EXPERIENCE THE AMAZING VIBRANT COLOURS OF ITALIAN CARNIVALS
EXPERIENCE THE AMAZING VIBRANT COLOURS OF ITALIAN CARNIVALS
The Grand Italian Carnevale: Venice & Viareggio
An Exclusive 8-Day / 7-Night Journey Into Tradition
Embark on an exclusive 8-day, 7-night journey that invites you to fully immerse yourself in one of Italy’s most ancient and exhilarating traditions. This curated itinerary brings you to the absolute heart of Carnevale season—a magical time of vibrant colors, opulent costumes, mysterious masks, and the most magnificent allegorical parades in the world.
The Grand Italian Carnevale: Venice & Viareggio
An Exclusive 8-Day / 7-Night Journey Into Tradition
Embark on an exclusive 8-day, 7-night journey that invites you to fully immerse yourself in one of Italy’s most ancient and exhilarating traditions. This curated itinerary brings you to the absolute heart of Carnevale season—a magical time of vibrant colors, opulent costumes, mysterious masks, and the most magnificent allegorical parades in the world.
Tour Program
DAY 1
Day 1: Arrival in Venice & The Architectural Treasures of Padua
Upon your independent arrival at Venice Marco Polo Airport, transfer to the elegant city of Padua (Padova), a destination renowned for its rich history and unique architectural treasures. Here, you will meet our local expert guide for an inspiring afternoon tour. Begin with a visit to the world-famous Scrovegni Chapel, where you can marvel at the magnificent, ground-breaking frescoes painted by Giotto. Continue through the vibrant Piazza dei Signori to admire the graceful porticoes of the historic Palazzo della Gran Guardia, before concluding your tour at the majestic Basilica of Saint Anthony. Afterward, transfer to your hotel for check-in, followed by a welcome dinner and a relaxing overnight stay.
DAY 2
Day 2: The Magic of Venice – Gondolas, Grandeur & Carnival Spirit
After breakfast, transfer to Venice where one of the world's most romantic boating experiences awaits you. Step aboard a traditional gondola for an unforgettable ride along the sweeping Grand Canal (Canal Grande), leading you toward the iconic St. Mark's Square—an absolute must-see when visiting Venice. Your guided exploration continues with an immersive tour of the majestic Doge's Palace and the breathtaking St. Mark's Basilica. Throughout the day, you will be surrounded by the unique, enchanting, and festive atmosphere of the world-famous Venice Carnival. In the afternoon, return to your comfortable hotel in Padua, where you will enjoy an evening dinner and a restful overnight stay.
DAY 3
Day 3: The Artisan Islands – Glassblowing in Murano & The Brilliant Colours of Burano
After breakfast, transfer back to Venice and cruise across the lagoon to the beautiful island of Murano. Here, you will step inside a traditional glassblowing workshop to witness a live demonstration of the ancient, masterful art that has made Murano famous worldwide. Afterward, continue by boat to Burano, historically known as a charming fishing island. You will have time to admire its famously picturesque streets lined with houses painted in a dazzling array of vibrant colours, and discover the intricate history of handmade Burano lace. In the afternoon, return to your hotel in Padua to relax, followed by an evening dinner and your overnight stay.
DAY 4
Day 4: From Padua and the Renaissance Elegance of Ferrara
Enjoy breakfast, and check out of your hotel before departing for Cento to the beautiful city of Ferrara in the morning. After check in your hotel, meet your local expert guide to explore the captivating city of Ferrara, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its Renaissance brilliance. Your guided tour highlights the elegant Palazzo Schifanoia, famous for its exquisite frescoes, the magnificent moated Estense Castle (Castello Estense), and the stunning Gothic facade of the Cathedral of Saint George. The afternoon is entirely yours to enjoy at leisure. Take the opportunity to discover why Ferrara is proudly nicknamed the "City of Bicycles," indulge in some boutique shopping, or relax with a classic Italian aperitivo in a historic piazza. In the evening dinner and overnight at your hotel.
DAY 5
Day 5: Bologna
Following breakfast, transfer to the stunning city of Bologna. Meet with our local expert guide for a walking tour through the historic centre offering an unforgettable sensory journey through one of Italy's most vibrant, red-hued medieval landscpaes. The exploration begins in the heart of the city at Piazza Maggiore, where the imposing Basilica di San Petronio and the magnificent Renaissance Fontana del Nettuno. From there you can enjoy lunch at your laisure heading to the Quadrilatero, a labyrinth od narrow medieval alleys packed with historic markets overflowing with local culinary treasures. Emerging from the market and following the city's UNESCO-listed porticoes arrive at the iconics Two Towers (Asinelli & Garisenda), the leaning architectural symbols of Bologna's skyline. Visit the complex of the Seven Churches at Santo Stefano and conclude your visit with a stroll down the elegant Via dell'Indipendenza for some shopping. In the afternoon return to your hotel in Ferrara, dinner and overnight at the hotel.
DAY 6
Day 6: Florence – The Capital of the Renaissance
Enjoy breakfast and check out of your hotel before departing for Florence, the magnificent capital of the Italian Renaissance. Upon arrival, you will meet our local expert guide to discover this living museum of art and history. Together, you will stroll along the narrow, cobbled streets of the historic center, marveling at the breathtaking Gothic architecture of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo). Your walking tour continues through the majestic Piazza della Signoria to admire the grand Neptune Fountain and the historic Palazzo Vecchio, before concluding with a walk across the iconic Ponte Vecchio. In the afternoon, transfer to your hotel for check-in, followed by an evening dinner and a relaxing overnight stay.
