market) and others.  The Left Bank's department store is Au Bon Marche' very large with an excellent supermarket to shop for every sort of French delicacy to bring home.

 

MARAIS, BASTILLE  and  the 16^th ARRONDISSMENT

The Marias and Bastille are the best places to head for cutting edge and unusual designers.  The eclectic and creative is to be found here.  Each boutique is different and the Bastille area is where some of the hottest evening action can be found.  The 16^th arrondissment is lined with exclusive shops, this is one of the wealthiest neighbourhoods in Paris so the shopping reflects its surroundings.

 

 

DAY 8  - ARRIVAL - VENICE ORIENTATION

After getting your luggage, purchase a ticket for the launch inside the terminal and be taken to the main stop - San Marco .  From here you catch the waterbus (purchase tickets) and stop at the closest stop to your hotel. (We will tell you where to get off).  Alternatively take the water taxi ($70) and be taken to your hotel's doorstop.  The ride is memorable, but expensive.  Ride takes 30 minutes by water bus.

 

If included in your package you will be met by your transfer service outside customs.

 

Rest and unpack and then head for the main square - San Marco and take an orientation walk.  Sip a cappuccino at one of the outdoor café's, walk along the seashore and admire the view across the lagoon of St. George's Church.  In the evening there is a Hungarian orchestra playing outside on San Marco at the famous Café'  Florian. 

 

 

DOGE'S PALACE - SAN MARCO BASILICA - RIALTO BRIDGE

 

AM

Head back to San Marco Square to the Doge's Palace - (open every day). 

 

The Palace is one of the most magnificent in Italy and well deserving of at least an hour and a half.  This Gothic-Renaissance fantasy of pink-and-white marble is the majestic expression of the prosperity and power attained by Venice during its most glorious period - it was the Venetian Republic's White House, Senate, Supreme Court, and prison rolled into one.

Since it is quite extensive, you might want to purchase a good guidebook to get the most out of it.  Inside are sumptuous rooms, private apartments, dungeons and great paintings/works of art to admire; it has always been a focal point in the rich history of the city. 

 

Next-door is the Basilica of San Marco, one of the richest and greatest Byzantine churches in the world.  San Marco is famous for its 43,055 sq ft of stunning mosaics, for the Cappella della Madonna di Nicopeia (Chapel of the Madonna of Nicopeia), and for the extraordinary Pala d'Oro (Golden Altarpiece), a dazzling gilded silver screen encrusted with gems. 

 

Across from the Basilica is the Correr Museum - also worth a stop.  Your entry to the Doge Palace includes the entry to the Correr Museum, so if you have time during the day, stop over. Canova's neo-classical sculptures are on display, as well as many eclectic collections, furniture, elegant rooms, artifacts etc…

 

 

 

PM

Begin to discover the various quarters of the city.  San Polo, Dorsoduro, La Guidecca, Rialto, San Marco.  The best thing is to just get lost actually.  You can walk everywhere in Venice, and where you cannot walk you go by water. While the city has hundreds of bridges, the Grand Canal can only be crossed on foot at three points: Ponte degli Scalzi, near the train station (Ferrovia); Ponte di Rialto, at the Rialto; and at Ponte dell'Accademia. As an alternative, take the traghetti, essentially gondolas that ferry across the canal. The vaporetti (water buses) that circulate through the city on set routes are best used to cover long distances.

Away from the crowds, strolling along narrow alleys you discover the real Venice, no tourists.  Magically bright squares and gardens appear. 

It is a relief to get away from the people and find out how intimate this city can be.  Your camera will be busy clicking away as you cross little bridges; they look like picture postcard settings.

 

SAN POLO - Campo S. Rocco and Campo D. Frari - Campo San Polo.  The Scuola di San Rocco houses some great works by Tintoretto - one of my favorite artists.  (1500's)

 

GREAT PLACES TO DINE IN VENICE…

Alla Madonna Don't judge the place from the outside - the rooms are actually well kept and, by Venetian standards, rather elegant, with some decent artwork: Boiled granseola and seafood salads can be followed by a hearty fish soup with croutons, or deep-fried eel for the more adventurous.  Ask hotel to reserve.  Calle della Madonna, 594 San Polo, Phone: 041/522-384 AE, DC, MC, V. Closed Wed. and part of Aug.

