Venice

 
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The City of Canals

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A vacation in Italy is not complete without a visit to Venice, especially for those seeking a romantic getaway. The visually striking canals, bridges and slim streets wind in and around unique buildings, dazzling designer shops and renowned churches, museums and galleries. You’re sure to find a treasure around every turn, such as one-of-a-kind Murano glass designs and delectable gelato.

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Overview

Clichés come to be reborn in Venice, where all the picture books in the world won't prepare you for the sight of its gilded palaces rising from the sea. Explore the city's famous churches and museums but set aside time to get lost in The Canaled One. Deceptive, mysterious Venice has a soft spot for wanderers, and to them she will open her heart. There are many ways to explore the city, not the least of which is getting lost in its labyrinth of streets. (Don't be surprised to come to an intersection with signposts for your destination pointing in different directions—there's more than one way to get there.) Don't miss taking a gondola, the most enduring of numerous flat-bottomed craft that were developed to navigate the lagoon's shallow waters. These austerely beautiful and elegantly designed boats have evolved over centuries to meet Venice's unique needs.

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One thing Venice has in common with much of Italy: spring and fall are the best times to visit. Summers are hot and crowded. Winters are relatively mild and tourist-free, but there are frequent rainy spells, and at the beginning and end of the season there's the threat of acqua alta, when tides roll in and flood low-lying parts of the city, including Piazza San Marco.

What Mardi Gras is to New Orleans and Carnaval to Rio, Carnevale is to Venice. For the 12 days leading up to quaresima (Lent), the city is given over to feasting and celebration, with more than half a million people attending masquerade balls, historical processions, concerts, plays, street performances, fashion shows, and all other manner of revelry. If you plan to participate, book months in advance.

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Top Experiences

  • Murano Island and Glass Blowing : Murano is renowned for its glass making. Centuries old techniques are still used so observing the artisans is quite unique. Visit the Glass Museum and pick up a one of kind souvenir for yourself.

  • St. Mark’s Basilica and Doges Palace : The church is on the eastern end of St. Mark’s Square and attached to the Doge’s Palace. The Doge’s Palace was the seat of the Venetian government, doges were the elected officials of Venetian government.

  • Traverse the Canals : Traveling the canals of Venice may be accomplished in a couple different ways. Rent a traditional gondola which is more expensive but romantic. An alternative is to take the public water bus which travels all the main areas for much less money but is quite scenic and goes to outer islands such as Murano and Burano frequently.

  • Gallerie dell-Academia : Housing pre-19th century art, the displays in the museum are mostly by Venetian painters and arranged chronologically with themed displays.

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Transfers

Region: Italy
Transfer Company: Your Private Italy

Trains

From To Venice
Milan 2 hours 30 minutes
Rome 4 hours 30 minutes
Florence 2 hours 40 minutes

*Overnight Trains