A Weekend in Venice: from the Grand Canal to the Opera

It’s your first full day in Venice today and what better way to discover this captivating city than with a private guided tour. Kick things off in St. Mark's Square, where you’ll be able to admire the Procuratie (which are the three buildings connected to the Clock Tower), the imposing Byzantine Basilica dedicated to St Mark’s, the Bell Tower and the Library. You’ll then head to the Doge’s Palace, an incredible example of Gothic architecture that’s home to masterpieces created by some of the greats – we're talking Titian, Tintoretto and Guardi. We can even arrange a private after-hours experience behind the closed doors of the St. Mark’s Basilica, free from the tourist hordes, meaning you can wander the 12th century paving and appreciate the splendour at your leisure.

This morning you’ll take a private transfer to the island of San Lazzaro degli Armeni for a half day spent exploring. Discover the island’s convent, home to a museum, art gallery and full library with more than 150,000 volumes and manuscripts found on its shelves. There are also gardens to wander, where you’ll find the island's monks are championing a sense of peace and serenity. Head back to your private water taxi for a swift return to the mainland, where opera tickets await at La Fenice. This Venetian focal point has risen from the ashes twice, after being destroyed by fires, making its name, which translates as ‘the Phoenix’, an apt choice. Nowadays it welcomes an array of musical displays, all well worth the watch.