Sottomarina - Venice

Itinerary

Day 1: Journey to Sottomarina

Early departure southwards. A "cappuccino break" is planned in Ticino to get in the mood for our trip to Italy. A delicious lunch awaits us in the region around Milan. Then continue to Sottomarina.

Day 2: Excursion to Venice

After breakfast, we set off in the direction of Venice, a city whose lagoon has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Our journey first takes us to Sottomarina, where we cross the Ponte Isola dell'Unione bridge, which connects Sottomarina with Chioggia. From there we take a boat to Riva degli Schiavoni, just a short walk of about 250 metres from the world-famous Piazza San Marco.
St Mark's Square, once described by Napoleon as "the most beautiful banqueting hall in Europe", is a magnet for visitors from all over the world all year round. During a two-hour city tour, we discover the magnificent sights of Venice: the imposing Doge's Palace, the impressive St Mark's Church, the mysterious Bridge of Sighs and the historic prisons - all up close, but from the outside. In the afternoon, we have plenty of time to immerse ourselves in the unique flair of this enchanting city. In the late afternoon, we return to Sottomarina by boat and take the coach to our hotel, where the day comes to a relaxing end.

Day 3: Excursion to Padua and visit to the Botanical Gardens

After a leisurely breakfast, we set off on our excursion to Padua, one of the oldest and most fascinating cities in Italy. Our first stop is the impressive Basilica of St Anthony, an important pilgrimage destination. Here we admire the high altar with its artistic bronze statues by Donatello and the equestrian statue of the Venetian general Gattamelata, which was also created by Donatello and adorns the Piazza del Santo.
In the afternoon, we visit the Botanical Gardens of Padua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. During a relaxing stroll through this historic garden, we can enjoy the variety of plants and the peaceful atmosphere. We then return to our hotel by coach.

Day 4: Journey of discovery to Ravenna

Our last day of excursions takes us to Ravenna, the largest city in Romagna, which is of great art-historical importance with its early Christian churches, baptisteries, mausoleums and magnificent mosaics. Together with our city guide, we explore the fascinating monuments of the diocese of Ravenna, which were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. We will visit the magnificent Basilica of San Vitale, the impressive Baptistery, the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo and the tomb of the famous poet Dante Alighieri.
After some free time in this city steeped in history, we return to the hotel, where a festive gala dinner with entertainment and music awaits us - the perfect end to a wonderful day.

Day 5: Journey home

After a final breakfast together, we say goodbye to Italy and start our return journey to Switzerland. Before we continue our journey home, we stop for lunch at an idyllic agriturismo and enjoy the regional specialities of Lombardy, including drinks. Afterwards, we look back on an impressive and eventful journey with many wonderful memories in our luggage.

Hotel Le Tegnue 4* - Sottomarina

The Hotel Le Tegnue, recently renovated, is located in the centre of the promenade of Sottomarina, opposite the beach and not far from Venice. It has 90 rooms, all equipped with every comfort: private bathroom, air conditioning/heating, telephone, safe, Tv-Sat, minibar and Wi-Fi. At guests' disposal there are also: a very good restaurant, 2 swimming pools, terrace-solarium with bar service, and private beach.