Venice and Rome Exploration overview:

  • Embark on an experiential journey starting in Venice and discover behind-the-scenes views of the city at the base of modern commerce—a true miracle of water, art and awe-inspiring landscape.
  • An exclusive private visit to the Seguso Glass Factory to learn how the famous Murano pieces are created from a family legacy of passion in their chosen craft
  • Traditional Venetian ateliers and learn-arounds
  • Breathtaking evening dinners on the banks of the canals
  • Toast to the city on the final evening with a traditional Venetian masquerade dinner.*
  • Journey to Rome, the Eternal City to conclude the Exploration programme with a two-night stay at Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

Day 1: Welcome to Venice

Your Venetian escape begins on the island of Giudecca for a three-night stay at Hilton Molino Hotel. Meet other EOers on the rooftop bar for an afternoon meet-and-greet reception and take in the panoramic views of the city and its surrounding canals. After a cocktail, we will take a water boat to the Piazza San Marco for a different way of city sightseeing—a walking excursion to discover Venice through its culture and food. You’ll be immersed in the rustic and genuine atmosphere that characterizes the wine bars and osterie of Venice—called Bacari—to feel like a true Venetian as you savor local delicacies and wine. We will start at Campo San Bartolomeo, near the Rialto Bridge and make our way to various shops in intimate groups, hearing stories of merchant families along the way. After the food tour, we will head to a group dinner to enjoy classic Venetian cuisine in a historical restaurant in Dorsoduro.

 


Photo courtesy of Hilton Molino Stucky Venice

Day 2: Lagoon experience on Murano Island (in Venice)

Start the day in silence with an optional walking tour and get carried away by the pure beauty of Venice at dawn. After breakfast, we will depart by a water boat to Murano Island for a special visit and glass blowing demonstration at the Seguso Glass Factory. We will hear directly from the owner who will share the majesty and beauty of glass craftsmanship—a family tradition since 1397. Next, we head to Mazzorbo Island, walk across the vinewards and have lunch in Burano Island and enjoy local wines. You’ll have some free time to explore Burano and some free time in Venice to shop before we split into smaller groups to savor traditional Venetian cuisine where only the locals go.

 


Photo courtesy of Seguso Glass Factory

Day 3: Where trade and enterprise was born (in Venice)

On this last day in Venice, another optional morning activity awaits you: a yoga practice on the rooftop of the Hilton Molino Stucky Venice. After breakfast, you will visit authentic Venetian ateliers—the private studio of the creator of “Il Ballo del Doge” (a Venetian masquerade ball), an artisanal weaving workshop and a historical Venetian furnace, the last furnace permitted to operate with fire that uses the same techniques since 1888 to produce 24K gold leaf mosaics, coloured gold and Venetian smalti in more than 3,500 colours. This night, we will enjoy a masquerade night as our closing dinner.

 


Photo courtesy of Luigi Bevilacqua textile

Day 4: All roads lead to Rome

We will check-out of the Hilton Molino Stucky Venice as the adventure continues in Rome. We will depart Venice by high-speed train after breakfast, be joined by the Florence Exploration on our train route and together arrive in Rome, the Eternal City. The next two nights will be spent at the Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Enjoy an outdoor lunch on arrival and take some time to relax and settle into your guestroom. Before dinner, we will enjoy a welcome cocktail together and then go off-property for a closing group dinner in Rome’s city centre, a unique rooftop location that overlooks the Roman Forum and picturesque landmarks of the city.

 


Photo courtesy of Simone Antonazzo, Open Library ENIT, https://openlib.enit.it/

Day 5: Discover the beauty of Rome

On this last day of the Exploration, you will have your choice of group activity and lunch—whether underground ancient Rome, a visit to Pontifical villas and gardens (the Pope’s summer residence), a visit to the Vatican and more! The Exploration will conclude in the afternoon after lunch. You can then decide to head back to the Waldorf Astoria to enjoy the outdoor pool, or stroll the city centre to visit sites including the Fountain of Trevi, Spanish Steps and others. Optional MyEO dinners will be organized this evening.