Itinerary for the Tourists Stays in the City of Venice - Assignment Example

Venice Itinerary Executive Summary Segmentation in service marketing ensures a marketer can get as close as possible in realizing the individual needs of each of his customers. In the tourism industry it is especially important to satisfy your customers whether you are an agency, a hotel or the management of a tourist attraction. Having acquired four new customers Paradise Travel must come up with a suitable itinerary that considers the preferences of the new customers consisting of two couples segmented into the Young optimism and visible achievement segments of the Australian tourist market. This report presents a detailed itinerary for the tourists stays in the city of Venice and its nearby attraction. Secondly, it justifies the choices taken by the tour agent in choosing particular activities for each couple over the other competing attractions and activities. In the third sections the report recommends that the tour agency should negotiate lower prices behalf of its customers in the young optimist segment of its market. It also recommends an improvement of service quality for better satisfaction of its customer in the visible achievement market segment. Finally it concludes that the VALs segmentation approach is a suitable method for ensuring customer satisfaction in the tourism industry. Contents Justification for Choosing the Excursions for the couples 4 Couple A 4 Day 1: Arrival at Venice 4 Day 2: Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. 5 Day: 3 Visit places around St Mark’s environs. 5 Day: 4 visit to the Grand Canal and its environs. 6 Day: 5 visit Venice islands: Murano and Torcello. 6 Day: 6 visit to Veneto hills and the vineyard. 7 Day: 7 walk through Venice towns. 8 Day: 8 tour to Verona city 8 Couple B 9 Day 1: Arrival in Venice and booking of Accommodation 9 Day 2: 10 Day 3: 10 Day 4: 11 Day 5: 11 Day 6: 12 Day 7: 12 Day 8: 12 Recommendations 12 Conclusion 13 References 15 Appendices 18 Appendix 1: 7-Day Venice itinerary for Couple A 18 Appendix 1: 7-Day Venice itinerary for Couple B 20 Introduction Venice is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the world; it is the wealthiest city in terms of cultural heritage as it’s the most densely populated in cultural assets per square kilometre. Two groups of tourists are to take a six day vacation in Venice and the tour agency Paradise Travel tours is in charge of organizing the excursion the two groups of tourists will take. Having recently engaged the services of the tour agency the two couples expect the agency to arrange a tour that will suit their life values and thus bring about satisfaction. The tour agency would also like to make sure their customers are happy with their services and would come back for their next trip abroad. To make sure its tours appeal to the different tourists groups the agency serves, the agency has segmented its market according to the VALs segmentation. According to this segmentation approach the couples A and B can be grouped into the young optimist market segment and the visible achievement market segment respectively. According to Chitty et al (2011) the young optimist is an outgoing individual who is starting out in life; he is either in school or just started working. Individuals from this segment like to have fun and travel in a small group. They like to engage in high adrenaline activities that give them a rush, this include activities such swimming, beach volleyball, backpacking, cycling, surfing and other competitive sports. In contrast the visible achievement segment contains individuals who have made it in the socials ladder who are looking for quality services and are willing to pay premium prices for them. This segment is used to living a luxurious life travelling in own high end vehicles and living the best life that money can afford. Justification for Choosing the Excursions for the couples The seven P’s of the marketing mix of a service are important while marketing a service in any sector of the global economy. These seven P’s of the marketing mix of a service include Product, Place, Price, and Promotion, Process and People and Physical evidence. In this section of the report we look at the P’s of the marketing mix that influenced the decision to include the various activities in the itinerary for each of the couples The following are the reasons why the above places were chosen to visit in Venice. As we take a look at this, we are going to use the P’s of marketing to consider why some places were chosen. Among the P’S that have been chosen for this discussion are price, place, people promotion and product. Couple A Day 1: Arrival at Venice The