Secret Venice - February 6-12, 2009

The seductive beauty of this shimmering city rising from the sea like Venus is impossible to imagine, but why try? Go there at the best time of year with a long time resident who knows the secrets of a private Venice unknown to tourists. 

In February the rosy mist and golden winter light illumines the water that laps peacefully against the foundations. The city rests quietly after high season when canals and calle were tormented by tourists. Now one can hear the true sound of Venice of the Venetians.

Learn Venice's history while dining in ancient palaces hosted by residents. Meet artists and artisans in private studios and see culture and traditions perpetuated through their passion and skill. Discover the secrets of wine tasting, Venetian cuisine, private concerts and genuine Venetian life inaccessible to most visitors.

Through Celia's knowledge and connections you will learn to know Venice that others never seem to perceive. 

"You desire to embrace it, to caress it, to possess it, and finally a soft sense of possession grows up and your visit becomes a perpetual love affair"....Henry James.

Itinerary Secret Venice, February 6-12, 2009

Feb. 6        Arrival

6:00 PM    Meet in lobby of Monaco Hotel to leave in gondolas for dinner in a private palace on the grand canal. you will be feted like a Doge!

Feb. 7     

9:30 AM  Visit  an 18th century textile factory where cut velvet is hand-loomed  followed by  lunch in a restaurant rated  top 10  in the world by the Michelin guide.                                                            

4:00PM  Private Tintoretto tour
                                                               
6:30 PM Wine tasting of Veneto vintages with sommelier and dinner in private home in Dorsoduro.

Feb. 8

9:30 AM  Visit atelier of paper dyer, and studio of high profile artist,  followed by lunch in secret neighborhood restaurant.                         
Visit workshop of traditional Venetian masks with demonstration by artist who restored parts of La Fenice  theatre.                                      
7:30 PM Home style Venetian dinner with live music by gypsy jazz musician and artist from New Orleans.

Feb. 9

10:30 AM  Cooking class and lunch in private 16th century palace with stunning frescos and antiques.                                                                   
3:30 PM  Rowing in canals with an expert! Venetian boat museum   
7:30 PM   Dinner        

Feb. 10

8:30 AM Vaporetto to Murano for visit to  family's private museum      in 17th century villa with  frecoes by Pellegrini.   Lunch on Murano. Afternoon free- Burano, San Michele? 
                                                   
7:00 PM Aperitif at famous "Cafe Florian". 
                                      
9:00 PM Dinner in elegant and historical restaurant.

Feb. 11

9:00 AM  Meet renowned author and historian for private tour.  Walk in poetic area of Dorsoduro where Ezra Pound, Peggy Guggenheim, and Modigliani lived, visit a  "forcola" maker.                                            
6:00 PM Aperitif in Atelier with whimsical glass creations followed by pizza and  concert.

Feb. 12

10:00 AM Informal meeting with a Venetian authority on the high water problem and everything you've always wanted to know about Venice... Walk around Rialto market and bacari...lunch of fresh fish in a restaurant popular with Venetians                                                    

 7:00PM Farewell gala dinner in private palace with surprises

Feb. 13  Departure

Suggested reading: , "Venice" by Peter Lauritzen, "The Aspern Papers" by Henry James, "Art and Life in Renaissance Venice" by Patricia Fortini Brown, "Venice Observed" by Mary McCarthy, "Venetian Life" by Willian Dean Howells, "A Literary Companion to Venice" by Ian Littlewood.

 $3,750.00  includes hotel, all meals and wines, entrances, water transportation, private tours and events.

For more information contact   celiacurfman@hotmail.com