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ITALY

Independent Venice: Power and Beauty

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Road Scholar
Program #19400RJ

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9 Days | 8 Nights
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While all of our learning adventures offer extraordinary value, our "Best Value" programs were rated by our participants themselves who thought their dollar went particularly far.
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Love to learn in a small-group setting? This collection of programs has at most 10-24 participants.
See our Small Group programs.
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EasyFor people looking to exercise their minds more than their bodies. There’s minimal walking and not too many stairs.
ModerateThese programs get you on your feet and include activities such as walking up to a mile in a day through a city and standing in a museum for a few hours.
ActiveFor people who enjoy walking as much as two miles a day, perhaps to explore historic neighborhoods or a nature trail.
Moderately ChallengingFor hardy explorers who enjoy a good physical challenge, spending most of their days on the go.
ChallengingGet ready to keep up with our highest-energy group. These demanding — and rewarding — programs are for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.

Program Details > Daily Schedule

Itinerary for Nov 8 — Nov 16, 2012

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Day One: Thursday, November 08 - In Transit 
In Transit: Depart US/Canada on international overnight flight.

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Type: Four-Star Hotel

 Description: Located in the heart of Venice, the four-star Hotel Bonvecchiati has been welcoming guests since 1790. It is only a 5-minute walk from St. Mark's Square, the Rialto Bridge, and the Rialto waterbus stop on the Grand Canal. If you cross the bridge in front of the hotel and walk along the Fondamenta Orseolo, you pass the Orseolo basin, a picturesque gondola station that holds scores of boats creating one of Venice's most characteristic sights. Then pass under the portico and the magnificent St. Mark's Square opens up before you.

Contact info:
Calle Goldoni 448, San Marco District
Venice, 30124 Italy
phone: +39 041 528 50 17
web: www.hotelbonvecchiati.it

Room amenities: Each room has satellite and pay television, telephone, mini bar, safe, individually controlled air conditioning, bathrobe and hair dryer.

Facility amenities: The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, restaurant with terrace, bar, water landing, lobby, Internet access, laundry service, fax, wellness center and international newspapers.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: N/A
Please contact the Road Scholar program office in Amherst, MA if you would like assistance making hotel reservations for additional non-program nights. (413) 253-9736

Check in time: 2:00 PM

Day Two: Friday, November 09 - Arrival and Orientation 
Afternoon: Meet in the conference room for an introduction to the program and orientation to Venice. You will receive the Venice Card for public transportation on the "vaporetto" boat and entrance to some of the major museums and churches for the duration of your stay. Then take a short orientation walk.

Dinner: Welcome dinner in a local restaurant close to St. Mark's Square.

Lodging: Hotel Bonvecchiati

Meals Included: Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Four-Star Hotel

 Description: Located in the heart of Venice, the four-star Hotel Bonvecchiati has been welcoming guests since 1790. It is only a 5-minute walk from St. Mark's Square, the Rialto Bridge, and the Rialto waterbus stop on the Grand Canal. If you cross the bridge in front of the hotel and walk along the Fondamenta Orseolo, you pass the Orseolo basin, a picturesque gondola station that holds scores of boats creating one of Venice's most characteristic sights. Then pass under the portico and the magnificent St. Mark's Square opens up before you.

Contact info:
Calle Goldoni 448, San Marco District
Venice, 30124 Italy
phone: +39 041 528 50 17
web: www.hotelbonvecchiati.it

Room amenities: Each room has satellite and pay television, telephone, mini bar, safe, individually controlled air conditioning, bathrobe and hair dryer.

Facility amenities: The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, restaurant with terrace, bar, water landing, lobby, Internet access, laundry service, fax, wellness center and international newspapers.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: N/A
Please contact the Road Scholar program office in Amherst, MA if you would like assistance making hotel reservations for additional non-program nights. (413) 253-9736

Check in time: 2:00 PM

Day Three: Saturday, November 10 - Introduction to Venetian History 
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.

Morning: Lecture: "Introduction to the History of Venice." The republic enjoyed remarkable political stability for more than a millennium, resisting both external forces and internal turbulence. With this background, one can understand its attraction to artists and architects - La Serenissima has been shaped by them for centuries. Emphasis on the golden era of the town.

