Italy
Independent Venice: Art, Culture and Canals
Program No. 23230RJ
Discover the timeless beauty, architectural grandeur, world-class cuisine and unparalleled cultural legacy of Venice with local experts and plenty of time on your own.
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At a Glance
Experience "la bea vita" (the beautiful life) in Venice as you learn from our Study Leader and then independently discover the parts of the city that are calling to you most — whether the gorgeous marbled architecture reflected in its winding canals or the narrow backstreets where daily life unfolds. Immerse yourself in Italian culture by tasting the fresh flavors of the sea at quaint trattorie and learning about Venetian crafts from local artisans. With the help of your Study Leader and plenty of time on your own, study the spectacular artists, architects and musicians that contributed (and continue to add to) Venice’s unmatched beauty.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to three miles a day. Extended standing during site visits with limited or no public seating. Uneven terrain, limited public handrails, unavoidable stairs, marble and terracotta flooring, cobblestones. Elevator use is limited or restricted in historic sites. Venice's canal bridges have ramps or stairs with handrails. Expect crowded conditions in pedestrian centers and museums. Program-related travel and transfers will be via vaporetto and water taxi. Sheltered waiting areas may not be available at docks. The extent of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Independent City Discoveries
Learn with a Group Leader and enjoy educational programming while also getting substantial independent time to explore on your own. Most Independent City Discoveries include lectures, self-guided excursions and passes for public transit and museums.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Experience Saint Mark’s Basilica at night, when its beauty can be experienced without crowds.
- Revel in a Vivaldi concert performed on priceless original instruments by a chamber music ensemble.
- Gain a deeper understanding of traditional Venetian crafts — including Carnival masks — with Cristina Gregorin, author of "Venice Master Artisans."
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Cristina Gregorin
Cristina Gregorin has a PhD in German studies and earned her degree in history, art history, and languages from the University of Trieste. She has lived and worked in Venice for many decades. As an excursion expert, she prefers to offer a multifaceted experience of Venice that includes traditions and habits of the past and present, and the juxtaposition of the historical and contemporary aspects of the city. Cristina is the author of “Venice Master Artisans,” a book focusing on Venetian arts and crafts.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Cristina Gregorin
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Cristina Gregorin has a PhD in German studies and earned her degree in history, art history, and languages from the University of Trieste. She has lived and worked in Venice for many decades. As an excursion expert, she prefers to offer a multifaceted experience of Venice that includes traditions and habits of the past and present, and the juxtaposition of the historical and contemporary aspects of the city. Cristina is the author of “Venice Master Artisans,” a book focusing on Venetian arts and crafts.
Michela Ceccarini
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Michela Ceccarini has a passion for foreign languages and cultures, but particularly enjoys sharing the wonders of Genoa, Italy, with lifelong learners from around the world. A Road Scholar group leader for nearly a decade, Michela is also the founder of Genova Insieme, an association that organizes cultural events in Genoa, educational activities for schools and excursions to art cities in Italy. In addition, she also consults in foreign public relations for companies and accompanies Italian groups to Scandinavia.
Suggested Reading List
(10 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Independent Venice: Art, Culture and Canals
Program Number: 23230
In the Company of the Courtesan: A Novel
"In the Company of the Courtesan" unfolds through the eyes of Bucino Teodoldi, a person of short stature and the faithful servant of the beautiful and enigmatic courtesan, Fiammetta Bianchini. After they escape from the sack of Rome, the unlikely duo arrives in Venice, a city of opulence and intrigue, where Fiammetta must rebuild her reputation and clientele. As they navigate the labyrinthine canals and narrow alleys, they encounter a colorful cast of characters, from artists and nobles to charlatans and criminals. Through Bucino's sharp wit and Fiammetta's resilience, the novel explores themes of love, ambition, and the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
The Talented Mr Ripley
"The Talented Mr. Ripley" by Patricia Highsmith is a psychological thriller that introduces readers to the enigmatic and morally ambiguous character of Tom Ripley. Set against the backdrop of 1950s Europe, the novel follows Tom's journey from a struggling and fraudulent identity to becoming a masterful manipulator and imposter. When he is given the opportunity to travel to Italy to convince a wealthy industrialist's son, Dickie Greenleaf, to return to the United States, Tom seizes the chance to escape his mundane life. However, his fixation on Dickie and his desire to inhabit the world of the rich lead him down a dark path of deception, crime, and murder. Highsmith's skillful exploration of Tom's complex psyche and the moral ambiguity surrounding his actions makes "The Talented Mr. Ripley" a compelling and chilling exploration of the human capacity for duplicity and obsession.
