Legend tells us that Venice was founded in the year 451 by refugees from the settlements on the Venetian mainland, escaping the endless raids and invasions of the barbarians. A thousand years later the simple settlements on the marshy islands of the lagoon had become 'the most triumphant citie I ever set eyes on'.
With a unique system of government, which isolated her from the feudalism and feuds of mainland Italy, Venice had become rich and powerful, her greatness based on sea power and commerce.

We will look chiefly at the events, personalities, architecture and art from the 11th to the late 15th Century when her power and wealth began slowly to wane following the fall of Constantinople. Men who were both rich and pious built countless palaces and churches. The churches became more elaborate, richer and wonderfully decorated from the sumptuous Basilica of St. Mark's with its glorious mosaics; golden, bejewelled Pala d'Oro and kidnapped saint to many beautiful small churches often decorated by great artists such as Bellini and Carpaccio. We will see palaces of the rich and powerful which made a statement along the Grand Canal but will also explore the daily lives of people in medieval Venice.

Group Captain Mike Clegg, has taken many of our historic tours over the years. His knowledge is wide and his enthusiasm boundless. With him, we will hear how Doge Ordelafeo established the mighty Arsenale, how Venice gained a virtual monopoly of the glass blowers' skills, how the banking system developed to support the traders of the Rialto and how Marco Polo travelled to China.

ITINERARY
Day 1 (Thursday): Fly London – Venice. Check into our hotel for 4 night stay. Time for a stroll along the canals and squares. Introductory talk and dinner.
Day 2: The Lagoon. We will take you in a small, private boat around the lagoon, visit some of the islands - including Torcello, and Murano, to see splendid Romanesque churches, the age old fishing villages, traditional glass blowing and along the Lido as we consider its importance in Medieval times.
Day 3: Ships and Trade. The great Venetian Arsenale that built the Republic's navy, armaments and large merchant ships. The naval museum. The Castellani and Nicoletti. The Rialto – the power house of the Venetian Republic; banks, gold, textiles, spices – and gossip. The markets. Marco Polo.
Day 4: The heart of Venice. St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace. Churches and palaces, paintings and memorials, museums and network of canals.
Day 5: Free time to discover a little more of this amazing city. We have only scratched the surface, but you will probably come back. Return flight to London.