DAY 7
Day 7: The Grand Spectacle – The Viareggio Carnival
After breakfast, depart for the Tuscan coast to experience Viareggio, home to one of the most spectacular and celebrated Carnivals in the world. The magic behind this historic festival lies in the sustainable "cast paper" or papier-mâché technique (carta a calco), a masterful art perfected by local artisan Antonio D’Arliano in 1925. You will witness the incredible work of the master carristi (float builders) as their massive, intricate moving sculptures parade along the iconic Viareggio seafront promenade in a dazzling display of music, satire, and color. In the late afternoon, return to your hotel to relax before gathering for your farewell evening dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 8
Day 8: Arrivederci Bell'Italia, Torniamo Presto
Breakfast, check out and transfer to Florence Airport for your return flight home.
Price per Person:
Single supplement
Price per person
Single supplement
-
€ 2320,00
Sharing a standard double room with breakfast included
-
Using a standard double room as a single, with breakfast included.
Price per Person:
Single supplement
-
€ 2320,00
Sharing a standard double room with breakfast included
Price per person
Single supplement
-
Using a standard double room as a single, with breakfast included.
- The price shown above is per person sharing a double/twin room to include breakfast.
- The price shown above is based on group of 20 participants
- 1 gratuity every 15 participants
- For smaller groups prices on request
- Double room with single supplement on request and availability
- The price shown above includes complimentary transfers on the first and last day of your tour. If your flights do not coincide with the transfer times, you can choose to purchase a private transfer throguh us. To book your transfer(s), just contact us and provide your flight details no less than 21 days prior your departure
- Faster paced with mix of 1 and 2-night stays in each destination. Requires walking to participate in top sites.
Price include
Price not include
Itinerary Flexibility and Expert Availability
Excursions and activities in this itinerary may be subject to changes. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. We will endeavour to do our utmost in minimising any disruption or inconvenience, whilst making sure you continue to enjoy your fantastic holiday experience.
Travelling by coah:
Our modern air-conditioned coaches have been selected with your comfort in mind. Your Travel Director will familiarize you with all the onboard features, including a washroom fitted for your convenience and comfort. Regular stops are made to stretch your legs, take refreshments, fill up your water bottles, and use the facilities.
Luggage: Each guest traveling may bring one suitcase no larger than 30” x 18” x 10" and weighing no more than 50 lb
Carry-On Bag: *Restricted to one piece per person, not to exceed 12” x 11” x 6”
*Please note: A "carry-on bag" on a tour coach is not the same as a "carry-on" for a flight. Because our coaches have large windows to enjoy the view, there is minimal space to store large items securely overhead or under the seats. A "carry-on bag" may be a soft-sided daypack, purse, backpack, tote bag, or the like. Because we value our guests' safety, small rolling suitcases or bags with telescopic handles are not permitted. In order to guarantee a smooth trip, guests are not permitted to store an additional "carry-on" bag beneath the coach with the luggage.
So your driver and any hotel porters can safely lift and transport your suitcase throughout your vacation, we strongly recommend that you test the weight of your baggage prior to travel. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances.
Practical advices
Twin Room All listed pricing in the brochure and website is per person based on two people sharing a twin room (a room with 2 twin size beds). A double bed can be requested at time of booking if preferred.
Solo Supplement If you are traveling alone and require a single room, there will be an additional Solo Room Supplement added to your price.
Triple Room Rooms that sleep 3 people are available on some itineraries. The third bed is typically a pull out or cot.
In order to ensure a healthy and enjoyable trip, we strongly suggest that you pack a plentiful supply of any medication you may need while on vacation.
Prior to traveling, please notify Passucci International Travel of any disability requiring special assistance or any specific dietary needs that you may have, and we will strive to accommodate these.
It's essential to ensure that your routine vaccinations are up-to-date before traveling to any destination.
Air conditioning is commonly available in European hotels, restaurants, and public spaces, especially in major cities and tourist areas, but it is worth noting that the settings will differ from what you are used to in the USA.
However, it's important to note that not all accommodations or historic buildings may have air conditioning, particularly in more traditional or rural settings. Most hotels in Europe can provide a portable fan for additional room cooling if requested. Your Travel Director will be on hand to assist you throughout your trip.
A Note on Tipping
While tipping in Italy is a personal choice and not mandatory, it is a wonderful way to reward the exceptional service of your dedicated team. As a general guideline for the American market, guests typically budget around $10–$15 per day for their Tour Leader and $5–$8 per day for the coach driver. For local city guides, a tip of $3–$5 per tour is standard and deeply appreciated. Gratuities are usually collected in cash (Euros) at the end of the journey or after specific tours.
Tipping at Restaurants & Cafés
Unlike in the US, restaurant servers in Italy are paid a full living wage, so large tips are not expected. You will often see a small charge on your bill called "coperto" (a standard cover charge for bread and tableware). If the service was excellent, it is customary to leave a cash tip of 5% to 10% of the total bill, or simply round up to the nearest €5 or €10. Please note that tips cannot usually be added to credit card payments in Italy, so keeping a small amount of Euro cash on hand is always recommended.