The 2018 Grand Masquerade Ball, Venice

Final arrangements for the next amazing, colourful Carnival Grand Masquerade Ball will be announced shortly. The 2017 event was held on Sunday, 26 February 2017 in the Palazzo Moretta at 20:30. The Ball took place in this prestigious 15th Century Venetian palace situated on the beautiful Grand Canal. The air of mystery and surprise continues with your welcome to the Ball by Casanova himself, charming and smiling and waiters serve canapés on trays and so the evening begins. Traditional Venetian costumes are worn by guests and the talented artists who entertain throughout the evening. The spectacular Gala dinner is served along with the finest Italian wines. The celebrations continue on into the night with music to suit everyone.

Details

Flights From London & Manchester
3 nights
Costume Hire
Tickets for The Grand Masquerade Ball

Prices From £TBC per person

PackagesHotel ChoicesThe Masks

The Sagredo Package

Hotel Ca’Sagredo, Venice

MASQUERADE BALL PACKAGE FROM £2,595 PER PERSON

3 nights in a Classic Double Room with 10% reduced rate on a breakfast basis
includes British Airways Euro Traveller flights, private transfers and access to the airport lounge on departure from London Gatwick.
Manchester Flights + £270 pp
Book 60 days in advance for special 10% reduced rates
Price includes VIP Entry to the Noble Floor at the Venice Masquerade Ball on Sunday 26th February 2017.
Includes special 15% reduction when you book and pay before 15th October 2016.
Based on 2 sharing.

Subject to availability. Conditions Apply

The Luna Package

Luna Hotel Baglioni, Venice

MASQUERADE BALL PACKAGE FROM £2,625 PER PERSON

3 nights in a Superior room on a breakfast basis, including economy flights from Manchester
Complimentary private transfers and water taxis and access to the airport lounge on departure from Manchester
Price includes 10% discount if confirmed 30 days in advance
Price includes VIP Entry to the Noble Floor at the Venice Masquerade Ball on Sunday 26th February 2017.
Based on 2 sharing

Subject to availability. Conditions Apply

The Gritti Package

Hotel Gritti Palace, Venice

MASQUERADE BALL PACKAGE FROM £2,965 PER PERSON

3 nights in a Classic Double Room with 10% reduced rate on a breakfast basis, including economy flights from Manchester, private transfers and access to the airport lounge on departure from Manchester
Book 3 months in advance for special 10% reduced rates
Price includes VIP Entry to the Noble Floor at the Venice Masquerade Ball on Sunday 26th February 2017.
Includes special 15% reduction when you book and pay before 15th October 2016.
Based on 2 sharing.
Subject to availability.

Conditions Apply

MASQUERADE BALL PACKAGE FROM £2,875 PER PERSON

3 nights in a Venetian Room with 10% reduced rate on a breakfast basis, including British Airways Euro Traveller flights, private transfers and access to the airport lounge on departure from London Gatwick.
Book 3 months in advance for special 10% reduced rates
Price includes VIP Entry to the Noble Floor at the Venice Masquerade Ball on Sunday 26th February 2017.
Includes special 15% reduction when you book and pay before 15th October 2016.
Based on 2 sharing.
Subject to availability.

Conditions Apply

The Aman Package

Hotel Aman Canal Grande, Venice

MASQUERADE BALL PACKAGE FROM £3,395 PER PERSON

3 nights in a Palazzo Room on a room only, including economy flights from Manchester,
Complimentary private transfers and water taxis
Access to the airport lounge on departure from Manchester.
Price includes VIP Entry to the Noble Floor at the Venice Masquerade Ball on Sunday 26th February 2017.
Based on 2 sharing.
Subject to availability.

Conditions Apply

VIP Packages

VIP Package Types

SUPER VIP ENTRY on the second floor of the Palace

Entrance to Palazzo Pisani Moretta at 8:30 p.m, welcome cocktail and Opening Show on the ground floor.
Placé Dinner on the second floor in the Vip Lounge, Section A front stage.
View of the Great Show during dinner.
Open Bar in the Vip Lounge.
Disco from 00.30 on the ground floor.

VIP ENTRY Section B on the second floor of the Palace

Entrance to Palazzo Pisani Moretta at 8:30 welcome cocktail and Opening Show on the ground floor.
Placé Dinner on the second floor in the Vip Lounge, Section B.
Great Show during dinner and in the central salon of the Noble Floor after dinner.
Open Bar and disco from 00:30 on the ground floor.

VIP ENTRY Noble Floor on the Noble Floor of the Palace

Entrance to Palazzo Pisani Moretta at 9:00 and 9:30 p.m. welcome cocktail and Opening Show on the ground floor.
Placé Dinner in the Rooms of the Noble Floor (First Floor).
Great Show after dinner in the central salon of the Noble Floor for all Guests.
Open Bar and disco from 00:30 on the ground floor.

