Holidays to Venice

• Venice Historical Regatta: Every year (Aug-Sep), the Grand Canal becomes a theatre for one of the greatest of Venetian events, the Historical Regatta, dating back to 1315 under the rule of doge Giovanni Soranzo. This unique sport, practised in the Venetian lagoon, is particularly known for the spectacular historical water pageant that precedes the race. Gondoliers, in period costume, carry the Doge, the Doge’s wife and high-ranking officials up the Grand Canal in a brightly coloured parade.

• Il Bàcaro: The Bàcaro is similar to a tavern and is typical to Venice. Venetians love to stop here and indulge in some tapas (cicchetti) accompanied by a glass of wine (ombreta).

• Getting lost: A complex maze of narrow lanes and squares stretch outwards from the tourist hub of Piazza San Marco. You can use a map to explore the city but Venice is more rewarding when you leave the map behind and wander aimlessly. You will see captivating palaces and architecture not listed in the guide books; meet local Venetians in any one of the many coffee shops and reach the obligatory dead end – Getting lost is part of the experience.

• Vaporetto No.1: The Vaporetto No.1 cruises from Piazzale Roma in the district of Santa Croce, along the length of the Grand Canal to the Piazza San Marco and onwards to the Venice Lido. Take a seat at the front for the best views (and photo opportunities), and relax as the spectacular, ever-changing vistas pass by.

• Cannaregio and Dorsoduro: The further from Piazza San Marco you walk, the quieter Venice becomes. The districts of Cannaregio and Dorsoduro are favourites among the Sunvil team. In Cannaregio the atmosphere of old Venice has been preserved – this is the living and working area of the city. Dorsoduro is a tranquil district and its small streets and canals attract artists year round. It is here that you will find the fabulous Gallerie dell’ Accademia with its assembly of Venetian paintings; and the smaller Guggenheim art museum displaying the private collection of Peggy Guggenheim.

• Lido beach: Venice is one of the few cities in the world with a sandy beach on its doorstep. Accessed by Vaporetto from Piazza San Marco, Venice Lido is an ideal day excursion for those visiting the city during the summer months. The Lido also hosts the Venice film festival during September.

• Murano: The glassworks of Murano are famed throughout the world. In Venice, the colourful glass products - be it a sculpture, chandelier, tableware or trinket – adorn cafes, restaurants, shops and hotel rooms. A visit to the Murano glass museum is highly recommended.

• Burano: A colourful island with brightly painted houses and where beautifully intricate lacework can be found.

• Torcello: Here you will find some charming and colourful houses and gardens.

Excursions in Venice

The following excursions can be pre-booked for clients staying in Venice. Private excursions can be tailored to suit individual requirements and interests on request. Prices shown here are approximate and should be checked at the time of request.

Private excursions: Price (per person)*

• 35-minute private Gondola tour £94
• 2-hour tour of the Doge's Palace and Secret Trails of Venice (inclusive of private guide and entrance ticket to the Secret Trails) £164
• 2-hour walking tour of Cannaregio and the Jewish Ghetto (inclusive of private guide and entrance to the Synagogues) £138
• 2-hour walking tour of Venice and a Gondola ride (inclusive of private guide and 35-minute Gondola tour) £187
• 4-hour excursion to the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello (inclusive of private boat and private guide) £339

* Based on 2 passengers travelling. Reduced rates apply for larger parties. Single supplement on request. Entrance fees to attractions included.

Regular, group excursions: Price (per person)*

• 90-minute walking tour of Venice (Daily) £40
• 75-minute tour of the Doge Palace (Daily) £57
• 2-hour walking tour and Gondola ride (Daily) £64
• 4-hour excursion to the Lagoon Islands – Murano, Burano and Torcello (Daily) £23
• 30-minute Gondola serenade (Daily) £52

Take a mini-cruise along the Brenta River from Venice to Padua and visit three amazing Venetian Villas en route.

The Burchiello was a typical Venetian barge, finely wrought and decorated and used to transport wealthy aristocrats of the 1700’s from the city of Venice to their countryside Villas. Today the Burchiello is a modern and comfortable motorboat (for up to 110 people) that has an air-conditioned cabin with comfortable sofas, a bar selling snacks, a toilet and a panoramic deck with seating. 

A full day mini-cruise takes in the extraordinary beauty of the Brenta Riviera and passes nine swivelling bridges and five locks. A guided tour (including entrance fees) of Villa Foscari - also known as La Malcontenta (Mira), Villa Widmann (Mira) and Villa Pisani (Strà) is included, plus a stop for lunch at Oriago (optional) at ‘Il Burchiello’ restaurant. 

There are daily departures from 07 March to 01 November, 2020 from Venice to Padua on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. 

Price is £118 per adult and £60 for children aged 6-17 years. 

Optional supplement applicable for lunches: Goldoni’ lunch (fish, meat or vegetarian menu) is an additional £34 per person and ‘Casavona’ lunch is £26 per person. Meals must be requested at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later stage. See menu choices below.

Lunch Menus 

• Fish menu Goldoni: Welcome starter with smoked fish carpaccio with slices of toasted bread; linguine with seafood; mixed grilled fish made up of salmon, gilthead seabream’s fillet and shrimp; a side-dish of seasonal vegetables; fresh seasonal fruit salad with ice-cream; a quarter litre wine and half a litre of mineral water.
• Meat menu Goldoni: Welcome starter with sliced dried beef, rocket and Parmesan; tagliatelle with speck and zucchini; sliced beef with rosemary; a side-dish of seasonal vegetables; fresh seasonal fruit salad with ice-cream; 1/4 liter wine and 1/2 liter mineral water.
• Vegetarian menu Goldoni: Starter of mixed cheese dish with jam; tagliolini with courgettes and cherry tomatoes; omelette; a side-dish of grilled vegetables; fresh seasonal fruit salad with ice-cream; a quarter litre wine and half a litre of mineral water.
• Fish menu Casanova: Welcome starter with smoked fish carpaccio with slices of toasted bread, a plate of mix fried Adriatic fish with polenta, a side-dish of seasonal vegetables, fresh seasonal fruit salad with ice-cream, a quarter litre wine and half a litre of mineral water.

General Notes

• Transfers to and from the boat departure and arrival point in Venice are not included.
• Luggage transportation included: one piece of luggage per person which must not exceed 75 x 50 x 30 cm. Any luggage exceeding these measurements will be charged at a supplement locally.