Experience the ultimate winter Italian escape, from thrilling helicopter and snowmobile adventures over the snow-kissed Dolomites, to a private gondola ride through the enchanting canals of Venice, and a hands-on Michelin-starred chef cooking lesson that brings Italy’s culinary magic to life.
Bookings close 15 days before departure
This journey blends alpine adventure, Italian elegance, and timeless culture into one unforgettable experience.
Begin in Cortina d’Ampezzo, the glamorous heart of the Dolomites and host of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, where panoramic helicopter flights, snowmobile adventures, Michelin-starred cooking lessons, and chic mountain life unfold against dramatic peaks.
Then transition seamlessly to Venice, the legendary city on water, arriving in true VIP style by private water taxi. Explore its soul through a private gondola ride, exclusive visits to St Mark’s Basilica and the Ducal Palace, artisan workshops, and leisurely shopping through historic streets and canals.
With carefully selected central hotels, private transfers, and a perfect balance of guided highlights and free time, this itinerary offers a refined blend of thrill, culture, and romance—from snowy mountaintops to shimmering Venetian waterways.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Step into a winter postcard as you arrive in Cortina d’Ampezzo, the chic alpine jewel of the Dolomites and proud host of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
- Soar above a snow-covered fairytale on a panoramic helicopter flight over the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape glowing in winter light.
- Feel the thrill of freedom as you ride snowmobiles through pristine alpine terrain, surrounded by endless white horizons.
- Discover the soul of Italian cuisine during a hands-on cooking class led by a Michelin-starred chef, ending with a lunch you helped create.
- Enjoy classic alpine leisure with a choice between ice skating at an Olympic venue or a scenic cable car ride over the Cortina Valley.
- Enter the magic of Venice, the iconic UNESCO-listed city built on water.
- Arrive in true VIP style aboard private water taxis, the same elegant boats used by celebrities during high-profile events.
- Drift through Venice’s cinematic canals on a private gondola ride, where time seems to stand still.
- Indulge in luxury shopping among exclusive Italian boutiques in both Cortina and Venice.
- Unleash your creativity in a traditional Venetian Carnival mask-painting workshop, crafting a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
Itinerary
Your Italian journey begins at Venice Marco Polo Airport, where you will meet the group in the arrival hall after immigration and luggage collection. Clients must book flights that land at Venice Marco Polo Airport before 2 pm. The meeting time is 3:30 PM, with departure scheduled for 4:00 PM.
From here, sit back and relax as you travel by private transfer toward the majestic Dolomites. The scenic drive (approximately 2.5 hours) leads you into the heart of the mountains, where dramatic peaks and alpine charm set the tone for the days ahead.
Cortina d’Ampezzo is a glamorous alpine jewel in the heart of the Dolomites, famed for its dramatic scenery, Italian elegance, and its role as a host of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
Upon arrival, you will check into your traditional 4-star hotel, ideally located in the very center of town. The evening is gently paced, with dinner arranged at the hotel’s restaurant (meal not included; payable on the spot), allowing you to unwind and savor your first night in the Alps.
After a generous breakfast at the hotel, prepare for a truly unforgettable alpine adventure.
You will be transferred to the helipad just outside town, surrounded by towering peaks. From here, you will take off on a 20-minute panoramic helicopter flight over the legendary Dolomites. From above, admire their iconic pink hues—made famous by the unique rock composition—contrasting beautifully with the snow-covered landscape.
The helicopter will land in a remote, pristine area high in the mountains. A magical winter wonderland awaits. Here, you will experience the thrill and freedom of a snowmobile ride lasting approximately 1.5 hours, gliding across an endless white landscape. Two guests will share each snowmobile, with the opportunity to swap driving during the ride. Stops are planned along the way to soak in the breathtaking views.
Following the adventure, enjoy a relaxing lunch at a mountain chalet restaurant (meal not included; payable on the spot), surrounded by alpine beauty.
After lunch, you will return to Cortina by helicopter, offering a second aerial perspective as the light shifts across the mountains.
In the afternoon, discover the elegant heart of Cortina. Stroll along Corso Italia, the town’s famous high street, known for its chic boutiques and refined atmosphere. Enjoy free time for shopping, pastries, and indulgent hot chocolate at a renowned local pastry shop. You will be escorted back to your hotel around dinner time.
Dinner is at your leisure. You may continue exploring the town independently before walking back to your centrally located hotel.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before stepping into a uniquely immersive culinary experience.
