P O S T C O N F E R E N C E
V E N I C E

May 13th, 2005.
Arrival in Venice, disembarkation and departure to the hotel situated in Venice or Mestre. Departure for half day excursion through Venice, city with more than 500 waterways and 400 bridges, literally built on water more than a thousand years ago by men defying marshes and sea to create a city of canal-laced legendary romance. Now water has become its greatest enemy with the very foundations of this historic city at risk. Despite overwhelming charm, village-like Venice is sinking at a fast clip exceeding two inches per decade, with other elements including pollution contributing to decay. Even so, Venice remains an irresistible magnet for romanticists who enjoy exploring by foot or boat. Your excursion will begin with the Piazza San Marco, the domed Church of Gold, with its candlelit interior among the world's most richly embellished places of worship. St. Marks rarest treasure is the Byzantine-style golden altar screen laden with emeralds, sapphires, and other jewels. Outside the basilica, the atrium stairs head up to the Marciano Museum and the Loggia dei Cavalli (with a view of the square) housing the renowned Triumphal Quadriga, four horses looted from Constantinople by Venetian crusaders in 1204. Napoleon once hauled these steeds off to Paris, but Venice regained them in 1815. Other attractions include the Doges Palace, seat of Venetian government, with an interior golden staircase, and the 17th century stone Bridge of Sighs linking the Doges Palace with the old prison dungeons. The Canal Grande, with its peppermint stick moorings, is filled with vaporetti, motorboats, and gondolas for hire. Beginning at Piazzetta San Marco on one side, the canal about midway is spanned by the Rialto Bridge and eventually winds to the rail station.
After excursion free time for own programs. Overnight.

May 14th, 2005.
Breakfast. Departure for the excursion of laguna Islands, known throughout the world for picturesque scenery, handicraft and history:
- MURANO - the island of glass manufacturing
- BURANO - the picturesque island famous not only for its lace but also for its fishermen's houses painted in bright colours
- TORCELLO - the earliest centre of civilisation in the estuary, only the cathedral with its magnificent mosaics and the church of Santa Fosca remain as testimony of its former glory.
After excursion we recommend a visit to one of Venice famous museums. Overnight.

May 15th, 2005.
Breakfast. Free time for exploring this magnificent city on your own. Departure.

The price is:
- accommodation in Venice 4* hotel: 450.- EUR in double room
- accommodation in Venice 4* hotel: 770.- EUR in single room
- accommodation in Venice 3* hotel: 300.- EUR in double room
- accommodation in Venice 3* hotel: 500.- EUR in single room

- accommodation in Mestre 4* hotel: 250.- EUR in double room
- accommodation in Mestre 4* hotel: 410.- EUR in single room
- accommodation in Mestre 3* hotel: 210.- EUR in double room
- accommodation in Mestre 3* hotel: 340.- EUR in single room

Prices are for min. 20 participants!

In the price is included:
- accommodation on bed and breakfast basis
- half day excursion Venice with guide
- half day excursion Laguna Islands with guide
- vaporetto throughout Islands