Spotlight on Venice

November 7th through the 13th, 2015

Venice

Mention the name and one’s imagination is filled with thoughts of singing gondoliers, glorious sunsets, spectacular architecture, romantic vistas, and impeccable cuisine. Venice is all that and more. Now imagine yourself travelling with Jeanne as journeys to the Italian shore of the Adriatic and explores the heart and soul, the sights and sounds of the ancient, mythical city of Venice.

Venice is all that you’ve dreamed of and more. It is one of Italy’s oldest cities and has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Jeanne will personally guide you through the beauty of Venice in winter.

We’ll visit St. Mark’s Basilica and its brilliant Byzantine altarpiece.

Venice St Mark's — St. Mark’s Basilica. The Patriarchal Cathedral of Saint Mark is the cathedral church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Venice. It’s the most famous of the city’s churches and one of the best known examples of Italian/Byzantine architecture.

Venice gondolier — Gondoliers and water taxis shuttle sightseers across the city’s canals.

We’ll step off the beaten path during a walking tour of lesser-known areas of Venice. Explore Doge’s Palace and the Academy Gallery with a local guide. Indulge in Venice’s famous snacks and wine at a local wine bar. Explore the Rialto Market. Through your time in Venice, enjoy a blend of cultural inclusions and free time to explore on your own. Come to know the people and places that make this city one of the world’s most spectacular destinations.

St Mark's Clock Tower — St. Mark’s Clock Tower

Clock, zoom — Close-up of the clock of St. Mark’s. Seafarers setting out from the Grand Canal could rely on this faultless timepiece to decide the most favorable time for setting out to sea. So reliable is the clock, that in 1858 it was made the official timekeeper of Venice – to which every other clock should be set.

We’ll tour the spectacular Doge’s Palace from which the Doge ruled Venice. Our guide will reveal its secrets while we tour the splendidly decorated rooms. Later that day we’ll relax and sample the famous cicchetti & one ombra di vino – small snacks and wine – at a local Venetian wine bar.

Venice, arsenale — Aerial view of Venice with the arsenal in the upper right quarter.

Venice arsenale 2 — This is the ancient entrance to the Arsenal. Ships were constructed and fitted in the Arsenal’s harbor. Upon arrival or exit, the drawbridge was raised.

We’ll take a water taxi to the island of Murano, well-known for its glass makers. We’ll watch as glass artisans create unique pieces using the ancient art of glass blowing.

Basilica San Marco — St. Mark’s Basilica

Basilica San Marco close up — Architectural close up of St. Mark’s

No visit to Venice would be complete without touring the magnificent Academy Museum to view its rich collection of paintings from the Byzantine era to the Renaissance. And we’ll explore the lesser known areas of Venice, including the old Jewish Quarter and discover this area that remains a center of Jewish life. Later that day we’ll spend our afternoon shopping or visiting one of the city’s many museums or other diversions. And naturally every evening will bring a delightful, sumptuous meal at one of the city’s heralded cafes or restaurants.

Rialto bridge — Are you ready to explore Venice with Jeanne?

For the complete itinerary of this spectacular journey, please click here.

Jeanne Hughston

Jeanne Hughston (pronounced Houston) is one of the Upstate’s leading Travel Agents. Working with Collette Vacations, American Cruise Line, and Viking Cruise Line, and the Continuing Education Program of Greenwood’s Piedmont Technical College, Jeanne has hosted many amazing journeys across the globe. She’s a member of the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Greenwood Class of 2007, and was inducted into Collette’s Vacation President’s Club in 2011.

Spotlight on Venice

Jeanne Hughston

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