February 6th to 16th Carnival in Venice! Dating back to the 13th century, (the oldest document pertaining to the use of masks in Venice dates back to 1268), the Venice carnival is something to be experienced at least once in a lifetime. Come and spend some time in this enigmatic city during Carnival time in February when it seems as though decades are peeled back as you step into a world of mystery and intrigue as the locals and visitors alike dress up in the most wonderful, colorful costumes. It will simply take your breath away! While in the city, take time to discover its gems such as the venetian islands, the narrow alleyways and small footbridges scattered throughout the labyrinth that is the city of Venice and enjoy some time at leisure to explore as you wish. (Please note that excursions on this itinerary may change due to date specific activities).

There are plenty of options to upgrade your hotel room or category of hotel, depending on your needs. Hotel space fills up months in advance of this special festival so book early.

Day 1
Venice
At the Venice Airport, you will find a water-taxi ticket booth near the end of a covered walkway from the arrivals hall. Upon arrival, go outside the Arrivals terminal and turn left. Walk to the end of the terminal's sidewalk and look for the sign for Venice Water Taxis and the Alilaguna Water Bus. The walkway to the piers is straight ahead and follow the covered walkway to the piers. The sidewalk is flat, so you can easily roll your wheeled suitcase or trolley. Once there, and if an attendant is on hand, say that you want a water taxi; otherwise, go to the pier and negotiate directly with a boat driver. The fare to Venice is dependent on the location of your hotel and how many people are traveling with you. Please note that a private boat transfer can easily be arranged for you and by local Venetian Law, the price is approximately 120-300 Euro. A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at the first hotel on your trip. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). The Best Western Albergo San Marco Hotel (3*) is located in the heart of historical Venice, just 50 mts from St. Mark Square, the Basilica of St. Mark, and Doge's Palace and is 20 minutes by boat from St. George's Island. The Guggenheim, Accedemia Galleries and the Rialto Bridge are located nearby. Set in a 19th century building completely refurbished, this property is equipped with all modern facilities. All rooms are furnished in the typical Venetian style and the warm, careful service will make you feel like home. The restaurant offers tasty typical Venetian dishes and an international menu. Thanks to its position, this hotel is the ideal starting point to enjoy all the charm of this unique city.
In the rich cultures of Europe and celebrated cities of Italy, few places capture the imagination as much as Venice. Its fabled canalled thoroughfares and gilded palaces possess a beguiling beauty unsurpassed by anywhere else on Earth. Everywhere you go you'll find works of art - in the architecture itself or within the walls of the palaces and basilicas that are liberally sprinkled in every area of the city. Venice is an ever-changing, living canvas. No other place has such a mutable geography where you can discover delightfully peaceful piazzas and deserted canals seemingly unmarked on any map. Quite simply, there is nowhere else in the world quite like it.

Day 2
Venice
Enjoy a 2 hour private walking tour of Venice with an English speaking local guide. Visit St. Mark's Square, the heart of political and religious power of the Venetian Republic for centuries, and learn the history that lies behind the walls of its most famous landmarks; the Basilica and its Byzantine heritage, the Doge's Palace and its adjoining prisons that retain the true secrets to comprehend how a city built on swamps became one of the most enlightened cities in the western world. Then, leave St. Mark's behind you to discover the enchanting Hidden Venice. Following a monumental route, your guide will narrate the in-depth history of Venice from its origins to the modern-day. You'll hear tales of illustrious Venetian characters like Marco Polo and Casanova. And you'll see Marco Polo's House, a Merchants’ Warehouse, explore the lively Campo Santa Maria Formosa with its outstanding Venetian Palaces, the Church of San Giovanni e Paolo (the Pantheon of Venice), and at the Scuola di San Marco you'll learn about the famous Confraternities (Schools) of merchants and artisans of Venice that provided the foundations of the Venetian mercantile empire. This walking tour of Venice finishes at the evocative Rialto Bridge overlooking the Grand Canal and the Rialto Market. (Entrances not included) Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Participate in all of the festivities and hire a period costume! Choose from the wide choice of first quality costumes, masks, hats, wigs and accessories from the 16th to the 20th Century available in the atelier located in the Hotel Danieli and then enjoy a hot chocolate with cakes and sweets in the magnificent lounge of the hotel, dressed in your costume. Enjoy a great dinner as you are dressed in your finery in your hired period costume in the Hotel Danieli, the most exclusive Hotel of Venice, located few steps from Piazza S. Marco. be serenaded to by a Master of Dance and a baroque ensemble as they perform dancing minuets, rondo and other group dances, during and after your dinner. Overnight at Albergo San Marco (3*).

Day 3
Venice
Enjoy a guided 2 hour private tour to Murano on your own private boat with an English speaking guide. After being picked up by your guide in your hotel, take in the sights as you sail past the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, the Public Gardens, the tip of Sant'Elena and the famous Arsenal of the Venetian Republic. You will reach Murano, known throughout the world for its glass manufacturing industry. We will visit one of the most famous and ancient glass factories, where you will enjoy a live glass blowing demonstration performed by a Maestro Glass Maker and will have time to visit the Glass show rooms. At the end of the visit your tour Guide will bring you back to your hotel or to central Venice. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax in your hotel. Begin the evening festivities in the warm atmosphere of the Fireplace Room in the Luna Hotel Baglioni with a welcome cocktail. Just in front of the fireplace you will savour some typical venetian canapés while sipping exquisite cocktails. During the cocktail you will be part of one of the most renowned Italian Operas, “Il Trovatore” by Giuseppe Verdi revisited in a funny way by top-level artists, who perform on the stage of the some of the most famous Italian and International Theatres as well as La Fenice Opera Theatre. You will then be escorted to the elegant ambience of the Marco Polo Ballroom, with original frescoes by the Pupils of the Tiepolo School, where the Chef will amaze you with a refined carnival buffet dinner. AT the end of your meal, enjoy the exquisite typical Venetian desserts such as frittelle and galani.The Marco Polo Ballroom is the perfect setting to experience the real Carnival of Venice and you will have the chance to parade your Venetian Carnival costume and traditional Mask! Be entertained by talented Artists and dance the night away with dance music played by a DJ: international covers, rock, group dances, music by ‘70's and ‘80's. Overnight at Albergo San Marco (3*).

Day 4
Venice
Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax in your hotel. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Embark on an enchanting half hour gondola tour in costume ending with a dinner in one of the best Venetian restaurant: the Do Forni . A classical way to celebrate the carnival, spending an evening with friends and meeting new ones, in a lively atmosphere as everyone is in costume. Overnight at Albergo San Marco (3*).

Day 5
Venice
Take a water taxi from your hotel to the airport. Your hotel concierge should be able to help you with the arrangements on site. The fare to the Venice Airport is dependent on the location of your hotel and how many people are traveling with you. Alternatively, if you would like to have a private transfer arranged for you in advance, please speak to your Kensington Tours Sales Advisor. Kensington Tours donates a portion of our proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities. Depart from Venice Airport (Marco Polo) - end of itinerary.