This excursion will take you to discover very special places in the Venetian lagoon with ancient monastries: for example the Island San Francesco del Deserto and the Island of the Armenians.

ITINERARY:

• 08.30 a.m.:boarding on the motor-ship at the landing-stage in Fusina (Ve) Panoramic view of St. Mark's basin and navigation to the ISLAND SAINT LAZARUS OF THE ARMENIAN, which monastery was built at the beginning of the 18th century. We will have the possibility to visit this centre of the Armenian culture (ticket Euro 5,00 p.p.) and to listen to the history of this persecuted population. In this beautiful oasis of peace we will admire an important paintings collection, an archeological museum with an Egyptian mummy dating back to the year 3000 B. C., two libraries and a collection of precious manuscripts. Lord Byron, the famous English poet, stayed here and rest on this peaceful island, where he learnt the Armenian language. After visiting the Armenian's Island we will continue our navigation and reach TORCELLO Island, the old Torricellum (small tower) situated among sandbanks and bog grass. Stop in Torcello and optional visit of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (ticket Euro 3,00 p.p.) that keeps ancient mosaics of the Venetian-Byzantine School dating back to the 12th and 13th century; close to the cathedral we can admire the Martyrium of Santa Fosca, a Christian martyr of the 3rd century.
• 1.00 p.m.: our bord kitchen will serve you a typical venetian lunch based on fish with the following menù: aperitif: Bellini, hors-d'ouvre: shrimps and pickled anchovies, first course: Fusilli alla Marinara (pasta with seafood), main course: mixed fried fish, vegetables in season, wine and water, fruit, coffee, cover and service.
• 3.00 p.m.: Arrival on the ISLAND OF SAN FRANCESCO DEL DESERTO, once known as the Island of the cipresses (free offering for the monastery of Franciscan Friars). A legend tells how St. Francesco from Assisi rest here in the year 1220 escaping from a terrible tempest.
• 5.30 p.m.: Arrival in Fusina, disembarkation and and of the services.

The price includes: navigation, lunch on board, and our tour leader.

The price doesn’t include: tickets and everything not mentioned in the programme.

Children: 0/5 years old are free on board; lunch 25,00 € p.p.; 6/12 years old 40,00 € p.p.; only navigation 30,00 € p.p.

N.B.: BUS LIMITED TRAFFIC ZONE (VENICE ZTL) – BUS FEES: please, see www.veniceztl.net

Entrance fees must be paid on spot.