ITINERARY
Light & Stone Tour
Day 1
Note: The Czech Republic tour may be booked simultaneously with the Northern Italy tour. Combined tours include airfare between Prague and Brescia at no additional cost.
Arrival
Prague, Czech Republic
Time for a change of scenery in Prague, a city steeped in history and known for its medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. The historic center of Prague, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a living testament to the city's storied past. Adding to the city's allure are notable landmarks, such as the Prague Astronomical Clock, which dates back to 1410, and the giant modern-day bust of the famous Czech writer Franz Kafka, made of 42 rotating tiers that move throughout the day. There is something to see or experience in every nook and cranny of Prague. After a day of sightseeing, join us for dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant to get to know your fellow travelers.
Note: The Czech Republic 2-day tour may be booked separately or simultaneously with the Northern Italy tour. Combined tours include airfare between Prague and Brescia at no additional cost.
Day 2
Lasvit
Nový Bor, Czechia
Find inspiration at Lasvit’s factory just outside Prague to view the production of their Bohemian architectural glass and artisan lighting. A tour of the Lasvit factory and Glass House lets you witness centuries of Bohemian glassmaking blended with cutting-edge design. Visitors explore historic 18th-century timbered houses, an award-winning architectural complex, and watch master artisans transform glowing molten glass into intricate masterpieces and iconic crystal lighting.
Day 3
Antolini Luigi & C. S.p.A.
Sega, Italy
This one-of-a-kind stop on your tour includes a literal ‘enlightening’ tour of Antonlini, a stone-cutting facility where claddings, floors, and kitchen worktops come to life. These creations can be illuminated, allowing translucent stones like onyx, marble, quartzite, gemstones, and select granites to shine. Underlighting and backlighting these materials reveal the stunning veining, vibrant colors, and intricate layers, transforming the stone into a mesmerizing work of art that captivates the eye.
A tour of the legendary Antolini stone facility in Verona, Italy, is an exclusive, highly sought-after experience for architects, designers, and industry professionals. It offers a breathtaking, behind-the-scenes look at the sourcing, processing, and technological innovation of some of the world's finest luxury stone.
Palazzo Novello
Montichiari, Italy
Spending the night at Palazzo Novello is a bit like sleeping in a treasure trove of art, history, and culture. This eighteenth-century palace tells a story of what has made this mansion the enchanting hotel it is today through its original frescoes and ancient marble. The palazzo offers a luxurious, spacious experience with elegant design elements, including large suites with high-end amenities, a grand atmosphere reminiscent of Italian aristocracy, and excellent service. All of this, of course, contributes to a feeling of refined opulence. Palazzo Novello is a rare gem, and we are thrilled to be able to share it with you.
Castel Brando
Cison di Valmarino, Italy
Castel Brando, nestled between the charming villages of Cison di Valmarino and Follina, proudly stands amidst the picturesque Prosecco hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This majestic castle, one of the largest and oldest in Europe, occupies a unique spot halfway between the captivating city of Venice and the breathtaking Dolomites. It is a true historical treasure immersed in one of Italy’s most beautiful landscapes.
Day 5
Barovier & Toso is one of the world's oldest family businesses and glass companies, dating back to 1295. The company was founded in Murano, Italy, as Barovier and became Barovier & Toso in 1942 after merging with Ferro Toso, another Murano glassmaking company. Barovier & Toso is known for its Venetian glass and chandeliers and is considered a master of lighting design.
Your visit includes a tour of the oldest Venitian Crystal manufacturing facility and Barovier & Toso’s art gallery with their one-of-a-kind creations.
You’ll spend the day viewing Murano and Venice through the eyes of local artisans.
Barovier & Toso
Murano, Italy
Venezia Murano Villa
Murano, Italy
Venezia Murano Villa is located in the former De Majo glass factory on the historical island of Murano, in the Venetian Lagoon. Preserving the soul of the building, the hotel has kept the stunning glass furnace chimney and offers boutique accommodation with modern comforts throughout each room. It's the perfect place to spend your last night on your tour, immersing yourself within the same walls that generations of craftsmen have stood before you.