Lunch: Explore local fare on your own.

Afternoon: Self-guided excursion. For self-guided excursions, you will receive a booklet with very detailed descriptions of 12 different walks, some of which take you off of the beaten path. Optional: Join your group leader on a walk to the Rialto area with the fish and vegetable market. Meet in the late afternoon for a drink and a chat.

Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.

Lodging: Hotel Bonvecchiati

Meals Included: Breakfast
Close [ x ]
Type: Four-Star Hotel

 Description: Located in the heart of Venice, the four-star Hotel Bonvecchiati has been welcoming guests since 1790. It is only a 5-minute walk from St. Mark's Square, the Rialto Bridge, and the Rialto waterbus stop on the Grand Canal. If you cross the bridge in front of the hotel and walk along the Fondamenta Orseolo, you pass the Orseolo basin, a picturesque gondola station that holds scores of boats creating one of Venice's most characteristic sights. Then pass under the portico and the magnificent St. Mark's Square opens up before you.

Contact info:
Calle Goldoni 448, San Marco District
Venice, 30124 Italy
phone: +39 041 528 50 17
web: www.hotelbonvecchiati.it

Room amenities: Each room has satellite and pay television, telephone, mini bar, safe, individually controlled air conditioning, bathrobe and hair dryer.

Facility amenities: The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, restaurant with terrace, bar, water landing, lobby, Internet access, laundry service, fax, wellness center and international newspapers.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: N/A
Please contact the Road Scholar program office in Amherst, MA if you would like assistance making hotel reservations for additional non-program nights. (413) 253-9736

Check in time: 2:00 PM

Day Four: Sunday, November 11 - Lecture: The Historical Era of Titian / Vivaldi Concert 
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.

Morning: Lecture: "The Historical Era of Titian." For Venetian painting, the 16th century was the most successful. Titian, Veronese and Jacopo Tintoretto dominated the Venetian art scene, winning most of the public and religious commissions. They created a new style of painting with striking luminous colors.

Lunch: Explore local fare on your own.

Afternoon: Self-guided excursion. Optional: Join your group leader on a walk to the San Polo district with the Frari Church to see Titian's famous painting.

Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.

Evening: Meet for a drink and chat with the group before attending a concert together. Vivaldi Concert by Interpreti Veneziani Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) gave over 500 concerts to his hometown, performing for violin, viola d'amore, cello, mandolin, flute, oboe, bassoon, trumpet, cornet and string orchestra. Enjoy a Vivaldi concert performed by the chamber music ensemble Interpreti Veneziani, played on prestigious original instruments.

Lodging: Hotel Bonvecchiati

Meals Included: Breakfast
Close [ x ]
Type: Four-Star Hotel

 Description: Located in the heart of Venice, the four-star Hotel Bonvecchiati has been welcoming guests since 1790. It is only a 5-minute walk from St. Mark's Square, the Rialto Bridge, and the Rialto waterbus stop on the Grand Canal. If you cross the bridge in front of the hotel and walk along the Fondamenta Orseolo, you pass the Orseolo basin, a picturesque gondola station that holds scores of boats creating one of Venice's most characteristic sights. Then pass under the portico and the magnificent St. Mark's Square opens up before you.

Contact info:
Calle Goldoni 448, San Marco District
Venice, 30124 Italy
phone: +39 041 528 50 17
web: www.hotelbonvecchiati.it

Room amenities: Each room has satellite and pay television, telephone, mini bar, safe, individually controlled air conditioning, bathrobe and hair dryer.

Facility amenities: The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, restaurant with terrace, bar, water landing, lobby, Internet access, laundry service, fax, wellness center and international newspapers.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: N/A
Please contact the Road Scholar program office in Amherst, MA if you would like assistance making hotel reservations for additional non-program nights. (413) 253-9736

Check in time: 2:00 PM

Day Five: Monday, November 12 - Glass and Mosaics / Private Guided Night Visit of St. Mark's Cathedral 
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.

Morning: Lecture: "Glassmaking and Mosaics." The art of making glass has never been quite as entrenched in a place as on the Murano islands, which are famous for blowing techniques and design. Murano glass first made its appearance in the 8th century, and despite various ups and downs, has managed to not only endure but also flourish in our modern times.

