The City of Masks | from Athens

First contact with Northern Italy — three cities of Veneto and Emilia-Romagna in one day full of images, rhythm and Italian atmosphere.

Morning direct flight from Athens and arrival in Bologna, Italy's "red" city — medieval porticoes, stone towers and the reputation of the country's most delicious cuisine.

Short tour of the historic centre with the imposing Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica of San Petronio and the famous Due Torri, the twin towers rising above the city.

We continue to romantic Verona, one of the most elegant and atmospheric cities of Northern Italy.

Historic squares,
aristocratic buildings,
Italian style without excess.

We discover the famous Arena di Verona, the atmospheric Piazza delle Erbe and the most beautiful corners of the old town, with time for an Italian coffee or aperitivo.

Last stop is historic Padua, with the vast elliptical Prato della Valle, the Basilica of Saint Anthony and the arcades that give the city its special character.

In the late afternoon we continue to the Mestre area to check in at our hotel.

The first day is not simply a route to Venice.

It is the moment Northern Italy reveals its most romantic and timeless character.

Venice changes its face — and the Carnival turns La Serenissima into a living stage full of masks and atmosphere.

Breakfast at the hotel and departure for the historic centre of Venice to experience the unique atmosphere of the famous Carnival up close.

The experience begins with the journey itself.
As we cross the lagoon, the city starts to reveal its special character.

Canals,
historic palaces,
masks and costumes from another era.

During the day we discover the city's most iconic sights, such as Piazza San Marco, the Bridge of Sighs and the most atmospheric corners of Venice.

Free time to get lost in the narrow streets, enjoy an aperitivo by the canals or live the Carnival at your own pace.

As evening falls, Venice changes once again.

Lights reflect on the canals, the squares fill with music and the city takes on its most theatrical form.

Today is not simply a visit to Venice.

It is the experience of Venice at the most magical moment of the year.

The other side of the lagoon — where Burano reveals the most authentic and colourful face of Venice.

Today continues within the unique atmosphere of the Venetian lagoon.

With the included Venice Lagoon Pass, we set off for beautiful Burano, the island of colourful houses, small canals and a slow pace of life that makes time feel different.

The journey across the lagoon is an experience in itself.

And when Burano starts to appear in front of you, you understand why it is considered one of the most photogenic spots in all of Italy.

Pastel colours,
small bridges,
calm canals and a postcard atmosphere.

Time for strolls, photographs and enjoying the most authentic side of the lagoon.

Return to Venice and free time to live the magic of the Carnival one last time.

Today is not about sightseeing.

It is about images, atmosphere and small Italian moments that stay with you longer than anything else.

The journey ends where the magic began — with one last look at the lagoon before the return.

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Venice Marco Polo airport for the direct return flight to Athens.

Somewhere between the masks of Venice, the canals, the porticoes of Bologna, the squares of Verona and the colours of Burano, this journey will already have left something behind.

Not just images.

Atmosphere.