Venice is unique and casts its spell over all those who visit and this escorted tour offers the opportunity to discover this beautiful city for the first time, or to rediscover the city previously visited. No matter when you visit, Venice is a joy to explore but the benefit of September is that the temperatures are still warm, and the operas, sights and special atmosphere can be enjoyed to the full. La Serenissima enjoyed a long period of prosperity and stability, which funded the grand palaces, fine churches, sculptures and paintings, we will see the display of wealth as we explore the city and learn about its history which is virtually inseparable from the history of opera itself.
We have included tickets for an evening performance of Giacomo Puccini’s ‘Tosca’ which, with its roller coaster story of love, lust, murder and political intrigue, is one of the world’s most loved operas. We will also see Giuseppe Verdi’s ‘La Traviata’ at the impressive Palazzo Barbarigo Minotto, where each act is performed in a different room. In addition, we will enjoy a guided tour to some of the city’s musical venues, an excursion to visit some of the beautiful islands and time at leisure to explore at your own pace. For our stay we will be based at the central Hotel Saturnia & International, which has been run by the same Venetian family since 1908 and is ideally located at only a few steps away from La Fenice and the main attractions.
Saturnia & International Hotel
Located along Calle Larga XXII Marzo, one of the most popular shopping areas in Venice and just a short stroll away from St Mark’s Square, the four-star Saturnia & International Hotel has been run by the very same family for five generations, since 1908. The hotel’s location is a perfect base from which to explore independently during your free time.
All 87 guest rooms are beautifully appointed featuring modern amenities including air-conditioning, bathroom with shower, television, minibar and Wi-Fi. In order to strike a balance between traditional and modern, the rooms are curated by designers and skilled craftsmen that over time have taken care of the interior of the historic building. The hotel also features a restaurant where breakfast can be enjoyed and a Gym & Spa area with Jacuzzi and Turkish Bath.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Venice, Italy.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive this afternoon and transfer by private motor launch to the Hotel Saturnia & International for our four night stay. Settle into your room before meeting for dinner in a local restaurant this evening. (D)
Day 2 Musical Venice & Musica a Palazzo.
After breakfast we take a walking tour to some of the most significant musical venues in the city. A short walk from the hotel brings us to the Marciana Chapel, home to the famous choir of the Basilica of San Marco. Continue on to the Church of the Pieta, a former convent and orphanage for girls and an authentic masterpiece of the 18th century by Giorgio Massari. The young orphans that stayed here were encouraged to study music and their most famous teacher was Antonio Vivaldi, hired in 1703 as a violin and viola teacher as well as a choirmaster. Also see the Church of San Giovanni in Bragora, a delightful Baroque church where Vivaldi was christened, and the beautiful Church of Santa Maria dei Derelitti where he conducted the choir for many years. The afternoon is at leisure to relax or explore the city further. We meet in the early evening for dinner before a short walk brings us to the Musica a Palazzo where we will enjoy a performance of Verdi’s ‘La Traviata’. Each act is performed in a different room of one of the most noble and fascinating palaces in Venice, the Palazzo Barbarigo Minotto. (B, D)
Day 3 Venice & La Fenice Theatre.
Today there will be time at leisure to explore Venice independently. Maybe visit one of the fascinating museums, cross the Rialto Bridge or visit St Mark’s Square. We meet in the afternoon for a guided tour of La Fenice Theatre followed by a welcome cocktail served in the La Fenice’s Apollinee rooms, before we take our seats for a performance of Puccini’s ‘Tosca’. After the opera, we will have dinner at a local restaurant. (B, D)
Day 4 Murano, Burano & Torcello.
Today we will take a private motor launch visiting some of the most beautiful islands of the lagoon where we can explore some fascinating aspects of Venice that are quickly disappearing. We will pass many of the 40 picturesque islands that surround the Venetian Lagoon visiting Murano, renowned since 1291 for its glass manufacture and where we will witness masters of this delicate craft at work during a visit to a leading factory. Continue to Burano, a tiny island dotted with brightly painted houses. Its fame is due to traditional lace making, an art still practiced by some of the local women. Here we will have some free time for lunch. Our last call will be in Torcello where we can walk the paths of the nature reserve and see the spectacular Byzantine mosaics in the 7th century Cathedral of Santa Maria Dell’Assunta. We will then return to Venice and this evening meet for dinner in a local restaurant. (B, D)
Day 5 Venice to London.
After breakfast transfer to the airport for our return scheduled flight to London. (B)
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy| 5 to 9 September 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Price | |
| Standard Room | £3295 | |
| Superior Room | £3495 | |
| Junior Suite | £3695 | |
| Standard Room for sole occupancy | £3795 | |
| Superior Room for sole occupancy | £3995 | |
Tour Reference Code: LAVENICE25
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Four nights hotel accommodation at the Hotel Saturnia & International • Meals as indicated including drinks (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner) • Noble Caledonia Tour Manager • Excursions as specified with local guide • Ticket for Musica a Palazzo performance on day 2 & “platea” ticket for Teatro La Fenice performance on day 3 • Gratuities • Entrance fees • Transfers • Airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Saturnia & International Hotel
Located along Calle Larga XXII Marzo, one of the most popular shopping areas in Venice and just a short stroll away from St Mark’s Square, the four-star Saturnia & International Hotel has been run by the very same family for five generations, since 1908. The hotel’s location is a perfect base from which to explore independently during your free time.
All 87 guest rooms are beautifully appointed featuring modern amenities including air-conditioning, bathroom with shower, television, minibar and Wi-Fi. In order to strike a balance between traditional and modern, the rooms are curated by designers and skilled craftsmen that over time have taken care of the interior of the historic building. The hotel also features a restaurant where breakfast can be enjoyed and a Gym & Spa area with Jacuzzi and Turkish Bath.
Also of Interest
Opera at La Scala
An escorted four night visit to Milan staying at the Rosa Grand Milano Hotel including a performance at La Scala
Rosa Grand Milano Hotel
Itinerary at a glance
- Milan / La Scala/ Cremona / Castello Sforzesco / Brera
Opera at the Arena
A five night stay in Verona at the Hotel Indigo including two opera performances
Hotel Indigo Verona
Itinerary at a glance
- Verona / Lake Garda / Valpolicella
Neapolitan Wonders
An escorted visit to Naples staying at the Grand Hotel Santa Lucia including a performance at the Teatro San Carlo
Grand Hotel Santa Lucia
Itinerary at a glance
- Naples / Herculaneum / Teatro San Carlo/ Royal Palace of Caserta
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000