The Carnival in Venice: Masquerade Balls and Parties in Italy

Welcome to Venice! We will meet up at the famous San Marco Square at the agreed time and we will go to our accommodation. After some time for relaxing, we start to discover Venice: San Marco Square, Rialto Bridge, Palazzo Ducale etc. OPTIONAL: Tonight (Feb 9th), interested TripMates can join a Masquerade Gala Party/Dinner: Casanova Festival: gala dinner with show and masked dance. Prepare to attend the great masked party with a theatrical show. After the welcome cocktail, guests will enjoy an exquisite dinner featuring a Casanova show, with live classical music, opera singers, and period dances. The dance teacher will help us learn the steps of the group dances of the 1700s-1800s during and after dinner. The setting is the hall of a historic hotel of relevance in the Venetian carnivals of the 18th century, frequented by nobles, gamblers and adventurers of the time such as Giacomo Casanova. The most elegant Carnival party revives the Venetian theatrical tradition and the typical Carnival fun. Dinner consists of 4 local dishes (fish) with regional wine included. Time: 8.30pm-1.00am Cost. €1130/person without photos Cost, €1360/person with 20 high-resolution digital photos

In the second day we will keep discovering Venice. Interested TripMates we will have free time to ride a gondola in the Grand Canal or visit Murano glass factory. (not included in the trip fee) At night, we will go and listen to an opera! OPTIONAL: Classic Carnival Party with Masquerade Ball (Feb 10th) This is a delicious typical Venice Carnival party aimed especially at those who attend this type of event for the first time; going to the lounge of a hotel near San Marco Square, dressing in period costume to attend a dinner that will take place with ancient dances is a guaranteed trip to bygone eras. An opera singer and a baroque music group playing to the sound of a dance teacher will create the perfect setting for masked guests to participate in the dances: minuets, waltzes and contradances during and until the end of the dinner. Dinner offers a four-course fish menu, including wine. Time: 8.30pm to 00.30am Cost: €990/person without photos Cost: €1200/person with 20 high-resolution digital photos

12:00pm: Today we are attending a very special event at the Carnival. It is called Flight of the Eagle. We will head to San Marco Square well in advance to secure a good viewing spot. The event typically takes place in the early afternoon. Against the backdrop of the lagoon's shimmering waters and the palatial facades, a majestic golden eagle, adorned with vibrant plumage and intricate embellishments, takes flight from the heart of St. Mark's Square, its wings outstretched in a graceful arc. The soaring eagle symbolizes the spirit of freedom and resilience, embodying the timeless essence of Venice and its enduring legacy as a hub of art, culture, and timeless revelry. After the performance, we keep exploring the carnival festivities in San Marco Square, which often include music, masks, and street performers. OPTIONAL: Period Costume Hire (for 24-hours): Hiring a period costume during the Venice Carnival is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the rich history and tradition of this world-famous event. It allows you to become a part of the Carnival's enchanting and timeless atmosphere while enjoying the beauty of Venice in style. You can choose costumes inspired by royalty, nobility, or commoners, depending on your preference. The costume shops provide a wide range of accessories to complete your look, including masks, wigs, hats, gloves, and jewelry. Many of these accessories are crafted by local artisans and are of high quality. Cost: €250/person

Today we end our trip in Venice, and we go the Venice Marco Polo Airport by taxi. If the TripMate's flight is from another city, we will first drop them at the train station or bus station and then go to the airport. It can be arranged differently depending on the TripMate's schedules.