What to expect
Centrally Located Hotel
Stay at the Hotel La Fenice et des Artistes
Unique Architecture
See the magnificent architecture of Padua
Guided Tours
Guided tour of charming Venice
Famous Canals
Explore the network of famous canals
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About this trip...
About the trip
A great choice for a Solos Christmas city break, Venice is full of charm and history. Made that much easier staying right in the centre of this magical city. We will explore Venice and the medieval city of Padua during this very festive time of year!Activity Level:
What's this?What's included?
Return flights & Water Taxi Transfers-
Airport taxes & charges
Twin room for sole use with private facilities
Breakfast daily plus Christmas lunch and 3 evening meals
Welcome drink & Information Meeting
Half day guided tour of Venice-
Entrance to the Ducal Palace in Venice
-
Half day guided tour of Padua including train transfers
Entrance to Baptistry, Cathedral and Cathedral Museum in Padua
Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
Fully Financially Protected
What's extra:
- Insurance click here
- €3.50 per night tourist tax payable to the hotel locally
Itinerary
- Arrive in Venice
- Christmas Day at leisure
- Venice
- Padua
- Departure Day
What you’ll be doing
Day One: Arrive in Venice
Welcome to Venice! Upon arrival, we will transfer to our hotel by water taxi. When evening comes, we gather together and enjoy a welcome drink before having dinner in a local restaurant.
- Dinner Included
Day Two: Journey to Padua
After breakfast, we make our way by foot to the train station (25 min walk) to catch a train to Padua (approx. 30 min train journey).
We meet our guide in Via VIII Febbraio, in front of the University Building – Palazzo Bo where we begin our walking tour in the area of the old city. Our tour is focused on the visit to the Piazza Duomo, Baptistery of the Cathedral, Museum of the Diocese. The Cathedral of Padua is dedicated to the Assumption: the present Church is the 3rd one built in the area of the old town and was built in the time when Padua was under the influence of the Republic of Venice (1405-1797). Many architects were engaged to plan and build it, and amongst them – Michelangelo Buonarroti.
Over the centuries, many art pieces have been added to the inside of the chapels. The Baptistery of the Cathedral has been recently restored. This precious shrine tells the stories of St John the Baptist, St Mary, Jesus, and describes also the Paradise and the Apocalypse. It’s included in the 8 Paduan Monuments and soon thought to be included in the UNESCO Heritage list. The Museum of the Cathedral, founded in 1973, is located in a huge hall decorated with frescoes, coats-of-arms and medallions attributed to Jacopo da Montagnana (XVth c.).
Once we have enjoyed the sights and history of Padua, we will head back by train to Venice and meet in the evening for dinner in a local restaurant.
- Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day Three: Explore Venice
After breakfast, we meet our English speaking guide at our hotel and explore more of this fantastic city. The guide will begin to describe the Fenice Theatre, built in 1792 and first called only the ‘Grand Theatre of Venice’. Then, due to a fire, the Fenice (Phoenix) was named after the mythological bird that was reborn from its ashes. We then continue to San Marco, Scala del Bovolo, Campo Sant’Angelo’s picturesque bell tower and the Palaces in The Venetian Gothic style followed by the Fortuny Museum.
Through a labyrinth of narrow and hidden streets, we arrive in Manon Field with the statue of the Venetian hero who restored the Republic during the ’48 movements. Our tour will also take us to the Grand Canal where we can enjoy a beautiful view in front of the Rialto bridge and of course, a visit of the world famous Ducal Palace.
The rest of our day can be enjoyed at leisure to further explore the network of streets and canals of Venice followed by dinner in a local restaurant in the evening.
- Breakfast & Dinner Included
Ducal Palace: Remember that you has to show your Identity Card at the entrance
*The ducal palace ticket includes free access to Correr Museum and Marciana Library - scheduled for you for this day at 15h00 pm – in case you wish, it is not mandatory.
Day Four: Christmas Day at leisure
After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy some time to do whatever you wish. The location of our hotel provides a base that means you can walk to many of the popular sights of the city, including the famous St Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge. Christmas lunch will be served in a local restaurant so we can enjoy this special occasion together.
- Breakfast & Lunch Included
Day Five: Departure Day
After breakfast we’ll have some free time to explore Venice a little bit more before transfering to the airport by water taxi for our return flight home.
- Breakfast Included
Accommodation
Hotel La Fenice Et Des Artistes Three-star
Our comfortable hotel is in an 18th Century Venetian palazzo that looks out over a small quiet Venetian square. Centrally located in the heart of Venice, it's just a short walk from Piazza San Marco.
Facilities include
Facilities include a restaurant, bar and WIFI throughout.
Room includes
Rooms include ensuite facilities with satellite TV, safe, hair dryer, telephone and minibar.
Dates & Prices
Frequently asked questions
Transfer time
The transfer time from Venice Airport to your hotel is approximately 45 minutes by taxi boat.
Dress code
Dress Code
Dressing in layers is recommended. Please note that as you will be travelling by water taxi to and from the airport, a warm coat would also be recommended. Casual evening wear and comfortable walking shoes are also recommended.
Gratuities
We suggest a Group Collection to cover guides, transfer drivers, and hotel staff of minimum £15.00 per person. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions.
For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate % to add on.
Important Information
Please note - a reasonable level of fitness / mobility is required as sightseeing is by foot. There is also the need to get on and off of water taxis and be able to manage your own luggage on and off the boat. Ducal Palace: Remember that you has to show your Identity Card at the entrance
*The ducal palace ticket includes free access to Correr Museum and Marciana Library - scheduled for you for this day at 15h00 pm – in case you wish, it is not mandatory.
