Venice, Italy - 5 nights

Named one of the "Best of the Best," one of the "Top 75 Resorts in Europe," and to the Gold List Reserve by Condé Nast Traveler in 2005, Conde Naste Traveler 2002 Gold List and 2001 Reader’s Choice Awards.

Opening the gold-rimmed doors of Hotel Gritti Palace, immediately enveloped in Venetian romance 16th century style with the musical caress of the Grand Canal in the background – the luxurious embrace of Venice’s welcome is undeniable. Original 15th century floors lead along into the magnificent halls and salons of Doge Andrea Gritti’s patrician residence, as antique as the traditions Hotel Gritti Palace continues to uphold.

Elegant guestrooms and suites, richly decorated with Venetian antique mobilia, whisper stories of local political intrigue and romance; Club del Doge Restaurant indulges the six senses with gastronomic delights while Bar Longhi’s attentive service and intimate atmosphere offer a unique setting for contemplating inspirational views as the sun sets on each day.

Esperienza Veneziana is an exceptional opportunity to live Venetian authenticity to its fullest, transforming pleasant Venetian sojourns into five extraordinary days of enriching Venetian experiences that regale guests the sense of both luxury and place.

Themed culinary lessons under the professional instruction of Club Del Doge Executive Chef, Daniele Turco, are complemented by the expertise of visiting celebrity Chefs, and enhanced with excursions to the Rialto Markets, indigenous dining in authentic local osterias, food shopping and food history lessons with Program Director, Rolando Beramendi, mask-making and masquerade dinners…..and time for personal forays into the Venetian calli, campi and local legends.

Esperienza Veneziana……bringing the character of Venice to life.

PROGRAM ITINERARY

Monday

~Arrival in Venice
~Transfer from Venice Marco Polo Airport or Santa Lucia Railway Station to Hotel Gritti Palace along the Grand Canal by private launch
~Check into hotel. Time to relax and unwind
~7 PM: Aperitif in the Sala del Doge with the Hotel Manager, Marco Novella
~8 PM: Orientation on the week’s program with Rolando Beramendi, Program Director
~8:30 PM: Dinner at the Club del Doge Restaurant prepared by Executive Chef Daniele Turco

~Overnight in elegant accommodation at Hotel Gritti Palace

Tuesday

~8 AM: Buffet Breakfast at Club del Doge Restaurant
~9 AM: Meeting in Cooking School Classroom for discussion and preparation of dinner plan with Executive Chef Daniele Turco
~10 AM: Departure to the Rialto Market to shop for the dinner menu
~12 Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant by the Rialto Market serving the fresh fish and local specialties enjoyed most days by Venetians.
~Time off to walk and wander back to Hotel Gritti Palace
~5 PM: Meeting in the Cooking School Classroom for the first culinary workshop
~8 PM: Drinks and dinner in the Cooking School Classroom

~Overnight in elegant accommodation at Hotel Gritti Palace

Wednesday

~8 AM: Buffet Breakfast at Club del Doge Restaurant

~9 AM: Meeting in Cooking School Classroom for a presentation on Venice gastronomy by Daniele Turco, Executive Chef of Hotel Gritti Palace.

~10 AM: Departure for a walking tour of Venice to include food shops and the food history of Venice with Rolando Beramendi, Program Director

~12 Noon: Lunch consisting of cicchetti and simple food along the way 2 PM: Time off to walk and wander back to Hotel Gritti Palace
~5 PM: Meeting in the Cooking School Classroom for a lesson with our Visiting Celebrity Chef
~8 PM: Drinks and Dinner in the Cooking School Classroom with our Visiting Celebrity Chef

~Overnight in elegant accommodation at Hotel Gritti Palace

Thursday

~8.30 AM: Buffet Breakfast at Club del Doge Restaurant
~9.30 AM: Make your own Venetian mask! Select your costume for the Dinner at the Palazzetto Pisani.
~1 PM: Lunch at Osteria
~4 PM: Return to Hotel Gritti Palace. Time to rest and relax.
~6 PM: Meeting in the Cooking School Classroom for a wine tasting lesson with a visiting winemaker
~8 PM: Drinks and Dinner in the Cooking School Classroom

