We bid farewell to the Dolomites for a two-hour journey that transports us to another world: Venice, the floating city and entrepôt republic that dominated the trade routes between Europe and the exotic East for much of the mediaeval period. If you haven’t been before, the first sight of tawny Venetian roofs and pastel walls rising from their shimmering reflections in the Lagoon is unforgettable. If you are an old friend, its echoing canals and twisting alleys will delight anew – there is always something to see that you have never seen before.

More good news, on route we encounter the Prosecco Hills, designated UNESCO World Heritage site for its “mosaic-like” agricultural landscape made up of little vineyards with woods and meadows between them.  It wouldn’t be a Soirée if we didn’t pop in to taste and learn about the local sauce!  Tuck into lunch together along the way.

Once at the coast, we take by far the most elegant method of transport across the sea, using private water taxis to skirt Venice itself on our way to our own haven of San Clemente, a private island within minutes by boat of both Venice and the Lido. Once checked in, it’s time to spend a peaceful afternoon exploring our new domain, which includes expansive gardens, an outdoor pool and sunbeds, tennis courts, pitch-and-putt and a spa. In the evening, the mood here is relaxed but elegant. 

Join us for a light dinner composed of aperitifs and cicchetti – Venetian nibbles – on the terrace of Al Bacaro, overlooking the city of Venice.

Al Barcaro hosts a jazz band on Friday nights—perfetto!

This morning we will stroll through Tim’s favorite backstreets in the city. Visit the lesser-known neighborhoods of San Polo and Santa Croce and pop into Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, one of the greatest churches in city tucked in to the center of San Polo; it has the honor of housing a number of great works of art from the Venetian Renaissance, including works by Titian.  The Architecture Biennale will be in full swing, and we will visit a few of the best installations.

This afternoon is at leisure to explore whatever strikes your fancy.  We recognize that this may be one guest’s first trip to Venice and another’s 10th.  Our goal is to make sure everyone gets to enjoy the best of Venice today, and we will talk to you individually about what you’d like to do this afternoon and make that happen!  Here are some of the activities that suggest you consider, but you may have some of your own!  If we have multiple guests interested in the same activities, we will create a small group so you can share the costs, such a private guide or water taxi excursion.

• Modern Art lovers alert! Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Museum with a world class collection housed in her stunning palazzo beside the Grand Canal.  

• First time in Venice?  Get timed entry into the Basilica San Marco, The Dodge’s Palace, and cross the Rialto Bridge or see it from a romantic gondola ride.

• Go island hopping via private water taxi and take the four hour “Blue-Green Lagoon Tour” visiting Murano (glass factory), Burano (colorful houses and gelato) and Torcello (1000 years old cathedral with impressive mosaic of the last Judgement)

• Explore a lesser-known side of Venice on a guided walking tour of the Jewish Ghetto and learn about the Jewish history of Venice.

• Take advantage of the hotel’s complimentary hourly water shuttle over to San Marco (a fun 15-minute ride) to get lost in the romantic streets, slide gently through the canals by gondola, or dine at a favorite haunt.

Whenever you are ready, return to our hotel on San Clemente Island to relax on the grounds, lounge by the hotel pool, or hit the spa. 

After one last decadent breakfast complete with cornetti and brioche, be whisked away by our elegant water taxi to the Venice Airport.  Feel the breeze as you glide across the lagoon and bid the floating city farewell—till the next time bella Italia…arrivederci!