Venice means more than group of tiny islands separated by canals and linked by bridges, if we realize that it was the heart of an empire extending over the Eastern Mediterranean and ruling over important cities in the Italian North. This two-week excursion seeks to revive the glory days of the Serenissima.
*Designates UNESCO World Heritage Site
Price: $5,995.00 per person.
Deposit to confirm your reservation: $1,000.00 per person
Duration: 15 days.
Travel: Arrive into Athens International Airport. Depart from Venice Marco Polo Airport.
Included Services:
- Meet and greet at the Athens airport.
- Ferry from Igoumenitsa to Venice in first class accommodations.
- All water transportation in the Venetian Lagoon.
- All-day boat trip from Venice to Padova.
- All road transportation (private coach/van service).
- Accommodations and breakfast at carefully selected hotels.
- One festive meal (wine & beer included).
- Admission tickets to all museums and archaeological/historical sites.
- Tour leader fees.
- Guide/lecturer fees.
Lion of Saint Mark, the Symbol of Venice
by Vittore Carpacci (1516), Doge’s Palace, Venice
Nafpaktos, Venetian Port
Day One
We arrive at the Athens airport. At the end of the 17th century, Athens became the theater of a fierce antagonism between Venice and the Ottoman Empire that had a dramatic effect on the city’s ancient heritage. After our transfer to a central hotel, we begin the exploration of Athens with a tour of the historic center and its characteristic landmarks. We also visit the National Archaeological Museum, one of the most important museums in the world. We can spend the rest of our time in the vibrant central district.
Day Two
The Venetian siege of the Acropolis of Athens by an anonymous Venetian engraver
We start our day with the Acropolis and its monuments* severely damaged during the siege of Athens by the Venetian troops (1687). Our next stop is the new Acropolis Museum. Its rich collections focused on the findings of the Acropolis reveal the taste, spirituality, and lifestyle of the ancient Athenians. We can also get a better idea of the culture of Modern Greece by walking in the historic neighborhoods of Plaka and Monastiraki at the bottom of the Acropolis Hill. We spend the night at the same hotel.
Day Three
We visit one of the most important sites of Medieval Hellenism, Daphni Monastery* in the outskirts of Athens. Its splendid Byzantine mosaics evoke those in the Venetian Lagoon. Our journey continues through the Peloponnesian Peninsula, part of the Venetian Empire under the name of the Kingdom of the Morea (17th-18th centuries). We will admire both the theater of Epidaurus*, the best preserved among ancient theaters, and the neighboring sanctuary of Asclepius*. We will end the day in the port of Nafplio (Italian: Napoli di Romania), capital of the Venetian province of Romania. Accommodations in Nafplio.
Day Four
We will spend the entire day in Nafplio. With its port, castles, and neoclassical neighborhoods, it is considered as one of the most beautiful cities in Greece. We will explore the old town and view a number of monuments still evoking the glory of the Serenissima to include the Archaeological Museum (former Venetian warehouse for the fleet), inland fortifications and Bourtzi fortified island. We stay at the same hotel in Nafplio.
Bourtzi
Day Five
On this day, we will head south to Argos, a city that blends the heritages of Ancient Greece, Byzantium, and Venice. Its castle going back to the prehistoric times was converted into a Venetian citadel (14th c.), and the former barracks initially served as a Venetian hospital (17th c.). Our next stop is the archeological site of Mycenae (14th-13th c. BCE)* linked to the Homeric epics. Then, we travel along the Bay of Corinth to the port of Rio. Its castle and that of the facing coast are two examples of Venetian military architecture. After crossing a breathtaking suspension bridge, we arrive in the port of Nafpaktos (Italian: Lepanto) on the Greek mainland. We stay here this evening and tomorrow.
Day Six
This day is dedicated to Nafpaktos and its Venetian past. We will explore the old town and visit the Botsaris Tower and Museum. We will also stop at the Lepanto Memorial Park related to the Battle of Lepanto (1571), a naval engagement off Nafpaktos resulted to a crushing Ottoman defeat by a united Christian fleet—Venice contributed with two admirals and an important contingent. A statue of Miguel Cervantes, badly wounded during this battle, stands in the park. Later in the day, we will enjoy the splendid sea view from the castle.
