Europe
Venice Carnival
From R27,950
Per Person Sharing
Valid
7 February 2026 - 17 February 2026
Travel outside of these dates may be subject to supplements and increases
Flights & Taxes 4 Nights Breakfast daily Carnival
Flights & Taxes 4 Nights Breakfast daily Carnival
Our travel specialists have been around the world and are fully equipped to help plan your amazing trip!
The Venice Carnival 2026, officially runs from 7th to 17th February. This typically covers the most anticipated events, from the Grand Opening Water Parade in Cannaregio (usually the first weekend) to the spectacular main events of the final weekend and the climactic finale on Fat Tuesday (February 17th). The festival offers access to multiple ticketed events, including the most lavish and sought-after Masquerade Balls (such as Il Ballo del Doge or Tiepolo Ball) held across historic Venetian palazzi. Tickets for these are additional and must be prebooked, however there are many free events that festival goers can enjoy. Some paid events require proper period costumes hired for the events. Various other activities are available like mask-making workshops, attendance at daily parades in St. Mark’s Square, and ample time to deeply explore the city’s hidden streets, savor traditional Carnival sweets like frittelle, and truly live the elegant, mysterious, and theatrical fantasy of the Venetian Carnevale.
Inclusions
- Return economy class flights ex Johannesburg to Venice
- 4 nights in 4 star Hotel in Venice
- Breakfast daily
Exclusions
- Travel insurance (Highly recommended!)
- Visa
- Event Tickets for the Carnival
- Costume hire
- All items of a personal nature
- Anything not mentioned
Russot Hotel Venice
Venice
Set in the lush greenery of San Giuliano Park, Russot Hotel is located a short drive away from the heart of Venice. Situated overlooking the waterfront, with views over the old city of Venice, the hotel has two restaurants serving both Italian and international cuisine. Guest rooms are well equipped with well decorated interiors and en suite facilities. Enjoy a drink at the hotel bar where entertainment is regularly featured.
Our Rating
Standard
Antony Palace Hotel
Venice
The Antony Palace Hotel is a round building located close to the Venice Airport. Rooms are elegantly decorated in a Venetian style, and all feature large marble bathrooms, an LCD TV and complimentary WiFi. There are two restaurants on site that serve classic Italian cuisine and Veneto specialties. Guests can also enjoy a breakfast buffet with fresh fruit and croissants each morning.
Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Hotel Park
Bled
Commanding a fantastic location on the shores of Lake Bled, Hotel Park offers beautiful views across the water. All guest rooms are bright, airy and comfortable offering a private balcony for guests to enjoy. On the top floor of the hotel you’ll find an indoor thermal swimming pool, with a magnificent view of the lake. With Bled promenade only a short walk away there are plenty of restaurant options close to the hotel, as well as the hotels own Rikli Pizzeria.
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Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Hotel Eden
Rovinj
Set in the shadow of an ancient pine forest, Hotel Eden offers elegant and well presented rooms overlooking a quiet cove on the coast of the Istrian peninsula. Hotel Eden has large indoor and outdoor swimming pool areas and is located 50m from Mulini beach. Both indoor and Al fresco dining options are available at one of the 4 restaurants on offer within the hotel grounds.
Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Jezero Hotel
Plitvice Lakes
Nestled in the heart of Plitvice Lakes National Park, Jezero Hotel is the perfect base for any overnight stay in this stunning locale. The property offers a selection of guest rooms and suites, and while the hotel interior is modern in design, the building has been constructed to sit perfectly amongst the natural surroundings. A short walk away is Kozjak – the park’s largest lake. Hotel amenities include an in-house restaurant and lobby bar, a night club and complimentary spa facilities including a gym, whirpool massage and two Finnish saunas. There’s also a small gift shop on site, plus room service and free WiFi.
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Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Hotel Palcich
Plitvice Lakes
Hotel Palcich is an excellent hotel that provides an indoor pool, fitness centre, garden and terrace. Guests can also visit the onsite restaurant, the bar, or relax in the sauna or hot tub. Each unit at the hotel has air conditioning, a flatscreen TV and a private bathroom. Take advantage of the room service at the hotel, or treat yourself with a visit to the spa centre.
Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Hotel Cornaro
Split
A seamless fusion of traditional and modern, Hotel Cornaro is well known for its professional and friendly service, with an enviable location right in the heart of the city. Diocletian's Palace and the Split City Museum are a 2 and 8 minute walk from the hotel, respectively. The rooms are stylishly decorated with large beds and elegant furnishings and flat screen TV’s. At this hotel you’ll find an inviting rooftop bar which offers wine tasting of local Croatian wines.
