Day 1/2 - Depart USA, Arrive Venice
Depart USA and arrive Venice. Upon arrival at the Venice airport, board a private water taxi and say goodbye to cars for the next eight nights. After zipping across the Venetian lagoon, dock along the picturesque canal directly in front of our five star hotel, a renovated 15th c. palazzo built by the family of two notable doges. Located in the charming Dorsoduro neighborhood—a vibrant, artistic neighborhood away from the touristic center—our boutique hotel offers a lovely interior courtyard for breakfast and drinks in the evening, elegant rooms decorated with Murano chandeliers, and a matchless setting just steps from the broad, sunset-facing Zattere boardwalk which fronts the large Guidecca canal and is where locals gather in the late afternoon for coffees and spritzes. After a welcome reception at the hotel, enjoy dinner out waterside. (D)

Day 3 – Neighborhood walking tour, Gondola workshop, Grand Canal tour
After a morning introductory meeting, head out on foot to explore our neighborhood, Dorsoduro. Visit a traditional mask workshop and speak with the artisan owner, admire the Gesuati church with its paintings by Tiepolo and Tintoretto, and stroll along the Zattere promendade as you learn of its 600 year history. Then, visit a 400-year-old squero, a traditional gondola workshop, one of only four remaining in Venice, and meet the Venetian family who still make these world-famous boats by hand. After lunch, take a private guided tour of the Grand Canal by boat and marvel at the sumptuous facades that align what is the world’s most unique main street. In the evening join for a lecture on Venetian history before dinner out (B,L,D).

Day 4 – Accademia Gallery, Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Cooking class
Head out on foot to visit and contrast two world-class art museums in our neighborhood: the Accademia Gallery—home of Venice’s most famous works from the 15th-18th centuries, including works by Titian, Tintoretto, Bellini, and Veronese, including his Feast in the House of Levi—and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection—a modern art museum containing works by Picasso, Kandinsky, Magritte, Dali, and Pollock, housed in the former residence of Peggy Guggenheim, who hosted the likes of Truman Capote, Stravinsky, Tennessee Williams, John Lennon, and many others. In the evening, gather together for an unforgettable evening learning how to make traditional Venetian culinary specialties with a local chef. (B,L,D)

Day 5 – Murano: Glass blowing, Berengo Studio for contemporary glass art
Cruise to the lovely island of Murano, home to the world’s greatest concentration of glass blowers for the last 500 years. After meeting with a glass blower and learning about the art form, watch him create a work in front of your eyes. Then, visit the avant-garde Berengo Studio for a unique modern art exhibit in which the studio has paired world-renowned artists with local glass blowers to create one-of-a-kind works in glass. After lunch, take time to wander the picturesque pastel streets of Murano and shop in the numerous boutiques. Return to Venice proper and enjoy an evening on your own.  (B,L)

 Day 6 – Saint Mark’s Basilica and Square, Doge’s Palace
Having acclimated yourself with Venice, it’s time to head to the cultural and religious center of Venice: St. Mark’s Square. This grandiose square is a testament to Venice’s opulence and economic success, replete with elegant porticos, historic coffee shops (and their house orchestras), and an imposing bell tower (that can be ascended by elevator). Then, enter Europe’s most interesting cathedral, the Basilica of St. Mark. With undulating floors, golden mosaics, massive domes, and plundered Byzantine treasures, the church is singularly beautiful. After lunch, tour the Doge’s Palace, residence of the Doge (the “duke” of Venice) and seat of government for the Venetian Republic for much of its 1,100 year existence. This historic building is a testament to the “most serene” Venetian state that dominated trade across the Mediterranean Sea and beyond. (B,L)

Day 7 – Venice Bienalle, Concert at La Fenice Opera House
Today, immerse yourself in the world’s most important and engaging art show: the Venice Biennale. Since 1895, nations across the globe have each chosen one artist to create unique exhibits. Housed in national pavilions across the Venice Gardens, these exhibits are often larger-than-life affairs where the visitors enter within a mesmerizing world of the artist’s creation. After a guided tour of the most notable exhibits, enjoy time to wander through the numerous displays on your own. In the evening, gather for an upscale Venetian dinner before attending a concert at the world famous La Fenice Opera House. (Note: the date of the concert may change according to the yet-to-be-released schedule). (B,D)

Day 8 – Lagoon tour
Depart from the hotel on boat and head into the recesses of the Venetian lagoon. Explore the marshy islands of the lagoon to understand the landscape before human intervention, and visit the island of Sant’Erasmo—the vegetable garden of Venice—to learn how farmers and wine producers make use of the island today. Explore off the beaten path destinations like the former quarantine island of the lagoon to secluded monasteries separated by the sea. The evening is at your leisure for one final dinner on your own. (B,L)

Day 9 – Venetian rowing lesson, Sunset dinner cruise
On our final day in Venice, those interested can board a traditional Venetian batellina and take rowing lessons with a dedicated team of Venetian rowing specialists. From your standing perch on the wooden boat, practice the one-oared method that Venetian rowers have used for centuries as you traverse the small canals of the city. The rest of the day is at leisure. In the evening, join together on a large, private boat to sail through the Venetian lagoon at sunset as you enjoy one final dinner and say goodbye to beautiful Venice. (B,D)

Day 10 – Depart Venice