couple will arrive at night hence they are expected to be exhausted from the long journey. To calm them down there has been a reserved dinner for two at a romantic dinner at Hotel Excelsior Venice which is located near the beach in Venice’s lido. This hotel has been chosen as dinner can be served along the beach as they enjoy the cool breeze from the beach (Hotels.com 2012c). The place this hotel is located far away from the town hence a cool ambience to relax (Becken and Gnoth (n.d.), pp.375-385). The cost of this hotel is fairly cheap but the products and services offered at this place are satisfactory. The flight taken by this couple is by private transfer because much time will be saved on travelling. Day 2: Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. For any trip to Venice, the Doges palace is a highlight and a must visit. This place has been chosen as the starting point of the tour because it is in Venice and at this time the couple can explore the local streets and once at this site the couple will experience the beautifully decorated rooms that represent the ancient government. At this place they will have a chance to visit the Casanova cells as well as the torture chamber. They can also visit the Correr museum to see some of the great arts created by venetians. The dinner is on a Gondola as it is most romantic and can the couple can have some quiet time together (Partner 2012a). The prices charged on these gondolas are expensive but it is worth the trial as the quality of services offered in this ride is worth the experience (Ali and Howaidee 2012, pp.164-187). Royal San Marco Hotel is chosen as it is romantic and also within the place they had visited earlier. From the people who have visited Venice, this hotel is highly recommended as it offers quality satisfactory services and yet the prices are very affordable to the consumer. Day: 3 Visit places around St Mark’s environs. This day, the couple will spend most of their time in St Mark’s surroundings. In the basilica, they are expected to see the altar screen which gives a clear suggestion of how beautiful Venice is. The basilica is surrounded by different yet many precious stones and the ceilings are crafted in a traditional yet beautiful mosaic. The square has a beautiful space and at this point, the couple can cave lunch at one of the restaurants because the place is accessible and the quality of food in these restaurants is traditional yet exquisite. In terms of pricing, the foods and drinks are cheap and affordable. The couple can spend some time at the Bell tower and as they are up the tower, they can take a splendid view of how Venice looks like. They had dinner at Ambassador Tre Rose Hotel as less time would be spent travelling to their initial hotel and because it was around San Marco neighbourhood (Hotels.com 2012b). This hotel is located at a place where there is easy access to private transfers and any means of transport (Chitty, Barker, Valos and Shimp 2011). Day: 4 visit to the Grand Canal and its environs. This day the couple is expected to board a vaporetta and visit the Grand Canal. Of all other canals, this place suitable because it is impressive than other canals as it is large and also wide. At this place, they will have some history of the activities that took place in ancient times. At this place they can take a look at the beautiful buildings that have not been tampered with. By taking a water bus which is cheap to hire, the couple will also have a chance to view the Rialto Bridge and have a chance to walk on it. The people who are residents in this place are welcoming and hospitable hence they are a great asset in promotion of people from other countries to visit the place (Inbakaran and Jackson 2005, pp.53-71). Day: 5 visit Venice islands: Murano and Torcello. By taking a half day trip to Murano and Torcello by private boat, the couple would have a chance to view glass-blowers at Murano and at the same time visit the first church in Venice in the Island of Torcello (Nile guide 2012). This tour is private as there is much attention from the guide and the experience gotten from this tour is unforgettable. By boarding a motor boat, the couple will also explore the various cites the two cities have to offer and the place also offers various works of art. Ca’Venier al Dolce Dormire o tel has been chosen as it is near Murano Island and at this place they can enjoy the sandy beaches the island has to offer (Hotels.com 2012a). By taking a private transfer, it will be expensive but the price saves on time and delays that might occur (Olimpia 2012, pp.418-424). The hotel chosen offers quality services and the place is not crowded hence a suitable environment for young