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What to expect

Venice&Verona Carnivals

Elaborate costumes & festive tradition

Historic Sites

Visit Juliet's Balcony in Casa di Giulietta

Architectural Marvels

Enjoy St. Mark's Square's lively atmosphere

Vibrant Venice

Explore the network of famous canals

About the trip

Discover the enchantment of Italy as we take you on a journey through two of its most celebrated carnivals. Our adventure begins in Venice, the legendary “floating city,” where you’ll wander through its winding canals and historic alleyways, all while experiencing the vibrant Venice Carnival. This annual event transforms the city into a kaleidoscope of masks, costumes, and festivities, offering you the chance to don your own disguise and lose yourself in the magical atmosphere.

Next, we’ll travel to Verona, home to one of Europe’s oldest and most storied carnivals—the “Bacanal del Gnoco.” During this lively celebration, you’ll witness the grand “Gnocolar” Friday parade, a colorful procession led by “Papa’ de’ Gnocco,” a character embodying the spirit of the festival. The parade winds through Verona’s charming streets, ending in front of the historic St. Zeno Church.

This tour not only offers a deep dive into Italy’s rich cultural heritage but also immerses you in the unique and festive spirit of its most iconic carnivals. Join us for an unforgettable experience, where history, tradition, and celebration come together in the most spectacular way.

Activity Level:

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What's included?

  • Return flights & Water Taxi Transfers
  • Airport taxes & charges
  • Twin room for sole use with private facilities
  • Information Meeting
  • Solos Board Breakfast Daily & Welcome Dinner with drink (Wine, Beer or Soft drink)
  • Guided tour of Venice
  • Guided tour of Verona
  • 1 hour 15 minutes ticket on Vaporetto boat
  • Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
  • Fully Financially Protected

Itinerary

  • Arrive in Mestre
  • Venice
  • Verona
  • Day at leisure
  • Departure Day

Extras

  • Insurance click here
  • €3.50 per night tourist tax payable to the hotel locally

What you’ll be doing

DAY 1

Arrive in Mestre

Welcome to Italy! Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel in Mestre – a historic town on the mainland that faces the Venice Archipelago. When evening comes, we gather together and enjoy our welcome dinner and drink at Ristorante Pizzeria Da Michele.

  • Dinner included
DAY 2

Venice

Today we spend a day in Venice during the Carnival, where the city’s historic squares come alive with elaborately costumed performers and lively street parties. We wander through the maze of canals and alleys, encountering masked figures and musicians at every turn. Around every corner will be sights and sounds to take the breath away, from the majesty of the Piazza San Marco, to the Rialto Bridge, to St. Mark’s Basilica or the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale).

After our walking tour, there will be time to enjoy lunch at one of the many small streetside restaurants or cafes. In the afternoon we spend up to 75 minutes on the amazing Venetian Vaporetto system – the network of public boats that traverse the various waterways or canals. We will take a route that passes along the iconic grand canal.

The rest of our day will be at leisure to further explore the network of streets and canals of Venice. Enjoying the vibrant atmosphere we have opportunity to partake in traditional events, from mask contests to grand balls.

  • Breakfast included
DAY 3

Verona

We board a coach after breakfast to the historic city of Verona. When we arrive we will be met by our local guide who will lead us on a walking tour (two hrs) of the heart of the city where we will see traces of its long history from Roman and Medieval, through to the Gothic and Scaligera periods. We will get to see the most iconic sights of the city such as the Arena, Piazza Bra, Piazza Erbe, Juliet’s balcony and more.

The Verona Carnival, also known as ‘Bacanal del Gnoco’ is one of the oldest carnivals in Europe. Taking place in February, it is considered one of the most popular events in the city, made famous by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The highlight of the celebrations is a street parade of masks and floats that takes place on the so-called ‘Gnocolar’ Friday, as on this day it is a custom to eat homemade gnocchi. We enjoy a voyage of discovery of this ancient festival and much more.

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DAY 4

Day at leisure

After breakfast, we have a free day to either relax at our hotel in Mestre, or walk around the town and enjoy its tranquil pace of life, shops, cafes and restaurants.

For those wishing to spend their free day in Venice, take a train from Venice Mestre Station to Venice Santa Lucia (Venice’ main station). Trains are very frequent and run every 15 minutes. The journey is 10 minutes each way. Return trip cost around 5 Euros. Your Tour Leader can provide more details for these services.

  • Breakfast included
DAY 5

Departure Day

It’s time to say arrivederci Italy! After breakfast, we’ll have some free time before transferring to the airport for our return flight home.

  • Breakfast included

Accommodation

Hotel Campanile Venice Mestre Three-star

Modern and stylish hotel. Situated at Mestre, only 500m from station with direct connection to Venice island (10 min).

Facilities Include

Holiday Smart Hotel has Open lobby and bar, rich continental breakfast buffet. WiFi is free throughout.

Room Includes

Spacious rooms are equipped with flat screen TV, phone, bathroom with rain shower and hair-dryer, air condition, soundproofed windows, free WIFI

Frequently Asked Questions

Average Temperatures

Month(s) Highest temperature Lowest temperature
January 8 °C -1 °C
February 10 °C 1 °C
March 14 °C 4 °C
April 18 °C 7 °C
May 24 °C 12 °C
June 30 °C 18 °C
July - August 30 °C 18 °C
September 25 °C 14 °C
October 19 °C 9 °C
November 13 °C 4 °C
December 8 °C °C

Our Reviews

“I’m sure you will enjoy it, I have been on three solos holidays to date and the people I’ve met have been great.”

“I’ve been travelling with Solos for nearly 20 years, on and off. The reason is for exactly what you want – you meet like minded people… and have loads of fun!”

“I’ve been on loads of trips with Solos over the years and can honestly say you will not regret booking your 1st one!”

“The feeling you have once you go away on your own is worth all the nerves before! I was so very anxious the first time but now having done it 4 times, I love it!”

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