ZRG Strikes Gold
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Telenor Microfinance Bank awards ZRG OneView Contact Center System
•
ZRG Receives 5th Consecutive Achievement Gold Award from FPCCI
•
Al Baraka Bank Chooses ZRG OneView CMS Software
•
PSO Awards Contact Center Tender To ZRG
•
ZRG Strikes Gold
•
Telenor Microfinance Bank awards ZRG OneView Contact Center System
•
ZRG Receives 5th Consecutive Achievement Gold Award from FPCCI
•
Al Baraka Bank Chooses ZRG OneView CMS Software
•
PSO Awards Contact Center Tender To ZRG
•
ZRG Strikes Gold
•
Telenor Microfinance Bank awards ZRG OneView Contact Center System
•
ZRG Receives 5th Consecutive Achievement Gold Award from FPCCI
•
Al Baraka Bank Chooses ZRG OneView CMS Software
•
PSO Awards Contact Center Tender To ZRG
•
ZRG Strikes Gold
•
Telenor Microfinance Bank awards ZRG OneView Contact Center System
•
ZRG Receives 5th Consecutive Achievement Gold Award from FPCCI
•
Al Baraka Bank Chooses ZRG OneView CMS Software
•
PSO Awards Contact Center Tender To ZRG
•
Episode 5 of 20 – Regional Capitals of Italy Series By Katerina Ferrara | Immersion Travel Italy
Welcome back to Immersion Travel Italy, the podcast where we do not just visit Italy. We experience it.
In Episode 5 of our 20-part series exploring the Regional Capitals of Italy, we head to Venice — the heart of the Veneto region and one of the world’s most unforgettable cities. This episode arrives at a perfect time, as the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are underway and the world turns its eyes toward northern Italy. While Milan acts as the gateway, the most breathtaking events — including alpine skiing and the closing ceremony — unfold right here in the Veneto.
What You Will Discover in This Episode
In this episode, we explore:
The powerful legacy of Venice as a maritime empire
Carnival and its theatrical magic across the city
What to see in and around Piazza San Marco, including the mosaics of the Basilica and our favorite after-hours tour experience
A visit to Murano and Burano by vaporetto, with personal stories and restaurant tips
The Dolomite jewel of Cortina d’Ampezzo and its role in the Winter Olympics
Venetian architecture’s surprising echoes in Slovenia and Croatia
Where to stop for gelato, cichetti, and canal-side views
The 2026 Winter Olympics bring Venice back into the global spotlight. While many think of Cortina d’Ampezzo as a glamorous Alpine retreat, it is also a site of serious competition. Curling, alpine skiing, bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton events all take place here. Meanwhile, Verona will host the official Closing Ceremony inside its ancient Roman Arena.
Basilica di San Marco – After-Hours Magic
We share our experience doing the after-hours tour of the Basilica of San Marco. We have done this tour three times because we love it so much. You enter in darkness and watch as they turn on the golden lights to reveal over 8,000 square meters of shimmering mosaics. You get close to the Pala d’Oro, explore the crypt, and experience the church in an intimate group. I will include links to trusted tour operators offering this experience in the blog.
Piazza San Marco Walking Tour
Our self-guided walking tour includes the Doge’s Palace, Bridge of Sighs, Clock Tower, and more. We share insights into how to climb to the terrace of the Basilica to get within touching distance of the mosaics. It is an incredible and unforgettable view.
Murano and Burano by Vaporetto
We visited Murano on a private boat tour with our teenage son and his friend. They were selected to participate in the glassblowing demonstration at Gino Mazzuccato’s studio, which remains one of our favorite moments. My husband swears it was all a setup to get me to purchase a piece of art — which I did — and it arrived safely and beautifully packed. In Burano, we had lunch at Trattoria alla Maddalena on the island of Mazzorbo. It was peaceful and delicious, with canal views. We enjoyed watching school kids disembark from the traghetto as if it were a school bus. These are immersive, local experiences you cannot plan for but will never forget.
Our Favorite Spots for Food and Sweets
Lunch with a view – Trattoria alla Maddalena on Mazzorbo
Cichetti and Spritz – We recommend seeking out a canal-side bar for a plate of Venetian-style tapas and a bright orange aperitivo
Gelato at the end of the day – A friend from the Veneto insists that no trip into Venice is complete without stopping at Gelateria Nico on the Zattere waterfront. The classic order is the gianduiotto affogato — chocolate hazelnut gelato drowned in espresso and whipped cream.
Venice’s Seasonal Festival Calendar
Here are some of the most meaningful and festive times to visit:
February – Carnevale di Venezia Masks, costumes, and theatrical processions animate the city. Venice transforms into a living opera set during Carnival.
May – Festa della Sensa A centuries-old ceremony where the Doge once “married” the sea. Today it is marked by boat races and processions celebrating Venice’s maritime heritage.
June – Festa di San Pietro di Castello A beloved neighborhood festival with food stands, music, and a sense of local pride far from the crowds.
July – Festa del Redentore One of the most important local celebrations. A pontoon bridge connects Giudecca to Dorsoduro, and fireworks light up the Grand Canal in memory of the end of the plague.
September – Regata Storica Costumed rowers race down the Grand Canal in historical boats, evoking the glory of Venice’s seafaring past.
November – Festa della Madonna della Salute A deeply spiritual event when Venetians walk across a temporary bridge to pray for good health at the church of Santa Maria della Salute.
December – Christmas in Venice Markets, lights, and a quiet stillness transform the city into something intimate and magical.
Architecture Across Borders We also touch on how Venice’s empire expanded through trade, diplomacy, and logistics — not just conquest. The architectural influence of Venice can still be seen today in cities like Ljubljana, Split, and Dubrovnik.
Find after-hours Basilica di San Marco tours — coming soon in my full blog listing
Explore my full Italy travel book series, including Venice & the Veneto, at katerinaferrara.com
Sign up for my newsletter for updates, travel tips, and behind-the-scenes podcast stories
Until Next Time… I hope this podcast helps you experience Venice not just as a tourist, but with all your senses. Let the rhythm of the lagoon guide you. Travel slowly. Travel intentionally. And let the places you visit tell their stories.
