About the location: Venice is one of the most unique cities in the world, a labyrinth of canals and calli (narrow streets), campi (small neighborhood squares) and ancient buildings, where it seems one can literally step back in time. Built during the Middle Ages amid the tidal waters of the Adriatic, Venice has for over a thousand years charmed and intrigued all those who wander its paths. Modern-day Venice testifies to the splendors of its long history, from the Basilica di San Marco to the world-class museums such as the Accadmia, the Peggy Guggenheim, the Ca’ D’Oro, and the Scuola di San Rocco, to name but a few. During its peak, Venice was one of Europe’s most long-lived republics, one of its richest cities, and the most important medieval gateway to the Orient. The only motorized traffic in Venice are the water taxis, and its visitors are therefore encouraged to explore this magical place on foot, to stop for a coffee or hot chocolate on St. Mark’s Square, to discover every nook and cranny from the famous Ponte dei Sospiri (“Bridge of Sighs”) to the outlying islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello (famous for their glass production, lace production, and cathedral, respectively). When you join the locals for a spritz (aperitif made with sparkling wine and juice or bitters) and cicchetti (small appetizers served with aperitifs), you will participate in a culture that reaches back centuries.
Your accommodations will be in a rustic B&B right in the center of splendid Venice. Patrizia’s simple yet appealing apartment is in a prime location, with a view of the bell tower of St. Mark’s square. The apartment had two large bedrooms, two bathrooms and a kitchen. (Please note that the apartment is on the fourth floor and there is no elevator.)
About the cooking lessons: Patrizia has worked for 10 years with some of the most prestigious hotel restaurants in Venice, in addition to catering meals in some of the finest Venetian homes. She invites you to join her in discovering the secrets of genuine Venetian food with Venetian locals.
At Home in Venice
Venice, Veneto
Itinerary
Day One
- Arrival on your own and check in to your B&B apartment.
- Dinner this evening as you are a guest of Patrizia’s.
- Overnight.
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Day Two
- Breakfast.
- Around 10AM you will visit the incomparable Rialto Market to purchase fish, fruits and vegetables.
- Return around 11AM for your first class, preparing a Venetian menu. Some of the dishes you may prepare are mixed appetizers, pasta in anchovy sauce, stuffed sea bass and potatoes with whiskey and seasonal vegetables from Saint Erasmo.
- Enjoy the meal afterwards with wines from the Treviso hills, coffee and a grappa.
- Rest of the day and evening are free for museum visits, exploration, shopping, etc.
- Dinner is on your own, with recommendations from Patrizia.
- Overnight.
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Day Three
- Following breakfast will be your next lesson, which focuses on desserts.
You may make tiramisu, mascarpone cream with biscuits or sweet chocolate “salami.”
- A tasting of your efforts with wine and coffee (if you prefer to prepare a full meal followed by lunch for your second class, it is an additional $75 per person*).
- In the afternoon, a guided tour where you will discover the typical products of Venetian cooking traditions through the oldest shops of the Rialto bridge.
- Dinner on your own.
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Day Four
- Breakfast followed by departure.
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High Season
US$1050 per person based on double occupancy
Low Season (July 1-August 31 & November 1-December 15)
US$840 per person based on double occupancy
It is also possible to do the same itinerary and upgrade to hotel accommodations in a 3*, 4* or 5* hotel. Please inquire for details and prices.
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2008 Tour Dates
Available on request year-round for a minimum of 2 people. |
Included in the program:
- 3 nights accommodation with private bath at a B&B apartment in the center of Venice
(note: the apartment is on the 4th floor and there is no elevator)
- Daily breakfast
- Welcome dinner
- *Two hands on cooking classes with one lunch to follow and one dessert tasting with wine and coffee
- One wine and food excursion
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*If you prefer to prepare a full meal followed by lunch for your second class, it is an additional $75 per person.
Transfers by private taxi are available upon request to or from the Venice airport or Venice train station to Patrizia’s house for $200 per car.
The location is easy to access by the public water bus, the stop is San Zaccaria; however, there is no one to assist with the luggage.
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Cooking Vacations 
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