DLux Travel GRAM Art Adventure to the Venice

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and present

~ Arte/Terra/Acqua : GRAM ArtAdventure to the Venice Biennale and Beyond ~ 14 – 21 June 2015

Ca d'Oro Lion Overlooking the Grand Canal, Biennale Installation at the Miseracordia, Gardens of Villa Rizzardi Pojega

Join GRAM director Dana Friis-Hansen, curator Ron Platt, and fellow art lovers for a 7-day ArtAdventure to Italy featuring an exclusive tour of the international contemporary art exhibition Biennale di Venezia paired with insider access to a curated mix of architecture, landscape, and culinary experiences. Our focus this week is how Arte/Terra/Acqua (Art, Land, Water) shaped history and their continuing influence on today’s most interesting urban and rural landscapes. Our destinations include the romantic city of Romeo and Juliet, Verona, whose Roman core is still protected by the curving Adige River; the country villas and gardens of the world-renown Valpolicella wine region; Vicenza, a High Renaissance town brimming with villas, palaces, and civic buildings designed by Andrea Palladio; and incomparable Venice, its sparkling lagoon and surrounding islands so fragile next to the Adriatic Sea. Along the way we meet local experts, enjoy wonderful dining experiences and boat rides, and give you lots of opportunities to explore on your own.

© d*lux travel 2015 www.traveldlux.com * itinerary subject to change to accommodate unforeseen circumstances and/or serendipitous opportunities

and Sunday, June 14 ~ Pick up in Milan , Private Transfer to Byblos Art Hotel We rendezvous this morning in Milan for a walking tour with an enchanting local architect. (Please arrive the day before. We are happy to assist with airport transfers and hotel suggestions.) Simona will share her favorite mix of monumental sites, the unexpected corners off the beaten path, Milanese street life, and traditional shops. We learn the secrets of the towering white marble Duomo before moving to San Satiro Church to see the almost unbelievable Renaissance forced perspective choir. We venture inside a few private palaces with their muscular Mannerist facades or Rococò interiors before ending with a light lunch at Peck, a world-renown gastronomic paradise. A relaxing two hour private transfer then takes us to Byblos Art Hotel in the Valpolicella. We have time to enjoy the pool and spa before Dana and Ron give us a tour of their favorite artworks installed in this historic villa known throughout Italy for its cutting-edge art and design, gorgeous country setting and lush gardens. Tonight we gather for cocktails to hear more about Dana's theme for the trip, Arte/Terra/Acqua, before sitting down to dinner together at the Byblos restaurant where the chef incorporates rare heirloom vegetables from the hotel's wonderful organic garden in his signature dishes. (C, D) *On this itinerary B=breakfast, L=lunch, C=cocktails, WT=wine tasting, D=dinner included

Amarone grapes drying, the Porta Borsari in Verona, the picturesque Valpolicella where Amarone is produced

Monday, June 15 ~ Valpolicella Villas and Verona We dive into the Valpolicella landscape where wine makers large and small produce the region's ancient recioto and luscious amarone at villa estates with fabulous gardens of all types. Small wonder this region has been so successful with wines for centuries, as the name “Valpolicella” probably came from Greek and Latin words meaning “valley of many cellars”. We start with a visit the charming gardens of the Villa Rizzardi and Pojega, one of the best examples of a formal Italian garden from the 18 th century, complete with citrus garden, fountain room, and a living theater made of box hedges where performances are still held. Just a few minutes away is Bertani, the region's most famous wine maker, where we enjoy a visit followed by a light tasting lunch with paired wines. After a few hours respite at the hotel, feel free to join us late afternoon as we follow the Adige River gently flowing towards Verona and enter the city through the ancient gate over the castle bridge. Dinner is on your own in Verona, and shuttles will be available to transport you back to Byblos. (B, L, WT)

© d*lux travel 2015 www.traveldlux.com * itinerary subject to change to accommodate unforeseen circumstances and/or serendipitous opportunities

and Tuesday, June 16 ~ Vicenza and Palladio We head east today toward Venice, entering the low plain that signals the heart of the Veneto. During the Renaissance, the Venetians came here to farm after losing their might as a sea power to the Ottoman Turks. Vicenza was at the center of this transformation, and its most famous citizen, Andrea Palladio, crafted the country villas that became agricultural powerhouses, all the while upholding the Venetian image of grandeur and elegance. We visit one of Palladio's most celebrated, the Villa Rotonda, so important centuries later for the architecture of the nascent United States. Close by is the Villa Valmarana ai Nani, where we take in light-filled frescoes by the Tiepolos, fanciful sculptures of little people in historical costume, and an intimate garden and carriage house. This family gave Palladio his first important commission, the Basilica at the center of Vicenza, where we will head next. We enjoy panini and gelati (sandwiches and ice cream) in the shadow of the Basilica before our last stop in Vicenza, the spectacular Teatro Olimpico, designed by Palladio as a Renaissance version of an ancient theater. A quick drive brings us this afternoon to Venice, where we board our private water taxis for a wonderful ride down the Grand Canal to our hotels. (B, L)