couples. The prices are also affordable to the couple. Day: 6 visit to Veneto hills and the vineyard. The couple will take a day off from Venice to Veneto Hills with some friends. At this place they will visit the towns of Asolo and Bassano Del Grappa. They will also have a chance to take private walks around the hills. The best thing about this place is that most visitors are couples and the couple should take this opportunity to have a relaxed moment as they enjoy the cuisine offered and the various delicacies of wine. This Hill offers places where the couple can play chess games and while tired the couple can take a lazy walk through the backstreets of the town (Partner 2012c). This young couple will visit the Palladian Villa which is one of the most celebrated pieces of art by architect Andrea. At this place the couple can explore what the hill has to offer from the beautiful mountains of Dolomiti and at the same visit Verona which is a must visit for all young couples as it is the home of Romeo and Juliet. Finally the couple will make a visit to Proseco wine road to visit a local vineyard (Partner 2012c). At this place they can sample of the sparkling wine that is so refreshing. Hotel Madrigale has been chosen because it overlooks most of the places and sites found in Veneto hills and they can spend much of their afternoon relaxing in the outskirts of town (Olimpia 2012,pp.418-424). The products offered in this place are unique as no other place offers them. This makes their promotion easy as almost all young couples want to be associated to the place. Though the price of visiting some of the sites may be a little bit expensive, touring this hill is worth the while. To promote this place, visitors are offered free glasses of wine and the prices of products in that place are affordable. Day: 7 walk through Venice towns. In their second last stay in Venice the couple is to spend their last moments in touring Venice and walk leisurely through the towns in Venice. Among the places they will visit are the church of San Zaccaria, Santa Maria Formosa Church and square, the Paolo church and finally sample the variety of foods offered in Venice by visiting the Rialto fruit and fish market (Partner 2012b). To conclude on their visit, the couple can have a meal at a traditional bar known as ‘bacaro’ for local wine. To wine down on the romantic getaway, the couple will have their final dinner at Hotel Luxor e Cairo Jesolo as it has a beach where the coupe can spend their last time in Venice and the hotel is also convenient as it is located near the airport (Hotels.com 2012a). Booking a hotel at this place for them will reduce any delays to get to the airport. In their last day not much money will be spent in visiting places apart from their final dinner where they will spend most of their time in the Jacuzzi (Ali and Howaidee 2012 ,pp.164-187). All the hotels chosen are four stars meaning that the couple can be able to accommodate themselves without any constrain hence affordable. The quality of food also offered in these hotels is good as it offers a variety of traditional cuisines and the prices are affordable. Day: 8 tour to Verona city This day is spent at the residence of Romeo and Juliet. This is a must see tourist product for any romantics and they will have a chance to take photographs at their balcony as they board a romantic carriage ride along the river (Partner 2012b). The couple can then decide on where they are going to spend their night as they have their dinner. Couple B Day 1: Arrival in Venice and booking of Accommodation The itinerary booked couple into the hotel Cipriani Palazzo Vendramin located in Guidecca, Venice. This decision was taken mainly because of consideration of the P of place and that of product. The P of place was considered as the Hotel is located in the Venice lagoon across the canal from St Mark’s Plaza which contains the most attractive sites in Venice, libraries and museums. It is also close to all the other tourist attractions near Venice and is convenient to reach by water transport which is the only means of transport in Venice. Considerations for the P of product come in as the hotel is five star products and have received favourable reviews from travellers describing it as excellent (Chitty, Barker, Valos and Shimp 2011). It is the best product for Couple B as it provides value for their money as it offers luxurious services as they are used to at home. The couple spend the morning relaxing at the hotel’s pool an activity whose inclusion in the itinerary is justified by the P of product and the need of the couple to relax after a long flight to Venice. According (Inbakaran and Jackson 2005, pp.53-71) for tourists to perceive