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Carnival in Venice

7 Days of Magic and Masks at the Venice Carnival: A Journey Through Tradition and Fantasy

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Trip Code: #10959

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ThematicRomanticTrip Code: #10959

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Day By Day Itinerary

7-days itinerary trip visiting 1 country and 1 city

Day 1Welcome to Venice, Italy
Welcome to Venice! Enjoy hassle-free airport transfers upon your arrival and departure, and for a seamless start to your journey, we recommend booking an early hotel check-in.

During your stay, the Carnival of Venice will be in full swing, running from February 14 to March 4, 2025. This world-renowned festival fills the city with costumes, masks, and festivities. Don't miss the Traditional Boat Parade on Sunday, February 16, at 11:00 AM, starting at Punta della Dogana and extending to Rialto.
The theme of the Venice Carnival 2025 will be “The Time of Casanova,” celebrating the 300th anniversary of Giacomo Casanova's birth.

Suggestion For The Day:

Start at Piazza San Marco to visit the Basilica di San Marco and admire its mosaics.

Climb the Campanile for panoramic views of the city.

In the afternoon, visit the Doge’s Palace and cross the Bridge of Sighs.

End the day with a walk along the Riva degli Schiavoni and dinner in the Castello district.
Day 2Carnival Venice
Suggestion For The Day:

Start your day with a visit to the Rialto Bridge and explore the Rialto Market, a bustling spot for fresh produce and local goods.

In the afternoon, take a Gondola Ride through the canals or explore the Grand Canal by Vaporetto (water bus).

Visit the Ca'd'Oro (Palazzo Santa Sofia) to see its beautiful Gothic architecture and art collections.

Enjoy dinner in the San Polo district, known for its vibrant atmosphere and excellent dining options.

Curiosity: On the first Sunday of the Venice Carnival, the event is marked by the spectacular Flight of the Angel (Volo dell'Angelo), which is a traditional highlight of the celebrations. A performer, typically dressed as an angel, descends from the top of the Campanile di San Marco (St. Mark's Bell Tower) on a zip-line, flying over the crowds in Piazza San Marco. This dramatic and symbolic moment marks the official opening of Carnival and sets the tone for the festivities to come. The Flight of the Angel has been part of the Carnival since the 16th century and is one of the most exciting and visually stunning events of the entire celebration, combining elements of theater, history, and spectacle.
Day 3Carnival Venice
Suggestion For The Day:

Explore the Dorsoduro district, beginning with the Gallerie dell'Accademia, which houses a significant collection of Venetian art.

Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection to see modern art in a beautiful setting.

In the afternoon, stroll through the Campo Santa Margherita area, a lively square with local shops and cafés.

Spend your evening enjoying dinner in Dorsoduro or head back to San Marco for a more traditional Venetian dining experience.

Curiosity: The Festa delle Marie is a centuries-old tradition that celebrates twelve young Venetian women, known as "Marie," who are chosen to represent the beauty and grace of the city. Originating in the Middle Ages, the event used to mark the traditional Venetian wedding season. Over time, it evolved into a grand public celebration during Carnival. The young women are dressed in elegant gowns and participate in a procession through the city, culminating in the selection of the most beautiful "Marie" in Piazza San Marco. The event is one of the highlights of Carnival, showcasing Venice's romantic traditions. The Regata delle Marie is a specific gondola parade that takes place during this event.
Day 4Carnival Venice
Suggestion For The Day:

Take a day trip to the Murano and Burano islands.

Start with Murano, famous for its glassblowing workshops. Visit a glass factory and explore the island’s charming streets.

In the afternoon, head to Burano, known for its colorful houses and lace-making tradition.

Return to Venice in the evening and enjoy dinner in the Cannaregio district, which offers a mix of traditional and modern dining options.

Curiosity: The tradition of wearing masks during the Venice Carnival began in the 13th century to allow people to disguise their identity. The Venetian government, in an effort to keep social order, even passed laws requiring people to wear masks for certain activities during Carnival, so that classes could mingle without concern for their social status. Many nobles used masks for secret negotiations, political dealings, and romances, adding an air of mystery that remains part of the Carnival’s charm today. The most iconic mask, the Bauta, covered the entire face, allowing wearers to eat, drink, and speak freely while staying anonymous.
Day 5Carnival Venice
Suggestion For The Day:

Spend the day exploring Venetian Hidden Gems.

