Itinerary

Monday May 10th: Benvenuti a Venezia! Private boat transfers from Venice Marco Polo Airport are included. Upon arrival, you will be escorted to your centrally located 4-star hotel, Palazzetto Foscari. Enjoy a complimentary welcome drink and time to settle in before a charming dinner at a traditional Venetian trattoria.

Tuesday May 11th: After breakfast at the hotel, you will meet our local, Italian guide. Visiting the Basilica San Marco and Doges Palace, we set off for a full day of walking in the oldest part of Venice. In the Basilica museum, we will admire the embroidered sacramental vestments. Later, Reticello speciliast Stefania will lead a private lace-making workshop.

Lunch and dinner at your discretion. 

Wednesday May 12th: All aboard the private limousine boat this morning as we set off to explore the enchanting Venetian islands of Burano and Torcello. Admire the brightly colored facades lining the canals as we cruise toward the Museo del Merletto, where we will discover the remarkable history of Venetian lace-making. A professional lace-maker will provide a live demonstration of this intricate art form.

We will then enjoy a leisurely lunch featuring local Venetian specialties. In the afternoon, we continue to Torcello before returning by private boat to our hotel in Venice.

Dinner at your discretion.

Thursday May 13th: Today, accompanied by our local guide, we travel to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Mantua, approximately two and a half hours from Venice. During our visit, we will tour the historic Gonzaga family castle, Palazzo Ducale di Mantova. The Gonzaga dynasty was among the greatest patrons and collectors of Italian art in history.

At the end of the afternoon, we return to Venice.

Lunch and dinner at your discretion.

Friday May 14th: Today, we visit Ca' d'Oro, one of the finest Venetian palaces of the 15th century and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture overlooking the Grand Canal. We then continue to Palazzo Mocenigo, home to remarkable collections of historic lace, embroidery, and Venetian decorative arts.

To complete your Venetian experience, enjoy a memorable gondola ride through the canals of Venice just before our farewell dinner.

Lunch at your discretion.

Saturday May 15th: After breakfast, a private transfer by boat is provided to the Venice airport. Ci vediamo!

Please note that while transportation is provided, the canals and bridges throughout the city require good mobility. Walking is crucial to appreciate the environment and fully immerse ourselves.

Please consider the following information:

Both the deposit and the remainder are non-refundable. We recommend travel insurance in the event of a cancellation.

Payment will be made on our secured platform by bank wire or credit card. Visa and Mastercard are accepted. Credit card and transfer fees may apply, depending on your bank.

A twelve person group allows for a gentle flow of events. Bookings are done on a first come, first serve basis.

The pricing includes a shared room at the hotel. You may upgrade to a single room for all 5 nights for an additional 1200 euros.

It is up to your discretion to pair up with a roommate, unless you opt for a private room. Please inform us of your preference by email. If you do not know anyone on the trip, we will match you with another traveler.

All breakfasts are included, as well as select meals. Please review the itinerary for detailed information.

Transportation to and from the airports is included, along with all tips for drivers, guides, and other staff for the duration of the trip.

The cost is higher than our previous trips because Venice is a highly desirable destination. This journey includes an additional local guide, and transportation is more complex due to the canal system.

Registration

If you are ready sign-up, enter your email address below. You will be sent a secured link via email to complete the deposit payment.

Grazie

Thank you for taking the time to consider this once in a lifetime needlework trip to Italy. In today's busy world, there are many travel options and we are grateful to be able to welcome you!

Please, email me any questions: elise@thefrenchneedle.com