1000 colors. Venice

CHAPTER 1

The Soul of the Lagoon and Discovery of Dorona

We are heading towards Burano, a distant island that is a true kaleidoscope of colors: bright red, deep blue, warm yellow. The open doors along the narrow streets exude the scent of a simple, authentic way of life. Here we discover the ancient art of lace-making, thanks to an exclusive visit to a traditional artisan workshop, where the masters - the local ladies, the lace-makers, patiently preserve centuries-old knowledge, working with the finest thread and the precision of the old days.

As you cross the bridge connecting Burano to the nearby Mazzorbo, the atmosphere changes completely. In just a few steps, we reach a fairy-tale setting: a walled medieval vineyard, flanked by a garden of Castraure artichokes, wild herbs, and small coloured, edible flowers. This is the realm of Dorona, the rare native Venetian grape variety that has been rediscovered and now protected, capable of adapting to the salt air and the lagoon.

We stop for a tasting lunch in this exclusive setting: the wine — fresh, fruity, and enhanced by an unmistakable briny flavor—pairs perfectly with a seafood risotto made with lagoon herbs.

We then head back to the historic center to enjoy the evening atmosphere of the narrow streets. The day ends on a high note with a stop at a typical bàcaro bar to taste a couple of traditional cicchetti: artfully crafted meatballs, gourmet toasted crostini, and the ever-present sarde in saor (sweet-and-sour marinated sardines with onions, pine nuts, and raisins), paired with a glass of local wine. The sarde became our favorite! And in the end, we had more than just two cicchetti.

CHAPTER 2

Art, Silence and Secret Crypts

Sheltered by tall walls of exposed brick lies a secret dating back nearly eight centuries: a hidden vineyard. The orderly rows of Malvasia and Glera vines take root in soil that has witnessed the history of doges, merchants, and pilgrims since the 13th century. In this setting, the wine tasting takes on an intimate and exclusive character.

On the way back, the guide has another surprise in store for us: access to one of the city’s rare underground crypts (let’s see if it’s open, she says) - it reveals to be an evocative and mysterious place that preserves the charm of the invisible Venice, its rhythm governed by the tides.

CHAPTER 3

The Tradition: Ancient Crafts and Flavours

This morning we choose to rest a bit, but the afternoon is dedicated to explore the city’s artisanal and culinary heart, starting with the iconic Rialto Bridge. We meet our guide again, trying to say hello in Venetian (but we did not make it well though).

During our walk through the city we visit an artisan studio specializing in high-quality local crafts, where glass melted on the Murano Island by the master glassblowers is transformed into unique jewelry and accessories. The colorful glass items create reflections and plays of light that seem to capture the water of the lagoon.

Among the adjacent alleys, you’ll find a number of workshops producing handmade masks, custom-made shoes, and carving shops crafting the traditional fòrcole for gondolas (wooden oars).

« A présto, Venesia! »

See you again

It’s extraordinary how Venice never ceases to amaze: a city suspended over the water, made up of silence, noble palaces, secret alleys, and bridges that enchant at every turn. A mysterious city with timeless charm where you can get easlily lost. You can enjoy looking for the right way only in Venice.

Not everybody knows that ancient grape varieties are cultivated in this unique setting: winemaking in Venice dates back to Roman times, a tradition passed down through the Middle Ages thanks in part to the work of Benedictine monks. Here, wine is history, commerce, memory, and culture. That’s why we chose to explore Venice from a fresh perspective, discovering its hidden spots and savoring its ancient winemaking spirit.

“Chi ga inventà el vin, se nol xe in Paradiso, el xe vissìn”, our guide, an expert on the area, welcomes us. With a smile, she translates the old Venetian proverb: “Whoever invented wine — if he’s not in Heaven — he should be very close to it”.

After a quick tour of the city’s iconic landmarks (St. Mark’s Basilica glows with a special light in the morning), we venture off the beaten path to board our private wooden water taxi. The engine roars to life with a deep rumble: a rhythm that blends with the rustle of the breeze and the gentle lapping of the waves against the bow. It’s the start of our journey towards the authentic islands of the lagoon.

This morning, our tour takes us to the Castello district, one of Venice’s largest, most authentic, and most vibrant neighbourhoods.

Strolling through quiet side streets, we come to a famous and surreal bookstore with an amazing setup - old gondolas serving as bookshelves, and piles and piles of antique books and great classics. There is even a cat sleeping on a thick volume.

A few steps further on, we find ourselves in an enchanting Venetian square surrounded by historic palaces with romantic little balconies. The square is dominated by the majestic Basilica of Saints John and Paul, considered the “Pantheon of Venice” because it houses the tombs of over twenty Doges of the Serenissima. Inside, we can admire the masterpieces of Tintoretto and Veronese, letting ourselves be captivated by the drama and the use of light characteristic of Tintoretto’s paintings.

We continue on toward a hidden oasis of peace: as we pass through an ancient wooden gate, the clamor of the lagoon gives way to an almost sacred silence, broken only by the rustling of the wind and the singing of birds. We are in an ancient convent.

The next stop takes us to a historic 15th-century wine bar, characterized by low ceilings, antique wooden furnishings, and copper pots hanging from the ceiling. A place steeped in legend (it’s said that Giacomo Casanova himself used to frequent it), where we stop for an “ombra”—the classic glass of wine enjoyed at the bar, just as the merchants once used to do.

When it’s time for an aperitif, we take a seat at an outdoor table of a carefully selected bàcaro bar to watch the lively city strollers go by. It’s time to taste the authentic Venetian Spritz, an afterhour drink prepared according to the traditional recipe, a liqueur created in the heart of Venice in the 1920s, then mixed with soda water and Prosecco, and some olives in it, as the tradition requires. The ruby-red color of the liqueur, citrus fruit and bitter notes as well as its dry flavor make it far superior to commercial versions.

After bidding farewell to our guide with a friendly “A se vedemo!”, we wrap up the evening at a typical local restaurant, savoring the famous Venetian-style liver accompanied by soft polenta and paired with a glass of Merlot from Veneto, then ending on a sweet note with traditional Venetian cookies, Zaeti and Bussolà.

• A private photoshooting with Venetian costumes

• Create your own perfume

• A private boat tour with an aperitif

• A day in the Prosecco Hills with wine tasting

Included services but will be tailored for you:

You might wish to consider:

Private transfers upon arrival and departure will be be arranged in acccordance to flight/train schedules.

A private watertaxi will be booked for you as to the chosen itinerary

Suitable for individuals and groups of 10-15 guests

• Private transfers upon arrival/departure (water taxi/minivan) based on flight/train schedules

• Accommodation at a selected hotel with breakfast

• Licensed private tour guide for the entire duration of the tour

• Private water taxi for the transfers and the excursion to the islands (Burano and Mazzorbo)

• Exclusive tasting and lunch at a restaurant on the Mazzorbo Island (Green Michelin *)

• Entrance fees where necessary

• Guided tastings of cicchetti and traditional Venetian Spritz at selected bàcari

• Restaurant reservation for dinner