The labyrinth of turquoise canals through the centre of Venice gives the impression that the entire city is floating on the Adriatic. Wandering through the warren of streets, you’ll hear the echo of accordions from gondolas, discover lavish art galleries and ancient churches and uncover some of the best gelato Italy has to offer.
The city of islands
Venice is made up of lots of little islands, each with their own character and style. Take a waterbus to Murano, where you can witness intricate glass blowing first hand – the results are much sought after. The journey across the Venetian lagoon comes with stunning views of Venice’s waterfront. Shop for glimmering multi-coloured nick-nacks and explore churches hiding elaborate Byzantine mosaics.
Venice was built to be seen from the water. Splash out on a gondola ride and be serenaded while you glide through the secluded waterway. Relax as you drift under the Bridge of Sighs and get a glimpse of the hidden corners of Venice.
Snaking through the centre of the city, the Grand Canal lives up to its name and its reputation. The wide, azure water is lined with extravagant palaces turned into art galleries and linked by ancient bridges. The best view of Venice’s main thoroughfare is from the Rialto Bridge, where you can watch water taxis and gondolas pass below.
Palazzos and painting
Stark white columns and arches as far as the eye can see surround the impressive expanse of Piazza San Marco. Formerly the Doge’s Palace, the Palazzo Ducale is now an opulent museum, its insides frozen in time from when Venice was the heart of trade and empire in Italy. Colourful frescos fill golden, gilded rooms. Admire the city from above by climbing to the top of San Marco Bell Tower, which juts out above the square. St. Mark’s Basilica dominates the square, a building adorned with intricate white carvings. Inside, gaze up at the golden domes and resplendent arches.
Formerly a church and convent, the Gallerie dell’Accademia is home to a fine collection of European art. Learn about the history of Venetian painting and see key Renaissance works by Titian, Carpaccio and Canaletto.
Fall in love with the Veneto
Visit Verona, where Shakespeare’s doomed lovers played out their story, on an easy day trip from Venice. Admire the city that Dante called home and explore churches, quaint piazzas and the ornate balcony from where Juliet’s heart broke for Romeo.
Though under an hour from Venice, Padua is a world away with its medieval marketplaces and hip student population. While away the hours in pavement cafes where time stops still as you sip perfect Italian coffee. Step into the Basilica of Saint Anthony, where midnight blue and luminous frescoes have been perfectly preserved and cover every wall.
For a breath of fresh air and stunning scenery, visit the UNESCO-listed Dolomites. These mountains lie in the northern part of the Veneto, where the tree-lined slopes of the foothills give way to the snowy precipices of the Dolomites. Wander around Cortina d'Ampezzo and explore various hiking trails from this chic town in the heart of the mountains.
Venice is a place like no other. Fall in love with the floating city, but take some time to explore the mountains and medieval cities of the Veneto region by arranging car rental in Venice. It’s a place that you’ll never forget.
