With day trips to Padua and Murano

Why visit Venice in 2026?

Even if you’ve already been to Venice, the city is completely transformed by contemporary art during the world’s longest-running international art showcase: the Venice Biennale. Keep in mind that the Biennale is not an art fair–it’s a non-commercial, curated exhibition and a must-do for avid art enthusiasts.

OUR Journey

The Venice Biennale has been the showcase for bold new work by the greatest artists of the day since 1895. Not a commercial art fair (nothing is for sale), the vast exposition is held in two expansive venues surrounded by pavilions representing countries from around the world. Comprised of grand-scale installations, it’s the place to discover the newest cutting-edge ideas in art along with displays of work by influential established artists. Find out how the Biennale impacts Venice during intimate “art encounters” with artists and gallerists.

In addition to the Biennale, see why Peggy Guggenheim was considered the most significant collector of 20th century art on a visit to her home. Step back in time with a local guide on a day trip to the ancient city of Padua to experience the renowned Giotto paintings at the Scrovegni Chapel and relax on a stop at a nearby winery. See new approaches to the creation of extraordinary glass sculptures in artists’ studios on the island of Murano. Of course, this is Italy, so we will enjoy delicious cuisine throughout the trip.

Why travel with Art Encounter?

Did you know that Art Encounter has been offering specially-curated art travel for almost 40 years? We've taken art lovers on over 85 trips around the globe, including visits to 60 cities across 15 different countries and five continents. Plus, proceeds from Art Encounter’s travel program help strengthen our organization as a whole, playing a vital role in supporting our outreach programs. Get to know our travel program here.

Itinerary

Itinerary is subject to change.

Saturday, October 10
We will check in to the five-star Hilton Molino Stucky Hotel for seven nights in Giudecca, an island that is home to artists’ studios, workshops, and galleries. After gathering in the hotel lobby for introductions, we will take a walking tour of the neighborhood, followed by a visit to an artist’s studio or gallery. Then, we will gather to enjoy a welcome dinner.

Sunday, October 11
After breakfast (served daily in our hotel), we’ll travel by vaporetto (water taxi) to visit the Giardini–the first of two locations housing the Biennale and site of the original fair in 1895–for guided tours of the Italian and American Pavilions as well as other select exhibitions. After lunch, you will have free time to explore further independently. Personal passes to the Biennale and the vaporetto will be provided.

Monday, October 12
Our day will begin with a history tour focusing on the famous Venice Duomo, St. Mark’s Basilica, which dates back to the ninth century. We will explore Venice together on our way to visit an artist’s studio. After a day of discovery we will gather for a group dinner.

Tuesday, October 13
In the morning, we will explore the Arsenale, a historic complex of former shipyards that has been transformed into vast exhibition spaces for the Biennale. There, we will view and discuss highlights of the show before gathering for a group dinner.

Wednesday, October 14
On Wednesday morning, we will embark by executive motor coach for a day trip to Padua, where we’ll tour the Scrovegni Chapel, painted by Giotto, with a local expert guide. After a group lunch at a nearby restaurant, we will visit an artist’s studio. In the late afternoon, we will relax with a wine tasting at Cantina Salvan winery in the Euganean Hills before returning to Venice in time for dinner on your own.

Thursday, October 15
On day six of our journey, we will travel by boat for a day trip to Murano, a series of islands north of Venice renowned for their centuries-old tradition of handmade glassmaking. Our day will include visits to a contemporary glass sculptor’s studio and a glass gallery followed by a group lunch as well as time to shop and explore before returning to Giudecca.

Friday, October 16
For our last full day together in Venice, we will take a tour of the former Venetian home of Peggy Guggenheim on the Grand Canal, now a museum housing her private collection. Then, we will enjoy a guided visit to the Punta della Dogana, a building from the 17th century restored by Tadao Ando which is now a museum displaying François Pinault’s extraordinary contemporary art collection. After a group lunch, we will visit a local artist’s studio before enjoying a celebratory farewell dinner.

Saturday, October 17
We’ll bid farewell to Venice!

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

Hilton Molino Stucky
We will be staying on the picturesque island of Giudecca, home to artists’ studios, workshops, and galleries. This five-star luxury hotel is located in a historic building with views overlooking Venice’s beautiful city center.

PRICE DETAILS

Cost: $6850 per person double occupancy
Single room supplement: $1450

Cost includes: Expert guides, seven nights premium lodging, Venice Biennale entry passes, all scheduled museum entry fees, local guides, vaporetto (water taxi) passes, winery visit near Padua, day trip transportation by private coach, all breakfasts, three lunches, four dinners, tips and taxes.

Cost does not include: airfare, transfers to/from airport, trip insurance, porter tips, alcohol, incidental room charges, meals not included in itinerary, any other items not specifically mentioned as included.

Deposit: In order to reserve your spot, a $1500 deposit is required by February 18, 2026.

Ready to register? Email sarah@artencounter.org to pay your deposit and complete registration.

*Please do NOT purchase airfare until notified that the trip is confirmed by Art Encounter.