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What you can expect

Immerse yourself in magical explosion of masks, costumes, and colours of Venice Carnival

Visit the Juliet Balcony in the courtyard of Casa di Giulietta in Verona

Enjoy the lively atmosphere of Piazza San Marco

Explore the network of famous venetian canals

About the trip

Few destinations in the world are as evocative as Venice.  Just the mention of it will conjure visions of sleepy canals, colourful masked carnivals and striped gondoliers. For some it might even lead to cravings for a Gelato (just the one mind you). Needless to say it is a timeless place, steeped beyond measure in charm, history and a touch of magic and is a perfect place to explore either on foot twisting through its labyrinthine lanes and narrow alleyways or via its maze of waterways. Next stop The Verona Carnival, also known as “Bacanal del Gnoco” is one of the oldest carnivals in Europe. During “Gnocolar” Friday,  a big parade ending in front of St. Zeno church rides the streets of Verona.  The parade is led by Papa’ de’ gnocco, literally “gnocchi’s dad”, a mask representing an old king holding a huge fork topped by a big gnocchi. Even on a normal day it is a place of mystery and wonder but add to this the extra spice to be savoured as we visit during the world famous Carnivals (Carnevale in Italian) which attracts hordes of partygoers and revellers all seeking the fun and excitement that goes with this grandest of old world festivals with its iconic ornate masks and spectacular costumes. Join the thrill seekers and don your own mask to hide your identity and blend in and get swept up by the surreal and unique atmosphere that takes over the city during the Carnival.  

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What's included?

  • Return flights & Water Taxi Transfers
  • Airport taxes & charges
  • Twin room for sole use with private facilities
  • Welcome drink & Information Meeting
  • Half Board; Breakfast & Dinner
  • Guided tour of Venice
  • Guided tour of Verona
  • 1 hour 15 minutes ticket on Vaporetto boat
  • Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
  • Fully Financially Protected

Itinerary

  • Arrive in Mestre
  • Venice
  • Verona
  • Day at leisure
  • Departure Day
Extras
  • Insurance click here
  • €3.50 per night tourist tax payable to the hotel locally

What you’ll be doing

DAY 1

Arrive in Mestre

Welcome to Italy! Upon arrival we will transfer to our hotel in Mestre, a beautiful and historic town on the mainland that faces the Venice Archipeligo. When evening comes, we can gather together and enjoy a welcome drink before having dinner in the hotel restaurant.
  • Dinner Included
DAY 2

Venice

After breakfast we take the coach across the bridge into Venice where we will meet our local guide who will lead us on a morning guided tour of the city. 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 whether it be the majesty of the Piazza San Marco, the Rialto Bridge, St. Mark’s Basilica or the Doge’s Palace to name just a few. After our walking tour there will be time to enjoy lunch at one of the many small street side 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 followed by dinner in a local restaurant in the evening.
  • Breakfast & Dinner Included
DAY 3

Verona

After breakfast we take a coach from our hotel 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 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 important and interesting 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 typical 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 will take you on a voyage of discovery of this ancient festival and much more.
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DAY 4

Day at leisure

After breakfast we have a free day whether that is relaxing in our hotel in Mestre, walking around the charming streets of this historic little town and enjoying its tranquil pace of life and cheap shops, cafes and restaurants. For those wishing to spend their free day in Venice, it is just 2.6 miles away and it is quick and easy to get there with public tram leaving Mestre (and returning) every few minutes (30min transfer). Tram stop is located 200m from the hotel and it cost currently approx. EUR1.50 one way. Tickets are available to purchase at the hotel reception desk. Your Tour Leader can provide more details for these services.
  • Breakfast & Dinner Included
DAY 5

Departure Day

It is time to say arrivederci Italy! After breakfast we’ll have some free time before transferring to the airport by water taxi for our return flight home.
  • Breakfast Included

Accommodation

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Smart Hotel Holiday 4*

Strategic location, modern design, free parking and restaurant. Smart Hotel Holiday is an ideal choice for travellers seeking a 4-star hotel in Mestre within reach of Venice in just 10 minutes. Very close to nearby public transport stops. The bus or tram journey to Venice’s Piazzale Roma takes around 30 minutes and the bus stop is 200 metres from the property. The hotel also organizes a transfer service (extra fee) to Venice, the airports of Venice and Treviso, the railway station of Mestre and Noventa Outlet.

Facilities Include

Holiday Smart Hotel has a TV room, a bar with terrace and a restaurant. WiFi is free throughout. The restaurant serves excellent Italian and international cuisine. A generous buffet is available for breakfast from 07:00 until 10:00.

Room Includes

Spacious rooms are equipped with air conditioning, ensuite bathroom, hairdryer,  flat-screen TV, minibar and free WiFi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Our Reviews

“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!”

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