Venice Carnival Masked Ball Trip: An Exclusive Experience

Day 1

Arrival and First Glimpse of Venice

Where You’ll Stay

The Gritti Palace

Your Venice Carnival masquerade ball holiday starts here.

A private greeter will meet you at Venice Marco Polo Airport and assist with luggage before you step into a Riva water taxi bound for The Gritti Palace, one of the luxury hotels in Venice for Carnival. After settling in, the concierge can arrange garment steaming so your attire is ready for the days ahead. Early dinner is a relaxed start at Cantina del Vino già Schiavi, known for its cicchetti and a crisp glass of Lugana. After your meal, enjoy a private orientation walk through San Marco to take in the Basilica’s exterior and the arcades of the Piazza. The day closes with a spritz on the terrace of Gran Caffè Quadri overlooking the square.

Day 2

Atelier and the Art of Masks

This morning will start with a private consultation at Atelier Nicolao in preparation for the ultimate Venice Carnival exclusive experience. Here, you'll be fitted for an 18th-century costume, complete with wigs, gloves, accessories, and shoes, one for each gala night. Lunch is reserved at Al Covo, a classic Venetian address celebrated for its seafood specialties like gran crudo and razor clams when in season. Once full and ready to go, a private workshop at Ca’ Macana introduces you to the art of Venetian mask-making, using cartapesta techniques and traditional paint finishes. Dinner is at Wistèria, a MICHELIN-starred restaurant, with the Serendipity tasting menu recommended for a full culinary experience.

Overnight: Venice

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3

Artisans and Gondola Photoshoot

Spend your day in Venice exploring the quieter sestieri of San Polo and Santa Croce with a private guide. Take the time to visit artisan workshops that keep traditions like paper marbling and letterpress alive. A table is also secured at Osteria alle Testiere, a small but renowned spot known for fresh seafood and intimate service for lunch. Costumes are then put to use during a gondola photoshoot along a scenic loop, with a professional photographer capturing the experience. This is your practice and introduction to the exclusive masquerade ball Venice experience. If needed, a return visit to the atelier can be arranged for touch-ups before the evening. Dinner is at VeRo – Venetian Roots inside Ca’ di Dio, where modern interpretations of lagoon cuisine are served in a refined setting.

Overnight: Venice

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4

Murano, Burano and Carnival in Love Ball

Travel by private boat to Murano for a visit to a working furnace, where a master artisan demonstrates traditional glassblowing. You will have the option to commission a bespoke piece, with shipping arranged directly. The journey continues to Burano, with a stop at Trattoria Al Gatto Nero, a local institution recognized for seasonal risotti. After returning to the hotel, an in-suite hair and makeup session is arranged, along with final costume delivery and fitting in preparation for the evening.

The night is reserved for Carnival in Love – Grand Ball at Palazzo Ca’ Zen ai Frari. You will arrive by private water taxi and be welcomed with cocktails and entertainment before a seated dinner in the palace’s noble floor salons. The program includes performances by international artists and traditional commedia dell’arte, followed by an after-dinner party with dancing and an open bar. The event follows a formal dress code of black tie or long evening gown with mask.

Overnight: Venice

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5

Art and Theatre

After a late night at the gala, the day begins at an easier pace with an in-suite breakfast. Time is set aside to enjoy Venice’s artistic landmarks to both the Gallerie dell’Accademia and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. This is followed by a relaxed cicchetti crawl, featuring Estro – Vino e Cucina and the historic Cantina Do Mori. The afternoon includes a private tour of Teatro La Fenice, one of the city’s most celebrated opera houses, with the option of returning to the atelier for any small costume adjustments. The evening is centered around a tasting menu at Ristorante Quadri, the MICHELIN-starred dining room overlooking Piazza San Marco. You will have the chance to enjoy a drink before or after in the Gran Caffè Quadri below.

Overnight: Venice

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6

Secrets of the Doge’s Palace and Venetian Flavours

The day begins with private access to the Doge’s Palace on a “Secret Itineraries” tour held before public opening hours. This luxury cultural experience in Venice lets you take a rare look into rooms and passages not usually seen by visitors. Lunch follows at Terrazza Danieli, chosen for its sweeping lagoon views. The rest of the day can be shaped around personal interests, with stops such as Rubelli for Venetian textiles or Antica Drogheria Mascari for spices and specialty goods. Dinner is arranged at Local, a MICHELIN-selected restaurant that highlights seasonal produce and a contemporary take on Venetian cuisine. Today is slow paced to prepare for the highlight of this journey the next day.

Overnight: Venice

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7

San Giorgio and Il Ballo del Doge

Today starts with a private boat trip to San Giorgio Maggiore with the view from the campanile giving a sweeping look over the city. A table is then set at Corte Sconta for lunch. This local hidden garden restaurant is known for its seafood menu. Then, the afternoon is left free for rest and in-suite styling, with final touches made before the evening.

That night is reserved for Il Ballo del Doge, the most prestigious celebration of the Venice Carnival. You will arrive by private launch for a red-carpet welcome at one of the city’s grand palaces, such as Palazzo Pisani Moretta or Scuola Grande della Misericordia. The evening is filled with a gala banquet and staged performances ranging from opera to acrobatics. After dinner, the celebration continues with dancing, a DJ-led after-party, and a guest list dressed in elaborate period costumes designed or curated by Antonia Sautter.

Overnight: Venice

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8

Farewell to Venice

After a late night, the morning is left open for a slow start. You can opt for brunch at Aman Venice’s Arva, reached directly by private dock pickup from the hotel. Time is set aside for final artisan visits, with stops such as La Bottega dei Mascareri for hand-crafted masks or Gianni Basso for traditional letterpress. Luggage assistance is arranged ahead of check-out.

Ready to step into the world’s most iconic masquerade? Secure your place at the Venice Carnival with this exclusive masked ball vacation and let us arrange everything you will ever need to have the experience of a lifetime

Meals included: Breakfast