Lunch: Explore local fare on your own.

Afternoon: Self-guided excursion. Optional: Join your group leader on a walk to the old Venetian Jewish ghetto area.

Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.

Evening: Enjoy a special guided night visit of St. Mark's Cathedral, the mosaic-clad emblem of Venice's Byzantine origins. Visit the crypt under sea level. Special lights create a magic atmosphere and bring alive the unique mosaics which were first executed in 1071 by artists from Constantinople. Basilica opens just for the Road Scholar group.

Lodging: Hotel Bonvecchiati

Meals Included: Breakfast
Close [ x ]
Type: Four-Star Hotel

 Description: Located in the heart of Venice, the four-star Hotel Bonvecchiati has been welcoming guests since 1790. It is only a 5-minute walk from St. Mark's Square, the Rialto Bridge, and the Rialto waterbus stop on the Grand Canal. If you cross the bridge in front of the hotel and walk along the Fondamenta Orseolo, you pass the Orseolo basin, a picturesque gondola station that holds scores of boats creating one of Venice's most characteristic sights. Then pass under the portico and the magnificent St. Mark's Square opens up before you.

Contact info:
Calle Goldoni 448, San Marco District
Venice, 30124 Italy
phone: +39 041 528 50 17
web: www.hotelbonvecchiati.it

Room amenities: Each room has satellite and pay television, telephone, mini bar, safe, individually controlled air conditioning, bathrobe and hair dryer.

Facility amenities: The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, restaurant with terrace, bar, water landing, lobby, Internet access, laundry service, fax, wellness center and international newspapers.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: N/A
Please contact the Road Scholar program office in Amherst, MA if you would like assistance making hotel reservations for additional non-program nights. (413) 253-9736

Check in time: 2:00 PM

Day Six: Tuesday, November 13 - Venetian Lagoon 
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.

Morning: Take a full day to discover the Venetian Lagoon on your own. The Group Leader will assist you in planning your time according to your interests. You can visit Murano, the island of glass-working with its museum of glass making; Burano, the island of lace makers and fishermen; or Torcello, with its great basilica in Venetian-Byzantine style, which is famous for its marvelous mosaics.

Lunch: Explore local fare on your own.

Afternoon: Continue your exploration of the Venetian Lagoon.

Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.

Evening: Meet for a drink with your Road Scholar group in the hotel lobby.

Lodging: Hotel Bonvecchiati

Meals Included: Breakfast
Close [ x ]
Type: Four-Star Hotel

 Description: Located in the heart of Venice, the four-star Hotel Bonvecchiati has been welcoming guests since 1790. It is only a 5-minute walk from St. Mark's Square, the Rialto Bridge, and the Rialto waterbus stop on the Grand Canal. If you cross the bridge in front of the hotel and walk along the Fondamenta Orseolo, you pass the Orseolo basin, a picturesque gondola station that holds scores of boats creating one of Venice's most characteristic sights. Then pass under the portico and the magnificent St. Mark's Square opens up before you.

Contact info:
Calle Goldoni 448, San Marco District
Venice, 30124 Italy
phone: +39 041 528 50 17
web: www.hotelbonvecchiati.it

Room amenities: Each room has satellite and pay television, telephone, mini bar, safe, individually controlled air conditioning, bathrobe and hair dryer.

Facility amenities: The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, restaurant with terrace, bar, water landing, lobby, Internet access, laundry service, fax, wellness center and international newspapers.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: N/A
Please contact the Road Scholar program office in Amherst, MA if you would like assistance making hotel reservations for additional non-program nights. (413) 253-9736

Check in time: 2:00 PM

Day Seven: Wednesday, November 14 - Architecture of Andrea Palladio 
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.

Morning: Lecture: "Introduction to the Architecture of Andrea Palladio." The Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio shaped the world that surrounds us today. Some of his most influential villas and churches survive in the Veneto region around Venice and in the city itself. Palladio's designs are based on three principals: dramatic exterior motifs, economical materials and internal harmony and balance.

Lunch: Explore local fare on your own.

Afternoon: Self-guided excursion. Optional: Join your group leader on a walk through the San Marco district.

Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.

