On the afternoon of Thursday 11 December, Seatrade Med participants will have the opportunity to take part in one of the following tours, organised by Bassani:
ST.MARK’S AREA WALKING TOUR – Thursday 11 December 2008, 1400hrs
A brief motor launch transfer will take you from the fair ground to Piazza San Marco. Your guide meets you there for a walk through the very heart of Venice, pointing out the city’s landmarks: the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, the Campanile and the many arcaded buildings around the square.
You first view the Basilica, a wonderful blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles, one of the world’s most incredibly beautiful buildings.
Your guide points out the Basilica’s feature before you enter; guides are not allowed to narrate while visiting the interior. The Basilica’s interior features marble floors and walls that blend in exquisite, carpet-like patterns. Gilded mosaic murals, like icons, adorn the walls.
Next to the Basilica proudly stands the Doges’ Palace, the former residence of the dukes of Venice and the seat of Venetian government from the 9th century until the fall of the Republic in 1797. It is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture, well known for its ornate façade and multi-arcaded loggia. Here, you will climb the famous Golden Staircase, admire the paintings by Tintoretto and Veronese, wander through the echoing Great Council Chamber and the many other imposing rooms.
You will also cross the Bridge of Sighs, a covered stone bridge linking the Doges’ Palace with the ancient prison dungeons, so named originally due to the fate of the prisoners, although today it has attained a more romantic connotation.
The tour ends at Piazza San Marco.
Notes:
Proper attire, covering legs and shoulders, is required for entering the Basilica.
The order of visits may change but all sites will be included.
Duration:
Approximately 2.5 hours
Minimum:
the tour will operate with a minimum of 20 participants
Rate: € 48,00 per person
HIDDEN VENICE – Thursday 11 December 2008, 1400hrs
A brief motor launch transfer will take you from the fair ground to Piazzale Roma where your guided walking tour will begin.
First stop will be Campo San Rocco, to view the Scuola Grande. The “scuole” of Venice were ‘fraternity houses’, where the more prosperous Venetians organised the city’s welfare and administered charities. Many became elaborate treasure-houses of the arts and still contain remarkable collections, which reflect their prestige. The Scuola Grande di San Rocco is the largest and grandest “scuola”. In 1564 Tintoretto was commissioned to decorate the interior.
Just a few steps away, view the Franciscan friars’ Church of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, the Gothic 14th-century church that contains masterpieces by Bellini and Titian. This huge, plain gothic church features a striking interior: the choir screen and stalls remain in place and the nave is shadowed and sombre, as are the vast and elaborate monuments. Memorable among these is the open-door pyramid containing the heart of the 18th century sculptor Antonio Canova.
You will then proceed to Campo San Polo: one of Venice’s oldest squares, it was a staging area for ceremonials, bull running and theatrical performances. Today it is a venue for the film festival and Carnival celebrations.
Next stop will be Riva del Vin: this access to the Grand Canal was where wine barrels were offloaded from vessels to warehouses. The Riva offers a superb view of the Rialto Bridge. Be sure to have your camera ready to take memorable photos from both the waterfront and the top of the bridge, before you cross over to Campo San Bartolomeo, to proceed along the Fondaco dei Tedeschi and Marco Polo house towards Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo.
Here you will see the imposing Church dedicated to the Saints Giovanni and Paolo, which houses 25 monumental tombs of Doges, as well as paintings by Bellini, Lorenzo Lotto and Veronese, before enjoying a refreshing juice or a cappuccino and a Venetian biscuit in a local café, as you soak up the delightful atmosphere of this beautiful square.
Transfer back is not included, to give you the chance to independently explore this side of Venice.
Notes:
Proper attire, covering legs and shoulders, is required for entering the Basilica.
The order of visits may change but all sites will be included.
As this excursion involves extensive walking over uneven surfaces, it is recommended that guests wear flat, comfortable shoes.
Duration:
Approximately 3.5 hours
Minimum:
the tour will operate with a minimum of 20 participants
Rate: € 40,00 per person
GEMS OF THE NORTHERN LAGOON – Thursday 11 December 2008, 1400hrs
Sponsored by 
and FREE to first 50 people who book
The Venetian lagoon, created by the estuaries of three rivers and separated from the Adriatic by a row of sand bars, is approximately 32 miles long. Venice lies in the centre and there are some forty other islands in the lagoon. Nearly half of them are deserted, some house market gardens and sanatoriums.
Departing from the fairground, a motorboat will take you to explore two of these islands.
Burano will be visited first. Brightly painted houses beautifully decorate this small and cheerful fishing village. The banks of the canals are lined with fishing dories and the setting is picturesque indeed. Next to the 16th century church of San Martino, is the curiously tilted belltower.
Burano is well known for its lace making; in the 16th century the industry was at its height and Burano was cited through Europe as producing the finest lace. Although not a popular craft these days, lace making is still practiced by some of the local women. You will have the chance to visit a lace-making atelier.
The 16th century was known as the “great age” of Murano glass, when the island supported some 37 glass factories and a population of 30,000. Glassware was one of the few Venetian exports and as such, the secret of this skilful craft was tightly guarded.
Visit one of the island’s leading glass factories; watch the masters of this delicate craft at work, and take in the fine displays of the showroom and gallery.
The cruise ends in the vicinities of Piazza San Marco.
Notes:
The order of visits may change but all sites will be included.
Duration:
Approximately 4 hours
Minimum:
the tour will operate regardless the number of participants.
Rate: the tour is sponsored by Bassani and is free of charge for the first 50 people to register, after that the charge will be €20 per person.