I have put together a list of tour offerings that our group might be interested in while in Venice. I have done a fair amount of research and have only included tour companies that have received great reviews by fellow STers or people in the know in Venice (such as venexiananan). This is by no means a comprehensive list and doesn’t include the popular Doge’s Palace and Secret Itinerary tour. The least expensive way to book this tour is to call directly+39 041 5209070, from 9am-6pm (Mon-Fri) and 9am-2pm (Sat), Venice time.
I have been talking to Pokey about some group plans for the week and so far we have come up with:
Monday, October 11th
Nan (venexiananan) has offered to present her wine tasting “course” Lessons of the Vine, an introduction selected wines from Italian small producers and native varietals that you'll likely never find in the US (no Chianti, no chardonnay, no pinot anything).
It's not only a tasting, but also an informative and enjoyable comparison between the old-world Italian and new world wine cultures. It includes five different wines from a variety of estate producers, an antipasto plate at the end of the tasting to enjoy with an extra glass of your favorite wine from the tasting. I hold it at a superb restaurant that has the ideal atmosphere, stylish and elegant, yet cheery and comfy...and if the weather's lovely, we'll even hold the tasting outside in the airy campo. You can even stay for dinner, which I would recommend...it's excellent, and one of the best values in the city.
Lessons are available any day but Tuesday, from 5p - 6:30-ish. I think you should schedule this before you do the other two...with the background you accrue, you'll get much more out of the prosecco tour. The price will depend on how many participate but it should be around €35 - €40 each for 1.5 hours, 5+1 wines, and antipasto plate.
Tuesday, October 12th
Hopefully this is the day for the Veneto Hill Towns/Prosecco private tour described here: http://www.tours-italy.com/ven...veneto_day_tours.htm They have offered to arrange for more than 1 vehicle if more than 8 people (I know we have 8 people who have already said count me in on this one) want to go. The cost for 8 people would be 80E each for a 9-hour excursion.
Wednesday, October 12th Shannon has agreed to take us on a bar hopping cicchetti tour of her favorite spots! How cool is that!
Other tours we may consider as a group or individually:
http://www.venice-art-tours.com/index.html 220E for 1-5 people for 4-hour tour. May take more in a private group. Fabulous reviews by STers. A reasonable price for a small group. I am leaning towards this one. I am arriving on Saturday and I think I would like to do this tour on Sunday if anyone is interested in joining us to reduce the price. Not committed to this yet, depends on others joining us I think.
The original Venice walking tour for 21E for 2 hours including getting in to St. Mark’s Basilica without standing in line seems pretty reasonable. This is the company that also does the Veneto/procsecco tour.
Also has received good reviews. Minimum of 4 people, max of 8. Different tours offered on different set days. Prices range from 35E each for a 2 hr tour to 75E each for a 3-hour grand tour (including boat ride on canal).
I have sent an email to check availability of an English guided group tour if anyone is interested. This is a short train ride to Pauda for amazing frescoes by Giotto that Sandra describes so well here: http://www.slowtrav.com/blog/s...d_and_dazzled_1.html Not sure when we can fit this in but I am determined to try!
Please ask questions, indicate what might interest you and let me know in particular if you are firmly committed to participating in the Wine tasting, Prosecco tour and bar hopping with Shannon (that’s a no brainer I think)! Also if Venice experts have other thoughts, please share them. Thanks.
Thanks to you and Mindy for taking the time to do the research and posting of these wonderful ideas! Please count Chris and I in on Nan's tour, the Prosecco Tour, and the cichetti tour with Shannon.
I will take a look at the offerings, and will report later. Will we pay for the first two the day of the tours, or in advance?
Thanks to you and Mindy for taking the time to do the research
Colleenk did 99% of it! So she gets all of the high 5's and pats-on-the-back!
As usual, there isn't enough time to do everything!! I do want to go on some sort of Walking Tour, including St. Mark's, Doges Palace, etc. Went on one in 2002 and would love another tour
Thank you Colleen for doing all the emailing and research. As I arrive on Sunday, the 10th, I wouldn't be able to go on the tour you're considering Maybe I can go on Thursday with another group from Slowtrav??? Too many fabulous options.
