HIDDEN HAVENS: SAN FRANCESCO, SAN LAZZARO DEGLI ARMENI AND TORCELLO BY BOAT

With 117 islands in the lagoon of Venice and much sightseeing, most visitors have seen the main islands of Murano and Burano. This alternative 'islands' tour offers you the unusual opportunity of visiting serene island havens of serenity and greenery.

We visit San Francesco del Deserto situated south of Burano - according to tradition its monastery surrounded by cypress trees was founded by Saint Francis of Assisi and the two small cloisters still house a community of Friars. The story goes that the saint passed through here on his way back from the middle east, as he approached the island a storm that was raging suddenly dropped and the birds began to sing!

Next stop is on the beautiful island of Torcello, one of the earliest settlements in the lagoon, once a thriving island in its own right, now a mere ghost of its former self. Here we take time for a relaxing lunch at a restaurant of your choice, such as Trono di Attila, or the renowned Locanda Cipriani.

Then in our private motor launch we cruise on to San Lazzaro degli Armeni, which was used as a refuge for lepers during the 12th century. In 1717 the Serenissima entrusted the island to the Armenian noblemen who founded a Benedictine monastery, restored the 15th c church and created an Armenian printing house. We enjoy a guided visit of the island. During this full day tour by small boat you will be accompanied by our English speaking guide.

This very special tour is a private tour booked on request and the motor-launch can carry from 2 - 8 people maximum.

THERE ARE TWO OPTIONS FOR THIS TOUR:

A) A half day tour to include two islands – San Franceso and Torcello – 5 hour tour (excludes entrance fees or donations and lunch)

B) A full day tour includes all three islands – San Francesco, Torcello and San Lazzaro degli Armeni – 7/8 hours (excludes entrance fees or donations and lunch)

Departs:	on request
Meeting Point:	on request
Tour Cost:	675,00 Euro option A (max 10 pax) 1050,00 Euro option B (max 10 pax)