Back in March, Air Charter Service gave six lucky travel agents a taste of the high life, whisking them off to Venice by private jet to begin a tour of three of Italy’s most beautiful cities, hosted by Marriott Luxury brands.
Travel agents get a taste of the high life
Back in March, Air Charter Service gave six lucky travel agents a taste of the high life, whisking them off to Venice by private jet to begin a tour of three of Italy’s most beautiful cities, hosted by Marriott Luxury brands.
The Flight
The four-day trip started at Farnborough airport, where passengers were guided to the VIP lounge, while ground staff took care of the luggage. After being greeted by the captain – the operator’s chief pilot, no less – the group enjoyed Champagne and nibbles, while he explained a bit more about the journey and what to expect on board. There was then time for a quick freshen up before walking the few steps from the lounge to the aircraft, a high-spec Cessna Citation X. Some pre-flight posing was a must, of course, with everyone making the most of a photo call with the plane before stepping on board and into the lap of luxury.
Once on board, everyone settled in and prepared for take-off, glass of bubbly in hand. Well, when in Rome (or en route, in this case)…After a swift, smooth take-off, passengers were free to mingle in the cabin and visit the pilots in the cockpit. An attendant was also on hand to serve a delicious selection of canapés, sandwiches and cakes – a tiny taste of the indulgence still to come. On arrival in Venice, the group was met at the aircraft steps and chauffeur-driven to the private jet terminal. Passports were checked from the car on the way, so travellers didn’t have to lift a finger. As one guest noted, “This is how I should always travel!”.
Day 1 - Venice
A short stroll from the private jet terminal took the group to the lagoon’s edge, where a water taxi was waiting to take them to Isola delle Rose, JW Marriott’s beautiful private island resort. After a leisurely afternoon exploring the island, a Michelin-starred tasting menu was a delicious end to a decadent day.
Day 2 – Venice
After breakfast, it was off to the Gritti Palace, for a morning of Italian cookery under the expert tuition of head chef, Daniele Turco. A tour and dinner at the stunning Danieli hotel followed, just a stone’s throw from St. Mark’s Square.
Day 3 – Venice & Florence
The following morning saw the group set off by train for Florence to stay at the waterfront St. Regis hotel, where each room has its own private butler. An aperitivo and dinner at Michelin-starred Winter Garden by Caino was the perfect way to spend the last evening in Italy.
Day 4 – Florence & Rome
A quick train ride after breakfast took the travellers to the heart of the capital. From there, they were chauffeur-driven to the St. Regis Rome for a bite to eat in the form of delicate cicchetti – Italy’s answer to tapas – and a glass of Prosecco. A brisk walk around the city and a tour of the hotel helped work up an appetite for an Italian take on afternoon tea before a scheduled flight home to London Heathrow.
To book a package similar to this one, of create your own tailor-made trip, get in touch with one of our travel experts now on 020 8335 1070 or email travel@aircharter.co.uk.