Literary Venice in the 19th Century
Sept 16-23, 2012
Experience Venice in the 19th century through
the eyes and writings of authors (Byron, Browning, Henry James,
John Ruskin), and an artist (John Singer Sargent). All were inspired
and seduced by Venice.
The most prominent writers of the 19th century made their way to Venice where
they lived Venice life to the fullest. We explore many of these authors from
Byron to Proust . They caroused (Byron), lived in famous palazzos and wrote
( Henry James ), gloried in wandering the calles and getting lost (Proust)
marveled at the art and architecture (Ruskin).
 |
Henry James by John Singer Sargent |
Of the many contemporary artists who shared Venice with these authors,
John Singer Sargent stands
out. We visit many of the sites that Sargent painted so brilliantly from
a gondola. His stunning watercolors of Salute and San Marco are luminous.
2012 Literary Venice expanded itinerary:
VENETIAN ARTISTS: Any discussion of Venice
must include its renowned artists from other centuries. Titian, Tintoretto,
Carpaccio & Veronese are the Venetian artists who were strong influences
to writers and artists alike. We visit the Scuola Grande di San Rocco to
see Tintoretto as Ruskin did; San Sebastiano church for a soaring collection
of Veronese; and Carpaccio at the Scuola di San Giorgio degli Schiavoni..
Proust in Venice… we explore Proust’s dream
of Venice, San Marco, the Piazzetta, the Fortuny connection. And you will
follow us on our creation of Proust’s famous “lost walk” through
Venice.
Venice Update : use your Optional Day to see the latest
Venice lures: The Palazzo Grassi and a new contemporary
museum right next to the Salute, Punta della Dogana. Don’t
miss it!
What’s Cooking : Venice’s restaurants have improved
a lot in the last couple of years.
We have a new favorite and there’s lots of fun little places now
right by the Rialto Market.
Of course, we’ll take a cicheti stroll; introduce you to Venice’s
favorite drink, the
Spritz and recommend my favorite, addictive little sandwiches for a lunch
break.
Donna Leon…if you’re a fan of these mysteries that are placed in
Venice we can even treat you
to a Commissario Guido Brunetti walk.
Day 1
Arrive in Venice, transfer
on your own to our hotel with a perfect location, just a 5 minute walk from
San Marco and a few steps from a vaporetto stop (our water bus transportation).
As our introduction to Literary Venice, we listen to the words of Ruskin,
Dickens, George Sand, Marcel Proust, Robert Browning and others.
 |
Salute at Night |
See what these writers saw as we glide down the Grand Canal, not in
a gondola, as they did, but in our private motor launch. We will see
famous and infamous palazzi; hotels they called home; glorious Ca' Rezzonico
where Browning died; and a peek at where Lord Byron lived. Tea at Jeremy’s…most
Sundays. Jeremy, a Brit who teaches at Ca' Foscari University in Venice,
hosts a tea for expats, many of them writers, at his lovely apartment. He has a vast collection
of books and videos.
 |
Venice Canals |
Day 2
Gregory Dowling, who teaches American literature at Venice University,
will regale us with Byron stories and readings from Childe Harold and Don Juan.
He will also touch on Robert Browning and his days in Venice after his wife,
Elizabeth Barrett Browning, died in Florence. Ca’ Rezzonico on the Grand
Canal was the scene of Browning’s death.
Dowling’s article on Byron states, “There are several good reasons
for talking about Byron in Venice, one is that he has become one of the many
legends of the city ... there is much talk of his notoriously debauched life
here, his hundreds of women, his palazzo on the Grand Canal complete with monkeys,
dogs and foxes and his incredible swimming feats.”
Visit to the Armenian Monastery where Byron made a desultory attempt at studying
the Armenian language. The monastery is a fascinating place with a magnificent
library.
 |
Commissario Guido Brunetti's Hang Out |
Day 3
Henry James Day, with particular emphasis on Wings of the Dove and Aspern
Papers. James loved Venice and this novel and short story are engrossing
stories set in Venice.
A stroll on the eastern end of Venice will take us to San Francesco della
Vigna, off the beaten track and visited by few tourists. The church boasts
two paintings by Veronese and a Madonna and Saints by Bellini.
Day 4
A day dedicated to Ruskin and Proust. Cynthia Gamble, author of Proust
as interpreter of Ruskin, joins us from London to give us her special insights
on the Proust and Ruskin connection. John Ruskin (d.1900), who was born
in England, was a prolific and important art and architecture critic who
was passionate about Venice. His famous book on Venice, The
Stones of Venice (3
volumes), concentrates on Venice’s
history, art and architecture. He loved the Gothic but was less enthusiastic
about the Renaissance. He is generally credited with bringing the world’s
attention to the decay and losses of art and architecture in Venice. For
many people, when they think of Ruskin they think of Venice and vice-versa.
We'll see the Doge's Palace which Ruskin described as the work
of art in Venice. The palace is filled with huge paintings, especially
those of Tintoretto and Veronese. You will get a sense of the splendor
and wealth of Venice. The Doge's Palace and San Marco, which we
also visit, are the top two sights in Venice.
 |
Palazzo Barbaro hosted the most
famous
writers of the century |
Lunch at Pensione Calcina where Ruskin lived briefly. Then to the Scuola
Grande di San Rocco, a monumental building with 63 Tintoretto paintings.
This Ruskin favorite is one of Venice's most thrilling art experiences.
Day 5
Optional day… To do what you wish. We will give you our recommendations
And help you plan.
Day 6
One of our most popular events of our last tour was our visit to the atelier
of Venice’s best bookbinder, Palo D’Olbi. We will have a private
tour and viewing of many of his most extraordinary leather volumes executed
with craftsmen of other skills (Murano glass, enamel, paintings).
Visit to San Sebastiano to see Veronese and Carpaccio at the Sculoa di San
Giorgio
 |
Spritz is THE drink of Venice |
Day 7
More Proust in Venice including Fortuny influences and "that walk"
and Commissario Guido
Brunetti walk (optional).
Day 8
Depart for home. Cost
$3,450 USD includes 7 nights hotel (no single supplement), 7 buffet breakfasts,
4 group dinners, most activities, 2-3 day vaporetto passes. The price does
not include airfare, airport transfers, lunches, coffee stops, wine or
alcoholic beverages, personal expenses. If the dollar decreases further
in value, there may be a minor price adjustment.
Itinerary subject to minor revisions in itinerary, mostly switches in
days of activities. |