Missolonghi Lagoon
Day Seven
Today’s explorations extend over the Missolonghi-Aitoliko Lagoons complex, an area of unique beauty and biological diversity protected by the Ramsar Convention and included in the Natura 2000 network. This part of Greece knew the Venetian domination because of its natural treasure: salt of superior quality. Our tour includes the historic city of Missolonghi, known for its role in the Greek War of Independence, and its link to romantic poet Lord Byron who died there in 1824. We continue our route along the west coast of Greece to the island of Lefkada connected to the mainland by a floating bridge. Under the name of Santa Maura, it was one of the Serenissima’s insular possessions. Not surprisingly, we will feel the influence of Venice in the island’s small capital city. We spend our evening in Lefkada.
Day Eight
Today our group will depart Lefkada for the port of Igoumenitsa. On our way, we stop at Parga, a lovely sea resort that was numbered among the Venetian possessions of the Greek mainland. In the evening, will be departing Igoumenitsa by ferry and will make the crossing to Venice in first class accommodations.
Day Nine
Our day in Venice begins with an architectural tour that will help our guests to better understand the architectural aspects and the historical background of the city’s most characteristic landmarks. We will give special emphasis on Venetian multiculturalism, as it is manifested in the island of Ghetto, San Giorgio dei Greci, and Fondaco dei Turchi. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Accommodations at a hotel Venice, where we will spend the next two nights.
Venetian Ghetto, Main Square
Day Ten
This day is dedicated to the city’s most iconic and impressive monuments that encapsulate the Serenissima’s fascinating history and artistic traditions: St. Mark’s Basilica* and Doge’s Palace*. During the rest of the day, we can form a better idea about the real life in Venice by walking through the off the beaten path neighborhoods. And let’s enjoy a typical Venetian dinner at one of the traditional osterias.
Day Eleven
We are embarking on vaporetto 12 for the islands of the Venetian Lagoon*. We first visit Torcello, one of the lagoon’s first-settled islands. Its two churches, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (7th c.)* and Santa Fosca (11th c.)*, reveal a clear influence of the Byzantine art. Our next stop is the picturesque island of Burano with its characteristic brightly colored houses. Our water bus trip continues to Murano, best known for its glass-blowing factories. We will not miss the Glass Museum, but also the Church Santa Maria e San Donato*, another Veneto-Byzantine landmark from the 7th century. Return to Venice.
Day Twelve
Today we offer our clients a unique experience, an all-day boat trip from Venice, St. Mark’s Square, to Padua. During our cruise along Canale Piovego and Naviglio Brenta, we will pass through picturesque villages, and view and visit splendid villas, like Villa Pisani, known as the “Queen of the villas in Veneto,” and Villa Foscari-La Malcontenta* designed by Palladio. We disembark at the old river port in the historic district of Padua where we will spend the rest of the evening. Padua will be our base for the next two days.
Padua, Palazzo della Raggione (13th-14th c.)
Day Thirteen
This day is entirely dedicated to Padua, the Serenissima’s university town, proud of its cultural, artistic, and architectural legacy. Our city tour includes the Scrovegni Chapel, Orto Botanico (Botanical Garden)*, Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua, Padua Cathedral, Palazzo della Ragione, Pallazzo del Bo (the historical seat of University of Padua). We may stop for a coffee at Caffè Pedrocchi, a temple looking aristocratic café, meeting place of famous people since 1831.
Day Fourteen
After gaining familiarity with Padua and its monuments, we focus our exploration on Palladian architecture. We first visit Villa Almerico Capra-La Rotonda*, a Palladian masterpiece. Our next destination is Vicenza, where we will admire stunning examples of Andrea Palladio’s genius, like the Basilica Palladiana*, Teatro Olimpico*, Palazzo del Capitaniato*. We will also have the opportunity to further explore this thriving city and appreciate the elegance of its palaces and churches. Return to Padua.
Vicenza, Basilica Palladiana
Day Fifteen
A last view of the Venetian mainland on the board of the bus that transfers our group to Venice Marco Polo Airport for the return flights to the United States.