ITALY
Venice: The Triumph of Light & Colour March 2–8, 2021 from £2295 per person | with Tom Abbott
This tour will be led by Tom Abbott, BA, MA, an independent art and architectural historian associated with the Foundation of Prussian Palaces and Gardens. Tom is an accomplished lecturer and tour leader, with extensive experience directing cultural and art tours in Europe including in Italy. His expertise ranges from the medieval to the modern, and he is particularly fascinated by the Baroque and Rococo. Please note that the itinerary represents a guide to what we hope to offer, and some elements may be subject to change or confirmation nearer the time. Historical buildings in Italy sometimes undergo restoration at short notice, and visits may be reordered. Day 1 Flight from London Gatwick to Venice. Transfer by water taxi to Hotel Ca’ dei Conti for six nights. Day 2 Morning visits to Doge’s Palace and Museo di San Marco (famous bronze horses and Treasury). Afternoon: San Giorgio Maggiore for Palladio church (Tintoretto) followed by visit to San Zaccaria. Evening lecture.
The Glory of St Dominic by Giambattista Tiepolo
• Explore Venice’s mosaics, monasteries and magnificent artistic creations • Visit the beautiful Ca’ Rezzonico, a museum of 18th century art and furniture housed in a palazzo overlooking the Grand Canal • Enjoy a visit by private boat to the island of San Francesco del Deserto for a guided tour of the monastery This exploration of Venice, one of Europe’s richest cultural cities, will take in a wonderful array of art and architecture, across palazzi, galleries and churches.
‘colore’ was key. This involved not only the choice of colours themselves, but also their mode of application by layering and blending. Our exploration of the richness of the Venetian palette will continue as we discover the city’s fine churches. The Scuola Grande di San Rocco contains superb decorative schemes by Tintoretto, a notable member of the Venetian school, while the Scuola di San Giorgio degli Schiavoni is home to an exquisite cycle by Carpaccio, a student of Gentile Bellini.
Located in the middle of the Venetian Lagoon, the city today bears witness to its heritage as the Republic of Venice – a major financial and maritime power lasting from medieval times, through the Renaissance, until the 18th century. We will begin with a tour of the Doge’s Palace – where the work of the Venetian administration was carried out, and where the architecture and adornments speak of its function as a symbol of the city.
Amongst other fascinating historical churches on our itinerary are the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, known as ‘I Gesuiti’, with its stunning Baroque interior, and the Gothic Church of Madonna del Orto.
The Galleria dell’Accademia, located in the Dorsoduro district, houses the largest single collection of Venetian art, and offers an opportunity to view a range of paintings showcasing the Venetian masters’ accomplished use of colour. Whilst the concept of ‘disegno’ underpinned the Florentines’ approach to art during the Renaissance, in Venice,
We will stay at the four-star Hotel Ca’ dei Conti.
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We will also enjoy excursions by boat to the islands of Burano, San Francesco del Deserto and Torcello: the latter is home to vivid Byzantine mosaics in the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Please note that a good level of fitness is required for this tour, as many of our visits will be made on foot, and will involve navigating steps and bridges. A number of journeys will be made by boat, so participants must feel comfortable on water and when embarking and disembarking boats, which may be rocking.
Day 3 Morning: Galleria dell’Accademia (largest single collection of Venetian art). Afternoon visits to Scuola di San Giorgio degli Schiavoni (paintings by Carpaccio), Dominican Church of Saints Giovanni & Paolo (San Zanipolo, fine altarpieces) and Santa Maria dei Miracoli (exquisite early Renaissance church). Evening lecture. Day 4 Morning: Gothic Ca’ d’Oro (Franchetti collection of paintings), Church of Santa Maria Assunta (known as I Gesuiti, with stunning Baroque interior), Gothic Church of Madonna del Orto. Afternoon visit to Jewish Museum followed by coffee & cake at Ca’ Sagredo (fully restored palace on the Grand Canal). Free evening. Day 5 Morning: Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari (Franciscan church, Titian and Bellini altarpieces), Scuola Grande di San Rocco (Tintoretto). Afternoon: Scuole Grande dei Carmini (Tiepolo frescoes) and Church of San Sebastiano (Veronese). Day 6 Island of San Francesco del Deserto for guided tour of Franciscan monastery, followed by island of Torcello for Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (vivid Byzantine mosaics). Afternoon on island of Burano: Lace Museum and San Martino Burano. Independent dinner followed by private evening visit to Basilica di San Marco (subject to confirmation). Free evening. Day 7 Morning: Ca’ Rezzonico (beautiful museum of 18th century Venice). Transfer by water taxi to Venice airport for flight to London Gatwick. Cost of £2295 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, one lunch, four dinners with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £310. TOUR CODE: VENI21
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