Venice for Connoisseurs Traveller Reviews

When I booked for a November Venice holiday I realised it might be wet or foggy but I had not anticipated the highest water level for 50 years. The experience was interesting and one advantage was an absence of other tourists. Some sites were closed especially St Mark’s and Torcello cathedral but a lot was open and I was amazed at how well hotels, shops etc were coping.

I was most impressed with the way in which the tour manager obtained waterproof boots for all members of the group, discovered which sites were open and rearranged visits accordingly, found which restaurants were open and remained helpful, kind and patient throughout. Despite the difficult circumstances, an excellent holiday.

The group paddled and floated its way around Venice during a week of the highest tides that the city has had to endure for over fifty years. Several of our scheduled visits were impossible to fulfil because of the flooding, including the evening visit to San Marco. But thanks to amazing - and cheerful - ad hoc improvisation by the tour management, a much revised programme every day enabled us to visit (eg) churches that were still miraculously open.

Our expert lecturer was a fount of erudite and witty information, no matter whether the visits were scheduled or last minute diversions. Day by day our tour manager, with his fluent Italian and his mobile phone, constructed some remarkable alternative visits. The hotel staff maintained their morale and ours under exceptionally difficult circumstances. Against tough odds Ciceroni gave us - in several senses - a memorable week.

Our holiday was an experience, having been to Venice many times high water in the past was manageable by everyone not so this time . The floods were tidal so sometimes it was fairly clear. Poor Torcello suffered ,the Hotel Cipriani managed a good lunch despite water everywhere the garden was flooded. All Churches were closed and a lot of restaurants James Hill did his best and if the restaurant answered we hoped to go there. Our lecturer was, as always, superb he gave us lectures when we were trapped in the hotel interesting and they followed on when ever needed. The Hotel Management were kind gave us Prosecco and nibbles during the lecture as we were so good humoured . We did visit churches and galleries sometimes using duckboards. My memory of an emptied St Marks with flood water was the bare bones of this magnificent church reflected in the water..

On this difficult occasion they managed incredibly well with tireless efforts made on our behalf.

As always, very well organised, friendly and rewarding

Efficient and imaginative

The combination of Venice in the sun in December without the crowds, a meticulously researched and led programme of visits, an excellent hotel on the Grand. Canal all added up to a memorable few days exploring the works of Tintoretto in exhibitions marking the 500th anniversary of his birth.

Booking is always handled efficiently, the holiday runs smoothly , the programme is imaginatively planned, accommodation and meals carefully chosen and the leadership,and management is excellent

Five nights at the Palazzo Sant' Angelo, a superb hotel on the Grande Canal, within walking distance of many galleries, museums, churches and restaurants of Venice. The tour leaders selected a range of visits reflecting the artistic and architectural splendours of Venice. Highlights were a trip by water taxi to the historic island of Torcello, with lunch at the renowned Locanda Cipriani. A private evening visit to the basilica of San Marco was quite stunning. For art lovers the unique collections of Ca d'Oro, Palazzo Querini-Stampalia, the Cini Foundation and the Accademia will long remain in our memory. Other highlights were the churches on San Giorgio Maggiore, Il Redentore and San Sebastiano. Altogether a memorable experience, another winner from Ciceroni!

The tour leaders are experienced, knowledgable and pay attention to the detail. It is like being on holiday with old friends. Their back office support works well and we have no complaints.

A wonderful behind the scene peep at places not usually available to the normal traveller, a mind expanding and challenging tour superbly organised.

This is the second time we have travelled with Ciceroni and we will certainly travel with them again. They are very accompishwd at what they offer, nobody could be disappointed but an appetite for fine art and architecture is an absolute necessity.

Exceeded most optimistic expectations - exceptional hotel, treasure trove of visits, entertaining and enlightening commentary, in company of warm and humourous people. And the weather was glorious! A brilliant programme executed with flair - and perhaps some luck?

Good brochure, unusual offerings, attentive in office arrangements, organisation in Venice efficient, thoughtful re individuals, allowing a good balance between direction and freedom, and overall creating a very enjoyable group spirit. We found no difficulty fitting in as newcomers to majoity of 'old hands'. We learned a lot and enjoyed even more

5 days of seeing Venice hidden from the casual visitor with an excellent lecturer and tour director, and staying in a good, convenient hotel.

Excellent

This was a study tour expertly led by Tom Duncan and James Hill. First class hotel, wonderful visits to private palaces and St. Marks in the evening ,to view the superb mosaics as a private party. Good compamy and excellent restaurants. Lectures as usual top rate. Have now travelled with Ciceroni on 30 tours and will continue to do so [medics willinng!!!!]

A first class organisation who always go "the extra mile" to look after their clients