Lodging: Hotel Bonvecchiati

Meals Included: Breakfast
Close [ x ]
Type: Four-Star Hotel

 Description: Located in the heart of Venice, the four-star Hotel Bonvecchiati has been welcoming guests since 1790. It is only a 5-minute walk from St. Mark's Square, the Rialto Bridge, and the Rialto waterbus stop on the Grand Canal. If you cross the bridge in front of the hotel and walk along the Fondamenta Orseolo, you pass the Orseolo basin, a picturesque gondola station that holds scores of boats creating one of Venice's most characteristic sights. Then pass under the portico and the magnificent St. Mark's Square opens up before you.

Contact info:
Calle Goldoni 448, San Marco District
Venice, 30124 Italy
phone: +39 041 528 50 17
web: www.hotelbonvecchiati.it

Room amenities: Each room has satellite and pay television, telephone, mini bar, safe, individually controlled air conditioning, bathrobe and hair dryer.

Facility amenities: The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, restaurant with terrace, bar, water landing, lobby, Internet access, laundry service, fax, wellness center and international newspapers.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: N/A
Please contact the Road Scholar program office in Amherst, MA if you would like assistance making hotel reservations for additional non-program nights. (413) 253-9736

Check in time: 2:00 PM

Day Eight: Thursday, November 15 - Velvet Manufacturer Bevilacqua 
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.

Morning: Lecture: "The Fascinating World of Venetian Handcraft." Cristina Gregorin, author of the book "Venice Masters Artisans," introduces us to the intriguing world of small "botteghe" and its tools and centuries-old machines. Then, visit the velvet manufacturer Bevilacqua. The company's fabrics are still hand-produced on original 18th and 19th-century looms and all the phases of manufacture are manual. The company's famous historical archives hold more than 3,500 pattern designs, all of which are Bevilacqua originals.

Lunch: Explore local fare on your own.

Afternoon: Enjoy a final free afternoon of exploring the Venetian districts on your own.

Dinner: Farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Enjoy wine and "cicheti," a typical starter dish of "bits and pieces," and a great fish dish.

Lodging: Hotel Bonvecchiati

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day Nine: Friday, November 16 - Departures 
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.

Morning: Depart for the airport.

Meals Included: Breakfast


Free Time Opportunities


Venice
Ca’ RezzonicoA museum of eighteenth century art, the palace on the Grand Canal was designed by a Baroque architect of Venice, Baldassare Longhena, for the aristocratic Bon family. The museum shows works of art, furniture and interior furnishings by master artists such as Guardi, Canaletto, Tiepolo and Longhi, and important Venetian school paintings from the 15th-20th centuries which are a part of the Martini Collection.
For additional information, visit: www.museiciviciveneziani.it
Doge’s PalaceDoge's Palace is a former governmental palace and a masterpiece of Venetian gothic. The Ducal Palace was the residence of the Doge up to the fall of the Venetian Republic in 1797 and was a public palace and seat of the administration of justice. The palace is the highest and richest symbol of Venetian civilization and of Venice's cultural, military, political and economic history. All historic periods are represented in an extraordinary stratification of structural and decorative elements: from the antique foundations of the original Gothic complex, to the great halls dedicated to political life and decorated by the canvases of Veronese, Tintoretto and the great masters of the Renaissance, from the precious rooms of the Doges apartment, to the dark prisons and places of torture and the luminous loggias on the Piazza and the Lagoon.
For additional information, visit: www.museiciviciveneziani.it
Galleria Belle ArtiSpanning five centuries, the Galleria Belle Arti's matchless collection of paintings provides a complete spectrum of the Venetian school, from the Byzantine period through the Renaissance to the Baroque and later. Masterpieces of Titian, Veronese, Bellini, Tintoretto, Tiepolo and more all await you here.
Glass Museum of MuranoA museum of Venetian glassmaking, the Murano Glass Museum was founded in 1861 when the darkest period in the history of Murano glassmaking had been overcome, following the fall of the Republic of San Marco (1797) and the subsequent years of foreign rule. The museum’s collection was expanded by the addition of the Correr, Cicogna and Molin Collections which include, among other things, the most beautiful Renaissance pieces in the museum. The museum also has samples of glass from Egyptian times through the present day, and the displays show the art and manufacturing of glass that has developed over the centuries.
For additional information, visit: www.museiciviciveneziani.it
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