Palladio's Teatro Olimpico, Tiepolo Fresco from the Villa Valmarana ai Nani, Venissa on the Island of Mazzorbo near Burano

Wednesday, June 17 ~ Venice Biennale Giardini, Director's Choice We explore today the main Giardini location of the Biennale, designed on a World's Fair plan with 30 permanent national pavilions. Dana and Ron lead the way to their favorite pavilions, and they will arrange special visits for us as the opening dates approach. We look forward to touring the American Pavilion where chosen artist and multi-media pioneer, Joan Jonas, will transform the pavilion's Neo-Palladian architecture with video, drawings, objects and sound. Many pavilions are themselves architectural treats: Finland's was designed by Alvar Aalto, and Venezuela's by Carlo Scarpa. The Italian Pavilion is always a highlight, as it will house the works of a mix of important artists from all over the world. We enjoy a light caf é lunch on your own in a space usually transformed by a different avant-guard designer for each Biennale. This afternoon, explore on your own or join Dana and Ron for their “Director's Choice” tour of outlying venues, which could include temporary artistic interventions within public spaces and private palazzi, or the Peggy Guggenheim Museum. (B) © d*lux travel 2015 www.traveldlux.com * itinerary subject to change to accommodate unforeseen circumstances and/or serendipitous opportunities

and Thursday, June 18 ~ Historical Market Walk, Hidden Gardens, and San Marco by Night A fabulous food and wine historian joins us today at the Rialto markets to literally walk us through the history of Venetian food. It is a fascinating way to understand Venetian life and culture in the exact spot where Venice was founded in 421AD. We walk a short distance through Marco Polo's neighborhood to the Querini Stampalia, a 16th century palace transformed by architect Carlo Scarpa in 1949. Here Scarpa addressed through his architecture and garden design the fundamental paradox of Venice: that it floats between land and sky on a watery foundation, continually asking where does terra firma begin and where does it end? This watery conundrum is less evident in our next stop, the grand island monastery and gardens of San Giorgio Maggiore. A simple Renaissance colonnaded courtyard, a cloister of regal cypress trees, and an elaborate labyrinth dedicated to the author Borges are green counterpoints to the classical staircase and library by Longhena and the architecture of Palladio. After a break to explore, rest, or shop, we gather again this evening for a very special private visit of the basilica San Marco, the entire structure a golden, jewelencrusted reliquary for the body of the Evangelist Saint Mark. (B)

The Borges Labyrinth at San Giorgio Maggiore, Gold Mosaics of San Marco, At the Customs House

Friday, June 19 ~ Venice Biennale Arsenale, Director's Choice Today we head to the Biennale's Arsenale location, a complex of shipyards and armories. Constructed starting in 1104, the Arsenale was responsible for building and maintaining the Venetian fleet of over 3000 ships. What this means for us art lovers nowadays is that these very large buildings will accommodate enormous art installations brought in from all corners of the globe. After exploring the Arsenale, take the afternoon to explore on your own, visit some of the artisanal shops of Venice with Diana, or join Dana and Ron for a continuation of their “Director's Choice” tour of interesting outlying locations. Possibilities include the Pinault Collection presented at the Palazzo Grassi and Punta Della Dogana Customs House (both rejuvenated by Tadao Ando), the Prada Foundation, and other surprise experiences. (B)

© d*lux travel 2015 www.traveldlux.com * itinerary subject to change to accommodate unforeseen circumstances and/or serendipitous opportunities

and Saturday, June 20 ~ Fortuny and the Northern Lagoon by Historic Boat For our final day together we have big plans! First we visit the evocative palace studio of Mariano Fortuny (1871-1949), the Spanish painter, designer, and photographer whose enormous talent paired with his love of Venice's unique aesthetic produced classic textiles, lamps, and theater lighting still popular today. Two or three floors of the palace will be dedicated to curated shows in conjunction with the Biennale. We break for a few hours for last minute shopping, exploring, and lunch on your own. Then we gather for our last boat ride together, this time on a historic Venetian bragozzo heading out into the northern lagoon. We pass by Sant'Erasmo, the garden island where Venetians grow their fresh vegetables, most especially the much beloved small violet Sant'Erasmo artichokes. At San Francesco del Deserto, one of the friars will show us this island monastery founded by Saint Francis in 1220 on his return from the Holy Land after the Fifth Crusade. The monks are particular fans of contemporary art and usually have a number of installations connected to the Biennale. Our last stop of the day is the tiny island of Mazzorbo, tenuously linked to Burano by a small bridge. Here we enjoy a last dinner together at Michelin-starred Venissa, where the chef Antonia Klugmann is energizing the Venetian culinary scene from the middle of the lagoon, surrounded by a luxurious two hectares of vineyards and gardens. No doubt this special spot where land, water, and culinary art come together in an intoxicating mix will inspire us to recount our week together of Arte/Terra/Acqua. (B, C, D)

Photographing at the 2013 Biennale Russian Pavillion, Mariano Fortuny, Anatoly Shuravlev's Black Holes at the Russian Pavillion from 2009

