VENICE...THE FLOATING CITY

For unbelievable architecture and art visit magical Venice. One of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Venice is a beautiful and unique city and port.

• Iconic floating city
• Architecture & Art
• Gondola rides
• Honeymoon

Situated in the NE of Italy, it comprises 118 islands in a lagoon separated by canals and over 400 bridges. Famous for its location scenes for James Bond ‘Casino Royale’ and ‘Moonraker,’ step back in time in this seductive city of Casanova. 

Designed to show wealth and prestige as a maritime power, its world famous medieval buildings were built after long wooden poles were driven into the sea bed and horizontal planks, then stone, laid on to create foundations. The result is a whole city showcasing stunning architecture and world famous artworks. With amazing museums and art galleries such as the Peggy Guggenheim for Modern Art, Venice is perfect for a short break, honeymoon or romantic getaway.

Start your Venice holiday.

WHY VISIT VENICE?

1. Stunning Landmarks and Art

St. Mark’s Square, with its iconic buildings, shops and cafes is unmissable. Basilica di San Marco is the Cathedral church of Venice with its 5 domes, over 4,000 mosaics and gold coloured interior.

Next door is the grand marble Doges Palace, with its legendary frescoes by Veronese and Tintoretto. Once the residence of the Doge (chosen leader), it became a museum in 1923. Take the elevator to the Bell Tower for magnificent views. Take in a show or see an opera at Teatro La Fenice, the opera house built in 1792.

2. Canals and bridges

With very few cars in Venice, ferries and boats remain the main mode of transport. The Canal Grande, 3.8 km long, is the most important waterway. Take a ride in a Gondola, which were designed especially for Venice, or the cheaper public water transport Vaporetto. Look out for famous bridges such as the Rialto Bridge (originally wooden but made of stone in 1591) and the Bridge of Sighs.

3. Food and Drink

Venice is full of life and the eateries are no exception. Have a morning coffee and pastry standing up as the locals do, as you are often charged more if seated! Freshly caught and cooked fish and shellfish from the lagoon are very popular.

Try Sarde in Saor, or sweet and sour fried sardines, seafood risotto and Burano biscuits with similarities to shortbread. Cicchetti are Venetian tapas. Look out for the antique décor in Café Florian, which dates from 1720, the oldest café in Venice. Prosecco and Spritz cocktails are also legendary in Venice.

4. Festivals

Venice is well known for its festivals connected to art, architecture and film. The Lido, or Golden Island, hosts the Venice International Film Festival. The Venice Carnival, held during the two weeks before Lent, has been a yearly event since 1162, and is famous for its elaborate masks and costumes.

5. Surrounding Islands

Venice offers so much more than famous landmarks...its enticing islands offer a different perspective and are often overlooked by tourists. Murano is famous for its centuries old glass blowing techniques, and you can watch artisans creating exquisite products. Photogenic Burano is known for its lace production and its multi-coloured houses lining its canals.

Start your holiday to Venice today.

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