their holiday as luxurious they must spend significant amount of their time on vacation relaxing. For Couple B relaxation must take place in an environment that is classy, in this case the Hotel’s swimming pool. San Marco Basilica, the plaza and the bell tower inclusion in the itinerary is justified by Product and promotion considerations as St Mark’s plaza is the most attractive tourist product in Venice and Venice tourist authorities have invested a lot of effort in promoting the three sites leading to tourists perceiving them as a must see on a tour to Venice. The Gondola is chosen as a means of travel for the couple as it is considered the most luxurious means of travel in Venice and its (Olimpia 2012, pp.418-424). The Gondola ride inclusion in itinerary is thus justified by the P of product. Secondly, as a product the gondola is differentiated from other means of travel as it is not crowded and has been positioned as the choice means of transport for premium traveller. The P of people also justifies the Gondola ride as Gondoliers (the Boat operators) are known to be polite and provide helpful insight into Venetian history. Day 2: The excursion on Day 2 is justified by the P’s of People, Product and Place. Place is considered in deciding to take the couple to St Mark’s plaza as it is near the couple’s hotel. The products on this excursion include the Doge’s Palace where the couple are able to improve their knowledge of Venetian history through a guide whose inclusion in the excursion is justified by the P of people as only a person can satisfy the couple need for knowledge about Venice. Later, in the Day the couple travel across the Lagoon to Lido where they take lunch and play golf at the Lido golf course. The trip to Lido is mainly included because of product and place consideration. The location of Lido just a few minutes boat ride from Venice makes it an Ideal place for the couple to relax and play golf a sport that is popular with tourists from the visible achievement segment (Olimpia 2012,pp.418-424). Lunch at the Ristorante Valentino is included as the restaurant provides excellent food (product) and it workers (people) also offer services that have been applauded by people who have eaten there. Day 3: On the third day the couple visit the Rialto Bridge and later Torcella and end their day with a visit to the glassmaking Meseum in Murano Island. The Rialto bridge inclusion in the itinerary is based on considerations of product as Rialto is among the most attractive tourist product in Venice. Secondly as part of the itinerary the beautiful bridge made of marble provides physical evidence of the service being provided by the agency. The use of a private boat is also a consideration of product as it satisfies the need of the couple to move around Venice much faster, it is a luxurious way to travel around Venice. The excursion to Torcella is based on considerations of products as the site in Torcella including the Basilica de Torcella provide the couple a chance to learn more about the history of Venice. The inclusion of a guide on the tour is justified by consideration of the P of people as the individual will be able to give clearer explanation of Venice’s religious roots (Ali and Howaidee 2012, pp.164-187). Day 4: The visit to the Libreria Acqua Alta is justified as it is product that will enhance the couple’s knowledge about Venetian history. The library and later St. Mary of the Friars represent Physical evidence to the tourist of the service the agency is providing as both are very old and also are part of the history they want to know more about. Day 5: The decision to have the couple take a rest is based on consideration of product. As seen earlier a tourist will only perceive his holiday as truly luxurious if they are enough time to rest included in the holiday (Chitty, Barker, Valos and Shimp 2011). The second activity of the day; the visit to the La Fenice Opera house is informed by consideration of product and physical evidence of the product. The Opera house performance is a distinct product only identifiable with Venice and its beautiful decorated interiors is at home among the other attractions of Venice. Day 6: The excursion on day 6 are justified due to considerations of product as the Scuola Grande di San Rocco and the Galleria del academia are products that will satisfy the couple’s need for knowledge about the history of Venice. Day 7: The final day of the Venetian tour is spent shopping in the finest shops near the San Marco plaza. The shops chosen offer the best quality product of Venetian glassware and fabric thus satisfying the couples need for the best quality products. Day 8: The couples transfer to the San Marco international