Special Venetian Experiences

A ride in a gondola is a must, particularly as part of a cavalcade of gondolas with a lead boat serenading the group. A traghetto ride will take us across the canal in a small boat where you stand up ... we’ll share the secret of how to do it.

An early morning walk before Venice starts to stir gives a different perspective of the city. If you’re a morning person, we’ll organize a walk.

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Grandmother and Granddaughter: Venice and Florence

July 19 - 26, 2008

In Venice, glide down the Grand Canal in a gondola, become a gelato (Italian ice cream) expert, thrill to the fireworks over the Salute Church, shop for Murano glass. In Florence, stand awestruck before Michelangelo’s David, window shop on the Ponte Vecchio, delight in the majesty of the Duomo.

Day 1
Arrive in Venice. Transfer on your own to our 3-star hotel, just minutes from St. Mark’s Square. Experience has taught us that most people, especially teens, do not want to do much after an overnight flight. Rest, take an orientation walk.

Late afternoon: A water taxi tour of the Grand Canal. Be dazzled by the busy water traffic, historical palazzos, canals everywhere, the Rialto Bridge and more. It’s a great introduction to Venice.

Early dinner at a casual trattoria.

Gondolas On The Grand Canal

Day 2
Morning: Our private guide takes us on a walking tour of some of Venice’s most famous sites, the monumental Frari Church and the Scula Grande di San Rocco with its 60 Tintorettos.

We do not take you to the bigger museums that take hours to maneuver. We leave places like the Doges Palace and the Accademia for you and your granddaughter to visit on your Optional Day at your own pace.

We stop by the most famous square in Venice, Campo Santa Margharita. It’s a great opportunity to nosh ... exceptional pizza, amazing sandwiches and pastries at different shops (lunches are not included in the tour).

Late evening: Watch a spectacular display of fireworks that we can enjoy without crowds right near our hotel. Fireworks over Salute Church, bellisima.

Walking Over The Pontoon Bridge From The Zattere To The Rendetore Church

Day 3
On the third Sunday of July, every year since 1576, Venetians celebrate the end of a plague. It’s our chance to join in the festivities by walking across a specially constructed bridge (up just for this occasion) leading to the Church of the Redeemer.

The rest of the day can be spent on the Lido. There’s a lovely public beach there with nice swimming facilities. Otherwise, you might choose to visit the beautiful Peggy Guggenheim Museum on the Grand Canal.

Evening: Gondola Serenade Ride.

Day 4
We visit two Islands of the Lagoon. Burano, our first stop, is a very picturesque island with its gaily painted houses and its lace-making industry. On Murano, the island famous for its glass, we shop for inexpensive gifts and jewelry or museum quality vases and glasses.

Evening: Vivaldi concert in a beautiful church.

Day 5
Optional Day to do just what you wish. We’ll help you plan it.

Dinner on your own.

Florence Panorama

Day 6
Depart for Florence. The train leaves around 10:30 am arriving in Florence 3 hours later. Our 4-star hotel has a rooftop swimming pool, and is located right across from the Santa Maria Novella church, close to everything.

Orientation walk around Central Florence.

Evening: Buffet dinner complete with a dance performance at Teatro del Sale. It’s boisterous and a lot of fun.

Day 7
Private walking tour of many of Florence’s art highlights: the Accademia with Michelangelo’s David, the Medici Chapel, the Pitti Palace, and more.

At some point, we’ll stop at Vivoli, the most famous gelato stop in Florence. By this time, you’ll be an expert gelato eater.

Afternoon: Cool off with a swim at our hotel or shop, sit at a café and watch Florence stroll by, or I can make a reservation for you at the Uffizi Art Gallery so you don’t have to wait on line.

The Boboli Gardens In Florence

Day 8
Morning free.

Optional afternoon activities. For the afternoon we have two choices depending on availability of these tours (they are not always given). Like secrets? Visit the Vasari Corridor, the private skyway passageway built by the Medicis and used to travel between the Pitti Palace and the Uffizi Gallery. Admission is by special arrangement only. Or we will visit La Pietra, a lovely villa with beautiful gardens. Again, only open on Friday afternoons. (At least, that was the schedule in 2004.)

Farewell dinner.

Day 9
Depart for home.

Note: Program subject to minor adjustments.

Cost
$3,650 for grandmother (USD) and $3,350 for granddaughter. Price includes 8 nights hotel (shared double room with your granddaughter), breakfast every day, 7 dinners, all activities in the itinerary except Optional Day expenses and dinner on Optional Day. If you choose to stay at a 3-star hotel around the corner from our 4-star hotel in Florence, you will reduce total cost by about $600. Price does not include airfare from and to your home city, lunches, coffee and gelato stops, wine and alcoholic beverages, personal expenses, transfers to and from airports in Venice and Florence.