February 26th to March 8th 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 change 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.

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.

On arrival in Venice you will be met and transferred by a private motor launch and English speaking assistant to your accommodation on Venice Island. Our local representative will accompany you on the transfer and assist with your hotel check in.

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.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

 Bauer Hotel (5*) is just west of St Mark's Square and features two terraces providing views of the Grand Canal's junction with St Mark's Basin. The Bauer Hotel is a time-honored, family legacy and a testament to the soul and spirit of Venice. The hotels guestrooms feature individual decor combining Art Deco and Venetian influences; all include flatscreen TVs, safes, minibars, and marble bathrooms with heated towel rails. During the summer, guests can dine on Venetian and Mediterranean cuisine and enjoy cocktails on the terraces overlooking the Grand Canal; in winter an indoor bar offers DJ or live music nightly.

Overnight at Bauer (5*).

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)

Start your evening with an elegant cocktail and Gondolieri Folk before you will enjoy a Gala Dinner. Afterwards you will experience an Opera performance by Rossini. Guests will be entertained by the performance of selected arias from "The Barber of Seville", a comic opera in which the intrigues of Figaro, the barber, aims to convince the young and beautiful Rosina to marry the Count of Almaviva, who is madly in love with her.

Overnight at Bauer (5*).

Take 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 a hot chocolate with cakes and sweets in an elegant cafe on the "Piazza". Cafè Lavena, is a meeting place for illustrious Venetian guests and tourists, and has always actively participated in the cultural life of Venice, experiencing the most important historical events in the city during the 18th and 19th centuries as well as the Venetian Carnival and its tradition since the 18th century. A costume can be hired locally for a fee.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

The most magical night of the Venetian Carnival, this spectacular event takes place by candlelight in the stunning Pisani Moretta Palace overlooking the Grand Canal. The palace is a jewel in the heart of the city and the inside is covered with beautiful 18th century frescos. You will be very welcomed at the 15th edition of this prestigious Masked Ball the "Mascheranda". The atmosphere is of 17th century Venice with a set like 'Pierrot and the Moon' and animations from the Commedia dell' Arte. The guests will be welcomed by a 'Misterioso' aperitif. The Traditional Gala Dinner will be served in the Tiepolo frescoed rooms, illuminated by hundreds of candles, with a quartet of live musicians, dancers and actors from the Commedia dell' Arte. As part of the after dinner entertainment there will be the election of Casanova of the evening and spectacles such as, 'The School of Ancient Dances', 'The Corner of Astrology', 'Casanova's Boudoir', 'The Carousel of Eros' and also a DJ who will play until the early hours. For the entire evening there will be an Open Bar and a surprise from the chef at the end. This is sure to be the most enchanting event you have ever attended! The palace enjoys a water entrance so it is possible to arrive on foot, by water taxi or by gondola.

Overnight at Bauer (5*).

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Embark on an enchanting half hour gondola tour in costume which will be 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. Enjoy the lively atmosphere as everyone is in costume.

Overnight at Bauer (5*).

You will be met at your hotel by our local representative who will accompany you on the transfer from your hotel to the Marco Polo Airport by private motor launch.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of 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.

Overnight at Depart.