VENICE, A CITY WITH ENOUGH LUXURY TO PLEASE EVERYONE
Venice is a place where you will see things that you could never see anywhere else in the world. Sure, there are many beautiful cities in Italy displaying their exceptional heritage, but Venice is very special.
There was a time during the Middle Ages when Venice was one of the world’s largest commercial empires. Marco Polo , arguably the most famous person in the history of Venice, was one of the key players in the active trade between Venice and the East at the time.
This accounts for the somewhat Oriental vibe you will see in Venice. No other city in Italy has it. Discover how Venice’s past has shaped the city’s culture in current times and experience the fantastic result of this blend first-hand!
FOODIES, WELCOME!
Speaking of Marco Polo and the East, some tales say that pasta was brought back by Marco Polo from China. However, while the Chinese make it with rice, Europeans found it easier to use wheat in its confection. That may be the origins of the pasta that has made Italy famous across the globe.
It gets better: allegedly, Marco Polo also carried pizza home from China. But according to the tale, he got it wrong: while the Chinese put the dough over the ingredients, he put the ingredients on top. As you may imagine, the Italians liked it and have been passing this tradition on for generations ever since.
But the good part of Venice is, it’s not just about pasta and pizza. The seas off the Veneto coast have the luxury of being full of delicious fish, which you are likely to find in your plates. Foodies with an addiction to fish will be blown away. For example, try “sarde al saor”, which are sardines or anchovies marinated in sweet onion, served with pine nuts and raisins. Another bestseller at Venice restaurants is baccalà mantecata. Its composition is simple: cod fish, garlic, olive oil, parsley. But Venetians have the ability to turn the most simple ingredients into the best culinary marvels. Go see for yourself.
According to your culinary preferences, you can take a comprehensive look at Venetian specialties. Don’t miss out on wine tours, which can take you through the region to discover its best wineries. Aperitivo , the Italian version of aperitif, often consists in spritz served with a few snacks. Venice is also known for its cheap but flavorful ice cream (gelato) and coffee brewing activities. Many tours are offered for you to discover those points in more depth.
Last but not least, you’d be wrong to book a hotel that wouldn’t satisfy your passion for food. Here’s a recommendation that will send you to heaven. With its several bars and exceptional gourmet restaurant, the Hotel Danieli will send you to heaven.
ONE OF THE WORLD’S TOP ROMANTIC DESTINATIONS
Of course, Venice is very serious about food, but that’s not all it has to boast about. Couples of all ages looking for a romantic getaway together will have no choice but to surrender to the charms of Venice. Make your stay in Italy a 5-star adventure!
Haute couture boutiques, five-star hotels and charming little streets and canals … the city is fairly easy on the eye. A perfect setting for lovers to stroll together, with no other purpose than bonding in a picturesque atmosphere.
Make the most of your trip in Venice and treat yourself to the best in terms of lodging. At the Gritti Palace, you will most likely find some of the most luxurious rooms you will ever see in your life. Its location right in the center and its amazing views will probably convince you.
Venice also is a perfect place to feel Italian expertise in terms of music. Get a pair of tickets and go listen to your favorite symphony or opera melodies!
The city’s art scene also is of some interest. For a more specifically Venetian exhibition, head to the Galleria dell’Accademia. Unlike the Accademia in Florence, this museum focuses on Venice’s master painters between the 14th and the 18th century. Veneziano and Titian are among the most famous names you will see. And if you’re a modern art person, you won’t leave hungry either. The Peggy Guggenheim collection features works by 20th-century modern art masters, from Picasso to Andy Warhol!
A WEEKEND IN VENICE: SIGHTSEEING OPPORTUNITIES
If you’re in Venice for a short period of time only, don’t hesitate to book a hotel directly in the city center. Even if you are booking at the last minute, some places offer incredible deals on their still unoccupied rooms. Don’t miss out on them!
The most iconic place in all Venice probably is St. Mark’s Square. Among other things you will find there is the Doges’ Palace. There, see the incredible luxury in which the rulers of Venice used to live during its golden age.
If you can’t squeeze in a gondola tour into your tight schedule, it’s fine. Here is the best way to make up for it: a vaporetto, a small boat, will take you from the station to San Marco through the city’s major water thoroughfare.
Climb to the top of the 99-meter-high Campanile. This tower, which was destroyed several times throughout history, will offer you breathtaking views over the city, the coast and the Veneto region. On a clear day, you can even see the Dolomites mountains from there!
If you can manage to, try to plan your trip for one of Venice’s major cultural events. Visitors flock from the entire world to see the city’s unique carnival. Book your hotel well in advance for some great deals and spend a memorable carnival.
During the warmer seasons, you would be wrong not to plan a trip to the beach. There is a strip of land off the coast of Venice which offers all the elements to a perfect beach day: Lido di Venezia. There, you can bathe in the Adriatic Sea or perfect your tan! Many restaurants on the shore will have you over for a lunch of local seafood.
Venice will please all those who are hungry for adventure!