Italy

Independent Venice: Art, Culture and Canals

Program No. 23230RJ
Discover the timeless beauty, architectural grandeur, world-class cuisine and unparalleled cultural legacy of Venice with local experts and plenty of time on your own.

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At a Glance

Experience "la bea vita" (the beautiful life in Venetian dialect) in Venice as you learn from our Study Leader and then independently discover the parts of the city that are calling to you most — whether the gorgeous marbled architecture reflected in its winding canals or the narrow backstreets where daily life unfolds. Immerse yourself in the Italian culture by tasting the fresh flavors of the sea at quaint trattorie and learning about Venetian crafts from local artisans. With the help of your Study Leader and plenty of time on your own, study the spectacular artists, architects, and musicians that contributed (and continue to add to) Venice’s unmatched beauty.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to three miles a day. Extended standing during site visits with limited or no public seating. Uneven terrain, limited public handrails, unavoidable stairs, marble and terracotta flooring, cobblestones. Elevator use is limited or restricted in historic sites. Venice's canal bridges have ramps or stairs with handrails. Expect crowded conditions in pedestrian centers and museums. Program-related travel and transfers will be via vaporetto and water taxi. Sheltered waiting areas may not be available at docks. The extent of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Independent City Discoveries
Independent City Discoveries
Learn with a Group Leader and enjoy educational programming while also getting substantial independent time to explore on your own. Most Independent City Discoveries include lectures, self-guided excursions and passes for public transit and museums.

What You'll Learn

  • Experience the St. Mark’s Basilica at night, when its beauty can be experienced without crowds.
  • Revel in a Vivaldi concert performed on priceless original instruments by a chamber music ensemble.
  • Gain a deeper understanding of traditional Venetian crafts – including Carnival masks – with the author of "Venice Master Artisans," Cristina Gregorin.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Cristina Gregorin
Cristina Gregorin has a PhD in German studies and earned her degree in history, art history, and languages from the University of Trieste. She has lived and worked in Venice for many decades. As an excursion expert, she prefers to offer a multifaceted experience of Venice that includes traditions and habits of the past and present, and the juxtaposition of the historical and contemporary aspects of the city. Cristina is the author of “Venice Master Artisans,” a book focusing on Venetian arts and crafts.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

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Laura Gregis View biography
Born and raised in Genoa in the north-western part of Italy, Laura Gregis studied English, German, and Geography at the local university. Since the age of 21, she has worked in the travel industry leading groups in Italy and around the world. She has also worked summers as a leader in Scandinavia and Ireland since 1996. A great fan of soccer, Laura often works for the Italian national soccer team as well as other Italian and foreign soccer teams.
Profile Image of Cristina Gregorin
Cristina Gregorin View biography
Cristina Gregorin has a PhD in German studies and earned her degree in history, art history, and languages from the University of Trieste. She has lived and worked in Venice for many decades. As an excursion expert, she prefers to offer a multifaceted experience of Venice that includes traditions and habits of the past and present, and the juxtaposition of the historical and contemporary aspects of the city. Cristina is the author of “Venice Master Artisans,” a book focusing on Venetian arts and crafts.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.





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