You will head to a well-known local restaurant to take part in a hands-on cooking workshop, guided by a Michelin-starred chef. During this three-course cooking class, you will learn how to prepare traditional Italian dishes using local ingredients.
Once the preparations are complete, you will sit down to enjoy lunch featuring the dishes you created.
In the afternoon, you will have the freedom to choose one of two iconic experiences (decision can be made upon arrival with your tour leader):
- Ice skating at Cortina’s historic stadium, which hosted the 1956 Winter Olympic Games, or
- A panoramic cable car ride to a stunning terrace overlooking the Cortina Valley.
Afterwards, you will return to your hotel. The evening is entirely free—perfect for wandering the town, enjoying dinner and drinks in cozy alpine venues, shopping for souvenirs, or simply relaxing at the hotel.
After breakfast, bid farewell to the Dolomites as you journey toward one of the world’s most extraordinary cities: Venice.
Travel by private transfer (approximately 2.5–3 hours), with a stop halfway in a charming local town for lunch (meal not included; payable on the spot).
Founded over 1,600 years ago, Venice was built by people fleeing mainland invasions, who constructed their city on wooden piles driven into the lagoon—an engineering marvel still supporting the city today. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Venice is celebrated for its canals, palaces, Carnival traditions, and the fact that it has no roads—only waterways.
You will arrive in Venice by early afternoon, where a truly VIP experience awaits: a private water taxi transfer directly to your hotel. These luxury speedboats—used by film stars during the Venice Film Festival and by high-profile guests such as Jeff Bezos during his 2025 wedding—offer comfort, elegance, and your first unforgettable glimpse of Venice from the water.
Upon arrival at your extremely central hotel, a porter will assist with your luggage. The hotel is located in the city’s most historic area, just minutes from St Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge, and the luxury shopping avenue of Calle XXII Marzo.
After check-in and time to refresh, enjoy one of Venice’s most iconic experiences: a private gondola ride lasting approximately 30 minutes. Glide silently through narrow canals as shimmering reflections dance on the water and centuries-old palazzi pass by at arm’s length—an intimate, poetic journey through the soul of Venice.
The remainder of the evening is yours to explore. Wander the city by night, begin shopping, or enjoy dinner at one of the countless excellent restaurants. We highly recommend an evening walk along Riva degli Schiavoni or across the Accademia Bridge, where Venice reveals its most romantic views after dark.
After breakfast, dedicate the day to discovering the very heart of Venice.
You will be immersed in an exclusive private tour of St Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, where golden mosaics, grand halls, and hidden corridors tell the story of Venice’s rise as a mighty maritime republic—unfolding centuries of art, politics, and intrigue.
Following the visit, you will be escorted to a charming local restaurant for lunch (meal not included; payable on the spot).
The afternoon is devoted to leisure and creativity. Enjoy ample time for shopping—an ideal opportunity to find unique Venetian treasures. You will also take part in a traditional Venetian mask-painting workshop, guided by a specialized artisan in his boutique. During this one-hour experience, you will decorate your own Carnival mask and keep it as a personal souvenir.
The evening is free to enjoy Venice at your own pace—visit museums, dine by candlelight, or simply wander the canals and savor your final night in one of the most unique cities in the world.
The last day is always the hardest. It’s time to pack the bags and leave. The water taxi transfer from the hotel to the Venice Marco Polo airport is complementary and will occur at 9 am.
Clients must book flights that depart after 12 pm.
If the flight departure is earlier, we can arrange per your request a private transfer for you and your peers at your ideal time at an additional charge.
Departures
Would you like to experience this trip privately? Inquire on the availability now by filling the below form.
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Group Discount Available Available PackagesWednesdayDecember 9, 2026MondayDecember 14, 2026OMR1,599OMR1,499OMR100 Off9Available
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Group Discount Available Available PackagesWednesdayDecember 16, 2026MondayDecember 21, 2026OMR1,599OMR1,499OMR100 Off10Available
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Available PackagesWednesdayDecember 23, 2026MondayDecember 28, 2026OMR1,599Sold outSold Out
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Group Discount Available Available PackagesWednesdayJanuary 6, 2027MondayJanuary 11, 2027OMR1,599OMR1,499OMR100 Off10Available
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Group Discount Available Available PackagesFridayJanuary 15, 2027WednesdayJanuary 20, 2027OMR1,599OMR1,499OMR100 Off10Available
Inclusions
- Accommodation
- All transport mentioned
- Guides
- All activities mentioned
- Meals mentioned
- Entry fees
Exclusions
- Flights
- Visa (if required)
- Personal travel insurance
- Personal belongings insurance
- Meals except the mentioned in the itinerary.
