Compare Venice Simplon Orient Express by Voyages Jules Verne vs 6 Days in Venice Family Vacation by Nancy Aiello Tours
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 4 days | 6 days |
| Price From | $ 3,964 | $ 4,626 |
| Price Per Day | $ 991 | $ 771 |
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| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Luxury | Luxury |
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| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
Breakfast |
| Description |
With its smart blue, white and gold livery the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is still the aristocrat amongst trains more than 130 years after its inaugural journey from Paris to Istanbul in 1883. The carriages are adorned with art-deco marquetry, vintage chrome fitting and 1930s-designed upholstery, whilst your comfortable cabin is a restful retreat of gleaming wood, polished brass, soft towels and crisp linen. Cabins have a washbasin and convert from daytime seating to upper and lower berth beds. The bar car features a resident pianist and there are three beautifully restored dining cars, with ever-changing menus worthy of the finest restaurants. The spiritual home of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is, of course, Venice. Built on numerous islands, this fabled city with its labyrinth of canals and bridges has a fascinating history – a past that seems ever-present. Explore the many waterways alongside beautiful churches and piazzas, resplendent in their historic streets and visit St. Mark’s Square, the Doges’ Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. |
We designed this Venice Family Vacation as the perfect first trip to Italy with kids and teens. Each day is action-packed and the overall trip includes a good balance of structured time, free time, sightseeing, and hands-on activities ensuring the focus is on an authentic taste of Venice. It is a fun, educational, and stress-free vacation of a lifetime for families looking to give their children an unforgettable Italian experience. |
Day 1 Fly from London Gatwick or Heathrow to Venice. Transfer to your chosen hotel for a three-night stay. A three-day vaporetto pass is included to assist with independent exploration.
Day 2 A morning walking tour of Venice. (B)
Day 3 Day at leisure. (B)
Day 4 Mid-morning departure on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Lunch on board as you travel towards the Alps. Pass the Dolomites and travel via Innsbruck and the Arlberg Pass into Switzerland. Dinner on board and continue through the night towards Paris. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Reach Calais in the early afternoon. Channel crossing (Shuttle) to Folkestone and onwards on the British Pullman, as you enjoy a delicious lunch with champagne before reaching London Victoria in the late afternoon. (B, L)
Day 1: Welcome to Venice – Myths & Legends at Twilight
Upon your arrival in Venice airport, you will be assisted with a private boat transfer to the hotel of your choice for 5 nights. After checking in and relaxing for a while, your private guide will meet you at your hotel to explore the hidden pearls of Venice on a unique walking tour riddled with mystery and excitement. Leisurely, follow your guide through narrow passageways and shadowy alleys. Explore some of the city’s hidden corners and iconic sights whilst your guide unlocks the dark secrets within… this memorable experience is indeed a real mystery until you do it! Evening at your leisure.
Day 2: Scavenger Hunt & Mask-Making Class
Meet your private guide at the hotel and set out on a fun scavenger hunt in search of clues through the streets of Venice. A walking tour that will teach the whole family about this magical city in a lighthearted manner. There is no end to the fun, as kids try their hand at the centuries-old art of Venetian mask making. During a private hands-on mask making class, kids learn about the legends behind Venetian masks. With a skilled artisan, kids will also learn how to create their very own Carnival mask. Afternoon free to explore at your pace - personalized recommendations will be provided.
Day 3: St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge Palace & Gondola Ride
This morning you’ll embark on a private guided walking tour to some of the city’s most famous landmarks. Explore the majestic St Mark’s Basilica adorned with glittering mosaics. The magnificent Doge’s Palace with its lavish frescoes and graceful staircases and visit the prison crossing the iconic Bridge of Sighs. To take the edge off, enjoy a half-hour private gondola ride through the Venetian waterways to see Venice from a completely different perspective. The afternoon is at leisure to absorb the city’s everyday charms.- personalized recommendations will be provided.
Day 4: Eat like a Venetian & Row like a Venetian Gondolier
Meet your private guide at the hotel to get a taste of Venice and experience traditional Venetian waterways culture. Enjoy a food tour in the neighborhood of Cannaregio followed by a private rowing lesson. At the end of your walking tour, your guide will leave you in the expert hands of a skilled gondolier who will introduce you to a traditional, Venetian handcrafted all-wood batelina boat. Under the watchful eye of your rowing expert, the whole family will ride into the canals steering the boat just like a gondolier! Afternoon at your leisure - personalized recommendations will be provided.
Day 5: Island-hopping: Murano Glass & Burano Lace
Take a private motorboat excursion to the Lagoon Islands: quaint Murano and Burano. On Murano, you will visit a selected glass factory to watch a local master artisan at work. You’ll learn about the ancient technique of glass production while experiencing a demonstration of this craft dating back more than 700 years. The next island Burano is famous for its brightly painted houses and traditional lace making. After exploring the island secret corners, you will return to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure - personalized recommendations will be provided.
Day 6: Depart Venice
Say 'ciao Venice' at the end of your meaningful Venetian adventure as you prepare to return home with amazing memories of your Venice family vacation. Transfer privately to your departure airport, railway station or port. Buon Viaggio!