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Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
Tour Highlights
Venice - Cruise along the beautiful Grand Canal in a water taxi, and see the sights on a walking tour
Bled - Relax in one of the most beautiful alpine resorts in the world, famed for its thermal lake
Austria - Embark on a day trip through the Alps to scenic Lake Wörth and the university town of Klagenfurt
Postojna - Go deep into one of Europe's largest underground caves and the adjoining Renaissance castle
Istria - Discover the coastal region nicknamed 'Croatian Tuscany', from the romantic town of Rovinj to the ancient amphitheater at Pula
Opatija - Touch the edge of the Adriatic coast at this 19th-century seaside resort
Split - Wander through a historic port city with ancient Roman monuments
Plitvice Lakes - Traverse a stunning series of lakes, cascading waterfalls and travertines
Day 1 -
Welcome to Italy
Friday. Upon arrival into Venice you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the Mestre area of Venice. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: Mestre
Day 2 -
Venice
This morning, we meet our tour leader at the hotel reception, before embarking on a sightseeing tour of Venice with an English-speaking guide. We then board our air-conditioned coach and depart for Slovenia, arriving in the town of Bled for dinner.
Overnight: Bled
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 -
Bled & Bohinj
Small but stunning Lake Bled, surrounded by the Alps, is one of Slovenia's most scenic destinations. On a boat ride, we'll sail past the tiny church-capped islet at the heart of the lake and the clifftop Bled Castle, where the terrace offers lovely views of the region. We'll end the day with a visit to Lake Bohinj, a lesser-known spot perfect for a scenic photo op.
Overnight: Bled
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 -
Carinthia
Passing through the Alps, we venture into southern Austria today. First we embark on a panoramic tour of Lake Wörth, an elongated lake and summer vacation spot once frequented by the Austrian elite. We then continue to Klagenfurt, a bustling university town. Its Alterplatz (Old City Square), dating to the Renaissance era, is marked by an impressive fountain depicting the local foundation myth of the Lindworm. After a lakeside lunch, we return to Bled, where the rest of the day is spent at leisure.
Overnight: Bled
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 -
Postojna Caves & Predjama Castle
Our Slovenian journey continues today as we head south to the Postojna Caves. This underground cave system is over 24km long, hiding spectacular rock formations and an ancient species of salamander known as the olm. Our next stop is the nearby Predjama Castle, a Renaissance fortress built into a cliff with over 700 years of history and legend. Later that afternoon, we arrive in Croatia and the coastal town of Rovinj.
Overnight: Rovinj
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 -
Idyllic Istria
The Istrian peninsula is one of Croatia's most delightful regions. We start by sightseeing in Rovinj, where we'll find winding streets and art galleries in a picturesque coastal setting. We delight our tastebuds at our next stops, sampling truffles in Livade and olive oil crafted by local producers. Our final destination is the regional capital of Pula, where one of the world's few fully-preserved Roman amphitheatres is located, before returning to Rovinj for the evening.
Overnight: Rovinj
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 -
Opatija & Lake Bajer
We leave Istria this morning and continue to Opatija, a seaside winter resort where Austro-Hungarian aristocrats once holidayed in splendid coastal villas. Moving inland, we enjoy a traditional lunch in the town of Fuzine, overlooking the Vrelo limestone caves and man-made Lake Bajer. We then continue to the Plitvice Lakes for our overnight stay.
Overnight: Plitvice Lakes
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 -
Plitvice Lakes & Split
Today we visit the famous Plitvice Lakes National Park. On a boat tour, discover the wonders of this natural World Heritage site, where hundreds of waterfalls connect a series of dazzling lakes and lush forests. Heading south, our final destination is Split, Croatia's second-largest city. Here we embark on an evening walking tour of the UNESCO-listed town center, with sights such as the Roman 4th-century Diocletian's Palace and Cathedral of St Domnius, followed by a farewell dinner in a konoba (Dalmatian restaurant).
Overnight: Split
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 -
Split
Our journey ends after breakfast. A departure transfer to Split airport is included.
Meals: Breakfast
Terms and Conditions
Why we like it
Key traditional events like the "Flight of the Angel" (Volo dell'Angelo) and the procession for the Festa delle Marie take place here and are free to view.
The Grand Opening Water Parade (Festa Veneziana on the Water) and the boat processions are fantastic to watch along the Grand Canal and other waterways. These are free, but you'll need to secure a good viewing spot early.
To feel more immersed, simply buy a Venetian mask from a local artisan (or a simpler one from a street vendor) and wear it while strolling. You immediately become a part of the festivities.
Why book with us?
EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE
Our expertise in sports and group travel, resulted in IGO’s appointment in 2014 as the official travel agent and tour operator in South Africa by the Schools World Cups Limited (SWCL) to supply travel services to all SWC Sports tournaments and events.
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We’re innovative trendsetters, combining technology and travel savoir-faire to ensure a trouble-free voyage. We’re adaptable to your needs and continuously strive to provide the most efficient, up-to-date and reliable service.
ATTENTION TO DETAIL
We know that the smallest overlooked detail could ruin an entire trip. That is why we pride ourselves in paying attention to every detail to ensure your group getaway runs like a well-oiled machine. And when life happens, we’re on standby to get things back on track as efficiently as possible.
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With many years in the industry we’ve built up a trusted partnership base with quality suppliers, guaranteeing reliable services locally and internationally. We only work with certified trusted partners and prioritize the safety of our clients.
