Join a Marriott Bonvoy food tour in Venice

We often discuss interesting ‘experiences’ redemptions in the UK, offered mainly by Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, Accor Live Limitless and Emirates Skywards.

For those with a bit of time, however, the best value deals are usually found outside the UK. The UK is top-heavy with people carrying large points balances, either through stays or via transfers from credit cards. This isn’t the case in Europe. Whilst UK readers were snapping up Elton John VIP packages at The O2 in seconds earlier this year, in Germany the packages – at a far lower points price – were sitting around.

Reader Nick flagged an interesting Marriott Bonvoy event in Venice on Saturday 29th July.

For a fixed 30,000 Bonvoy points, which we’d value at £150, two people can enjoy a six course food tour around Venice:

Partake in an indulgent lunchtime adventure exclusively for Marriott Bonvoy members. Discover the finest dining in Venice, Italy, as you visit three celebrated restaurants in the heart of the city on this six-course, wine-paired Gourmet Odyssey. Begin your journey with a champagne reception at the luxurious terrace of The St. Regis Venice (image above), enjoying breathtaking views over the Grand Canal. Followed by exquisite dining at Gio’s Restaurant, The St Regis Venice, Ai Gondolieri and Bistrot de Venise.

Gio’s Restaurant, The St Regis Venice: Innovation meets tradition through artfully curated menus at Gio’s Restaurant, with classic Venetian and Italian dishes reimagined for the discerning contemporary palette. The restaurant features spectacular views of the Grand Canal.

Ai Gondolieri: This charming, wood-panelled restaurant, located near the Guggenheim Museum and Academy Galleries, is renowned for its rustic feel and imaginative menu. 

Bistrot de Venise: An elegant restaurant which prides itself on taking guests on a gastronomic journey back in time to the ancient aromas and flavours of the Serenissima.

It’s not a slam-dunk bargain at roughly £75-worth of points per person, and of course you need to get to Venice for the weekend, but it’s certainly an afternoon you’d remember.

You can book, and indeed search for other interesting Marriott Moments redemptions outside the UK, on the Marriott Moments website here.

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How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points and status from UK credit cards (April 2025)

There are various ways of earning Marriott Bonvoy points from UK credit cards.  Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses.

The official Marriott Bonvoy American Express card comes with 20,000 points for signing up, 2 points for every £1 you spend and 15 elite night credits per year.

You can apply here.

Marriott Bonvoy American Express

20,000 points for signing up and 15 elite night credits each year Read our full review

You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points by converting American Express Membership Rewards points at the rate of 2:3.

Do you know that holders of The Platinum Card from American Express receive FREE Marriott Bonvoy Gold status for as long as they hold the card?  It also comes with Hilton Honors Gold, Radisson Rewards Premium and MeliaRewards Gold status.

We reviewed American Express Platinum in detail here and you can apply here.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Platinum is increased from 50,000 Membership Rewards points to a huge 80,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (80,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.

The Platinum Card from American Express

80,000 bonus points and great travel benefits – for a large fee Read our full review

You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points indirectly:

• American Express Gold (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• American Express Rewards Credit Card (10,000 bonus Amex points)

and for small business owners:

• American Express Business Gold (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• American Express Business Platinum (50,000 bonus Amex points)

The conversion rate from American Express to Marriott Bonvoy points is 2:3.

Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which can be used to earn Marriott Bonvoy points.