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Venice Carnival 2025 - Date, history and route
Venice Carnival 2025
Discover Venice and its Carnival on board a boat in the heart of the lagoon
Dates and programmes for the 2025 Venice Carnival
Like every year, Venice will be decked out in Carnival colours. In 2025, the Venice Carnival will take place from 22 February to 4 March, all along the lagoon, in all the streets and alleys. It's a chance to rediscover the city from a whole new angle during these 10 days, without interruption, when Venetians will be decked out in magnificent costumes and masks.
It is difficult to pinpoint the precise origins of the Venice Carnival. However, historians agree that it began around 1269, when the wearing of costumes was authorised. The aim of this festival was to reverse the usual social roles: the poor could dress up as the rich and vice versa, thanks to the anonymity offered by masks.
This tradition was interrupted by Napoleon Bonaparte, who feared that the Venetians would use the anonymity of the costumes to conspire against him. It wasn't until the 1970s that Carnival enjoyed a significant revival, and it was officially reintroduced in 1980. Today, the festival is one of Venice's most important events, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the world to the heart of the lagoon.
How to discover the Venice Carnival in 2025?
While it's hard to get a hotel or rental accommodation during the Venice Carnival, there are some easy and affordable solutions. Such is the case with our river cruise, aboard the only intimate cruise ship moored in the very heart of Venice, even during the festivities. The MS Michelangelo, a small cruise ship with a maximum capacity of 154 passengers, offers its passengers the chance to experience Venice Carnival from an original and immersive angle. Renovated in 2017, it has all the features of a floating hotel: restaurant, bar and lounge bar, sun deck with deckchairs and fully-equipped cabins. A special feature of this cruise: a sail in the Venetian lagoon for an exceptional view of the city's emblematic monuments.
Our Venice Carnival cruise in 2025
Venice Carnival (port-to-port cruise)
VENICE - MAZZORBO - VENICE
Vacation at the center of the action during the Venice Carnival, where history and romance mingle within the labyrinth of canals and mysterious side streets. Follow Casanova's footsteps and discover the passionate, intriguing secrets within La Serenissima. During exclusive tours, discover the renowned Murano glassworks—as crystal elegance takes shape in the hands of master craftspeople—and the workshop of talented artists who sustain the Venetian identity by keeping traditional Carnival mask-making alive. Explore the La Fenice Opera House and learn about its fascinating history and splendid architecture. Round out your vacation with a private dinner accompanied by baroque music in a Venetian palace on the banks of the Grand Canal. Plunge into the carnival atmosphere at an elegant and intriguing soirée overflowing with Venetian glamor.
Our Venice cruises outside Carnival
Timeless Venice (port-to-port package)
VENICE - MAZZORBO - VENICE - CHIOGGIA - VENICE
Set off on a cruise to experience quintessential Venice. Dive into the art of gondola and mask making. Indulge in fine Venetian cuisine and enjoy authentic cicchetti at the edge of the Grand Canal. Find some respite from bustling Venetian life on the charming island of Burano. To top it all off, discover hillside villa masterpieces from the Renaissance.
Venice at your pace (port-to-port package)
VENICE - MAZZORBO - VENICE - CHIOGGIA - VENICE
Discover Venice at your own pace on a cruise aboard a floating hotel ideally located in the heart of the city. Soak up the enchanting atmosphere while enjoying complete freedom to organise your day, with half-board included. Venice, the city of canals, offers a multitude of possibilities for travellers. Art lovers can admire artistic masterpieces in the city's museums and churches. Gourmets can sample the local cuisine, with specialities such as cicchetti in the bacari. There's something for everyone.