~Overnight in elegant accommodation at Hotel Gritti Palace

Friday

~Until 10 AM: Breakfast in the comfort of your guestroom or Buffet Breakfast at Club del Doge Restaurant
~Time off for you to luxuriate in the beauty of Venice and Lunch on your own.
~Our Chiavi d’Oro Concierge Desk will be more than happy to assist with table reservations at any of our favourite places.
~6 PM: Drinks and a presentation of “The Venetian Life, Then and Now” by… A esperienza Veneziana’s Special Guest speaker
~7:30 PM: Dress up in your masquerade costumes and mask and meet at Club del Doge Restaurant for an aperitif.
~Departure in Gondola to Palazzetto Pisani on the Grand Canal for a Venetian Feast fit for a Doge!

~Overnight in elegant accommodation at Hotel Gritti Palace

Saturday

~8-10 AM: Buffet Breakfast at leisure at Club del Doge Restaurant.

~At your convenience transfers to Venice Marco Polo Airport or Santa Lucia Railway Station by private boat.

THEMED CULINARY WEEKS & CELEBRITY GUEST CHEFS:

February 26: Patricia Wells – Cooking Teacher, Food Writer, Author of “Trattoria” amongst many other cookbooks, and Restaurant Critic for the International Herald Tribune
March 19: Judy Rodgers – Best Chef USA 2004 and Author of “Zuni Café and Restaurant - San Francisco”
April 16: “Wine and Food Experience” with Roberta Morrell
October 15: Nancy Harmon Jenkins – Author of many books, including “The Mediterranean Diet”, “Essential Mediterranean”, and Contributor to Food & Wine and The New York Times
November 12: “Fish Week” – Celebrity Guest Chef to be advised

HOW TO ARRIVE

Please inquire. There are several ways to arrive Hotel Gritti.

Closest Airports/Train Stations

Venice Marco Polo Airport - 50 minute drive to hotel
Venice Santa Lucia Railway Station - 25 minute drive to hotel

BOOKING INFORMATION
2007 FEES PER PERSON (US Exchange Rate ($) will be calculated on day of booking)	DEPOSIT
Grand Deluxe Double (2 pax)  5500€ Grand Deluxe Double (1 pax)  6550€ Venetian Style Double (2 pax)  5500€ Venetian Style Double (1 pax)  6550€ Grand Canal Double (2 pax)    6300€ Grand Canal Double (1 pax)    7550€ *Please inquire about pre or post stays.	After availability is confirmed, a non-refundable 10% deposit and the completed and submitted registration form will secure your reservation. Final payment is due no later than 45 days prior to arrival date.
2008 DATES	INCLUDED
(Arrival on Mondays and Departure on Saturdays) To Be Announced	Five (5) nights' in elegant accommodation Daily buffet breakfast Return airport-hotel or railway station-hotel transfers by private launch Welcome drink Themed culinary daily lessons led by Club Del Doge Executive Chef, Daniele Turco, and complemented by visiting celebrity Chefs in the Hotel Gritti Palace Cooking School Indigenous dining in authentic local osterias Educational excursions to the Rialto Markets Food shopping and food history lessons with Program Director, Rolando Beramendi Mask-making and masquerade dinners Airfare and personal expenses are not included.

For further inquiries or to register, click here.



CANCELLATION POLICY
For cancellations from 21 to 8 days prior to course beginning: 50% of the course charge
For cancellations from 7 to 3 days prior to course beginning: 80% of the course charge
For cancellations starting from 2 days prior to course beginning: 100% of the course charge
Accommodation: no fee for cancellations until 48 hrs prior to arrival, for cancellations within the 48 hrs: one night stay as penalty. Travel insurance is highly recommended.



CLIENT REMARKS
References furnished upon request.