January 25 - 30, 2008
$3995  (U.S.) per person, dbl occ.(tentative)
$4595 (U.S.) per person, single

Airfare NOT included

Venice is a  a city of MAGIC at anytime, but nothing compares to it during the fabulous celebration known as CARNIVAL!  Parades, masks, elegant costumes, a unique city with waterways for streets, a history rich with past intrigues, power  and pageantry. A city steeped in traditions, such as lace making, glassblowing, prosecco, seafood, risotto, unique architecture, casinos, water taxis, pigeons, music, art, and of course, the dashing gondoliers in their sleek black gondolas.  Venice is, indeed, magic.

During Carnival  the streets are alive with people in costume, music drifts in from the street musicians, magicians entertain on street corners, bands parade down the streets, jugglers, elegantly masked citizens of the world are everywhere.  St. Mark's Square teems with life - vendors, dancers, singers, all manners of artisans are represented. 

We'll experience  some wonderful culinary events: prosecco tasting, pub tours, Venetian pastries hot from the oven, and other products unique to the area. We'll take culinary tours AND  have cooking classes in a beautiful old Venetian Palace a Venetian lady who happens to be an extraordinary cooking instructor; the BEST tiramisu I've ever tasted. Our Costumed Grand Finale is an experience you'll never forget, complete with mimes, singers and an extraordinary dinner.

Special visits to renowned artisans of Venice are also part of our experience:  the 90 year old glassblowing maestro, still actively blowing glass everyday.  The paper maker demonstrating his ancient art, the pasticceria demonstration of traditional donuts and sweets, the magic mask maker, the wood carver, and of course, the many activities of Carnival !

Our lodgings are charming, recently renovated, 3 star hotel just 3 blocks from St. Mark's but on a quiet courtyard.  Rooms are light and airy, with private bath.  Breakfast included.

Costume Note: Great websites for reasonably-priced costumes:

• www.buycostumes.com
• www.cloakmaker.com

Itinerary