Venice is a beautiful city located in northeast Italy that is famous for its intricate transport system of interconnected canals. A perfect setting for a magical Valentines break. It has been described as the most beautiful city built by man and one of Europe’s most romantic cities. Venice is also known for its art, architecture and culture. So you’ll never be short of something to do in the “City of Bridges”.
First, do a bit of sightseeing by taking a romantic sunset gondola ride down the Grand Canal that will take you through the heart of the city and let you soak up the relaxing atmosphere. Since its Valentines why not have you and your partner serenaded by your gondolier?Venice
The canal is lined with beautiful buildings and churches some of which date back as far as the 13th century. You’ll also see the Rialto Bridge that was the only bridge to cross the canal until the 19th century and was mentioned in Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice”. You could also visit Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari which is one of the greatest churches in Venice. It has Gothic architecture and a beautiful red brick exterior and also houses many excellent examples of Renaissance art, including Titian’s Madonna di Ca’ Pesaro.
In the evening, immerse yourself in culture by going to Musica a Palazzo, a Venetian Palace from the 15th century which holds intimate opera performances of various operas such as La Traviata. As the opera progresses you also get a tour of the house as each act is preformed in a different room. This unique take on opera is a must see for both first timers and opera fanatics. The setting of the vintage palace makes it all the more romantic.
What to Expect
On your maiden visit to the Big Apple, be sure to allow a minimum of three days so you can take a breath and enjoy all the city has to offer without being in transit every moment of your trip. The following will only scratch the surface of what to expect but will arm you with information to feel confident during your time in New York City.
Selamat datang! Welcome to Malaysia. Your adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you have any free time beforehand, why not get out and explore this intriguing city that was born between the Borneo jungle and the South China Sea.
Modern-day ‘KK’ is a vibrant modern metropolis, having recovered from World War II bombings – the Sabah State Museum is a great place to immerse yourself in its backstory.
Accommodation: Hotel
Leaving Kota Kinabalu behind, you’ll head for the hills and travel towards the unspoiled wilderness of the World Heritage-listed Mt Kinabalu National Park (approximately 3 hours). You will stop off en route at a local home in a Dusun Village. Sample the local foods with a home cooked lunch to get some insight into what it’s like to live in a rural village.
Later you can stretch your legs and soak up the mountain scenery with a stroll through Mt Kinabalu National Park. There are many walking trails from which you can bird watch. The Mt Kinabalu Botanical Garden is an excellent showcase of the diverse plant life on the mountain, as flora from all over the park has been replanted here. Spend the night in a mountain lodge close by to the park in Kundasang.
Accommodation: Resort
You might wake to the call of a Bornean gibbon, or perhaps a hornbill. Enjoy an early morning cruise down the river, searching for more birds and wildlife. Keep an eye out for Long Tail Macaques and Pig Tail Macaques – your expert leader can tell you the difference. Later that morning, take a walk to Bilit Village, home to the local Orang Sungei community.
The Orang Sungei, which translates to ‘River People’, are one of Sabah’s many indigenous communities and are very hospitable with a diverse cultural heritage. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon before another river cruise to see wildlife along the riverbank. This final river cruise will be your last chance to photograph or simply marvel at your surrounds. Spend one more night in your lovely accommodation right in the heart of the jungle.
Accommodation: Lodge
Head back to Kota Kinabalu today by boat and minivan. This will take around 40 minutes. Optional activities include a visit the intriguing Mari Mari Cultural Village, nestled deep in the countryside. Here you will see how indigenous ethnic groups of Borneo used to live. Or a visit to the Sabah Museum to learn about Sabah’s past or do some last-minute souvenir shopping at the Filipino market. Tonight, perhaps head out for a meal with your group to celebrate your Borneo adventure.
Accommodation: Hotel
There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time.
