Milk of Dreams
Voyage to Discover Women Artists in Venice
Embark on an enriching and exciting cultural exploration with a focus on art and women in Venice! Immerse yourself in both the magnificence of the Renaissance—from the paintings of Titian and Veronese to stunning architecture of the Doge's Palace and the spectacular palazzi and bridges—and astonishing Contemporary Art at the Venice Biennale. This year, for the first time since its inception in 1895, the Biennale spotlights women artists! A unique and unrepeatable adventure, we will discover today's leading women artists at the Biennale, while simultaneously enjoying Venice's cultural riches and historic grandeur!
This Biennale focused on women artists is a rare and unique opportunity to see how contemporary artists address and bring attention to acute, global problems through various creative processes. By viewing and discussing art by women, we can come to understand different perspectives and approaches to today’s most pressing issues. We may also observe the changing dynamics of women's roles in society. I hope you will join me in Venice for a profound, enlightening and uplifting experience as we deepen our knowledge and celebrate women’s contributions to the history of art, both past and present.
"The Milk of Dreams," the theme of this Biennale, stems from a book by the Surrealist artist Leonora Carrington. In her book, Carrington describes a magical world where life is constantly re-envisioned through the prism of the imagination. It is a world where everyone can change, be transformed, become something or someone else. The Milk of Dreams theme takes Leonora Carrington’s otherworldly creatures, along with other figures of transformation, as companions on an imaginary journey through the metamorphoses of bodies and definitions of the human. We will discuss these ideas as we admire the magnificent art exhibitions during the peaceful and balmy month of October.
This intimate and unique trip is for art-loving women who wish to immerse themselves in Contemporary art, Venetian history and culture.
We will learn from local experts about the city's rich history, particularly the women of Venice's past, as we admire the wealth of art in the Accademia, Guggenheim, and in numerous churches and historical sites. We will wander through the wonderland of canals and take in the many architectural jewels around the city, studded with special, contemporary art installations for the Biennale. In addition to Venice, we will also visit the neighboring city of Padua to see the spectacular 15th century frescoes by Giotto, recently added to the UNESCO Heritage list. Groups will be limited in size to 6 people. Two trips will run—one fast paced and the other leisurely—so you can choose your own pace (the itinerary is the same for both trips).
Venetian wonders and artistic splendor await you on this seven-day, premium art journey through one of the most enigmatic and exquisite European cities!
Art, History, and Epicurean Delights!
Art from Byzantine, Gothic and Renaissance to Cutting Edge:
Private Guided Tours of the following exhibits and museums led by Lauren & local experts:
Soaking in the splendid contemporary art displays at the Venice Biennale:
Giardini della Biennale (Biennale Gardens for the National pavilions)
Arsenale della Beinnale (Arsenal Exhibition Venue)
Live Art Performance at the Biennale: Matriarchy by Pauliina Feodoroff
Peggy Guggenheim Collection (Modern Art)
Gallerie dell'Accademia (Venice’s most important historical paintings)
St. Mark's Basilica and it's beautiful melange of art and architecture, from Byzantine to Gothic to Renaissance
And we'll discover spectacular artwork hidden in churches all over Venice
Private hands-on art class with a local artist, artisan or art restorer
Venetian History, Palaces, and the lives of Women:
Private tour of the The Doge's Palace
Private tours of hidden palaces in Venice, including the Palazzo Loredan Vendramin, Ca' d'Oro and Palazzo Grassi
History walking tour of the Jewish District
Walking tour and exploration of the beautiful hidden gems
Boat tour down the grand canal and under the legendary bridges of Venice
Neighboring islands - Murano for beautiful glass, Burano for lace, and Torcello for its cathedral
Learn about the legendary women of Venice's past with local experts
Classical music concert in a stunning historic church
Food, Cocktails and Epicurean Delights:
Special Meal at a Gastronomic Restaurant in Venice
Cooking class where we'll discover the secrets of Italian Cuisine
Get a taste for local specialities at fresh food markets
Bellini on the terrace at the famous Danieli Hotel
Aperitivo each evening to discuss and savor our art discoveries
Gemme nascote e sorprese... (hidden gems and surprises...)
Plus a Day in Stunning Padua!
Marvel at Giotto's masterpiece, the 14th century frescoes in the Scrovegni Chapel, UNESCO World Heritage site
Taste the most famous and delicious mint coffee in the world at the historic Pedrocchi Café
Orto Botanico, another UNESCO World Heritage site, the oldest academic botanical garden in the world
Palazzo della Ragione and its 14th century fresco cyles, UNESCO World Heritgate site
Prato della Valle, one of the grandest and most beautiful squares in Europe
& MORE!