Sunday, June 21 ~ Arrivederci Venezia! We transfer by private vehicle to the Venice airport or train station for your onward travel. (B)

© d*lux travel 2015 www.traveldlux.com * itinerary subject to change to accommodate unforeseen circumstances and/or serendipitous opportunities

and Price

Boutique Experience: Byblos Superior Room and Violino d'Oro Classic Room $4595 per person, double occupancy (single supplement $995) Five Star Experience: Byblos Junior Suite and Bauer Il Palazzo Deluxe Room with View $6595 per person, double occupancy (single supplement $2175) This trip has been priced for a minimum of 10 people. Registration deadline is 15 March 2015

What's Included 7 nights hotel accommodation All breakfasts, two lunches, one wine tasting, two cocktails, and two dinners (B,L,WT,C,D on itinerary) Wine and/or beer always included with all hosted lunches and dinners All special events and entrance fees for museums, as noted in itinerary All transportation from rendezvous to drop-off, as noted in itinerary All gratuities for baggage, guides, and hotel service Services of all guides and experts

Book Your Trip Book your trip on the D*Lux Travel website or click here! www.traveldlux.com

About D*Lux Travel D*Lux Travel in partnership with GRAM offers this early summer ArtAdventure to the Venice Biennale and Veneto. D*Lux Travel owner, Diana Dopson, is a big fan of Dana Friis-Hansen, (at right) having met him years ago in her home town of Austin, Texas, where he brought the same dynamic energy to the Austin art scene that he now gives to Grand Rapids. The aim of D*Lux Travel is to craft fun, creative trips that bring art and culture alive for an ever-expanding circle of friends. We offer both luxurious trips and budget-conscious trips, all the while striving to spoil our travelers at any budget level. We define art as any creative endeavor, including now culinary and yoga trips. Join us making art on site (watercolor, collage, photography), studying historic masterpieces, doing your downward dog on Roman ruins, or learning about the cuisine of a region by cooking with a pro. We partner with experts who will immerse you in authentic experiences and share their life-long studies and passions with you. A D*Lux Travel trip will be inclusive, fun, and full of animated, enthusiastic folks who are passionate about art, cuisine, and travel. Andiamo!

© d*lux travel 2015 www.traveldlux.com * itinerary subject to change to accommodate unforeseen circumstances and/or serendipitous opportunities

and Your Choice of Hotels Byblos Art Hotel (Superior Rooms or Junior Suites) Five star Byblos Art Hotel Villa Amistà, owned by the Byblos fashion house family, is an incredible showcase for their impressive collection of 20th-century design objects and contemporary artworks. Design lovers, quite rightly, are in heaven here, given the chance to spend time living with what would ordinarily be museum pieces. But for some, the objects may play second fiddle to the stunning setting in a sixteenth-century villa outside Verona, a place where relaxing gardens and fountains give way to Baroque interiors, where Venetian chandeliers illuminate mid-century Scandinavian furniture and life-size color photo prints. The pool and Espace spa will soak away your jetlag, while the chef's dishes will build your energy for the week ahead. We have reserved your choice of superior rooms or junior suites here. www.byblosarthotel.com

© d*lux travel 2015 www.traveldlux.com * itinerary subject to change to accommodate unforeseen circumstances and/or serendipitous opportunities

and Bauer Il Palazzo

The Bauer’s Il Palazzo, a striking boutique property overlooking the Grand Canal, has a Gothic façade, bright red awnings and arched lancet windows. Owner Francesca Bortolotto Possati has a background in European art and antiques, and it shows in the skillfully designed interiors, with restored stucco, trompe l'oeil ceilings, crafted woodwork, silk wall coverings and traditional fabrics from Venice’s acclaimed Rubelli and Bevilaqua houses. Ms. Possati has worked with local artisans to recreate 18th-century splendor as well as give a personal touch to this hotel located just steps from Piazza San Marco. There's a private dock for transfers, and guests can take advantage of the spa at sister property Bauer’s Palladio Hotel’s Spa on nearby Giudecca Island. We have reserved Deluxe Rooms with Side Canal View for you; upgrade pricing upon request. www.ilpalazzovenezia.com

Violino d'Oro Hotel Violino d'Oro is a 3-star hotel located in an 18th-century building across from the Bauer on San Moisè Canal, just a 5 minute walk to Piazza San Marco. (Only in Venice is the Old Testament prophet Moses a Catholic saint, and his nearby church is one of the most interesting and beautiful in Venice.) The hotel has traditional Venetian decor with exposed wood beams and Murano chandeliers. The rooms are spacious and offer air conditioning, private bathroom with bathtub/shower, and satellite TV. Wi-Fi throughout the hotel is free. Homemade cake, savory pies and muffins feature among other products for breakfast, which is a generous sweet and savory buffet served in a breakfast room with views of the canal. www.violinodoro.com

© d*lux travel 2015 www.traveldlux.com * itinerary subject to change to accommodate unforeseen circumstances and/or serendipitous opportunities