
Venice — a city like no other — offers GCSE and A-Level Art and Design students an extraordinary opportunity to study historic and modern masterpieces within an open-air museum setting. From the rich Byzantine mosaics of St. Mark’s Basilica to the bold creativity of Peggy Guggenheim’s modern art collection, Venice inspires with every canal, square, and gallery. Students will enhance their curriculum knowledge through the exploration of painting, sculpture, architecture, and craft traditions such as mask-making and glass artistry.
This iconic city offers more than just inspiration — it encourages critical thinking and deeper contextual understanding through direct engagement with centuries of artistic innovation. As students navigate Venice’s maze of bridges and backstreets, they encounter layered visual narratives that span from classical to contemporary. The city becomes a sketchbook of ideas, where observation, reflection and creativity converge. Whether interpreting architectural forms, analysing composition in situ, or exploring the relationship between art, culture and place, students return with enriched portfolios and a broadened artistic perspective.
Arrive at Venice Marco Polo or Treviso Airport and meet your private driver and representative. Enjoy a scenic transfer — either by private boat, Alilaguna water bus, or private water taxi — to your hotel. Spend your first afternoon exploring the enchanting streets and hidden gems of Venice. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and overnight stay at your hotel.
After breakfast, walk to the spectacular St. Mark’s Square for a visit to St. Mark’s Basilica, where students will study intricate Byzantine mosaics. Continue to the Doge’s Palace to examine Gothic architecture and Renaissance art in situ. Later, visit the bustling Rialto Bridge and market area, followed by a visit to Museo Correr to understand Venice’s rich artistic and historical legacy. Optionally, students can participate in a hands-on Venetian Mask Workshop, connecting historical crafts with practical design skills.
Begin the day with a visit to the Galleria dell’Accademia, home to masterpieces by Titian, Veronese, Bellini, and Tintoretto — essential viewing for understanding Venetian Renaissance painting. In the afternoon, explore 20th-century modernism at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, featuring Picasso, Pollock, Dalí, and more. These two contrasting galleries offer a full spectrum of study from classic to contemporary movements, directly supporting exam coursework and sketchbook development.
After breakfast, depending on flight times, there’s an optional visit to Cà Pesaro, housing the International Gallery of Modern Art. Students can see further examples of 19th and 20th-century innovation in a grand Venetian palace before transferring to the airport for the return journey.






Photos above are from our sample itineraries, excursions and activities – each trip is tailored to your group.
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Step inside two of Venice’s most iconic landmarks — St. Mark’s Basilica with its glittering mosaics, and the Doge’s Palace, once the seat of Venetian power. This excursion blends architectural grandeur with rich political and artistic history.

Immerse yourself in local life at Rialto Market, Venice’s vibrant open-air market along the Grand Canal. Students can sketch the lively scenes and study colour, form and composition in a real-world context.

Contrast classical and contemporary as you explore the Galleria dell’Accademia and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. From Venetian masters to 20th-century modernism, this duo provides a diverse foundation for artistic exploration.
Our Art & Design trips to Venice take place in the heart of this iconic city, where students are surrounded by centuries of artistic achievement and architectural wonder. Accommodation is based in comfortable, student-friendly hotels within easy reach of Venice’s major landmarks, such as St. Mark’s Basilica, the Rialto Bridge, and the Grand Canal. Many activities and museum visits are located within walking distance, allowing students to fully experience Venice’s unique atmosphere. Optional excursions to nearby islands like Murano and Burano offer additional opportunities to explore traditional crafts, making Venice the perfect open-air classroom for young artists and designers.

Located in the heart of Venice, the Hotel Nazionale offers students and teachers an ideal base for exploring this extraordinary city. Its central location ensures easy access to the city’s major sites, from the bustling Rialto markets to the serene beauty of the Grand Canal. With excellent transport links nearby, staying at the Hotel Nazionale makes it simple to experience the rich history, art, and architecture that define Venice.
Duration: 9 days
Tour Type: Educational
Duration: 7 days
Tour Type: Educational
Duration: 4 days
Tour Type: Educational
Duration: 4 days
Tour Type: Educational

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