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Palazzo Pisani Moretta

Palazzo Pisani Moretta

The Palace, ever since the property of the Pisani family, was erected in the second half of the XVth Century at one of the most attractive points along the “Canal Grande” half way between the Bridge of Rialto and the Ca’ Foscari’s vault. Built in the Gothic floreal style, it underwent several expansions and restorations began in the early XVIth Century and finished in the mid XVIIIth Centurv when the last important works which gave it its present day appearance were completed. The architectural importance of the façade, is due to the splendid Gothic mullioned windows of the two main floors. The wonderfully elaborate Baroque decoration inside, is the work of the most outstanding Venetian artists of the XVIIIth Century such as Giambattista Tiepolo, Jacopo Guarana, Gaspare Diziani and Giuseppe Angeli. The magnificent staircase rising in double ramps to the top floor of the Palace, also belongs to the Baroque period and was built to replace the old Gothic outer steps. Thanks to the restoration work of the last decade, the re-establishment of its art collections and the recovery of its original antique furnishings, the Pisani Palace, abandoned for various reasons at the end of the last Century, has regained some of the splendour which in past centuries was admired by famous visitors among whom Tzar Paul of Russia, Joséphine Bonaparte and Joseph Il of Austria.

In our collection we aim to highlight Venice’s hotel treasures, all of them coming with stunning locations,charming rooms and attentive service, not to mention a certain something that sets them apart from the crowd.

Hotel Ca’ Sagredo

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Hotel Luna Baglioni

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Hotel Gritti Palace

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Aman Canal Grande

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Bauta

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Bauta

One of the more common customary masks of the Venetian carnival, the Bauta features a white mask made of fine white cloth. It has a square-ish design that gives it a wide chin and normally lacks a mouth. Its particular shape still allows the wearer to eat or drink without having to remove the mask. It is usually worn with a black tricorn hat, a veil and a mantle that is worn over the shoulders to complete the costume. The name Bauta actually refers to the entire costume and not just the mask.

Gnaga

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Gnaga

This peculiar Venetian half mask has a distinctive cat-like look. It has an unusual history tied to this mask. It was usually worn by men who want to disguise themselves as women. As such, it came with ordinary women’s clothing and a small basket under the arm, usually containing a kitten. Its name is taken from the Italian phonetic of a cat’s meowing (“gnau”).

Volto

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Volto

Volto masks feature a simple style that covers the entire face, giving the wearer complete anonymity from others. It is commonly seen even in modern times and has many variations in terms of decorations and style. It is typically worn with a three-cornered hat and a cloak, which adds to its mysterious aura. Unfortunately, because of its restrictive design, its wearer cannot eat or drink anything without taking it off.

Medico della peste

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Medico della peste

This mask takes its origins from outside of the Venetian carnival setting. It was invented by French physican Charles de Lorme as a way to protect against the plague. It has a very distinct look consisting of a mask with a long and hollow beak-like nose with round eyes. It usually has a simple design and not as lavish as other carnival masks. The mask is coupled with an ankle length overcoat made of black fabric, as well as waxed, protective gloves. This design was inspired by 16th century Venetian doctors who believed that adopting this look protected them from disease and plague that was prevalent during this time.

Arlecchino

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Arlecchino

Another mask tied to Commedia dell’arte, the character of Arlecchino is known as the servant of Pantalone and the lover of Colombina. This mask has the classic Harlequin features, which include a colorful outfit and exudes a very flamboyant style. It usually has a large headpiece that may have bells attached, with the mask’s features having a short nose and arched brows for a more comical effect.

Pantalone

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Pantalone

It is recognized as one of the most ancient of Venetian masks. It is derived from one of the characters in the Italian theater Commedia dell’arte, who is usually depicted as an old man with a witty and intelligent personality. The mask itself features a long and hooked nose with slanted eyes. It is ideally worn by people who want to engage in light banter while showing off their intelligence.

Columbina

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Columbina

Usually seen as a heavily decorated half mask worn by women, it takes its origins from the Commedia dell’arte and is considered the female version of the Bauta. It can be adorned with a variety of jewelry, feathers and other fabrics, which gives it a very ornate look. The character of Colombina usually wears ragged clothes to signify her status as a servant, but women nowadays who wear the mask usually pair it with elaborate costumes that represent their region.

Costume Hire

We work with several high quality Ateliers who provides a wide range of hand-made Carnival Costume and Accessories in precious fabrics.

