We are delighted to have been able to secure tickets for Puccini's Madama Butterfly & Rossini's great comic opera L’occasione fa il ladro at the legendary Teatro La Fenice for two performances mid September.
Securing group accommodation in Venice is always a challenge, particularly in the early autumn high season but we are pleased that the 3* superior Albergo Al Sole have once again agreed to provide us with an allocation of rooms.
The hotel is situated in an historic palazzo on a small canal in a quiet area of Santa Croce (one of the six sestieri or neighborhoods of Venice) but in the heart of the city. Continental breakfast is included each morning (please note this is NOT a hot breakfast buffet). The hotel location is ideal for exploring the city without having to battle the crowds of San Marco. Close by are the magnificent Scuola Grande di San Rocco (with its interior paintings entirely by Tintoretto) and, the marvelous Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari (known to all in Venice as simply Frari and home to Bellini's Madonna & Child and the tomb of Antonio Canova).
During our stay we will visit each of the sestieri and discover the wonders of the city that lie just a short distance from the tourist mayhem of Piazza San Marco. We will have four half day visits, in the company of an accomplished fine-arts guide, discovering some of the great art and delightful squares and areas of lesser known Venice. In your free time you may want to visit some of the great art galleries including the Gallerie dell Accademia & Peggy Guggenheim Foundation.
The operatic highlights of our visit will be two performances (20th & 24th September) at the fabled Teatro La Fenice. We have secured excellent front stalls seats for both performances.
During our stay we will also enjoy an evening of music by Antonio Vivaldi with Interpreti Veneziani and a private farewell dinner at what was Richard Wagner's final home on the Grand Canal.
IMPORTANT NOTE RE MOBILITY: We always try and make our holidays as accessible as possible to all regadless of age or mobility however, the beauty and timelessness of Venice also has some drawbacks. There are many bridges and steps (mostly only a few at a time) to traverse in order to enjoy the city to the full. Each of our escorted tours will be on foot (and using the vaporetti on the Grand Canal where appropriate) but we probably cover around 2km each day and the holiday is not suitable for anyone with walking or mobility problems.
Flights: Flights are from Manchester direct to Venice Marco Polo Airport with Easyjet out and Jet2 back and include 20kg baggage. Flights are also available from Gatwick with BA at the standard tour cost.
Flights are available from Heathrow at a supplement of £45 per person. Other airports and costs on request.
You will be transferred to the front door of the hotel in style by private launch!
Manchester Terminal 1 - Venice 1255 - 1615 EZY 1863
Venice - Manchester Terminal 1 1200 - 1335 LS 802
Gatwick South Terminal - Venice 1150 - 1500 BA 2586
Venice - Gatwick South Terminal 1550 - 1700 BA 2585
Heathrow Terminal 5 - Venice 0855 - 1205 BA 578
Venice - Heathrow Terminal 5 1310 - 1430 BA 579