Osteria al Bacco It's worth making the effort to track down this ancient osteria where you can mingle with the locals and find refuge from the crowds. For alfresco dining, the small but charming garden has a few tables. Fondamenta Capuzine, 3054 Cannaregio, Phone: 041/717-493. AE, DC, MC, V. Closed Mon., Jan., and Aug.

Trattoria C'a d'Oro  Just a small place serving authentic Venetian Food with a rough Venetian floor, old marble counter, wooden paneling, and long tables invite conviviality. Calle del Pistor, 3912 Cannaregio, Phone: 041/528-5324. No credit cards. Closed Thurs., Sun. morning, Aug., and 1st wk in Sept.

Al Graspo de Ua  Opened in the 19th century as a small osteria, the "Bunch of Grapes" became the meeting point of artists and movie stars back in the dolce vita days. The wide menu offers fresh pasta tossed with fish, seasonal risotto, and meat and seafood. Calle dei Bombaseri, 5094 San Marco, Phone: 041/522-3647. AE, DC, MC, V. Closed Mon. and several wks between July and Aug.

 

DAY 9 - RIALTO MARKET - ACCADEMIA - or - Ca' d'Oro PALACE or Ca' REZZONICO PALACE – PEGGY GUGGENHEIM COLLECTION

 

 

AM      

A stop at the Rialto market is a must.  The freshest fish, vegetables and fruits are on view and worth a detour. 

 

Then head for the Accademia and stop at the GALLERIE DELL'ACCADEMIA - Accademia Galleries -  the finest painting collection in Venice. Hanging in this museum is unquestionably the most extraordinary masterpieces of Venetian art in the world, ranging from Gothic to 1800's.  There is usually a line since they only allow a certain number of persons in at a time, so take some patience with you.

 

Once you cross the bridge (what a view!) just keep heading towards the right and wind around.  Or alternatively head towards the CA’ D’ORO, known as the finest example of Gothic architecture. This exquisite palace was once literally a "Golden House," its marble traceries and ornaments embellished with pure gold.  Each section has a charm all its own.

Ca' Rezzonico a truly unique Baroque mansion has some elegant rooms overlooking the Grand Canal and furniture collections. With its stucco work, colored marble fixtures, brocade tapestry, fine furniture, Murano glass chandeliers, and valuable frescoes, this Grand Canal palace shows how elegant the Venetian lifestyle was in spite of the declining times.

Many of these palaces still host some of Carnival's most elegant balls every February.

 

 

 

PM

After stopping at one of the Palaces along the Grand Canal you may want to head for: The "Lesser Known"  Venice:  CASTELLO.  Behind the Doge's Palace, walking along the water lies a residential quarter that has not lost any authenticity after all these years.  Families live here, there is a large green Park overlooking the lagoon and further inland are some truly charming sections with bridges lovely to walk in.

 

COLLEZIONE PEGGY GUGGENHEIM. Directly on the Grand Canal, the museum, displayed in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, her residence for 30 years, are works representing the most important artistic movements from the early 20th century through the post-war period.

Extremely rich, provocative, and extravagant, Peggy Guggenheim (1898-1979) - wife of Max Ernst and niece of Solomon Guggenheim - was among the 20th century's greatest collectors of modern art. Calle San Cristoforo, 701 Dorsoduro.

 

 

EXPLORE THE LAGOON

Take the traghetto or a boat tour to the charming island of  MURANO, which as Venice is made up of a number of smaller islands linked by bridges. It is known for its glassworks, which moved here from Venice in the 13th century because they were a fire hazard. Many of these line the Fondamenta dei Vetrai, the canal-side walkway leading away from the Colonna landing stage, and can be visited. The Museo Vetrario (Glass Museum) details the history of Murano's glassworks; its displays range from priceless antiques to only slightly less-expensive modern pieces. 

