Group Travel Tour Operator for holidays to Venice, Italy
Venice Carnival: Colour and Costume
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Venice - Bridge Rialto
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Venice, Italy
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The Basilica of St Maria and St Donato, Murano
Enjoy the Colourful Commotion of Venice Carnival
The mention of Venice conjures images of gondolas gliding gracefully along serene canals. However, in February each year from the calm waters the streets erupts with colour. During the Venice Carnival, revellers dress up in costumes and masks to celebrate the run up to to Mardi Gras.
This is an especially wonderful way to experience Venice. The meandering paths and winding canals buzz with excitement. While you admire streets of quaint higgledy-piggledy buildings and the city’s spectacular soaring palaces, people flit by in traditional 18th century costume. Throughout this ode to excess before the beginning of Lent, there’s a myriad of free events throughout the city. A parade travels along the Cannareggio Canal to commence the jubilation. Furthermore, a costumed woman flies across St Mark’s Square from the bell tower.
Read MoreStaying in Venice Mestre, just a few minutes from the city’s heart by train, you will have easy access to the delights of Carnival and the city itself. Uncover the history of this iconic city on a guided tour from the Bridge of Sighs to St Mark’s Basilica. Atop the iconic basilica, four horses symbolising Venetian power and pride preside over the piazza.
While exploring, perhaps continue to the islands of Murano and Burano. On Murano, glassblowers use traditional techniques to create masterpieces. Meanwhile, Burano is known for its colourful houses as well as beautiful intricate lace. Once the ultimate fashion must-have, Burano lace was a much coveted status symbol. Take time to enjoy the Italian lifestyle, sipping coffee or perhaps prosecco and dine on the famous cuisine. Why not try a fritella? – a delightful Venetian doughnut and an indulgence befitting Carnival’s gluttony.
Venice Carnival dates: 22 February – 04 March 2025
Dates
February / March 2025
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1-2
Travel to Italy
Make your short sea crossing to Calais and travel through France, stopping en route for 2 overnight stays.
Day 3
Discover Venice
Today, upon arrival in Venice, head straight to the island to discover this world famous city of bridges on a guided tour. Admire the city’s stunning architecture and the fascinating history of the Kingdom of Venice. Spend an afternoon at leisure soaking up the carnival atmosphere as characters in masks bustle along the canals. Perhaps embark on a gondola ride and view the city’s glorious architecture from the water.
Day 4
Explore Further
Today, why not explore beyond Venice’s arcade lined squares and canals? Perhaps join a boat tour to the stunning islands of Murano and Burano. See glassblowers use traditional techniques to create masterpieces on Murano. The glassblowers were originally sent to Murano because Venetian’s feared the craft would start a great fire. On Burano, amble past brightly coloured houses. Once, the intricate lace made on this island was the ultimate fashion statement. The lace is painstakingly detailed and equally breathtaking.
Perhaps you’d rather venture to a different city. Verona, the setting of Shakespeare’s epic romance – Romeo and Juliet, is only around an hour and a half away by road or train. Why not explore the beautiful city with its impressive arena and romantic ambience. Visit Juliet’s house and stand on her illustrious balcony.
Day 5-6
Ciao Venezia
After breakfast, enjoy some last minute souvenir shopping then pack up your memories of the city and celebrations of Venice and head westwards towards Milan for your first overnight stop. Why not enjoy a bit of time exploring Italy’s fashion capital.
Day 7-8
Travel to the UK
Continue your journey home, travelling through France for an overnight stop in the Reims area before taking the ferry back to the UK from Calais on day 8.
Suggested Hotel
Plaza Hotel – Venice Mestre ****
In a prime location just opposite Venice Mestre train station the Plaza is only about 10 minutes from the Grand Canal. Comfortable and elegant rooms provide guaranteed rest and relaxation after a hard day sightseeing. The rooms feature free wi-fi, electronic safe, minibar, air conditioning, satellite TV with LCD screen and hairdryer. The à la carte restaurant with bar is the perfect place to spend your evening. Onsite parking is available at the hotel.
Venezia Mestre – Sta Lucia Trains
The town of Mestre is located on the mainland to the west of Venice’s Lagoon, a short 10min train ride across the causeway to Venice’s central Sta Lucia Train Station. Train tickets cannot be purchased in advance and must be purchased locally. Trains across the lagoon run every few minutes.
| Departure date | 8 days / 7 nights |
| February/March 2025 | Price on request |
