Planing a romantic getaway to Venice? Here’s a unique way to uncover the secrets of the Floating City. Baglioni Hotel Luna—housed in a centuries-old aristocrat’s palazzo overlooking San Giorgio Island and the San Marco Basin—has unveiled a new insider’s tour by candlelight. The idea is a throwback to the days of the ancient republic when Codegas, or lantern-bearers, would guide people through Venice’s labyrinthine alleyways at night. Guests may take a Codega tour by lantern through St. Mark’s calli, learning about Venice’s secrets along the way, before returning to the Baglioni Hotel Luna for a three-course feast at Canova Restaurant, winner of the Fogher d’Oro and Gambero Rosso awards.
The package also includes two nights’ accommodation in the Giorgione Terrace Suite, which comes with a host of amenities like unpacking/packing service, complimentary mini-bar, Ortigia bath products and Etro robes. The two-level suite is equipped with an outdoor terrace for soaking up the views of the Lagoon of Venice. Welcome gifts are placed in-suite on arrival, and a private butler attends to guest during their stay. Keen to explore the Venice canals? A complimentary one-way transfer with private water taxi is also included. Price tag? Just over $12,000.
Baglioni Hotels is Italy’s only family-owned, independent luxury hotel group. Other properties are located in Milan, Rome, Florence, Punta Ala, London, the south of France, and soon (debuting summer 2018), the Maldives. The palazzo housing the Baglioni Hotel Luna dates to 1118, and was in turn a convent, aristocrat’s palace, and shelter for the Knights Templar. Original details include Murano chandeliers, stucco walls, and ceiling frescoes attributed to pupils of Tiepolo.