airport is justified by considerations of product. The private boat as a product provides the couple with safekeeping services of the luggage which contains the valuable antiques and jewellery they bought on their Venice. Recommendations Throughout the tour of Venice the younger couple had to pay prices that did not reflect the level of service offered by the operators of the various services in Venice. The Gondola for example is too expensive for the couple to enjoy it on more occasions (Walsh and Gwinner 2009, pp.111-128). The young couple’s excursions were mostly chosen because of consideration of Price, Place and Promotion. All this factors are associated with price-sensitive consumers. Therefore, Paradise travel should negotiate with their partners in Venice to ensure that their future customers can still access quality services in Venice at more affordable prices. The Older couple’s excursions, transport meals and accommodation dwelt on quality of the service. The couple is willing to pay premium prices as long as the services provided represent value for their money (Yooshik and Muzaffer Un.d 2012, pp.45-56). The Ps mostly considered in the itinerary planning decisions were mostly People, Product and Physical evidence which are closely associated with consumer looking for quality and not hunting for a bargain. Therefore, Paradise travel can enhance the vacation experience for this segment of the market by ensuring the people and products they plan for this segment are of the highest quality and there is physical evidence of the service. Conclusion The marketing of a service is more difficult than that of a product this is especially so in the tourism industry where services providers have to take care of the needs of tourists across cultures. The job of ensuring the satisfaction of leisure travellers falls squarely on the shoulders of tour operators. Paradise travel an Australian firm has segmented its travel markets using the VALS segmentation approach proposed by Ray Morgan research which it has applied above in selecting excursion for two couples categorized in the young optimism market segment and the visible achievement market segment. For couple A from the young optimism segment the agency has selected relatively inexpensive excursion in Venice most considering that their budget could not afford the premium prices for Venice accommodation and travel. However, on occasion the couple travel and have lunch on the expensive Gondola as their need for a romantic experience can only be satisfied by this expensive product. They also take part in water surfing in the Lagoon to increase their satisfaction for their tour of Venice. A second product that is too romantic for the couple to miss although an expensive excursion is Juliet’s house in Padua. For Couple B most of their excursion focus on increasing their knowledge of Venetian history. This is seen as the couple selects mostly museums and religious sites for the couple to visit where they are mostly accompanied by a guide to further help them understand the importance of the sites they have visited. Unlike the younger couple this couple always travel in luxury in either a private boat or a Gondola as considerations of price for them are far below those of product quality. Throughout the tour the couple are booked in at the luxurious Cipriani Palazzo Vendramin and eat in the best restaurant in Venice as part of their tour package. However, for the younger couple the itinerary frees them to search for their own places to eat which can fit their prices and need to be adventurous. In planning two different itineraries considering the characteristics of the market segment that each couple is categorized in Paradise Travel is able to deliver the service that is most suitable for each Couple and thus make sure they have enjoyed their vacation in Venice. References Ali, J, & Howaidee, M 2012, 'The Impact of Service Quality on Tourist Satisfaction in Jerash', Interdisciplinary Journal Of Contemporary Research In Business, 3, 12, pp. 164-187, Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 15 August 2012. Becken, S and Gnoth, J. "Tourist Consumption Systems among Overseas Visitors: Reporting On American, German, and Australian Visitors to New Zealand." Tourism Management 25. (n.d.): 375-385. Science Direct. Web. 15 Aug. 2012 Chitty, W, Barker, N, Valos, M and Shimp, T 2011, Integrated Marketing Communications Asia Pacific Edition, Cengage Learning. Hotels.com 2012a, Hotels in Venice, viewed August 15 2012, http://www.hotels.com/de710846/hotels-venice-italy/ Hotels.com 2012b, Hotels near St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco), viewed August 15 