I'll also be up for taking anyone on my 1 day tour of Venice - we start at Piazzale Roma and cover the whole city by foot and vaporetto with lots of wine and tramezzini stops. You probably have all seen a lot of the places we'd go, but there might be some surprises. I could do this on Thursday or Friday. All you need is a vaporetto pass, a good pair of shoes, and wine and sandwich money because wine and sandwiches are Very Important.
Now it's out in the open how much of an obsessive planner I am. I was happy to do the research.
I know that you won't be able to do a Sunday tour Pokey but wondered if anyone else would be arriving Saturday and might be interested in taking part of Howard's tour. If not, we may do the 2 hour walking tour for 21E.
As for the payment of the tours Jen, I imagine Nan would appreciate cash at the start of her "class". If the Veneto/Prosecco tour requires a credit card to hold the reservation, I will be happy to use mine and get reimbursed from everyone. With the dollar at a pretty good exchange rate currently, we should probably commit in the near future! Hmm-wonder if I should stockpile some Euros while the rate is good.
I too would like to do the Doge and lagoon islands but figure we can do that on our own without the expense of a private tour.
Wow! So many options - time to start really thinking about this! My husband has just had to do radical things to our computer (involving a new hard disc - bye bye favourites list aargh) but I've just opened it up and he has very sweetly put a lovely Venice scene as my screensaver Inspiration everytime I log on.
I'm arriving Sunday and leaving Friday.
Posts: 1404 | Location: London, UK | Registered: 20 September 2006
Thanks Colleen (and Mindy) for putting this together, what great choices . Definitely confirming Monday's wine tasting, Tuesday's prosecco tour, the two hour walking tour and anything Shannon does. This wasn't mentioned directly, but I am also interested in the one day Dolomites tour offered by the same company that is doing the prosecco tour (http://www.tours-italy.com/dolomite_italy_tours-italy.htm). Not sure what day yet, but if others are interested, maybe we could add to the list of activities, if not, I'll do on my own on one of the free days. Can't wait - it's starting to get real!
Michele
Posts: 86 | Location: Los Angeles, CA | Registered: 21 May 2007
Thanks for all the work guys! Definitely in for the prosecco tour. I'd love to do a Dolomites tour...that's been on my list for years, so its a "must" for me. Also, please sign me up for Nan's tour on Monday & the bar hopping on Wed. Shannon's tour too, depending on day.
Maybe Nan's thing Monday evening; Prosecco tour on Tue, Shannon's on Thurs, Dolomites on Friday? That leaves Sat & Sun for arriving and doing whatever, Monday and Wed pretty much unscheduled during the day. I've done the Doge's palace and Secret Itinerary Tour a few times, so I'll skip those this trip. If you haven't been, definitely do the SI tour...its great!
Right after Mardi Gras, I'm going to move into planning for Italy mode!
Anne
Posts: 342 | Location: Louisiana | Registered: 01 May 2005
I think we can let Shannon decide on Wed or Thurs for the cicchetti bar hop. Either eve is OK for me, Thursday is my last night and that might be a good ending. This event wouldn't start until cocktail hour I assume, so the day (whichever it is) will be free.
I'm saving the Dolomites for another nothern Italy trip with Jim someday (Milan, Bergamo, Dolomoites, Verona, Venice, I don't have enough time this trip!
Mindy, that tour sounds fun but similiar to Shannon's cichetti tour without the ghost stories!! Too many great options, so little time. A good problem to have.
I'm totally open - any day works for me just fine. So you guys schedule what you need to and I can do the one day tour any day and the cichetti tour any night. (13th, 14th or 15th.)
I think I mentioned the Dolomites tour waaaaay back, and it is the same link that Michelle provided. Kendall had also expressed interest in the tour as well.
So many wonderful options! I need a spread sheet, word pad, note pad and a Power Point Presentation in order to sort it all out! (and a big lottery win)!!