This itinerary is subject to change
Optional Post-Tour Extension to Bologna, October 23-26
Home to the Renaissance woman artist, Lavinia Fontana and arguably the most delicious food in Italy
Discover the legendary women of Bologna's past with local experts
Taste the local cuisine in a hands-on a cooking class
Learn how Renaissance and Baroque paintings are restored directly from an art restorer
Explore the lavish porticoed walkways and squares, fine historic buildings, and a storied medieval center on walking tours
For more information about the extension, contact Lauren
Snapshots of Padua taken by Lauren in 2019
You're in good hands with Lauren!
Art Historian and Author Specializing in Women Artists
My journey as an art historian began at the Vatican in 2009. While guiding visitors through the Eternal City, I realized my passion for teaching. Since then I have led over a thousand tours at museums all over Italy and France. As a licensed guide, my goal is to make art and history come to life and to create lasting memories. I do this by turning history into a compelling story, encouraging questions, and sparking discussion. With a doctorate in art history, I offer my expertise in a way that is engaging and relatable to all visitors.
I am invested in offering unique and immersive travel experiences. I speak French and Italian, I have over a decade of experience leading scholarly tours of major European museums, and I have taught all eras of art history at universities in the U.S. During my graduate studies, I spent several years living and exploring Italy. Through the network I have established in Venice, I will partner with local experts and uncover special restaurants, palaces, exhibits and experiences in the floating city in order to curate a highly memorable and unrepeatable art voyage.
Andiamo! Let's go!
October 17-23
Milk of Dreams
What's included:
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7 Magnificent Days of Private Tours & Experiences with Lauren and local experts
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Complete multi-day access to the Venice Biennale
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All Art Experiences, Private Tours and Museum Tickets (Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Gallerie dell'Accademia, St Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace and more)
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Private historical walking tours (Jewish District, Hidden Venetian Palazzi, historic churches and hidden gems)
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Private boat cruise through Venice
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Private cooking class
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Bellini cocktail on the terrace at the famous Danieli Hotel
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One meal per day as specified in the final itinerary (one lunch or dinner included per day)
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Gourmet meal at a gastronomic Venetian restaurant
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Round-trip transportation to airport (if arriving on designated flight with fellow art explorers)
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Vaporetto tickets (public boat transportation around Venice)
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Classical music concert in a historic venue
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Day trip to Padua (round-trip train tickets, walking tours, Giotto's frescos in the Scrovegni chapel, Palazzo della Ragione and its 14th century fresco cycles, Prato della Valle, coffee and pastry at the Pedrocchi cafe, and more)
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An hour long Italian lesson on Zoom in preparation for the trip
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Taxes, tips and fees on all the above
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Art history workshop on Women Artists of the Biennale online with fellow travelers in preparation for the voyage
What's not:
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Hotel Accommodation: in order to offer the most flexible cancellation policy possible during these unpredictable times, each individual will book her own hotel room. Individual hotel bookings are flexible and allow for late cancellations (up to 48 hours before in most cases). Clear instructions on how to book the hotel will be shared with all trip participants. Prices start at around $200 per night for accommodation in a splendid boutique hotel in a Palazzo including breakfast (single occupancy).
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Round-trip airfare to Venice: We will select the most convenient flights for everyone. It is highly recommended to book the same flight as the rest of the group or to arrive in Venice at the same time (transportation from Venice airport offered for those arriving on the pre-selected flight).
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Additional meals not listed in the itinerary (one meal, lunch or dinner, is included each day)
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Drinks and snacks (water, espresso and a glass of wine are offered in the meals that are included in the package)
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Private water taxis or gondolas (Vaporetto tickets in Venice are included)
This exclusive and intimate trip is limited to 6 women, enabling us to stay in a boutique hotel in an historic 17th century palazzo in Venice, eat in the best restaurants and travel together in style!
I understand the unpredictable nature of our times and have worked assiduously to offer the most flexible cancellation policy possible. Click here to read it.
The Hotels:
Set in a palazzo (palace) in the Jewish District in Venice, this splendid boutique hotel is set in an elegant, historic palace built c. 1600. It features a bar and reception room with a with a Murano glass chandelier. Elegant rooms at the Arcadia feature a mix of modern, oriental and Venetian furnishings. A delicious buffet breakfast featuring homemade cake and biscuits, cold cuts, assorted cheeses, eggs and vegetables, served daily, is included. This hotel is elegant, immaculate and offers exceptional customer service.
Discover the history of this charming hotel here.
Flights: The first date listed is the arrival date in Venice. If you are departing from the US, you should schedule your flight for the day prior. For example, for the October 17th trip date, you would depart October 16th. United/Lufthansa are recommended. Specific flight suggestions and times will be provided.
It is an honor to serve you and to help to create memories that will last a lifetime. I take great pride in offering the most exceptional customer service before, during and following the trip. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me by email (lauren.jimerson@gmail.com) or by phone (+1 202-699-5164),
WhatsApp or FaceTime (+33 6 10 58 48 06)
Space is limited!
To reserve your spot and take part in this unique art trip highlighting women artists,
please reserve ASAP
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