Few destinations in the world are as evocative as Venice. Just the mention of the ‘floating city’ will conjure visions of sleepy canals, colourful masked carnivals and striped gondoliers. This timeless place is steeped beyond measure in charm, history and magic, and is the perfect place to explore labyrinthine lanes, narrow alleyways and a maze of waterways.
On our escorted group tour of Venice and Verona, we experience the wondrous Verona Carnival, also known as ‘Bacanal del Gnoco’—one of the oldest carnivals in Europe. During ‘Gnocolar’ Friday, a grand parade winds through the streets of Verona, culminating in front of St. Zeno church.
Visiting during the world-famous Carnivals adds an extra layer of enchantment, with the festival attracting hordes of revellers, all seeking the excitement that comes with this old-world celebration. Quite the spectacle to enjoy with your fellow solo travellers.
Extras
Welcome to Italy! Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel in Mestre – a historic town on the mainland that faces the Venice Archipelago. When evening comes, we gather together and enjoy our welcome dinner and drink at Ristorante Pizzeria Da Michele.
After breakfast, we take the train across the bridge into Venice to meet our local guide who will lead us on a morning guided tour of the city (two hrs). We proceed on foot to discover the picturesque alleyways that criss-cross over countless small and ancient bridges. Around every corner will be sights and sounds to take the breath away, from the majesty of the Piazza San Marco, to the Rialto Bridge, to St. Mark’s Basilica or the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale).
After our walking tour, there will be time to enjoy lunch at one of the many small streetside restaurants or cafes. In the afternoon we spend up to 75 minutes on the amazing Venetian Vaporetto system – the network of public boats that traverse the various waterways or canals. We will take a route that passes along the iconic grand canal.
The rest of our day will be at leisure to further explore the network of streets and canals of Venice.
We board a coach after breakfast to the historic city of Verona. When we arrive we will be met by our local guide who will lead us on a walking tour (two hrs) of the heart of the city where we will see traces of its long history from Roman and Medieval, through to the Gothic and Scaligera periods. We will get to see the most iconic sights of the city such as the Arena, Piazza Bra, Piazza Erbe, Juliet’s balcony and more.
The Verona Carnival, also known as ‘Bacanal del Gnoco’ is one of the oldest carnivals in Europe. Taking place in February, it is considered one of the most popular events in the city, made famous by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The highlight of the celebrations is a street parade of masks and floats that takes place on the so-called ‘Gnocolar’ Friday, as on this day it is a custom to eat homemade gnocchi. We enjoy a voyage of discovery of this ancient festival and much more.
After breakfast, we have a free day to either relax at our hotel in Mestre, or walk around the town and enjoy its tranquil pace of life, shops, cafes and restaurants.
For those wishing to spend their free day in Venice, take a train from Venice Mestre Station to Venice Santa Lucia (Venice’ main station). Trains are very frequent and run every 15 minutes. The journey is 10 minutes each way. Return trip cost around 5 Euros. Your Tour Leader can provide more details for these services.
It’s time to say arrivederci Italy! After breakfast, we’ll have some free time before transferring to the airport for our return flight home.
Modern and stylish hotel. Situated at Mestre, only 500m from station with direct connection to Venice island (10 min).
Holiday Smart Hotel has Open lobby and bar, rich continental breakfast buffet. WiFi is free throughout.
Spacious rooms are equipped with flat screen TV, phone, bathroom with rain shower and hair-dryer, air condition, soundproofed windows, free WIFI
Frequently Asked Questions
The transfer time from Venice Airport to your hotel in Mestre is approximately 15 minutes.
Venice in winter is cold. Ensure you have a warm coat, sweater, hat, scarf and gloves. Casual evening wear is recommended and comfortable waterproof shoes for sightseeing.
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.
Please note
A full 10-year passport is required, valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay.
A visa is not required by holders of passports endorsed “British Citizen” for stays of upto 90 days in any 180-day period.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct visa, a valid passport and any other travel documents for your holiday. All information provided relates to British citizens who hold or are entitled to apply for a British passport.
If you are not a British citizen and do not hold a British passport, you must make your own enquiries as to the applicable requirements. Alternatively, you can apply for your Visa with our preferred partner the Travel Visa company.
Euro
Average Temperatures
| Month(s) | Highest temperature | Lowest temperature |
|---|---|---|
| January | 8 °C | -1 °C |
| February | 10 °C | 1 °C |
| March | 14 °C | 4 °C |
| April | 18 °C | 7 °C |
| May | 24 °C | 12 °C |
| June | 30 °C | 18 °C |
| July - August | 30 °C | 18 °C |
| September | 25 °C | 14 °C |
| October | 19 °C | 9 °C |
| November | 13 °C | 4 °C |
| December | 8 °C | °C |
“I’m sure you will enjoy it, I have been on three solos holidays to date and the people I’ve met have been great.”
“I’ve been travelling with Solos for nearly 20 years, on and off. The reason is for exactly what you want – you meet like minded people… and have loads of fun!”
“I’ve been on loads of trips with Solos over the years and can honestly say you will not regret booking your 1st one!”
“The feeling you have once you go away on your own is worth all the nerves before! I was so very anxious the first time but now having done it 4 times, I love it!”