Originally posted by MoJen: I think I mentioned the Dolomites tour waaaaay back, and it is the same link that Michele provided. Kendall had also expressed interest in the tour as well. Jen
Hi Jen -
You're absolutely right, I couldn't remember who had made the suggestion (and too lazy to go back on the thread) but it definitely put the bug in me for the Dolomites (I can only imagine the views!). Since I don't get back to this end of Italy often I want to take advantage of it on this trip. Thanks for the initial suggestion and link
Michele
Posts: 86 | Location: Los Angeles, CA | Registered: 21 May 2007
Re the Dolomites, looks like those who have expressed an interest would be game for Friday, October 15. How does that work for everyone? Should we start a thread based on specific activities? Based on the current thread, I think this is a very preliminary and tentative list of those who may be interested:
Anne Jen Kendall Michele Mindy
Posts: 86 | Location: Los Angeles, CA | Registered: 21 May 2007
I heard from Kendall in the affirmative for the Prosecco tour (big surprise -yes to all 3 options and more) So now the first van is full anyway. They are willing to add another vehicle if more people are interested, so let me know.
Ciao Tutti! So glad you guys are GTG-ing in Venice, and that we'll be getting together for Lessons of the Vine.
One footnote: I wanted you to know that I'm not just an enthusiast, I'm an official AIS - Associazione Italiana - Sommelier. This means I am an awful wine snob, so get ready to enjoy some fino vino.
Originally posted by venexiananan: One footnote: I wanted you to know that I'm not just an enthusiast, I'm an official AIS - Associazione Italiana - Sommelier. This means I am an awful wine snob, so get ready to enjoy some fino vino.
I went ahead and booked the Veneto Hill towns and Prosecco tour for Tuesday, October 11th at 9 am. Total cost for 8 people is 640E=$111/each(approx-rounding up)with today's exchange rate. I will wait to get the Capitol One bill to determine the exact price depending on the exchange rate the day the booking is processed. Once I receive that, I will send a group email with my address to send the payment to. This rate does not include lunch but is inclusive of all other costs. I think that's a pretty reasonable rate for a 9 hour excursion! And just think, one thing paid for so much ahead of time that it lessens the pain.
I also inquired if there was a discount if you take more than one of this company's tours for those of you interested in the Dolomites or other walking tours of Venice.
This is great Colleen!! We're going to have so much fun! Wicked smart of you to ask about discount for the Dolomites tour...
I'll mail check, or, better yet, deliver it to you in person either in San Diego or back here; we'll meet for dinner! Any excuse to see you and go out to eat!
Thank you for arranging what will be a glorious day!!!
Mindy, always delighted to share a meal with you, I'll email some times for this month that work for me to see if you are free. Those that I will see in SD, payment at that time would be great!
I did hear back about the group tours for the Pauda Giotto frescoes. Their idea of a group is 25 people!! That wont't work. Based on Sandy's description of the limited time (15 minutes) to view these, I am thinking that I might have to do what she did and go in the evening so that I can get a 40 minute slot. The only time that will work for that I think is Wed eve as I want to be in Venice for my last evening on Thursday. Would you all mind if we did the cichetti tour with Shannon on Thursday evening instead of Wed? Shannon has already said it doesn't matter to her and she doesn't arrive in Venive until Tuesday. I think that would be a great way to spend my last evening in Venice!!
Originally posted by colleenk: ...Those that I will see in SD, payment at that time would be great!
Grazie mille for making all the arrangements. Re the payment for the Veneto Hill Towns and Prosecco tour, I'll see you in San Diego and will have both my payment and Kendall's at that time (Kendall and I are rooming in Venice).
Take care and see ya soon.
Michele
Posts: 86 | Location: Los Angeles, CA | Registered: 21 May 2007
Kendall...you heading down to the Big Easy for any parades? I ride Sunday night...Mary and Tom (Rome Addict) are riding too. Let me know if you want to come down...I'll "trow you sometin!)
Posts: 342 | Location: Louisiana | Registered: 01 May 2005
It goes without saying of course that if we move Shannon's cichetti tour (please, please so that I can get a 40 minute slot for the frescoes in Pauda)that doesn't preclude hanging out with Shannon Wed eve or any other time while we're in Venice together!
