Three nights in Venice and two in the Dolomites, a contrast that works because the connection is historical rather than scenic. The Republic built its fleet from these forests. Squeri, Murano furnaces and Ladin valleys, with short transfers throughout.
Arrival at Marco Polo and water transfer to the hotel, entering the city from the lagoon rather than the causeway. The afternoon is free. Welcome dinner in a bacaro in Cannaregio, and a walk back along the fondamenta after the day visitors have gone.
Two days on foot and by boat. San Marco outside public opening hours, with the mosaics and the floor explained by a resident historian, then the Doge’s Palace. On the second day, a working squero where gondolas are still built by hand, and a Murano furnace outside the demonstration hours. Afternoons left open for Cannaregio and Castello.
Departure by coach through the Piave valley, the route along which the Republic floated its timber down to the shipyards. Lunch en route at Belluno. Arrival in the Dolomites in mid afternoon, with the rest of the day free for the village and the valley floor.
A full day on the Great Dolomites Road, with stops at the Falzarego and Pordoi passes and a cable car for those who want the higher viewpoint. Lunch at a mountain hut reachable without technical walking. In the afternoon, a Ladin valley and its village museum. Dinner at the hotel.
Morning transfer back to Venice or Verona for onward flights, with a stop at Conegliano for those with later departures.
Splendido private tours
