Venezia - Taols

The splendour of the Serenissima

nadia — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 11:49:32 +0000

Since the founding of the Republic of Venice, Piazza San Marco has been the stage for some of the greatest activities in the city, from economic dealings to Carnival dances. Here stand what were once the two centres of earthly and spiritual power: the Ducal Palace and Saint Mark’s Basilica. The Ducal Palace, the historic seat of the government of the Serenissima (one of the names for Venice), witnessed all the trade, more or less legal, in the city, and it was from here that the Doge kept control over the city and where he met his citizens. Saint Mark’s Basilica, today the city cathedral, was once the Ducal Chapel and the symbol of the Republic’s magnificence.

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A leap into the past: Murano, Burano and Torcello

nadia — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 11:49:03 +0000

Would you like to admire authentic artisans at work, using the same methods today as one-hundred years ago, and spend a day far from the commotion of Venice? These three small islands, completely isolated from the mainland, are still rooted in their old traditions. Murano is the land of blown glass and Burano of lace and lace sellers, while Torcello, inhabited by less than 30 people, simply opposes itself to mass tourism. Stroll through the old glassworks on Murano, where you can see the artisans at work firsthand: choose your piece and see it grow before your very eyes, to then take home with you. Moving north, you will find Burano, with its mismatched pastel-coloured houses and its historic bottegas, where old women still do lacework. Finally, you will arrive on Torcello, still completely immersed in nature, where one finds Venice’s oldest church: the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, founded in 639, where you can admire a splendid mosaic of the Last Judgement.

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Venice among the waves

nadia — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 13:01:31 +0000

Venice is a city built on hundreds of tiny islands: what better way to visit it and discover its most charming corners than from its endless canals? From your private boat, you will discover the silent fascination of its shaded canals, secret gardens, ancient roof-tops and entrance doors facing directly onto the water. From the intrigue of its small canals, crossed by little bridges, often made entirely of wood, you will pop out onto the Grand Canal, lined with old historic palazzos and always a whirl of activity, due to the non-stop boat traffic and the cry of gondoliers striking up their distinctive songs. Continuing along the Grand Canal you will finally reach the open sea and enjoy a unique view of the city on the water.

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Guided tour and cocktail at La Fenice theatre in Venice

nadia — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 13:00:51 +0000

The Fenice opera Theatre, the treasured pearl of Venice’s opera tradition! Enjoy an insider’s glimpse of the beloved La Fenice, with a private tour of its extravagantly decorated interior, painstakingly restored to its original grandeur.

And refresh yourself with a glass of champagne into one of the most important theatres all over the world. Please note that upon request the tour can be completed with the experience of a thrilling performance into the La Fenice theatre.

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Dining with the chef in Venice

nadia — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 13:03:01 +0000

Want to amaze your friends, serving them a classic Venetian dinner? This is the class for you! Our renowned chef will teach you all the secrets of Venetian cooking, from choosing the ingredients to preparing the dish and pairing the wine, all in a historic residence in the heart of Venice. And none of your efforts will go to waste: at the end of the lesson, you will taste the fruits of your labour, enjoying a splendid buffet lunch or dinner.

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The festivals of Palazzo Ca’ Rezzonico

nadia — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 13:00:20 +0000

Eighteenth-century Venice was famous for the parties and banquets held almost every evening in the sumptuous palazzos on the Grand Canal. One of the most famous and opulent among them was Ca’ Rezzonico, one of the most lavish in the most splendid city in Europe. The palazzo belonged to one of the most influential noble families in the city, which even boasted a pope among its ranks. The palazzo did not lose its power with the passage of time, so much so that the English poet Robert Browning established his residence there. Today, the palazzo has been transformed into a museum and offers visitors the chance to experience a perfectly preserved period residence, complete with period furnishings, and admire frescoes by Giambattista and Giandomenico Tiepolo and a rare collection of paintings by Canaletto and Pietro Longhi.

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Romantic Gondola serenade in Venice at sunset

nadia — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 10:28:53 +0000

The Gondola serenade is a luxury journey along the canals, while musicians and singers perform popular Italian songs, which makes the atmosphere even more magical. The gondola goes along the narrow canals surrounded by the thousand-year old history of its palaces and the city’s culture to then come out into the Grand Canal with its majestic Rialto Bridge. You will be captured by the elegance and charm of this experience. This is the best way to savour the atmosphere of Venice and to feel part of this city, which is unique in the world.

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