Visit the Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari church to see its impressive art and architecture.

Wander through the Sestriere di San Polo and explore its quiet alleys and local shops. Have lunch in a traditional Venetian osteria.

In the afternoon, visit the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute for its Baroque architecture and beautiful canal views.

For dinner, explore the Ghetto Ebraico (Jewish Ghetto) area for a unique dining experience.

Curiosity: In the past, the Carnival of Venice featured playful yet daring traditions. One such game was the "mattaccino," where people used slingshots to throw eggs filled with rose water at Venetian women. Another infamous event was the "Sfida dei pugni" (Challenge of the Fists), which took place on the Ponte dei Pugni (Bridge of Fists). Rival groups would battle to knock their opponents into the water using punches. The lack of railings on the bridges made these contests even more dangerous and exciting, adding to the wild spirit of the Carnival.
Day 6Carnival Venice
Suggestion For The Day:

Explore Giudecca Island, a quieter area of Venice with beautiful views of the city.

Visit the Chiesa del Redentore, a striking church with a history tied to Venice’s recovery from a plague.

In the afternoon, take a walk along the Fondamenta delle Zattere for scenic views of the Giudecca Canal.

Return to Venice for dinner and consider dining at a restaurant with a view of the Grand Canal or Piazza San Marco.

Curiosity: The "moretta" was a traditional mask worn by women during the Venice Carnival, characterized by its oval shape and made of black velvet. The unique feature of the moretta was that it was held in place by a button, which the wearer would bite down on, leaving them unable to speak. This gave the mask a distinct, silent quality, adding an air of mystery to the wearer. Masks provided temporary freedom, allowing people to engage in behaviors that could be considered immoral or even criminal. During certain periods, masks were restricted - especially at night, in sacred places, and in gambling houses - but they were mandatory in theaters as part of the festive atmosphere.
Day 7Return Flight Home

Itinerary presented is a suggestion and the length of stay may vary. All tours are suggestions unless clearly stated.

Why We Love This Deal

The Venice Carnival is more than just a festival... it’s an unforgettable experience steeped in mystery, elegance, and history. This travel package captures the very essence of the Carnival, offering a chance to immerse yourself in the city’s enchanting atmosphere as it transforms into a vibrant celebration of masks, costumes, and tradition. We love this deal because it invites you to experience Venice like never before - through the captivating lens of its iconic Carnival.
What makes this package truly special is how it allows you to embrace the romance and allure of Venice during its most magical time of the year. From the dazzling masquerades to the grand processions, every moment is designed to immerse you in the spirited atmosphere of the Carnival. Whether you're strolling through the bustling piazzas or attending a traditional ball, you'll feel like part of the centuries-old festivities that make Venice Carnival one of the world’s most celebrated events.
From the lively Piazza San Marco to the elegant masquerade balls held in historic palaces, you’ll be transported into a world where history, art, and fantasy converge. You’ll have the chance to participate in exclusive events like the Flight of the Angel, where a costumed performer descends from St. Mark’s Campanile, and the grand Gala of the Carnival, a night of opulence and spectacle. Each event offers an opportunity to dress in the intricate costumes and masks that define the Carnival, adding to the sense of wonder and magic.
Beyond the main events, we love how this package gives you the freedom to enjoy Venice at your own pace. Whether you’re exploring the lesser-known islands like Murano and Burano or simply enjoying a coffee at a hidden cafe in a quiet Venetian square, this package ensures you have the flexibility to create your own memorable experiences. The Carnival spirit will be all around you, whether you're admiring the floating gondolas or watching the parades, making every moment an exciting and unique adventure.
This Venice Carnival travel package is not just about witnessing the festivities - it’s about being part of them. You’ll step into a world of grand costumes, elaborate masks, and centuries-old traditions, all while savoring the beauty and charm of Venice itself. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this is your chance to experience Venice in its most magical, captivating form.

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