Venetian Lagoon Tour

Meeting point: 4:00–4:30 PM at Ristorante Vanin 2. Departure at 5:00 PM.

We will walk into the SIC/ZPS (Site of Community Interest and Special Protection Zone) of Punta Sabbioni, a place often overlooked where tourism is still almost nonexistent. This area has recently formed and reflects the ongoing changes of the territory. It is a very fragile environment, home to plants and animals that rely on this specific habitat. We will be fully immersed in nature, focusing on the songs of the birds and the scents of the local plants. The route, about 5 km long, passes through a variety of natural environments. We will learn to recognize the plants and tree species present, walking between the sea and the dunes until we reach the pier that separates the sea from the lagoon.

There will be an aperitif on the beach. We will return along the lagoon, enjoying the stunning sunset. Dinner at Ristorante Vanin 2. Overnight stay at the accommodation.

Meeting point: 8:30 AM at Forte Vecchio in Punta Sabbioni, in front of the beach where the canoes await. We will learn about the historical role of the fort and receive some tips for effective paddling. Boarding on the special 8-person catamaran canoes at 9:30 AM.

We will make a relaxing stop on a hidden beach next to the salt marshes, frequented by lagoon birds, with a view of colorful Burano. Paddling through the canal that crosses the island of Torcello will be an unforgettable experience, passing houses, gardens, and restaurants. We will go under the famous Devil’s Bridge and land in the central area of the island, rich in art and history. We will visit the Archaeological Museum to understand the birth of the lagoon and its first human settlements. You can explore the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta freely with an audio guide, admiring its extraordinary Byzantine mosaics, and the church of Santa Fosca, a fine example of early medieval sacred architecture. Together, we will climb the bell tower to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the lagoon.

Lunch at a typical local restaurant. Return by canoe through the salt marshes, expected around 5:30 PM. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Departure at 8:30 AM by bicycle. We will pedal through the fragrant vegetable gardens and orchards in the most authentic areas of Cavallino Treporti, discovering the Pisani battery, which once guarded the lagoon and Venice. We will ride along the longest elevated cycle path in Europe, and at 10:30 AM, we will load our bikes onto a boat to slowly navigate through an unspoiled lagoon area until we reach Lio Piccolo, an ancient village where time seems to have stopped.

Here we will find ourselves in a paradisiacal landscape of fishing ponds and water mirrors, home to hundreds of birds, including the stunning pink flamingos, which we will observe together. We will also learn about the history of the lagoon by visiting the permanent exhibition “Fragments of the Lagoon” and hearing stories about a submerged Roman villa.

Lunch at a typical farmhouse. The return ride will follow a scenic path, passing through the Mesole district and a former convent, with a stop in the rural area of Saccagnana, among marshes and lagoon canals, to experience the slower rhythms of life in the past. Return to Ca’ Savio by 6:00 PM. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Meeting point: 9:00 AM at Forte Vecchio in Punta Sabbioni. Boarding on the canoes at 9:30 AM.

We will explore the quietest areas of the lagoon, where silence still reigns and the view stretches endlessly. We will land on a white shell beach of an abandoned island, listening to the birds’ songs and having a packed lunch. We will observe Burano and Mazzorbo from a different perspective.

We will paddle through the shallow waters of the ghebi, the small lagoon channels winding through the vegetation, and finally reach the island of San Francesco del Deserto, where the friars will welcome us and guide us on a visit of the island-convent.

Return is expected between 5:30 and 6:00 PM. End of services