Firework Spectacular light up Venice

On July 17th Il Redentore, one of the Venetians most treasured festivities takes place. It originated as a thanksgiving for deliverance from the 1575 plague which killed 30% of the population.

In your private gondala you will be taken across the lagoon to reach the best place to watch the spectacular fireworks whilst sipping prosecco. The fireworks and reflections in the lagoon produce a kaleidoscope of colours that silhouette the spires, domes and bell towers of the city providing an amazing show.

This trip last 2 hours

Historical Regatta viewed from Private Gondola

Gondaliers in costume sail in reproduction 16th Century boats following the state galley. You have the exclusive opportunity to miss the crowds on the bridges and experience this show in your own private gondala.

Your gondala tour will start at St Marks square and follow the historical recreation all the way through the Rialto. You sill stop on the Grand Canal to give you opportunity to see the boats close up. This tour lasts 2 hrs.

Attend World Famous Doges Ball

3 NIGHT BREAK FROM 12th -15th FEB 2010

HIGHLIGHTS: Attend the Doges Ball, one of Italy's most prestigious events. Staying at the elegant Metropole hotel this truly is a once in a lifetime experience.

DAY 1: Fly to Venice. Water transfer to your hotel. Costume fitting.

After arrival transfer to your hotel by boat. This afternoon's costume fitting will take place at the Atelier. This evening you have two optional extra events to chose from:

Option 1: Dinner Dance Le Minuet
Tonight you might be tempted by a dinner and dance in one of the most exclusive Venetian Hotels, the Danieli, the masterfully restored 14th Century palace. A Master of Dance and a baroque ensemble will involve you in group dances such as minuets and rondo.

Option 2: Michelin star Metropole Tasting Menu
For a quieter start to the weekend tantalise your taste buds with the tasting menu in the only Michelin starred restaurant in a hotel in Venice.

DAY 2: Attend Baroque Concert and Doges Ball in historical costume

After breakfast attend the late morning Baroque Musical Concert in the magnificent 16th Century palace of the Scuola Grande dei Carmini, with its hall frescoed by Tiepolo, attend a classical baroque concert of Venetian music. A cocktail is served after the concert.

This evening attend the World Famous Ball
The theme for the 2010 Doges Ball is Seven Dreams and Seven Sins….Think of something spectacular, something sumptuous, something dreamy ... and something sinful. You will celebrate passion and love, carnival and dreams!
The Doges Ball brings together a cosmopolitan celebrity audience from around the world. From the moment of your approach to the sumptuous Palazzo Pisani Moretta on the Grand Canal, your imagination will soar... Upon your arrival on the doorstep, you will be welcomed into a fairy-tale world of dancers, singers, jesters, musicians, acrobats, fire-eaters... Waiters in livery will serve you a sumptuous dinner, where wine will flow and dancing continue until the small hours of the morning. A true re-creation of an 18th Century Venetian party.

DAY 3: Day at leisure or take one or more of the A la carte optional extra events on the busiest day of carnival

Breakfast and day at leisure with a choice of optional extras for the afternoon and evening event:

Option 1: Lyric celebration of Saint Valentine in historical costume
The celebration will be located in the 14th century Palazzo Pesaro Papafava. The palace will be illuminated entirely by candlelight to create a wonderful atmosphere. A baroque quartet accompanied by a soprano will entertain while you enjoy a cocktail, typical Venetian buffet and chocolate fountain.

Option 2: Hot chocolate in historical costume.
One of the most established Venetian Carnival traditions is enjoying a hot chocolate with cakes and sweets in costume in the elegant Gran Café Lavena in San Marco Square.

This evening two dining options are available:

Option 1: Dinner Dance Le Minuet in historical costume
Detailed above this carnival celebration takes place at the luxurious Hotell Danieli. A Master of Dance and baroque ensemble involve you in dancing minuets, rondo and other group dances.

Option 2: Attend the Masked Hunt Dinner at the Metropole
The Metropole Hotel is transformed into a hunting lodge. Two lounges are dedicated to a hunting theme with stunning decorations of trophies, feathers, eggs, bird nets, wood, berries. Masquerade guests will be served an aperitif in the elegant hall followed by a delicious menu prepared by the Michlein star chefs. Resident DJ Valentino Borgia will provide the music

DAY 4: Boat transfer to airport for flight home.

Day at leisure prior to boat transfer to airport.

Opera Lovers Short Break extension

Why not extend your break to include a trip to Verona to see the Opera in the outstanding 1st Century AD Arena di Verona?

HIGHLIGHTS: This 3 night break is based at the romantic Il Sogno di Giulietta Hotel and includes private transfers, 2 Gold Central seats for the opera ( or other category if you prefer) and a FREE Verona Card

The hotel can with real reason claim to be the most romantic hotel in the world. Located in the same courtyard as the home to the legend of Romeo and Juliet you will find a luxurious exclusive and peaceful spot. The refined Relais rooms are situated on two sides of the residence; some have a direct view of Juliets' balcony, the others look onto the elegant Via Cappello, a stylish retreat in the historical centre of Verona. All of the rooms are lavishly decorated with furniture of great prestige and adorned with antique rugs, magnificent drapes and objects D'art.

DAY 1 -Private car transfer from Venice to Verona to your hotel.
1 1/4 hr transfer by private car (or by train if you would prefer) to your hotel in Verona. Here your opera tickets and your FREE Verona pass will be at reception for you. Valid for 3 days the Verona Pass offers you unlimited bus transfers around town and access to monuments, churches and museums.
Rest of day at leisure

DAY 2 - Day at Leisure, Attend Opera
Breakfast and day at leisure to make full use of your Verona Card or alternatively choose one of our optional trips to Valpolicella or Lake Garda for instance - see below.

This evening attend the Opera. We can organise a pre theatre dinner in Piazza Bra watching the atmosphere build or at the Ante Prima Opera, where you can enjoy a musical interlude at the piano as artists introduce you to the opera you are about to see.

The 2010 opera season runs from the 19 June - 29 August and features the following:

AIDA - June 19,25 - July 03, 08, 13, 18, 22, 25, 27, 31 - August 08, 10, 15, 17, 22, 26, 29
MADAME BUTTERFLY - June 26 - July 02, 09, 14, 17, 21, 28 - August 06
Il TROVATORE August 07, 11, 14, 19, 25, 28
CARMEN July 10, 15, 20, 23, 29 - August 12, 18, 21, 24, 27
TURANDOT June 18, July 01, 16, 24, 30 August 13, 20

DAY 3 - Day at leisure or optional extras
Breakfast and day at leisure to make full use of your Verona Card or alternatively choose one of our optional trips. We can also make dinner reservations in a wide choice of excellent restaurants.

DAY 4 - Private transfer to airport
Breakfast and at leisure prior to your private driver transfer to the airport for your flight home.

A la Carte Time - On your spare days in Verona why not take up one of our very special experiences. Lunch at Lake Garda followed by a visit to the beautiful privately owned Garda Island is a must. Alternatively wine tastings in Valpolicella or Verona are fun!