venice information

VENICE INFORMATION
Skyros Head Office:
9 Eastcliff Road, Shanklin, Isle of Wight PO37 6AA
Tel: 0044 (0) 1983 86 55 66
Fax: 0044 (0) 1983 86 55 37
Email: office@skyros.com
Website: www.skyros.com
Emergency Number:
Michael Eales (tour leader) – 0044 (0) 7976 629758
WELCOME
We are delighted that you will be joining us on the Skyros-in-Venice
holiday. Skyros holidays are first and foremost about people. Our
hallmark is the creation of a warm and friendly atmosphere that is so
crucial to enjoying your holiday. We will do everything we possibly
can to ensure that your holiday is outstanding.
We would also like to give you as much accurate information as
possible. Therefore, if there is anything we haven’t included below,
or anything you’re unclear about, please do get in touch.
VISAS
A visa is not required if you are an EU citizen.
VACCINATIONS
Check with your GP if any vaccinations are recommended.
HOTEL DETAILS
The following details are for emergency communication.
We would kindly ask that you contact the UK office for any queries
relating to your bookings and not the hotel directly.
Hotel Rigel, Lido, Venice
Via E. Dandolo, 13
30126 Lido
Di Venezia
Italia
Tel: +39 0415268810
Website: http://www.hotelrigel.it
You will stay at the elegant Hotel Rigel on the famous Lido, a
charming area with impressive views of the city that is best known
for its beach and annual Film Festival. The hotel is very well
appointed with great reception rooms which will be a base for our
evening talks. Enjoy the small canals, nearby access to the beach
and sea, bike rentals and a wide variety of local cafes and
restaurants. It is only a five minute walk from the Lido S.M.E. Water
Bus (Vaporetto) stop. From here it is fifteen to twenty minutes from
St. Marks Square.
EXTRA NIGHTS
If you wish to stay longer in Venice, contact us regarding extra
nights by calling 01983 86 55 66.
ROOMS
The twin-shared rooms are traditionally Venetian in style. If travelling
solo, we will match you in a twin room with another person of the
same gender. Many who share become friends for life.
Room keys – Like most small hotels there is only one key per room.
If you are sharing accommodation, you can leave your key at the
hotel reception.
Single rooms – Single upgrades are available for £180. If you are
paying extra for single occupancy then you should be aware that,
because most of our guests are happy to share, when we do have
odd numbers someone will end up becoming ‘single by default’ and
therefore they are not charged extra. This cannot be anticipated in
advance and is allocated according to who booked first.
FOOD AND DRINKS
Venice has treats for everyone, catering for all including vegetarians.
Italian cuisine is already known to be one of the most popular foods
worldwide and Venice offers some of the best restaurants catering
for a wide variety of tastes. Take time to explore the hidden gems
tucked away from the main tourist areas and find a special
restaurant to eat alongside the locals.
TRAVEL PASS AND OPERA
We will provide a 72 hour Vaporetto Pass for getting around during
your stay and a night of opera at Musica a Palazzo. For your free
time a San Marco Museum Pack is available for €24,90 which allows
entrance to Doge's Palace, three other Museums, three Chorus
Churches and the Querini Stampalia Foundation.
GONDOLA RIDES
Prices vary, but we can organise a group rate which you can book
from the hotel.
WATER
Tap water is drinkable. Bottled water is readily available.
COMMUNICATION
Mobile phones work with international roaming and internet facilities
are numerous. There is Wi-Fi internet at the hotel.
SMOKING
All rooms are no smoking. Should you wish to smoke you can do so
in the lobby or outside on the terraces.
ELECTRICITY
UK electrics work with the appropriate 2 pin European adaptor.
MONEY
The Venice holiday offers daily breakfast and one
evening meal. You will need around £30 - £40 per day for your lunch
and evening meals. You may also want to allow for gondola rides,
souvenir shopping, ice creams, extra excursions etc. Some shops
and restaurants accept credit cards. ATMs are available.
VALUABLES
Please don’t bring any. In Venice, as in any city, there is some risk.
Although Skyros has not experienced any problems at all with theft
or related crimes, we will not get another chance to inform you to
take care of your possessions. The hotel has a safe at the reception
desk.
CLOTHES
In October the weather can vary from very warm to cool or even
misty, so bring a mix of clothes to suit all. A lightweight, compact rain
mac is always handy to pack. Bring comfy shoes for walking. To go
into churches or museums located in religious buildings, you are
required to cover your shoulders and your knees. The opera and
high-end establishments (like Harry’s Bar) require smart dress, but
not formal.
NIGHTLIFE
From the Hilton's extravagant Skyline bar with rooftop views, to a
Bellini at Harry's Bar, Venice offers a variety of nightlife. The Lido
has an abundance of cafes and restaurants.
TOURIST TAX
Since the 24/8/11 the municipality of Venice charges all individual
tourists a nightly Tourist Tax for the first 5 consecutive nights of their
stay to support the maintenance of the city’s cultural and
architectural heritage. From the 1/10/14 the tax is 3.5 Euros per
night and is payable on departure from the hotel in cash only.
EXTRA GUIDED TOURS
In addition to what we offer you might want to take some extra
guided tours. If you are arriving early or staying on longer, we
recommend the La Fenice (opera house) tour, which only runs on
Fridays and Saturdays at 13.00pm for 1 hour. Bucintoroviaggi.com
offers Gondola rides and Gondola serenades with guaranteed
departures for a minimum of 4 people. There is space for this in the
afternoons. Some people like to take a guided tour of the St Marks
area, although a guide book or an audio tour is usually enough –
depending on how detailed your level of interest.
We will formally meet as a group at 18.30pm for welcome drinks,
followed by an introductory talk and dinner. Dinner is part of the
holiday and is scheduled for 20.00. If you arrive early there are nice
cafes and restaurants at the Lido and the famous Lido beach is a 10
minute walk away. You could also get a vaporetto to San Marco (St.
Marks), which is a 15 minutes away. Or simply explore the hotel and
get to know your fellow holiday participants.
DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT….
-
Passport
Money, credit / debitcards, EU medical card
Travel documents – flight details, transfer instructions
Any medication plus extra
Toiletries
Casual clothes for a range of weather
Comfortable shoes for walking
Phone charger and 2 pin adapter
Camera and charger
GUIDE ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive into Venice. Evening welcome meeting once all have
arrived and three-course meal with wine.
Day 2: Early morning course followed by breakfast and mini demos
(sharing of news for the day). Morning walking tour and course. Free
afternoon offering more time to explore. Evening course and culture
talks. Free evening.
Day 3: Early morning course followed by breakfast and mini demos.
Mid-morning course. Free afternoon giving more time to explore.
Evening opera at Musica Palazzo.
Day 4: Early morning course followed by breakfast and mini demos.
Morning tour to Murano. Afternoon courses and walking exploration.
Farewell dinner (own expense).
Day : Free time until departure.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday!
The Skyros Team