Costume Hire

There are several quality Ateliers we work with who provide a wide range of beautiful hand-made Carnival costumes and quality accessories. We recommend you browse the selections and have an idea of the type of costume you would like and you are able to pre-reserve a favourite. If the outfit you have pre-reserved is not suitable, for example it is not a good fit, that is not a problem, as you are welcome to choose something else. The Ateliers provide an appointments system during Carnival period to ensure clients can take their time choosing costumes and accessories with the help of our professional assistants

Categories	1 day rental (Prices are for two costumes)
Basic Elegant	£260
Luxury	£340
Super Luxury	£515
Over the top	£685
Delivery or return	£50
Delivery and return	£90

History Of The Venice Carnival

The Venice Carnival is now world famous – it always takes place during the ten days leading up to Shrove Tuesday.

History Of The Carnival Of Venice

The Carnival of Venice is held annually starting two weeks before Ash Wednesday and ending on Shrove Tuesday. The tradition dates back to the early 13th Century when it is believed the wearing of masks allowed citizens to mix more freely with all social classes without being judged. Oscar Wilde once said “Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask and he’ll tell you the truth.” It appears that this was a uniquely Venetian activity and may be the basic meaning of the practice of dressing up. There are traditionally several different types of masks that are worn at the Carnival of Venice as people with different occupations wore different styles.

VENICE ‘The Floating City

Venice has been described as “the most beautiful city built by man.” It is true that there is no other place in the world quite like Venice; there are ancient bridges over the network of canals, gondolas, unique architecture of 16th and 17th Century palaces and piazzas, luxurious hotels accessed by vaporetto (water taxi), the Venice Film Festival is held there and of course, the intriguing Carnival of Venice. It is no surprise that Venice is a very popular city break destination all year round, a city sited on the north-eastern side of Italy. There is plenty of sightseeing to be done for those feeling energetic but you can also enjoy a freshly brewed espresso at a piazza cafe and watch the world go by. November through to January are quieter months although the chilly Adriatic winter means you will need to wrap up warm and February is of course, Carnival season. March to June is an ambient temperature but can be busy and July and August are the hottest months. September and October are a little cooler but Venice is not so busy British Airways fly to Venice daily from London. Other airlines offer departures from many other UK airports. From Marco Polo airport it is a forty minute taxi drive and then a water taxi will take you to most of the canal-side hotels.

Ballo del Doge

Watch the highlights from the Ballo del Doge 2016 Grand Masquerade Ball held in Palazzo Pisani Moretta .

The Grand Masquerade Ball 2016

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Glyn Farrar

As I had hoped it was a fabulous and unique experience from stepping out from the Clermont onto the concourse of Victoria Station and almost straight away being approached by Belmond staff to escort us to check in. The ratio of staff to guest on the whole journey was so high to ensure attentive service. I know the British Pullman is denoted as the hors d’oeuvre with the VSOE the main positive course! For us however the Pullman was the ultimate experience. We feel it is our country Britain at its very best! Everything about it is so British with real quality and indulgence. I’m so so sorry and disappointed to hear that the British Pullman service is no longer going to be a feature of Orient Express journeys! I even took photos of the toilets with the mosaic tiles! On the actual Orient Exoress, even though I had done all the research I thought I needed, we weren’t clear that certain wines and champagnes were complimentary Ian’s eyes popped out at the prices of some of the bottles! We enjoyed all our meals though the drinks for breakfast were served in cups and therefore were not hot The transfer to the Ca Sagredo was really well organised and efficient. Though they didn’t say at reception as we checked in, it was clear on entering the room that it was not the Grand Canal Double and that we had been upgraded! We were shown to the Library Suite with balcony onto Grand Canal. Maybe it was through the membership of that hotel group that I have The break in Florence was also lovely with attentive service and friendliness from staff at The Lungarno. That hotel has the best location in terms of proximity to Ponte Vecchio Sasha we were also pleased with the efficiency of the agents you use for the transfers. The timings were so accurate and agsin service very attentive The only slight snag we had was as we got off the water taxi at Venice Santa Lucia. We know now it was separate from that service. A porter was waiting with a barrow and started to load our luggage! It was a short distance to the station concourse yet we were charged 20 Euros as an official transaction with a machine issuing a receipt Apart from that we enjoyed a truely memorable holiday which I can recommend as a unique treat for a special celebration.

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Jeremy Willson

Our trip on the Orient Express can only be described as amazing. From meeting the Pullman at Victoria and travelling through the English countryside the level of Service was impeccable. Meeting the Orient Express in Calais was one of those Wow moments. We were met by the VSOE staff and escorted on to the train the champagne was opened and the Golden age of travel was revived. Lakes and mountains as you travel through the countryside are simply breathtaking. The cuisine on the train was amazing as was our steward that looked after us through out our trip. Arriving in Venice the boat transfers were seamless, and another great experience arriving at our hotel. We stayed at the Liassidi palace hotel, perfectly situated in the city. Venice is just amazing. Wonderful, faultless, brilliantly organised holiday.

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