PRIVATE ESCAPE 3 NIGHTS / 4 DAYS
Weekend in Venice
Lose yourself in La Serenissima
Committed to preserving the venetian lagoon, Chiara Pavan invites you to discover another side of Venice - a place to cherish moments, to listen to the gentle lapping of waves against the callette, to get lost in the narrowest alleys of Venice, and to find your way through the 355 bridges spanning the waterways. Let's embark on a journey that pays tribute to one of the world's most heavily touristed cities. Join us as we uncover secret pathways and reveal the essence of the City of Canals together.
Hiddenist invites you to venture beyond St. Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge, and explore hidden gems such as Mazzorbo, Torcello, Burano... where inhabitants uphold age-old Venetian traditions.
In Venice, they say "la laguna è il mio parco"- the lagoon is my park. Water has defined the city's urban boundaries for centuries in this unique lacustrine cityscape. Beyond the zattere, the Venetian countryside begins—remarkably, it's on water!
Venetians see their lagoon as a sanctuary for relaxation, where they can breathe freely, walk, or cycle amidst nature, rediscovering simple pleasures in a charming setting. This is why Sundays are for family gatherings at the quaint restaurants of Torcello, Burano, or Murano.
Or take Venissa, Chiara Pavan's territory on the island of Mazzorbo, where a timeless atmosphere prevails. Like the market gardeners of Sant’Erasmo who preserved unique vegetables such as the small purple artichoke from disappearing, the owner of Venissa revived the centuries-old Dorona di Venezia vineyard, which had nearly faded into obscurity.
The Michelin-starred chef herself cultivates her garden with the help of retired fishermen and sources fish and crabs from cooperatives in Burano. It's a vibrant ecosystem, albeit under threat, offering a serene lifestyle far from the cruise ships that dangerously navigate not far from the Grand Canal.
In the heart of La Serenissima, Hiddenist guides you through the backstreets. These paths lead to small artisans, secret restaurants, and popular bacari where Venetians gather after work to enjoy a spritz and sample chicchetti.
In La Serenissima, locals have cultivated a way of life that one can delicately uncover through hidden gardens, flower-filled terraces, or serene canals. Whether you enter a palace or explore an artisan's workshop, Venice reveals itself best through leisurely walks on this journey crafted by Chiara Pavan.
"People often assume Venice is the perfect honeymoon destination. This is a serious mistake. Living in Venice or even just visiting it means falling in love with the city itself. There's no room left in your heart for anyone else" - Peggy Guggenheim
Chiara Pavan's
Venice
The Michelin-starred Chef invites you to journey in "her" Venice, a city she has adopted for over a decade since leaving her native Verona. In this spectacular environment, Chiara Pavan cultivates her uniqueness. Because she is committed to saving the laguna and its islands and because she knows every artisan and producer, crucial to this fragile ecosystem, she exclusively unveils her favorite restaurants and secret spots, the very places that endlessly inspire her sustainable cuisine.
DAY 1 – Weekend in Venice
. Check into your hotel, ideally located either in the tranquil Dorsoduro district (Charm Escapade) or near the Arsenal district (Luxury Escapade) close to the Biennale di Venezia buildings
. Meet your private guide for an exclusive discovery of Venice, tracing the footsteps of the ingenious architect Carlo Scarpa
. Stop at the panoramic terrace of Fondaco dei Tedeschi, a luxury shopping gallery boasting a 360° view of the Rialto Bridge, bell towers, and the Grand Canal
. Optional evening at a Renaissance palace where nightly performances of classical opera classics are presented in a unique style (with extra charge)
DAY 2 – Weekend in Venice
. Private cooking class starting at the Rialto Market. After filling your baskets, head to the kitchen of an authentic palace to learn how to prepare typical Venetian recipes. Lunch with your own creations
. The afternoon is all yours! Hiddenist can also happily organize for you traditional visits (with extra charge)
. For dinner, we have curated a selection of our favorite bacari (wine bars) where you can indulge in delicious cicchetti (to be paid on site)
DAY 3 – Weekend in Venice
. Accompanied by your expert guide, uncover the workshops of artisans who bring renown to Venice: from craftsmen meticulously applying gold leaf to Venissa Bianco bottles, to a traditional weaving atelier, and the city's last mosaic workshop
. Visit the workshop of the Murano’s youngest master glassmaker before crossing by motoscafo to Burano or Mazzorbo for an overnight island experience
. The Venissa’s sommelier will accompany you on a stroll in the Dorona vineyard, then guide you through a tasting of Mazzorbo wines, limited to approximately 3,500 bottles per year. The Venissa Bianco promises a rare treat
. Gastronomic 9-course dinner at Venissa, Chiara Pavan’s restaurant, nestled amidst lush herb gardens (drinks to be paid locally)
DAY 4 – Weekend in Venice
. Morning cruise on the laguna with one of the 20 crab fishermen still left in Burano to explore the lagoon's traditions and the local wildlife, which is highly endangered by pollution
. Visit Torcello, a small island opposite Burano, with your private guide who will show you the basilica adorned with magnificent Byzantine mosaics and the Devil's Bridge.
Please drink responsibly