Venice Carnival

On Friday, January 29, 2027, we depart from Szeged in the early morning. Travelling through the picturesque landscapes of Slovenia, we arrive in the early afternoon in Padua, the city of Saint Anthony, rich in historical treasures. Our first stop is the magnificent Prato della Valle, located near the basilica, a remarkable square that preserves the outline of the former Roman amphitheatre. The outstanding highlight of the exceptionally well-preserved historic city centre is the monumental Basilica of Saint Anthony, the final resting place of the legendary saint. In front of the basilica, we can also admire Donatello’s world-famous equestrian statue of Gattamelata. During our delightful walk through the historic centre, we discover the ancient university building and the enchanting medieval squares of Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza della Frutta. These two squares are separated by the 13th-century Palace of Justice, whose shape resembles a ship and which is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. After some free time, we check into our centrally located accommodation, where a delicious dinner awaits us.

After breakfast, we arrive in Punta Sabbioni in the late morning, where we board a boat to discover two extraordinary gems of the Venetian Lagoon: the island of Murano, world-famous for its master glassblowers, and the colourful island of Burano, renowned for its brightly painted houses. Our boat then docks in the heart of Venice, from where a short walk takes us to the magnificent St Mark’s Square, which at this time of year becomes the vibrant centre of the world-famous Venice Carnival. Some of the city’s most celebrated architectural masterpieces stand here, including the Doge’s Palace, the Campanile (bell tower) and the magnificent St Mark’s Basilica. Nearby stands another of Venice’s iconic landmarks, the Rialto Bridge, built in the 16th century. During our free time in the historic city centre, everyone can experience the magical atmosphere of the Carnival, mingle with the colourful crowds of costumed revellers and masked visitors, or relax in a charming café over a delicious cappuccino. After our free time, we board the boat once again and return to Punta Sabbioni. From there, our coach takes us back to our accommodation in Padua, where dinner awaits us.

After breakfast, we arrive in Verona during the morning hours, the city of romance. The legendary setting of Romeo and Juliet has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. During our delightful sightseeing walk, we explore Piazza Bra and admire the ancient Arena, the bustling Piazza delle Erbe, the picturesque banks of the Adige River, Piazza dei Signori and the ornate tombs of the famous Scaliger family. We conclude our guided walk at Juliet’s House, the enchanting setting associated with the eternal love of Romeo and Juliet. After the sightseeing tour, everyone has free time to discover their own version of Verona and immerse themselves in the city’s unique atmosphere. We begin our journey home around midday. Along the way, we stop in Trojane, Slovenia, famous for its delicious doughnuts. Arrival in Szeged is expected during the night.