2012, http://www.hotels.com/de1199/hotels-near-st-mark-s-square-piazza-san-marco-venice-italy/ Hotels.com 2012c, Beach hotels in Venice, Viewed August 15 2012, http://www.hotels.com/de710846-th6/beach-hotels-venice-italy/ Inbakaran, R, & Jackson, M 2005, 'Understanding resort visitors through segmentation', Tourism & Hospitality Research, 6, 1, pp. 53-71, Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 15 August 2012. Nile guide 2012, Top 10: Hotels near Murano Island, Venice, Italy. Viewed August 15 2012, http://www.nileguide.com/destination/venice/best/hotels-near/murano-island-386. Olimpia, M 2010, 'Main destinations and tourist flows on the youth travel market', Annals Of The University Of Oradea, Economic Science Series, 19, 2, pp. 418-424, Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 15 August 2012. Partner 2012a, Venice Gondola Ride and Serenade with Dinner. Viewed August 15 2012, http://www.partner.viator.com/en/9788/tours/Venice/Venice-Gondola-Ride-and-Serenade-with-Dinner/d0-2495TOUR6?SUBPUID= Partner 2012b, Skip the Line: Doge's Palace Secret Itineraries Tour. Viewed August 15 2012, http://www.partner.viator.com/en/9788/tours/Venice/Skip-the-Line-Doges-Palace-Secret-Itineraries-Tour/d522-3731DOGES. Partner 2012c, Veneto Hill Towns Small Group Day Trip from Venice Viewed August 15 2012, http://www.partner.viator.com/en/9788/tours/Venice/Veneto-Hill-Towns-Small-Group-Day-Trip-from-Venice/d0-2635TOUR1?SUBPUID= Trip advisor 2012a, Lido: Traveler Reviews, http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g187870 d593669-r119567543-Lido-Venice_Veneto.html Trip advisor 2012b, Venice Lido Hotels,http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187870-d2289736-Reviews-Ristorante_Valentino-Venice_Veneto.html Trip advisor 2012c, Venice Restaurants, http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g187870-d593669-r119567543-Lido-Venice_Veneto.html Trip advisor 2012d, See Venice - Venetian Itineraries Private Tours, http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g187870-d2000945-Reviews-SeeVenice_Venetian_Itineraries_Private_Tours-Venice_Veneto.html Trip advisor 2012e, Teatro La Fenice, http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g187870-d207094-Reviews-Teatro_La_Fenice-Venice_Veneto.html Trip advisor 2012f, Province of Venice Restaurants, http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Tourism-g1231450-Province_of_Venice_Veneto-Vacations.html Trip advisor 2012g, St. Mary of the Friars. http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g187870-d194253-Reviews-St_Mary_of_the_Friars-Venice_Veneto.html Trip advisor 2012h, Things to do in Province of Venice. http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attractions-g1231450-Activities-Province_of_Venice_Veneto.html Trip advisor 2012i, Torcello Island, http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g187870-d304574-Reviews-Torcello_Island-Venice_Veneto.html Walsh, G, & Gwinner, K 2009, 'Purchasing vacation packages through shop-at-home television programs: an analysis of consumers' consumption motives', Journal Of Vacation Marketing, 15, 2, pp. 111-128, Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 15 August 2012. Yooshik, Y, & Muzaffer, U n.d., 'An examination of the effects of motivation and satisfaction on destination loyalty: a structural model', Tourism Management, 26, pp. 45-56, Science Direct, EBSCOhost, viewed 15 August 2012. Appendices Appendix 1: 7-Day Venice itinerary for Couple A Agency Details Name: Paradise Travel Address 9563 Melbourne Contact Person: Gregg: 765-8000 Email. Gregg@paradisetravel.com Website: www. Worldparadisetravel.com Day Activity cost Day 1: 29th August At 8.00pm arrive at Venice Marco Polo Airport and book for the couple dinner at Hotel Excelsior Venice. Day 2: 30th August Have breakfast at Hotel of own choice. At 9.00 am Visit the bridge of Sighs At 12.30 have lunch their own chosen restaurant. 2.00pmTake a walk to Doge’s Palace 6.00pm have dinner in a Gondola and spend their night at Royal San Marco Hotel Day 3: 31st August 8.00amTake breakfast then visit St Mark’s Bell Tower popularly known as Campanile di San Marco. 1.00pm Take lunch then visit St Mark’s Basilica and Visit St Mark’s square at the same time. 6.30pm have dinner with the other brides parent at Ambassador Tre Rose Hotel Day 4: 1st September 9.00am Take a Gondola to get to the Grand Canal then visit the Academia Bridge 1.00pm Have lunch at own preferred place then spend the afternoon at the beach with friends. 5.30pmTake a relaxed dinner at Foscari Palace Hotel right under the grand Canal Day 5: 2nd September 9.00amTake a private half day tour to Murano, and Torcello 1.30am take lunch and enjoy the afternoon with friends along the islands enjoying activities such as boat riding and surfing. 