IN SEARCH OF BEASTS AND BEAUTY

Can you guess which animal has been chosen as Venice’s mascot? Given the city’s glorious past as a powerful ruler over the Mediterranean, could it be a shark, a whale or perhaps a fabulous sea creature? Follow your guide on a hunt through this fascinating city and discover which ferocious beast has been haunting its squares, buildings and waterways for seven hundred years.

No doubt young visitors will spot the lion, the mighty heraldic emblem of Venice. Compete to see how many you can find! No one actually knows the answer… could you be the first to count them all? Guarding noble residences and churches, spying down from the keystone of an archway, standing proudly on top of columns, gazing out from walls and door knockers… the fierce image of the king of the forest can be detected just about everywhere! You may not know that lions, considered as incarnations of power, strength, courage and nobility, were highly regarded by yesteryear’s citizens to such an extent that Venetian aristocrats held real lions behind bars in their gardens and an official state lion was displayed in a golden cage in St. Mark’s Square! The origins of the lion as a symbol of Venice are steeped in legend and are linked to a highly venerated saint, a theft and the survivors of a storm at sea. We won’t unveil the details now…. Access St. Mark’s Basilica to hear the whole story.

Later, hop aboard a private boat and reach the tiny island of San Giorgio Maggiore, dominated by a 16th century church. Here, take the elevator and reach the top of its 60-metre-high bell tower, offering splendid panoramas of the city and Adriatic Sea below. Can anyone locate Venice’s famous landmarks? Seen from this height and distance the magnificent towering campanile, the elaborate facade of the Doge’s Palace, the domes of the Basilica, all take on a magical, ethereal aura that give you the sensations of peering right into a fairy tale.

Back in the city centre, the children will relish a final treat. Jump into a gondola and experience the thrill of sailing through this watery wonderland on an exhilarating ride with your private gondolier. You will glide along the shimmering waters of Venice’s enchanting canals, past lacework facades, under picturesque bridges and take in the most breathtaking views of the lagoon.

This entertaining introduction to Venetian culture and art, combining a carefully selected mix of famous highlights, lesser-known spots, curious legends and entertaining experiences, is sure to be an unforgettable experience for the whole family.