Blue Guide Venice
This guidebook is an invaluable companion for travelers, offering in-depth insights into Venice's history, art, and architecture, helping visitors appreciate the city's unique cultural heritage. From the stunning St. Mark's and Palazzo Ducale to lesser-known churches and museums, the book covers a wide range of attractions. It also provides practical information on navigating Venice's labyrinthine canals and dining options.
Titian: His Life
Hale's engaging narrative takes readers through the tumultuous times of 16th-century Venice, where Titian's remarkable talent flourished against political intrigue, cultural shifts, and religious upheaval. Drawing from a wealth of historical sources and art analysis, Hale vividly portrays Titian's evolution as an artist and his relationships with prominent figures of his era, including rulers, fellow artists, and patrons. From his early works to his iconic masterpieces, this biography provides a deep understanding of Titian's artistic achievements and his profound impact on the art world. "Titian: His Life" is a captivating and enlightening read that brings the life and art of this Renaissance master to vivid life.
The City of Falling Angels
Following a devastating fire at the historic Fenice Opera House, Berendt delves into the lives of Venetian locals and expatriates, unveiling a tapestry of eccentric personalities, enigmatic characters, and long-held secrets. The narrative explores the city's unique charm, artistic treasures, and challenges in preserving its cultural heritage. As Berendt immerses himself in the city's social circles, he uncovers a world of opulence, artistry, and cultural rivalries. Through this rich and immersive storytelling, "The City of Falling Angels" offers a vivid portrait of Venice, highlighting its timeless allure and the complexity of the people who call it home. Berendt's masterful narrative combines history, art, and human drama to create a mesmerizing and unforgettable exploration of a city like no other.
The Glassblower of Murano
A historical novel that weaves together the stories of two women from different centuries. The narrative alternates between present-day Venice and 17th-century Murano, a small island known for its glassblowing tradition. In the contemporary storyline, Nora Manin travels to Venice to escape a failed relationship and to restore an old glassblowing furnace. As she explores the secrets of the craft, she uncovers a hidden past that connects her to the legendary glassblower, Corradino Manin. In the 17th-century plot, we follow the life of Corradino as he becomes a skilled glassblower in Murano and navigates the complex world of Venice during that era. Marina Fiorato's novel beautifully captures the artistry and history of Venetian glassblowing while delving into themes of love, legacy, and the enduring power of craftsmanship. "The Glassblower of Murano" is a captivating tale of two women connected to a unique, timeless art form.
Death at La Fenice
When Maestro Helmut Wellauer, a renowned conductor, is found dead during an intermission at the prestigious La Fenice opera house, the city's commissario, Guido Brunetti, is tasked with unraveling the intricate web of secrets that surrounds the case. As he delves deeper into the world of high-stakes music, fierce rivalries, and long-buried resentments, Brunetti uncovers a multitude of suspects and hidden motives. With the backdrop of Venice's enchanting canals and historic opera scene, this novel offers readers a spellbinding combination of murder, music, and the dark underbelly of an artistic elite. Donna Leon's masterful storytelling and rich character development make "Death at La Fenice" a must-read for fans of crime fiction and Venetian culture.
The Perfect House: A Journey with Renaissance Master Andrea Palladio
"The Perfect House: A Journey with Renaissance Master Andrea Palladio" is a captivating exploration of the life and architectural genius of Andrea Palladio, one of the most influential figures in the history of Western architecture. Rybczynski takes readers on a journey through time and space, unraveling the secrets behind Palladio's iconic designs and the enduring principles that continue to shape the world of architecture. With a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for Palladio's work, Rybczynski delves into the construction of Palladio's villas, churches, and palaces, providing rich historical context and architectural insights. This book not only celebrates Palladio's enduring legacy but also offers a compelling narrative that invites readers to discover the beauty and timelessness of his creations.
City of Fortune: How Venice Ruled the Seas
Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Crowley paints a vivid portrait of Venice's transformation from a humble lagoon settlement into a formidable empire controlling key trade routes and dominating the Mediterranean. The book explores the city's intricate system of governance, its legendary navy, and cultural and economic achievements. Readers are taken on a thrilling journey through the city's golden age, filled with intrigue, warfare, exploration, and trade. Crowley's engaging narrative not only highlights the grandeur of Venice but also delves into the challenges and rivalries it faced.
Art in Renaissance Italy
A comprehensive and insightful exploration of the art and culture that defined the Italian Renaissance. The book provides a rich and detailed overview of the period from the 13th to the 16th century, during which Italy witnessed a flourishing artistic achievement. Readers are guided through the major artistic centers of the Renaissance, including Florence, Rome, Venice, and Siena, as they delve into the works of renowned artists such as da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Raphael. The authors offer a deep analysis of the various artistic forms, including painting, sculpture, architecture, and decorative arts, while delving into the social, political, and religious contexts that shaped this remarkable period.