Forget churches—try the lagoon with a view. A trip on the Eolo reveals a side of [Venice] few tourists ever see. . . . It’s a fascinating exploration of local history and folklore, gourmet cooking lessons in the galley and romantic meals on deck. —Rachel Spencer, Financial Times
While we make plans to launch our 2018 harvest tours of the Venetian lagoon, host Mauro Stoppa has been busy getting the Eolo ready for the sail. Anyone who has hung around marinas knows that that means having your boat in dry-dock for barnacle scraping, repair and maintenance after the previous sailing season’s wear and tear. In our case, it means serious, loving restoration. Not only is this historic fishing boat an antique, it’s also Mauro’s pride, joy, and floating home. It transports our guests on a discovery of a most private and relatively unknown Venice that few besides native Venetians experience. Because we’re all about slow travel, slow food, and an insider’s Italy, we thought you’d like to see what happens in our off-season.
The Eolo and her crew on our last sail, autumn 2017. Photo: Nathan Hoyt/Forktales 2017
The Eolo in dry-dock.
The work begins.
Marine carpenters at their ancient trade.
New gunwales.
Paint removed and wood rot repaired on the hull.
We won’t say “good as new” because she just might be better than new. Glide away with us for a “slow” journey in and around Venice unlike any other you’ll find. September 15-21, 2018 (PS Two spots are still available on our June 2-8 tour). Price and itinerary details below. Video of the Eolo under sail here.
With Mauro on board, last autumn. Photo: Nathan Hoyt/Forktales 2017
With some of our guests on our recent autumn, tour. Photo: Nathan Hoyt/Forktales 2017
2018 VENICE BY BOAT
Culinary Sailing Cruises of Venice and its Lagoon
June 2-8 and September 15-21, 2018
Itinerary
Day 1 — Meet on the island of Certosa a 3 p.m. (to be confirmed once we know each person’s travel details). Transfer by private water taxi to Mazzorbo and the Venissa Hotel, a former convent and wine estate on its own bucolic island, top-rated by The New York Times, Michelin, and Travel + Leisure. After settling into our rooms, meet our native guide for a walking tour of Mazzorbo and Burano, two enchanting islands joined together by a pedestrian bridge. Overnight and a splendid dinner at the Venissa.
Day 2 — After breakfast, Mauro meets us at the front door of the Venissa and we board the Eolo. Our first stop is the National Archeological Museum of Altino on the site of the original settlement of Venice. Private tour of the museum, a repository of relics and artifacts related to the history of Venice and its lagoon. Return to the Eolo for lunch, followed by a visit and guided tour of the island of Torcello, where subsequent foundations of Venice were laid 1,000 years ago. Reboard and shove off for Cavallino and the historic Locanda delle Porte 1632, once Venice’s customs house. Dinner in a private, typical “bilancia” or “trabuch,” a historic fisherman’s hut suspended over the water. The seafood served is the owner’s catch of the day. Overnight at the locanda.
Day 3 — After breakfast, board the Eolo and head for the southern lagoon and the island of Lazzaretto Nuovo, where all ships, their cargo and passengers were quarantined during the times of the bubonic plague before being permitted entry to the main island of Venice. Guided tour by archeologists working on the excavation. Our next stop is Mazzorbo, a charming village on the Lido. Settle into our hotel accommodations at Ca’ Alberti, a restored 14th century villa. Meet for dinner at a typical trattoria near our hotel.
Day 4 — Breakfast at Ca’ Alberti, then reboard the Eolo. Sail for the island of Valle Zappa, a unique bird and wildlife sanctuary and the site of a spectacular villa in the Austrian style. From here we are privy to the most beautiful views of the lagoon. Guided visit followed by lunch at anchor. Transfer by private water taxi to Venice proper at about 5 p.m. Arrive at Palazzo Morosini degli Spezieri. Explore Venice and eat dinner on your own.
Days 5-7 — Remain in Venice proper with accommodations at Palazzo Morosini degli Spezieri. Breakfast before Laura Sabbadin, our native guide, collects us for unique walking tours of the famous sites, fascinating backstreets, and hidden treasures unknown to most tourists.
Day 6 — Farewell dinner in Venice with Mauro, Julia and all guests.
Day 7 —Breakfast at our hotel and guest departures from there.
Rates and Particulars:
- 4,600 Euros per person including accommodations as detailed, breakfasts, lunches and dinners as described, private visits as per itinerary, all entrance fees, cooking lessons on board the Eolo, the service of your tour guide(s). Rates based on double occupancy; 20% more for single occupancy.
- 10% deposit upon reservation, refunded if the minimum of 6 guests is not reached.
- 40% upon confirmation, the balance 30 days before departure.
- Minimum 6 guests. Maximum, 10 guests.
Not Included
- Flights, travel insurance, items of personal expenditure (e.g. telephone calls, laundry etc.), discretionary gratuities to boatmen and guides, government levies or taxes introduced after publication of this program (May 9, 2018).
- Please note that if circumstances beyond our control necessitate some alteration to the itinerary shown, you will be notified of any such changes as soon as possible.
Contact: For information and reservations: Write to Mauro Stoppa at the following email address info@cruisingvenice.com or email me with any questions you might have.
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