Fraught with pitfalls, Marco Poloâs adventures are full of twists and turns. From sandstorms in the Gobi Desert to Tartare ambushes, the expedition forged our explorerâs resilience and love of adventure. Recognizing the uncertain geopolitical climate and embracing its bold approach, our Marco Polo Challenge is changing direction. The detour is taking us to the Italian adventurerâs roots: direction VENICE, a magical city and birthplace of a legend.
The thirteenth-century Venetian trader made his name in the faraway lands of Asia, bringing back epic tales from the court of Kublai Khan and exotic treasures from unknown places. However, behind the saga lies an inextricable link with the city that was the starting point for his legendary journey: Venice.
The Queen of the Adriatic, a thriving port at the crossroads of civilizations, made its mark on Marco Poloâs adventurous spirit. The captivating stories of his travels travelled along the cityâs canals, transforming Venice into a centre of commerce and innovation. Venetian palaces hosted Polo on his return, embellishing the floating city with wealth accumulated over the centuries.
Amongst the fascinating anecdotes that pepper the history of Marco Polo in Venice, one unmissable location is Palazzo Polo on the
Grand Canal. Rich in architectural details, the property was the stage for the intrepid travellerâs spellbinding accounts, which captivated Venetians during his nights of storytelling. Another enduring myth recounts Poloâs crucial role in introducing exotic products such as spices and silk to Europe, help to make Venice the hub of global trade at that time.
The future lucky winners of the 2024 challenge will have the chance to explore Venice next May. Remember that you can still take part: everything is still to play for!
