Veneto

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Map of Location

About the location: Venice is a luminously beautiful city, whether you see it in the radiant sun, or even on a bleak, rainy day; she is a fairy tale city, floating on the sea. Since the year 800 when Venice gained its independence and began its millennium as a maritime republic, called “La Serenissima", this city has had an allure that has drawn countless illustrious admirers, as well as millions of tourists.

There is no other city in the world quite like Venice. And, there is no better way to experience this city, than by water. For five days, you will be hosted by Mauro Stoppa, for an exceptionally personal tour of Venice. His beautifully restored wooden sailboat, the Eolo, is the last boat still in navigation belonging to the category called bragosso - formerly used for fishing in both the lagoon and the sea. She was built in 1946 in the Chioggia shipyards. Used for fishing until 1967, the Eolo was then adapted by some hotels for the transport of passengers. Then, for thirty years, she was the property of an impassioned shipowner who kept her in excellent condition with assiduous care. A recent restoration has now made it possible to transform the Eolo into the vessel for these fascinating cruises. The amiable, insightful Mauro Stoppa and his crew on board this historical fishing boat will tend to all your needs.

You will spend three nights at the Palazzo Contarini, a beautiful private palace in Venice just a ten minute walk from Saint Marco Square. The palace was built for the Contarini family (who produced eight Doges for the Republic) at the end of the fourteenth century. It was fully restored four years ago and offers an atmosphere of complete refinement with genuine antiques, fine tapestries, carpets, and crystal, elegantly blending with every comfort. One night will also be spent in the Casa della Dogana in Cavallino.

About the cookery courses: You will experience three cookery courses on Venetian cuisine. Two will be on board the Eolo for a very special cooking while sailing experience, where you'll perhaps learn to prepare seafood as it has been prepared for centuries. The other class will be with Countess Fulvia Sesani in her 15th century palace in Venice, including a visit to the famous Rialto outdoor market.

Sail Venice

Venice, Veneto

Itinerary

Day One

On your arrival, you will be transferred to the Palazzo Contarini.
After you've settled in, take a ten minute stroll to Saint Marco Square, where you can select from any number of wonderful restaurants for dinner on your own this evening.

Day Two

This morning you board the Eolo for a cruise towards the beautiful island of Sant’Erasmo, one of the lagoon’s biggest producers of fruit and vegetables.
During the cruise you will have a cookery course based on the old traditional food of the lagoon, followed by lunch of your efforts.
Stop at the remote Valle Perini, where you will discover the only fishing ground to have adhered to the traditional method of fishing.
In the evening, you reach Casa della Dogana in Cavallino for a splendid dinner, followed by overnight accommodations.

Day Three

This morning you board the Eolo to reach the island of Torcello, where you will visit the magnificient bizantyne basilica.
Enjoy lunch at the Cipriani restaurant.
As you return towards Venice, prepare the night's dinner in your second cookery course on board. As sunset nears, enjoy an aperitivo before dinner on the Eolo.
You end your day by sailing into the heart of Venice where you will stay on the island of San Giorgio, opposite the Ducal Palace and St.Marks square, offering one of the most celebrated views of Venice.

Day Four

This morning will be devoted to visiting the wonderful, bustling Rialto market, hosted by Countess Fulvia Sesani, a well-known noble lady and local personality.
After the shoopping, a very special treat: a cookery course and lunch in the beautifull 15th century palace of the countess.
Afternoon at leisure.
Dinner on your own this evening.
Accommodations for the night in Venice.