Exceptional Art & Design returns to Venice this year for the Venice Biennale, alongside an exploration of the city’s extraordinary traditional culture and world-renowned heritage. This carefully curated programme moves beyond the expected, combining some of the world’s most important contemporary art with off-the-beaten-track visits, remarkable craftsmanship, historic palazzi and exceptional cultural encounters across La Serenissima.

Participants will be guided through selected highlights of the Venice Biennale, alongside private and semi-private cultural experiences exploring craftsmanship, material knowledge, collecting, architecture and Venetian history. 

I very much hope you will be able to join this special journey.

We will explore together both the Arsenale and Giardini of the Venice Biennale —  famously vast, layered and at times complex to navigate. With expert guidance throughout, you will come away with a rich understanding of the Biennale and feel fully immersed in its artistic landscape.

Alongside the Biennale, you will lead us into remarkable Venetian palazzi where contemporary art meets historic settings, including a privately booked guided visit to Punta della Dogana, home to part of the François Pinault contemporary art collection.

An important dimension of the trip will also focus on craftsmanship and heritage. This will include a visit to Homo Faber at Fondazione Giorgio Cini, alongside privately arranged demonstrations in exceptional creative spaces linked to weaving and theatrical costume-making.

Throughout the programme, there will also be time to savour Venice itself — wandering through quieter streets and canals, taking local vaporetti, stopping for coffee, and experiencing the city beyond its major landmarks.

In addition, on Thursday evening, you will also be invited to join an exciting introduction to Venitian food (this is an optional extra, more details to follow).

The formal programme concludes on Friday evening with an optional extension available on Saturday.

Arrival in Venice — Wednesday 23 September
17.00 pm: Meet at Punta della Dogana for a private guided tour or join later for dinner nearby.

Thursday 24 September: focus on the Venice Biennale

Day: A whole-day full immersion into the Venice Biennale across its principal sites, including curated introductions, selected highlights and time to explore the atmosphere and broader cultural conversations shaping this year’s edition.

Lunch nearby in a tried-and-tested favourite local place close to the Biennale.

Evening
A curated culinary experience.

Friday 25 September: Focus on Craftmanship, Heritage & Contemporary Practice

A day exploring exceptional craftsmanship, material traditions and contemporary creation among others through specially arranged private visits and visiting Homo Faber 2026, presenting world-renowned crafmanship.

Evening
Ending our programme at Ca'pesaro: drinks & exhibitions

Saturday 26 September (optional)

Morning, Collateral exhibitions & sea swim at the Lido 

The full detailed itinerary will be sent only after booking confirmation. If you would like any further information to help you make your decision, please get in touch.