BURANO. Dotting this fishing village on an island in the lagoon are houses painted in cheerful colors and a raked bell tower in the main square, Piazza Galuppi, about 100 yards from the landing stage. Lace is to Burano what glass is to Murano, but be prepared to pay a lot - $1,000 to $2,000 for a 10" doily - for the real thing. Stalls line the way from the landing stage to Piazza Galuppi. The Museo del Merletto (Lace Museum) is the best place to learn the intricacies of Burano's lace-making traditions and the nature of the skills needed to make the more expensive lace.

MORE RESTAURANTS SUGGESTIONS:

 

 

Al Conte Pescaor Delicious risotto and hot second courses. You can eat at the bar. 597 B, Piscina San Zulian, off Marzaria  San Zulian, Tel. 041.522.1483 Closed Sun. and Mon. aftnoon.

Taverna San Tomaso on Dorsoduro.  Good prices (near the Accademia).  Fondamenta Priuli, Dorsoduro 1016.  Tel. 5203703  Cl. Mondays

Antica Besseta Even if this old  trattoria is a bit off the beaten track, don't go without booking first, because there are only a few tables and the place is well known. Try the Risi e bisi (savory rice and peas) or fettuccine verdi agli spinaci con peperoni e basilico and then, of course, fish.1395, Salizada Zusto, between San Simeon Grando and San Giacomo dall'Orio, Tel. 041.721.687 closed Tue. and Wedn.

Harry's Bar More than just a tiny restaurant, this place is a landmark. Founder Giuseppe Cipriani, who ran it in the days when Hemingway nominated it as his favorite restaurants, has become more famous than any Venetian since the thirties. 1323, Calle Vallaresso, Tel. 041.528.5331 Closed Mon.

Linea d’Ombra Reserve a table outside overlooking the Guidecca.  Zattere ai Saloni, Dorsoduro 19.  Tel. 520 47 20.  Medium prices. 

 

PM

 

Full day boat tour of the Brenta Canal and Venetial Villas

Enjoy the 8 ½ hours guided tour on board the Burchiello launch to discover magnificent Palladian 17^th and 18^th century Villas on the Brenta River and canals between the Venetian lagoon and Padua, lunch included.

In a time span from 15^th to 18^th cent. Venetian nobles were used to build thousands of countryside luxury villas. They were both meant to be masters’ country houses and estate centers. Parks and gardens with plays of water particularly suit the elegant and refined social life.  Many of these scenographic villas were planned by famous architects, as Palladio and Scamozzi, and fresco-painted by artists such as Veronese and Tiepolo.

Water plays an important role in the scenographic asset of the building. The most outstanding villas lie along the Brenta River, which was canalized in the 16^th cent. and flows for a total of 36 Km. (22 miles), and their main façade face directly the water. Today some villas open their doors to the public: the Villa Foscari at Malcontenta, the Villa Widman-Foscari at Mira, the Villa Pisani at Stra.

 

 

LAKE GARDA (This beautiful excursion is only 1 hour by train from Venice)

 

 

Lake Garda is the finest of the Lakes, absolutely gorgeous; it is probably everyone's favorite lake although the rich and famous have Villas on Como. Everyone considers it paradise, with lemon groves growing along the hills, the color of the water and enchanting towns overlooking the lake.  From here there are excursions not only for the lake but also on the Dolomite mountains.

 

 

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES:  There is windsurfing here, hiking and sailing.  Ask your concierge for information.

 

AM:     

It is easy to wax lyrical about Lake Garda - everyone does.  I cannot do it justice with the written word.  Along its shores are many picturesque towns - Sirmione, Riva del Garda, Gardone Riviera.  Incredible gardens and parks can be visited, you can sail, bike horseback ride and hike.  There are some wonderful spas, thermal baths and springs.

 

The peninsula of Sirmione stretches out from the southern shore of Lake Garda and enjoys a Mediterranean type climate. It is one of the most enchanting towns on the Lake and its Castle, the Rocca Scaligera is worth a stop.

 

The entrance to the main part of the resort is via the bridge of the beautiful 13th Century Scaligero castle with its 'inland dock'. Once inside the old town, the colourful, bustling, narrow streets are full of shops, restaurants and bars.

