An Authentic Taste
Learn more about the history and the making of the Bellini and Spritz cocktails, and indulge in their authentic tastes. Join us for a 30 minute long immersive activity as part of our series Destination Discoveries, A Concierge-Curated Experience. Head Barman Cristiano Luciano and his team are offering a cocktail-making demonstration featuring delicious flavors native to the region.
Byzantine Gothic Venice
Guests are invited to join a 30-minute long history lesson on Venice's Byzantine Gothic style as part of our series Destination Discoveries, a Concierge-Curated Experience. An expert guide is offering guests an explanation of the origins, characteristics and traditions of this unique architectural style indigenous to the city. Join us to learn more about it, and its most iconic examples around the city.
Building Venice
Learn how the Venetians built their city in a lagoon consisting of shallow waters and outcropping lands, and how they made this difficult terrain habitable, constructing the actual foundations on which the palaces lie, and devising a system for collecting fresh water in order to survive. Guests are invited to join our Concierge team for a 30 minute history lesson on Venice’s building system as part of our series Destination Discoveries, A Concierge-Curated Experience.
Secrets of the Gondola
Learn where Venice's typical flat-bottomed boat rowed by gondoliers is born in Venice, its evolution over the centuries, and its symbolism. Guests are invited to join Head Concierge Ivan Schultz for a 30 minute history lesson on the Gondola and its secrets and traditions, as part of our series Destination Discoveries, A Concierge-Curated Experience.
Acqua Alta
Learn more about the exceptional tide peaks that partially flood the city on a periodical basis, and which used to flood The Gritti Palace, in addition to learning about the 'MOSE Project' which is intended to protect Venice from the floods. For the first experience, guests are invited to join our Head Concierge Ivan Schultz for a 30 minute immersion into the phenomenon of Venice’s Acqua Alta as part of our series Destination Discoveries, A Concierge Curated Experience.
Exceptional Hotel Art
Guests are invited to join a 30 minute discovery tour unveiling the hotel’s treasures as part of our series Destination Discoveries, A Concierge-Curated Experience. The Gritti Palace is a place of exceptional art which has been collected throughout its history as a private palazzo and luxury hotel. An expert in antiques is offering guests a guided walk-around of the palace’s art, antiques and furniture.
Burano Lace Industry
Guests are invited to join for a 30 minute demonstration of lace-making as part of our series Destination Discoveries, A Concierge-Curated Experience. The lace industry on the island of Burano can be traced back to the 1500s. Burano lace is widely considered to be the first true lace, and while modern machinery does this job today, traditional processes still flourish on the island. One of the few lace-makers left in the country is offering a live demonstration for our guests.
Making the Forcola
Guests are invited to join a 30 minute demonstration of the making of a fórcola as part of our series Destination Discoveries, A Concierge-Curated Experience. The fórcola (oarlock) is an essential part of the gondola. In addition to satisfying the practical requirements of Venetian rowing, the fórcola is recognised as an objet d'art for the beauty of its fluid, curving forms. One of the few remaining fórcola Masters is offering a live demonstration workshop for our guests.