About Venice, Italy

Depending on who you talk to, Venice is either a captivating and maze-like wonderland where getting lost is the best thing you can do, or it is a smelly and crowded tourist trap with bad (not to mention expensive) food. As with most things, there is a bit of truth to both sides of the coin. The floating city of Venice certainly attracts hordes of tourists, especially in the summer, and space is limited – so obviously there will be crowds and prices geared towards relieving tourists of their money.

All Venice asks is this – come with an open mind. There are sights to see in Venice, of course – the Byzantine masterpiece St. Mark’s Basilica, Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Vitruvian Man,’ a great collection of modern art in the Peggy Guggenheim Museum – but the real sight in Venice is the city itself.

Plan and Book:

Overview

Venice is known as La Serenissima, or the Serene Republic. One look around the city will help you understand why. At first you may not recognize the absence of sound that fills your ears. But then it hits you – there are no cars here. As you walk down the middle of the street, you’ll marvel at the beauty around every street corner. It seems like the entire city has been lifted straight out of a painting. There is nowhere else in the world where earth and water exist together so freely, with neither element trying to assert its dominance.



Couples from all over flock to the world’s most romantic city. Of course, the secret is out, and the throngs of tourists do detract from the city’s pristine visage. During the summer, Piazza San Marco is teeming with people, so many in fact that it seems like the city will sink into the water that runs through it. In actuality, the city is sinking, at an average of five inches every twenty years. Unless something is done to keep Venice afloat, the city may join Atlantis at the bottom of the sea.

Because Venice’s fortunes are tied so closely to the sea, it must be noted that Venice loses some of its charm in the autumn months, when high tides flood some of the best parts of the city, including the city’s center, Piazza San Marco. On the hottest summer days, the water begins to smell, despite the city’s best efforts to keep its waterways clean. However, do not let these small inconveniences distract you from all of the good things Venice has to offer. This is the one location in the world where the city itself is the attraction. You can spend an entire day walking around and sitting outside, stopping for lunch or some gelato, and not step foot in a single attraction. You will still be enchanted, having experienced the most picturesque city in the world.

Attractions and Activities

Gondola Serenade with Live Music: Relax on a romantic gondola ride along the Grand Canal, Venice’s largest waterway. Live music will serenade your senses as you wind through secret canals and enjoy the ornate Venetian architecture. This service will only run if there are at least four passengers.

Guided Walk of Venice’s Historical Centre, a World Heritage Site: Embrace Venice’s rich history on this guided walk around St. Mark’s Square. You’ll tour some of the city’s most famous historical landmarks – the gold-dotted St. Mark’s Basilica, the Gothic Ducale Palace, and the breathtaking Bridge of Sighs.

Venetian Islands Tour: Explore three of Venice’s most fascinating islands – Murano, Burano, and Torcello – by boat. This guided tour takes you to Murano’s ancient glass-making factories, Burano’s centuries-old lace-making houses, and Torcello’s Byzantine churches.

Grand Canal Boat Tour: Glide through the network of canals in Venice while sipping classic sparkling Prosecco wine. As you cruise, your guide will introduce you to the history of the buildings that line the banks of the canals. Venice and its canals are listed as a World Heritage Site.

Ghost and Legends Tour: Discover the haunting legends and secrets of Venice as you make your way over dimly lit bridges and through deserted alleyways. Stick close to your guide as they bring to life the centuries-old ghosts and legends.

The Original Hidden Venice Walk: Enjoy a guided walk of wonder and discovery through the enchanting labyrinth of narrow streets and passageways in San Polo and Dorsoduro. Take in memorable sights such as the imposing Frari church, masterpieces from Titian and Bellini, and the old red light district of Venice.

Tour of Cannaregio and the Jewish Ghetto: Soak up the atmosphere of Venice’s charming Cannaregio area as you enjoy a guided walk. Take in masterpieces by Tintoretto in the church of Madonna dell’Orto and dramatic views of the northern lagoon.

Discover Traditional Venetian Food: Get a taste for authentic Venice as you wander between several bacari (wine bars) and stop to nibble a range of finger foods. Wash down traditional delicacies such as polenta, baby octopus, and spicy bread with a glass of the local tipple, known as an ombra meaning ‘shadow’.

Wine Tasting Evening: Spend an evening in a charming enoteca and discover the world of Venetian wine. Walls lined with bottles will make your mouth water and your taste buds tingle! An expert sommelier will introduce you to regional varieties and explain the art of examining, smelling, and appreciating wines. To enhance the flavour of the selected wines, home-baked bread, local prosciutto, salami, and cheeses will be served.