SOLD OUT!
Charlie Hall, who lives in Venice and runs the John Hall Venice course, will be our tour leader on this exclusive trip for just 11 readers. His itinerary speaks for itself.
This trip is divided into two parts: we spend the first three nights at the renowned Pensione Accademia on the Dorsoduro in Venice and then transfer to the Villa Saraceno, built by Palladio in 1540, where we stay for four nights with Lucy Ogilvie-Grant as our hostess.
ITINERARY
Friday, 18th June
Dep Heathrow at 1525 on BA602 landing at Venice Marco Polo at 1845; dinner at Riviera on the Dorsudoro.
Saturday, 19th June – Charlie’s tour of Quiet Venice – Part 1
After breakfast, we go to The Frari and Scuola di San Rocco followed by lunch at Da Ignazio. Then, we stroll to Ca’ Rezzonico, Venice’s lovely museum of the 18th century. Drinks near the Rialto at the famous wine bar, Do Mori, which opened in 1462, followed by dinner at Trattoria alla Madonna.
Sunday, 20th June – Charlie’s tour of Quiet Venice – Part 2
On Sundays, churches are closed to visitors, but Charlie is the churchwarden of St George’s, so we can go to the 10.30am Mass at San Marco, which is spectacular and a good way to see the church in action – usually there’s a lovely choir. Afterwards, we will visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection followed by lunch at Montin. Then, the Palazzo Fortuny – he of the world-famous pleated silk dresses – which is a treasure trove and the church of San Nicolò dei Mendicoli (featured in Don’t Look Now) and San Sebastiano which is entirely decorated by Veronese. Dinner at Osteria al Bifora, near the hotel.
Monday, 21st June – last morning
Morning visit to San Giovanni in Bragora and Scuola di San Giorgio degli Schiavoni which has lovely paintings by Vittore Carpaccio; depart after lunch at Al Covo for Villa Saraceno; arrive at 6pm in time for drinks and dinner in the portico.
Tuesday, 22nd June – Villa Rotonda and Vicenza
Morning visit to Villa Rotonda, Palladio’s masterpiece; then visit to Teatro Olimpico and the ‘Basilica’; lunch at Angolo Palladio facing the Basilica, followed by visit to Basilica di Monte Berico and Villa Valmarana. Drinks and dinner at the villa.
Wednesday, 23rd June – Padua
Depart for Basilica di Sant’Antonio, in Padua. Walk around the city. 1pm: Lunch at Ristorante Vecchia Padova; 3pm: Visit the Scrovegni Chapel to see Giotto’s masterpiece. Return to the villa for dinner.
Thursday, 24th June – Villa Emo and lunch in the portico
Morning visit to Villa Emo (30 minutes); lunch in the wonderful portico of Villa Saraceno. Off to nearby Este for drinks and dinner at Al Porti.
Friday, 25th June – depart for home
Leave the villa at 8am for Venice Marco Polo to catch the 12 noon flight to Heathrow, landing at 1.25pm
HOW TO BOOK:
Call 01225 427311 or email Katherine at reservations@theoldie.co.uk.
At Villa Saraceno, there are three doubles, two twins and a single available.
Price £3,250 per person, excluding flights. Non-refundable deposit £750; balance due by 1st March 2027. Includes all meals, all drinks at the villa, wine with meals, transport and entrances. T
WALKING & MOBILITY
Our tours have been created to show you as much as possible of your chosen destination, and often the best way to do this is on foot. In order to enjoy these holidays you need to be reasonably fit, able to stroll at a normal pace for at least 40 minutes, to go up and down a staircase without assistance and to stand – perhaps in a queue – for 10 or 15 minutes at a time. Should you have any concerns whatsoever, please speak to Katherine on 01225 427311.
TRAVELLERS WITH DISABILITIES
Although we are pleased to welcome clients with disabilities, their participation will depend on the nature of the disability and in some cases it will be necessary to be accompanied by an able-bodied companion. In order to ensure the comfort and enjoyment of all participants on any tour we must ask you to declare full details of your disability, especially if this affects your mobility, so that we can consider your personal circumstances.
