Lying in the northeast of Italy in the lush Veneto region, Venice has been the gateway to the Orient for centuries. Historians say that Venice was born of adversity as inhabitants of the Veneto region fled from Attila the Hun to take refuge in the shallow lagoon. One of the few cities in the world that can be truly described as unique. See for yourself the gondolas gliding through narrow canal streets and the ornate bridges of Venice where delightful architecture spans centuries.
Venice holiday highlights
• The marvellous palaces and churches dotted along the canals whilst flirtatious gondolas languidly accommodate lovers and remember nostalgically the days of Casanova and the jovial carnival masquerades.
• The Grand Canal, being the main artery, is a good introduction to the city, with its best highlights starting from Piazzale Roma meandering through and under the majestic bridges, all the way to St. Mark’s Square. In the intricate maze of alleyways and campo (squares) the only traffic is blissfully pedestrian.
• Theatrical Venice, a city of opera, melodrama, tragedy and comedy makes a perfect setting for its carnival.
• The Lido is also part of the Venice commune. This long spit of land forms the outer edge of the Lagoon and enjoys an eight mile long beach. Enriched with palatial hotels and villas it attracts poets and high society. In the late 19th century, the isle was the pinnacle of the belle époque fashion, so brilliantly evoked in Thomas Mann’s Death in Venice, and Visconti’s subsequent film. With its bathing, Municipal Casino, trendy cafés and restaurants, the Lido is still the playground of the Venetians and venue for the annual Film Festival.
Modern Venice is easily accessible on foot, but for the less energetic, or the more romantic, travelling by water on a gondola or convenient (and less expensive) water taxi, is a must to view the various islets and sights this city boasts.