Hi colleenk, if you can get a double-turn (40 minute) slot to see the Arena chapel in Padua, it is SO worthwhile! It doesn't really cost much more, and it's wonderful to feel relaxed and not so rushed -- there really is so much to see!
Something I wish I had done was arrive at the chapel about an hour before I needed to, because there is a remarkable interactive display and an audio-visual presentation about Giotto's frescos and the history of chapel, in the basement of the complex beside the chapel. From what little I saw of it, it looked really interesting and good preparation for the chapel itselef.
I had heard, of course, that before visitors are allowed into the chapel, they must sit in a kind of decontamination chamber for 15 minutes, and during that time a film about the chapel is shown. But I hadn't heard about the other film and interactive stuff that was also available. Next time, I'll go an hour or so before my booked entry so I can have a better look at the AV material.
Thanks Sandra, the double turn admission is what I'm aiming for as it seems a major excursion to Pauda for 15-20 minutes viewing time otherwise. Good to know about arriving early for the interactive exhibit!
Reading through this entire thread has me so excited!!! and a tad confused
It looks like Thursday would be the only day to do cichetti tour with Shannon. Is this correct? Coolleen you're busy Wed in Padua, right?
I'm going to email Monica Cesarato about her Ghost Walk/food tour. yes, similar to what Shannon will take us on, but this is at night and involves ghost stories I have no idea what the cost is, so I'll let you know what she says. I think Wed. evening is my only available evening. Crikey! I'm also looking into the Doges Palace/Secret Itineraries tour for Wed. morning. The company we are using for Prosecco Tour on Tuesday and Dolomites on Friday offers a Doges tour but only on Sat. (I've emailed them about this). There are other companies who offer the tour so I'll look into that and let you know.
I see too that Avventure Bellissima also offers a Ghost Tour for €20,00 and the Walking Tour that Colleen linked to sounds great for €21,00. I think I'll ask about discount for those 2 tours since we're using their company and forget the other Ghost Story tour. eek, too much!
Originally posted by Pokey: I'm also looking into the Doges Palace/Secret Itineraries tour for Wed. morning.
Luisella Romeo of See Venice is one of my favorite guides, and among other things offers a private Doge's Palace / Secret Itineraries tour. If there's more than a couple of people it would work out much better than a group of 30!
Luisella is as informative as she is delightful to be around...I think this is an excellent option for a small group tour at almost the price of a giant one.
Mindy, Hoping to go to Pauda late Wed afternoon but the morning is free. Wine tasting and bar hoping won't start before 5 pm on Monday with Nan and Thursday with Shannon so the majority of those days are free too. Of course there's also the lagoon islands to fit in!
I also wanted to fit in Burano & Murano if we have enough time. Your mention of "lagoon islands" caused me to Google to see how many there are. I found this website that has great info about each island:
We are still planning on being in Venice for part of the week with you.
We definitely want to join in on Shannon's nibbles and bits tour on Fri.. Shannon are you also doing the walking tour from P.Roma through the city? We'd like to do that too, if possible.
We do not have our flights or obviously dates, but we are trying. Rob doesn't favor the idea of flying on the 13th which makes this hard to figure out. We may not get into Venice until Fri. the 15th, but we want to see you for more than one day/night. We wanted to do the prosecco tasting, but that is Tue. the 12th and we definitely won't be there in time for that, bummer. We may fly on the 12th. and get there on the 13th, so we would be there with you for Wed. through Sat.. Now Rob is saying he would fly on the 13th so we would be ther on the 14th/15th with you. Oiy. My head is rolling.
Colleen, thank you sooooo much for all your research. You are a true . You have come up with so many great things.
Well, at least I have gotten in on the thread. We will be there with you, even if for onlly one day.
CinCin, Wendy and Rob
Posts: 3878 | Location: Monterey Peninsula, California, USA | Registered: 07 September 2003
Colleenk did 99% of it! So she gets all of the high 5's and pats-on-the-back! 
Maybe I can go on Thursday with another group from Slowtrav??? Too many fabulous options.
We can have fun talking about this in San Diego 
you're busy Wed in Padua, right?
. You have come up with so many great things.