6.00pm have dinner Ca’Venier al Dolce Dormire hotel. Day 6: 3rd September 10.00Take a one day off to Veneto Hill towns and have lunch and dinner at Hotel Madrigale. Day 7: 4th September 10.00amTake a private walk in Venice have lunch in one of the restaurants. After lunch the couple can spend some time shopping in the local markets before having their dinner. 6.00pm have dinner at Hotel Luxor e Cairo Jesolo behind a beach setting. Day 8: 5th September At 9.00am take a flight by private transfer to Verona city Day 9: 6th September At 10.00am depart from Venice. Appendix 1: 7-Day Venice itinerary for Couple B Agency Details Name: Paradise Travel Address 9563 Melbourne Contact Person: Gregg: 765-8000 Email. Gregg@paradisetravel.com Website: www. Worldparadisetravel.com Day Activity Day 1: Thursday 30th August Arrival and visit to San Marco You will be booked into the hotel Cipriani Palazzo Vendramin located on Giudecca, 10 30133 Venezia Italy‎. Relax at the hotel swimming pool area awaiting a great afternoon of Venice wonders. Lunch will be served at the pool at 1.00 pm. In the afternoon take a gondola across to Plaza San Marco where you will be able to see San Marco Basilica and go up the Campanile tower to watch the beautiful Venice sunset. Walk to the Bistrot de Venise located on Calle dei Fabbri, 4685, 30124 Venice, Italy a few minutes’ walk from Plaza San Marco to enjoy a supper of delightful Italian cuisine served at 8:00 pm. The hotel private boat will pick you at nearby at 9:00 pm canal and you can enjoy the breathtaking view as the Venice lights reflect on the waves in the canal. Day 2: Friday 31th August San Marco and Lido Take a private water taxi across the canal back to San Marco Plaza at 8:00 am. A guide will meet you at the Plaza’s pier and take you to Doge’s palace where you will remain until 12: 00 am as the takes you through the ancient history when palace was the seat of government of the Venice republic. At 12:30 am a private boat will pick you from the Plaza and take you across the lagoon to the Lido island where you will have lunch at the Ristorante Valentino located at Sandro Gallo 81 | Lido, Venice, Italy. Later in the afternoon you can play a round of golf at the Lido golf club. Day 3: Saturday 1st September At 8:00 am a Gondola will pick you up near your Hotel and take you through the grand Canal to the Rialto Bridge where you will link up with you guide for the Day. At the 9:30 am a luxury boat will take you to Torcella where you will be able to visit Basilica di Torcello with its beautiful Mosaic decorations. You can also walk the Chair of Attila before having lunch at the Locanda Cipriani before going across through get off The Palazzo Giustinian, on Murano Island where you will visit the Museo Vetrario (Meseum of glassworks)which holds displays of artwork made of glass dating back to the times of the Pharaohs of Egypt. Later a water taxi will take you to Ambassador Tre Rose where you will have dinner with the Newlyweds. The hotels private boat will pick you to take you to your hotel for the night. Day 4: Sunday 2nd September Take a gondola across St marks Square through the narrow canals to the Libreria Acqua Alta where you will spend the morning going studying the history of Venice and Italy. Later you can take a water taxi to St. Mary of the Friars a beautiful church built in mid-13th century Campo dei Frari San Polo, 30135 Venice. Day 5: Monday 3rd September Relax at the hotels swimming pool in the morning where you will be served with a poolside lunch. In the afternoon a luxury boat will take you the La Fenice opera house where a guide will take around as you discover the history of Venice as told through play writs. Later in the day you can watch a performance at the theatre. Later you will be picked up by a gondola and have your dinner on the boat as you listen to the mellow music of your Gondolier. Day 6: 4th Tuesday 3rd September Take a luxury boat to the Scuola Grande di San Rocco and later to the Pietà and Ca’ Rezzonico where you will be able to see the masterpieces of art made by artists such as Tintoretto (c1518-94) and others. End your day at the Galleria Del Academia Measum of art in Dorsudolo Day 7: 5th September Shop for the best books on the history of Venice from the Libreria Sansovino and for the finest Murano glassware at the Murano Art Shop, and for the best hand sewn venetian fabric at Fondamenta dell'Osmarina. Enjoy your afternoon with the best of venetian wine at Harry’s bar. Day 8: 6th September Check-off from hotel Cipriani Palazzo Vendramin. The private boat will be awaiting you to take you to the Marco Polo international airport on the Venice mainland. Read More