Important Notes
Min. group size: 4 pax/ Max. group size: 10 pax
Gender group: mixed
Arrival on Day 1: Clients must book flights that land at Venice Marco Polo Airport before 2 pm as the welcome meeting will happen at 3.30pm and the group departure will happen at 4.00pm from the airport Arrival Hall. If you land much earlier, the airport has a lot of dining and shopping facilities to keep you entertained until the group departure time. If you book a flight landing the day before, we can arrange per your request a hotel night near the airport at an additional fee.
Departure on Day 6: The transfer from the hotel to the Venice Marco Polo airport is complementary and will occur at 9 am. Clients must book flights that depart after 12 pm. If the flight departure is earlier, we can arrange per your request a private transfer for you and your peers at your ideal time at an additional charge.
Accommodation: automatically shared in double occupancy. If you book with an even number of guests, you will be sharing the room with your travel companion. If you book solo, you will share with another guest (might be of opposite gender). If you prefer to stay alone in your room, please purchase the single supplement.
Travel insurance is mandatory for all our travellers and must be taken out within a reasonable time after booking. It is not included in the price of the trip. Your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses and emergency repatriation with a recommended minimum coverage of US$200,000 for each of the categories of cover.
We also strongly recommend it covers cancellation, curtailment, personal liability and loss of luggage and personal effects.
You must be able to provide your travel insurance policy number and the insurance company’s 24-hour emergency contact number on the first day of your trip; you will not be able to join the trip without these details. If you have travel insurance connected to your credit card or bank account please ensure you have details of the participating insurer, the insurance policy number and emergency contact number with you rather than the bank’s name and credit card details.
Prices
EARLY BIRD OFFER:
EARLY BIRD OFFER:
1 person: 1499 OMR
Group of 2 or more people: 1489 OMR per person
Single occupancy supplement: 339 OMR per person
Cancellation policy:
>Up to 60 days prior to departure: the booking is 100% refundable except for the 0.3% non-refundable booking fee
>Between 59 days to 31 days prior to departure: the booking is 50% refundable except for the 0.3% non-refundable booking fee
>Between 30 days and 1 day as well as no show: the booking is 100% non-refundable.
Flight Information
Flights are not included.
There are several direct flights flying from the GCC directly to Venice Marco Polo Airport, notably from Dubai and Doha with Emirates and Qatar Airways. The flight generally lasts only between 5 and 6.5 hours.
Qatar Airways: https://www.qatarairways.com/en-om/homepage.html
Emirates: https://www.emirates.com/om/english/
VISA INFORMATION
Visas are not included in the package and must be arranged by travellers if required.
GCC Citizens
- UAE citizens:
- Visa-exempt for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period).
- Citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia:
- A Schengen visa is required to enter Italy.
- New upcoming rules (expected in 2026) will allow multiple-entry visas valid for up to 5 years, making travel more flexible.
- Qatari citizens:
- A Schengen visa is required for entry.
GCC Residents
- Visa requirements depend entirely on the traveller’s passport nationality.
- A GCC residence permit does not provide visa-free entry into Italy or the Schengen area.
General Visa-Free Entry
- Italy allows visa-free entry for citizens of many countries (e.g., EU/Schengen, UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and others).
FAQs
No experience is needed. Snowmobiling is done in pairs with simple instructions and optional driver swaps, while ice skating is suitable for all skill levels, even beginners.
Snowfall in Venice is rare, as the city sits on the seaside, but occasional light snow can occur, adding a magical touch to the canals.
December and January are generally snowy months in Cortina, creating a winter wonderland, but the exact quantity varies from year to year.
In Cortina, temperatures typically range from -5°C to 5°C, perfect for winter sports. In Venice, the weather is milder, usually 0°C to 8°C, with occasional fog over the canals.
Warm, layered clothing, winter boots, gloves, and sunglasses are recommended. Helmets and safety gear for snowmobiles are provided.
Guests can explore both cities’ luxury boutiques and local artisan shops. Italy is especially famous for fashion, with stores by Gucci, Prada, Ferragamo, and Valentino, among others. Both Cortina and Venice are renowned for shopping, and GCC guests will discover that many top brands are on average about 20% more economical than in the main Gulf cities, making for an exciting retail experience.



