As I recall from the Nova special on this on PBS a few months back, experts are pretty sure Brunelleschi used a series of ropes from the floor (similar to the first theory examined in this video), making some of this seem a bit dated. But nonetheless a great peek into the genius of the man who made one of the world’s great structures a possibility.
We have many tours lined up for this fall, but still have some openings–come see it with us!
…to the videos page. I love the one of Brooke learning to make authentic tiramisu from Mama Isa in Padova. Be sure to make a cooking class part of your Italy adventure!
Some think so (I suspect the cruise ship problem is relevant here). As long as you’re not there in June, July, August, or September, it’s generally not. But even if you are, one of the perks of traveling with Doug Sassi is how deftly he can show you the Venice found not just on the Rialto and in Piazza San Marco, but also off the beaten path that takes just a bit of adventuring to find. It can feel easy to get lost and waste time hunting around there, but we’ll get you where you can see the *real* Venice with ease and avoid the crowds.
(Doesn’t look too crowded does it? And not that far a walk from major tourist attractions you can find quiet romantic corners like this to explore and take in the Venice Venetians know and love, if you know where to look.)
Quite a bit later than most of the 21st Century, but here we are. Please share and comment!
A treasure in Padova; this video provides a great example of the sorts of insight Doug Sassi is able to offer about not just the well-worn tourist attractions in Rome, Florence, and Venice, but also the off the beaten path cultural treasures Italy has in small towns everywhere.
One of the better parts of all the years spent with Doug Sassi in Italy is the friendships with restaurants and hotels we’ve developed–people that have a lifelong commitment to hospitality and sharing the best of Italy with strangers in a welcoming environment. This little video tribute to our friends at the Giorgione is just a thanks for how great they are to work with. They’re our “ace in the hole” in Venice, and we’ve never gone wrong sending folks there.
George Hincapie knows a thing or two about cycling in Europe, and I suspect his assessment–that one of the chief difficulties will be the constant temptation to stop for the view…or the food, or the wine, or the sights in the little towns–is entirely correct.
If you’re interested in biking your way around Italy, let us know and we’ll help you plan something (we have a couple avid cyclists on staff, as it happens, your author included). Another good spot is the Euganean Hills in the Veneto–magical sites, sights, and did I mention wine stops?
Come ride with us.
Good night world! Santa Maria Formosa seemed like the appropriate evening send-off picture after another busy week with more in store this week coming.
This is the coolest thing I’ve ever done on YouTube I think. Brooke and Doug and myself on a vaporetto ride of the Grand Canal on a foggy evening.
Doesn’t get any better. There’s no doubt you just have to see it for yourself, but this is good as I can do at giving you a sense of the magic of a moment like this…it starts out as we leave the hotel, walk to the vaporetto stop, and then make a lap of the Grand Canal. Enjoy!
One of the best parts of staying at Hotel Giorgione, our “home in Venice” is the warm hospitality of the quiet corner of Cannaregio where it’s found; this short video shows that Venice isn’t just the hustle-bustle crowded experience many folks complain about. If you know where you’re going, you’ll see the Venice that Venetians themselves experience: a post-work nip of prosecco, a quiet calle, and some fantastic cicchetti prepared with fresh local ingredients.
Sassi Italy Tours 