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A FRAGILE MASTERPIECE: VENICE REDISCOVERED
Venice
A LIVING CANVAS
Venice is a masterpiece of artistry and heritage, where every Istrian stone and Gothic arch has a story to tell. Join acclaimed architect and descendant of an ancient Venetian dynasty, Francesco da Mosto to discover the layered history of the Floating City, exploring its waterscapes, architecture and artworks.
Look ahead to the challenges faced by Europe’s greatest medieval city, in an age of rising waters, seen from the perspective of locals and experts involved in the preservation of its cultural and natural environment.
DAY ONE - ARRIVAL
Arriving into Venice Marco Polo Airport, transfer by boat to your accommodation. In the evening, the doors of the renowned Doge's Palace open for an exclusive private viewing. Admire its gothic architecture, and renowned works by Tintoretto, Titian and Veronese.
DAY TWO - EVERY STONE TELLS A STORY
Join 16th-generation local Francesco da Mosto, a historian, architect, filmmaker and descendant of an ancient Venetian dynasty on a guided walk through the city. Setting out from the 17th-century Palazzo Baglioni, Francesco’s family residence, see Venice through native eyes, at the Rialto markets, hubs of trade past and present, before lunch at Francesco’s favourite trattoria.
The day ends with an afternoon appointment at the Ca’ d’Oro, a magnificent exemplar of Venetian Gothic architecture from the 1420s, once richly adorned in gold leaf.
DAY THREE – PRESERVING GREAT TREASURES
The artistic legacy of Renaissance and Early Modern Venice belongs to the likes of Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese, and Bellini, responsible for the greatest flowering of creativity in the city’s history. In the company of a local art historian, learn the city's prominence in the international trade of pigments and artists' materials, before exploring the varied ways that great works are restored and preserved. Marvel at Titian's newly restored Assunta in the 15th-century Gothic Basilica dei Frari, the largest painting on wood panel in the world.
Learn about restoration approaches in the Gallerie dell’ Accademia, Venice’s historic art gallery, and see the before-and-after of Tintoretto’s large-scale narrative paintings as they undergo advanced technology conservation in the Scuola Grande di San Rocco. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
DAY FOUR – CUSTODIANS OF ARTISTIC HERITAGE
An institution dedicated to the scientific study and conservation of Venice's cultural heritage is home to the city’s leading art conservators. Following a morning at leisure, rarely-granted access provides an opportunity to sit alongside artisans after hours to explore the restoration processes required to preserve countless masterpieces, from Renaissance altarpieces to Byzantine mosaics, from the vagaries of humidity, saltwater and time. Gain a deeper understanding of pigments and the cleaning of patinas with an interactive experience.
After dark, savour a private dinner on the belvedere of Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo’s spiral staircase, with dreamlike views across Venice’s domes, spires and tiled rooftops.
DAY FIVE – WATERSCAPES OF THE LAGOON
Explore the unique lagoon ecosystem by private boat in the company of a specialist working at the intersection of art and the environment, to explore the city’s relationship with its lagoon home. Put ashore on islands like Torcello, home to Venice’s oldest surviving structure, the 7th century Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta.
How are locals meeting the challenges posed by environmental changes? On the island of Mazzorbo, experience firsthand how ancient Venetian winemaking traditions are being revitalized, with a wine tasting overlooking the walled vineyard of the Venissa vineyard.
DAY SIX - DEPARTURE
Private transfer to Venice Airport.
RECOMMENDED STAYS
From a private palazzo oozing with old-school glamour to luxurious stays in the heart of the city, discover recommended addresses for this journey.
FROM £8,450 PER PERSON
For six days, based on two people sharing.
INCLUSIONS
Five nights’ accommodation at Ca' Bonfadini
Exclusive tour of the Palazzo Ducale, contemplating the elegance of the building’s striking Venetian Gothic style in total privacy
Guided walk of the city with architect and historian Francesco da Mosto, including a view of the Franchetti Gallery housed in the Ca' d’Oro palazzo
Privileged access to Venice's leading cultural conservation and diagnostics studio
Discovery of the lagoon and its islands with a specialist in art and environment
Exploration of the Galleria dell’ Accademia, Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari and Scuola Grande di San Rocco
Exclusive tour and wine tasting at Venissa vineyard
Private dinner at Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo
Airport transfers and local water taxis to activities and meals as mentioned
WHEN TO TRAVEL
The best time to travel is between April and November
EXCLUSIONS
Flights to/from Venice
Excursions, meals and drinks other than mentioned
ENHANCE YOUR EXPERIENCE
Unlock exclusive access to the artworks of the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, one of Italy's most legendary museums, housed in the former home of art collector Peggy Guggenheim.
Behind-the-scenes visit to the squero, where traditional Venetian gondolas are built, with a deep-dive into the tradition and preservation of the craft.
For those celebrating a special occasion, an intimate dinner courtesy of chefs Chiara Pavan and Francesco Brutto at Michelin-green-starred Venissa restaurant awaits.
EXPERT
FRANCESCO DA MOSTO
Francesco da Mosto, whose family has called Venice home for a millennium, is an architect and historian who has been closely involved in the city’s vital ongoing conservation projects. Francesco shares his personal insights into the history and culture of the city and his thoughts on the future of its endangered heritage.
SHORTER JOURNEY
UNTOLD VENICE: WOMEN IN ART
Embark on a journey through some of the city's most evocative neighbourhoods to discover the monuments and masterpieces of Venice. Trace the brushstrokes of artists, in particular women, who shaped and are shaping the city's cultural legacy.