Venice Carnival- Appropriate?
 

I am planning an incentive trip for a group of salesmen at my company in Italy in February. We will be travelling to visit a winery east of Milan and are thinking to bring the group to Venice for a few days at the end of the trip.

I understand that every year in February that Carnivale takes place in Venice. My question is if it is an appropriate venue to take work colleages to, as a reward for a job well done. In the past, we have taken them on trips to France, Italy, Spain (Run with the Bulls), etc., but I am not familiar with Carnivale and am not quite sure how it could be perceived within our organization.

FYI...we work for a US wine importer, so we are in the alcohol industry, if that gives you any additional insight.

THANKS!

France, Italy and Spain? Can I come work for you?

I would not take them to Carnivale unless you exit Venice before the closing week. It's a very specific time to be in Venice and if you're not fully prepared, the crowds are so intense the chaos can leave you screaming. It can take up to 40 minutes to cross a bridge of wall-to-wall people and the Vaporettos are so packed, you often have to wait double time for a second one to come, often in sub-zero weather. Don't get me wrong, I love Carnivale but I also love Venice and I know how to get around without a map. Carnivale at its worst reminds me of Times Square at New Year's but more claustrophobic. The experience is not for everyone and can devastate a novice. Take them shopping in Florence. It's still cold but it's one of the few months you can actually be in Florence when the tourists are elsewhere. Good luck.

Can you give me more information about closing week? What happens during the last week and prior? Also, should we go ahead with the trip, how do you recommend preparing so we do not have a bad experience.

I should also mention that these people are mainly men from metropolitan US cities, so shopping and the typical sightseeing might not interest them quite as much as fine cuisine, parties, etc.

Dear lemon,

Carnivale is celebrated 10 days prior to Ash Wednesday which is why the dates are different every year. The last three days, especially if they fall on or near a weekend, are the most festive traditionally, which means more activities, larger crowds and more folks dressed in costume, parading around St. Marks Square. By day 7, I stopped shooting the costume wonders because it became unsafe for me and my equipment plus, I couldn't take a single picture without hundreds of tourists in the shot or bumping me. (I'm a pro photographer.) I find the first seven days more manageable as the crowds increase with each new day. By day 7, navigation in and around St. Marks Square is unlike anything I've ever seen before and I've done New Year's in Times Square (once). Depending on which calle you find yourself, you could get stuck in a single file line, shoulder to shoulder, stomach to back, that doesn't move at all or moves in incremental steps. The calle are so narrow, there's no such thing as stepping out of line and finding an alternate path. You just have to endure until you see light. These antics may be fun for a drunk 21-year-old in a mask but I'll pass.

If you stay in a hotel near St. Marks, getting in and out will be a nightmare (we won't even talk about the all night noise). If you don't stay in a hotel near St. Marks, getting to St. Marks will be a nightmare. Pick your poison.

Men who drink fine wine and have never been to Carnivale might find it fun for a day or two. But this ain't New Orleans or Rio de Janero. No skin shows here. Venice Carnivale is the most tasteful and sophisticated, controlled mayhem of a party I've ever experienced. Do your men listen and dance to Vivaldi? The costumes are in a class by themselves. The sexual energy of lore is virtually non-existent, unless your guys are gay.

As for fine dining, many of Venice's best restaurants are closed in January and February. Local Venetians understand the financial benefit of Carnivale but many escape because their city shuts down and becomes impossible to tolerate.

Don't get me wrong, I can't wait to show up in costume but I LOVE Venice. I'll just stay clear of St. Marks on the last 3 days.

If I was your employee and I wanted you to treat me to good food, I'd say take me to Paris or take me to New York City. Of course I love Rome in the winter and would be thrilled if you took me there, even though four-star dining is not their forte.

I was taken to Maui twice in winter as a corporate gift and both times we stayed at the Grand Wailea. I still love that employer. That was one DIVINE gift.

Miami Beach might be fun. I hear the new Shore Club is really hot.

Oh, I forgot...the scaffolding around St. Mark's church is finally down and the place never looked better. However, there's a major push to raise breakwalls to prevent flooding and construction at the St. Mark's Gondola Station is underway. It has become a major torn up construction site with large cranes. Looking out towards the canal is not pretty. The gondolas are in a temporary holding area and several Vaporetto stops have been moved to accommodate the work. I feel sorry for anyone who booked a room at the Gritti this year. There's major construction going on across the canal from them and all the views suck. Thankfully, Venice is alive and kicking.

NYC Food Snob,
Thank you very much for your feedback...it will be very helpful as we make our decision.

Do you (or any other posters) have any information on Milan in February? Since the winery is near Milan, I am wondering if this is an option that will hold their attention.

Personally I wouldn't choose Milan as a base in February - or any other time of year. But it depends on your aims and the interests of your group.

Are you looking to organise group tours/activities, or just to choose somewhere where people can choose their own programme?

Steve

We will most likely do group events.

On that note, do you have any suggestions on companies that can help with this?

Just a though to travel to Modena.Not too far from Milan by Train . Your group may enjoy a tour of the Ferrari or Maserati Plant . The Ferrari plant is off limits to the general public but arrangements May be made for your company . There is a showroom in The Galleria Ferrari the showroom Displays engines,trophies and both antique and the latest Ferrari cars .Located Via Dino Ferrari 43 in Maranello a suburb of Modena. While in Modena you are in the region of Lambrusco Wine and Balsamic Vinegar. A tour of the Balsamic vinegar is a nice tour for you wine guys. It a great culinary region Emillia Romagna for great food and good dinning . A great region to spend a few days In Parma good food and drink ( University city ). Bologna, Reggio. Most of the Info you can get out of the Frommer's guide book Italy Maybe you will run into Luciano Pavarotti its his home town .

Thank you, Italiana. Those are great suggestions!

Lemon - Well - if you're planning a trip to Ferrari CAN I COME?!

Other possibilities in the Milan/Como area might be to charter a boat on Lake Como - or a carriage on the Glacier Express over to San Moritz.
[We did both of these last February whilst staying on Lake Como near Menaggio ...]

Maranello would be just as easy if you were to stay in Verona rather than Milan - which would open up other possibilities for trips (- including Venice, the 'Wine Route', Lake Garda, the Dolomites ...)

Most major cities and resorts have agencies which can help organise group tours once you've chosen your base.

It's easy enough to book a coach for private trips - either directly or through an agency or Tourist Office.

Florence would also make a good base. Rome - even better!
Hey - can I come and organise it for you?

Hope this helps ...

Steve

lemon I am Glad I Could help I am also in the F & B industry. Ciao