No visit to Italy would be complete without visiting Venice, renowned for its charm, romance and timeless design. Things to see and do: taking a gondola ride at sunset, marvel at the impressive architecture, take a day trip and visit the colourful town of Murano – famous for its glass blowing, and Burano – with its brightly coloured fishermen’s houses and tranquil Torcello, home to Venice’s first cathedral, embark on a walking tour and take visit Piazza and Basilica San Marco and the Campanile (bell tower) the city’s most recognizable symbols, the list is endless…..
Excursions from Venice
Romeo & Juliet’s Verona
Day trip from Venice –Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday at 9am to 6pm
Your day starts early in Venice, from where you’ll be spirited away to Verona in an air-conditioned mini bus, straight to a photo stop at Colle di San Pietro. After some stunning photos from the viewpoint (sure to be the envy of your friends) you’ll take a lovely walk down into the city. Along the way you’ll stop off for a skip the line visit to the ancient Roman amphitheatre, a 1st century marvel that is one of the greatest amphitheatres in Italy and also among the top opera venues in the world. Then it’s on to Verona’s top attraction: The home of Shakespeare’s Juliet, where, from the outside, you gaze up at the famed balcony where Romeo is said to have done his wooing. You’ll visit the gorgeous plazas, Piazza Bra and Piazza delle Erbe to see the Palazzo Maffei, the Palazzo Barbieri (Town Hall) and the famous Mazzanti Houses whose facades are decorated with beautiful 16th-century frescoes. You’ll also stop by the Piazza Dante to pay your respects at the statue of Italy’s most famous writer.
Venice Grand Canal Tour
Daily November to March at 3.30pm or 4.30pm or 5.30pm or 6.30pm
Picture yourself gliding along the water of the Grand Canal in Venice, the most famous city of water, with the stunning backdrop of Venetian palaces behind. This must be the most effective way to explore the Floating City! Allowing you to view the grandeur of venerable Venice, this tour by water taxi along the Grand Canal reveals the glorious facades of the palaces that nobly sit at the waters edge. Accompanied by a professional hostess to point out the historical and artistic features of the palaces along the waterway, you will get a glimpse into the city’s thriving past as you are entranced by the picture perfect panorama. Duration: Approx. 1 hour.
Slovenia Experience – ex Venice
6 Days/5 nights
Day 1: Depart from Venice/Trieste to Piran
Take a train from Venice Santa Lucia station to Trieste Centrale. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred by private car to Piran, Slovenia. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Piran.
Day 2: Piran/Portoroz
Enjoy your day in the Piran and Portoroz area. Piran, a small medieval town poking out into the Adriatic Sea is rich in architectural heritage. Walk the narrow cobblestone streets and make your way to St George’s Church where the views are stunning. Have an option to visit neighbouring Portoroz, a popular tourist resort to see the Secovlje Salt pans where they still produce salt the same way they have been doing for hundreds of years. Return to Piran for your overnight stay. (B)
Day 3: Piran/Postojna to Ljubljana
After a leisurely breakfast you will be picked up from your hotel and driven to Postojna Caves & Predjama Castle. Visit the largest cave in the “classic karst” and the most visited show cave in Europe. Predjama Castle is a medieval castle built into a cliff and is approximately 10 minutes drive from the caves. After your tours you will be transferred to Ljubljana. Overnight in Ljubljana. (B)
Day 4: Ljubljana to Bled
This morning see the most significant sights of the old city centre: the picturesque Central open-air Market and the Three Bridges, both designed by famous architect Joze Plecnik, Baroque Town Hall and Robba’s Fountain. Later in the afternoon you will be transferred to Bled. Overnight in Bled. (B)
Day 5: Bled
Bled is well known for its small island in the middle of emerald glacial lake and its castle perched on the cliff above the lake. Take the typical boat named “pletna” and visit the small island with the baroque church and toll the bell. Then you can visit the Bled castle, enter to the museum or just enjoy a marvellous view of Bled and surroundings mountains. Maybe enjoy coffee and the local Slovenian speciality cream cake, Kreme Schnitte in one of the many lakeside cafes. Overnight in Bled. (B)
Day 6: Depart Bled to Trieste/Venice or Ljubljana airport
Today have the choice of being transferred to Ljubljana airport, Venice airport or Trieste Centrale railway station for your onward journey. (B)
INCLUDED FEATURES
– Rail ticket Venice to Trieste
– Private transfers throughout
– Breakfast daily
– Entry to Postojna Caves and Predjama Castle
– Sightseeing tour of Bled, with Bled Castle, Church on the Island and Pletna Boat ride