 

It is also the birthplace of the famous ancient roman poet Catullo, do not miss a visit to the Catullo’s Villa surrounded by a beautiful park. You can swim on the beaches weather permitting.

 

Take one of the hydrofoils or catamarans that ply the lake offering glimpses of villas and gardens, which cannot be seen from the coastal road.

 

OR

FURTHER SUGGESTIONS: VERONA

 

 

Take the train or drive to Verona (about one hour and an half) and spend the day there.

 

It is simply a matter of choice here!  VERONA is one of the cities that have better preserved its artistic heritage in Italy. The city, also known as Urbs Nobilissima, is the second biggest city in Veneto (after Venice) and also known worldwide for being the city of the most famous lovers in history: Romeo and Juliet.

Its ROMAN ARENA is the finest in Europe and it is here that every summer is held one of the best Opera Festivals in the world.  Great food and wine can be had and all around the town are vineyards and wine cellars happy to welcome visitors.

 

Where to eat in VERONA:

 

Near the arena Tre Marchetti in barca- Vicolo Tre Marchetti 19/b.  Tel. 045/8030463.  Closed Sunday.  Placido Domingo eats here and so has Jose' Carreras.

Don't miss the Bottega del vino (The Wine Shop).  Via Scudo di Francia 3, Tel. 045/8004535.  Expensive, but thy have some incredible wines and a wine museum.  Closed Tuesday.

All’oste scuro- vicolo San Silvestro 10, Tel. 045/592650 Closed Saturday lunch and Sunday.  Good prices and great food.  All pasta is made by hand.

 

 

The Roman amphitheatre, the Arena of Verona is one of the greatest and most prestigious archaeological monuments in Europe. Built in the first century A.C. during the last years of the emperor Augustus. From the beginning of its existence, the Arena of Verona has been a powerful and suggestive place of entertainment: gladiatorial fights, jousts and nightly games took place against a rich scenic background.

Today, the Arena of Verona is world wide famous for being the most impressive contemporary "archaeological theatre". The good state of preservation of the monument is clearly due to the way the monument has always been used; as a place of culture

All this is possible, thanks to the annual Opera Festival organized in the amphitheatre. The first performance of the Festival dates back to August 10th, 1913 when Aida by Giuseppe Verdi was performed.

 

Walk around the historic centre of Verona and enjoy the Piazza delle Erbe (Spice Square), once the Roman forum, owns its name from the ancient spice market that was usually held on its grounds. Nowadays you can still go shopping and the Palazzo Comunale rises between Piazza Erbe and Piazza dei Signori and encloses Cortile Mercato Vecchio with the 15th century Scala della Ragione and the majestic Torre dei Lamberti. 

The center of the Piazza presents and admirable marble canopy called the Capitello and the handsome Madonna Verona Fountain, built by Cansignorio and partly using Roman remains.

 

The Piazza dei Signori, contrary to "mercantile" Piazza delle Erbe, was an extension of the Prince's Palace, used for ceremonies and parades.  The Palazzo Comunale was soon flanked by the Palazzo per il Capitano del Popolo (previously the residence of Alberto), by the red Palazzo di Cangrande next to the gothic Arche Scaligere (funeral sarcophagi for the dynasty dating from the 14th century) and the Loggia del Consiglio (15th century).  

Verona's cuisine is known for typical local dishes tied to the history and traditions of the city.  These include Gnocchi potato dumplings (the Papà del Gnocco carnival figure), Pastissada de Caval (horsemeat stew), Boiled Meat with Pearà pepper sauce, Pandoro cake, Rice from Isola, Rivoli Asparagus, Valeggio Tortellini.  Verona's wines are famous throughout the entire world:  Valpolicella, Amarone, Recioto, Soave, Bardolino, Custoza and Valdadige.

 

The more important Verona became, the more it needed to be protected from foreign attacks.  Its walls followed the form of the land with blocks of stone and reinforced by towers. Verona’s monumental city gates were built during Venetian domination, including Porta S. Zeno, Porta Palio, Porta Nuova (an architectural masterpiece) and Porta Vescovo.  

DAY 10 – FLY HOME