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Historic Sites
The historic sites you’ll encounter while wandering along Venice’s footpaths and riverside quays only bolster the originality and charm of this unique city. Whether you crave to learn more about how this water-locked paradise came to be or wish to walk across one of its iconic bridges, it won’t take much to be captivated by Venice. Here are some historic highlights we recommend on your Venetian getaway.
Grand Canal
The water-based unifier of Venice is its Grand Canal. Hop aboard a gondola ride for a leisurely and romantic row along this 2-mile-long main “street.” Float under iconic bridges and marvel in the stacked houses that line the Venetian streets as you soak in la bea vita (the beautiful life). While in Venice, we highly suggest you take time to appreciate this picturesque aquatic site.
Saint Mark's Basilica
Take a moment to appreciate the elaborate Saint Mark’s Basilica after enjoying a stroll through the popular square of the same name. Featuring many different styles of architecture, the church is replete with lavish statues and thousands of square feet of intricately painted mosaic works. Our guests loved spotting the statue of St. Mark along with Venice's emblem: a lion with wings.
Bridge of SIghs
Amble along one of the most romantic bridges in Italy and let out a blissful sigh as you’re surrounded by Venetian beauty. Our local experts say that the original intent of this famed bridge was to connect Venice’s Old Prison in the Doge's Palace to the New Prison, which was situated directly across the river. Now, the bridge is mostly reserved for lovers, travelers, and those looking to make their way to the other side of the Rio di Palazzo.
Rialto Bridge
Revel in the beauty of this marvel of engineering. Whether you stand atop of it at sunset or pass under it via a gondola ride, the Rialto Bridge is a testament to what makes Venice such a splendid destination. We think this iconic bridge should be on your must-see list.
Art and Culture
Like the city itself, Venice’s art and cultural scenes are known for being one-of-a-kind. From trendsetting fashions to controversial and evocative artwork, Venice is known for defying convention. Explore the city’s museums and creative happenings to connect with Venetian culture on a deeper level.
Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Examine the work of contemporary artists and their boundary-pushing pieces as you tour one of the first modern art museums in Italy. While there, you might recognize priceless works of 20th-century painters such as Pollock, Klee, Mondrian, and de Chirico. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is located in Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, Guggenheim's former home in Venice.
Galleria dell'Accademia
Though similar in name to the Accademia in Florence, this gallery offers a tribute to Venetian heritage with a display of local artistic works. Here you’ll find the luminaries of Venetian painting from the 14th to the 18th centuries, including Paolo Veneziano, Giovanni Bellini, Giorgione, Titian, and Tiepolo.
Glass Blowing
Take a boat trip with your fellow travelers to Murano Island and see the ancient art of glass blowing. Watch a demonstration as to how this intricate art is created and revel in the beautiful glassware created by local artisans. This is a unique experience many of our previous guests have enjoyed.
Museo Civico Correr
Venice’s rich and illustrious legacy of art and history unfold in the Museo Civico Correr. Step back in time as you explore intricate Neoclassical rooms, and meander through the Imperial Apartments as you marvel at the ancient architecture. This is a great way to get acquainted with Venice’s storied past.
Cuisine
Thanks to ample water and lagoon aquaculture, the seafood in Venice is truly divine. This metropolis offers a wide variety of distinctive food and drink. Let us whet your appetite for delectable Venetian fare.
Wine
Take a sip of Venice’s own take on sparkling wine, the delightfully bubbly prosecco. This airy sweet drink is not fermented in the bottle, but produced using the Charmat method where the wine is fermented in steel tanks. Enjoy an aperol spritz as you watch the sun set below the Venetian skyline.
Vermicelli al nero di sepia
For a pasta dish with a delightful seafood twist, order the vermicelli al nero di sepia, or spaghetti with squid ink. Don’t be alarmed by the black hue of the noodles; it’s merely a result of the squid ink mixing with the tomato sauce to create a delightfully briny flavor. This is a truly delicious and unique meal.
Tramezzino
For an on-the-go Venetian snack with a lot of flavor, try a tramezzino. This simple handheld meal consists of two triangular pieces of white bread with a variety of inventive savory fillings inside. From prosciutto and mozzarella to radicchio with olives and melted cheese, you’ll love nibbling on this while exploring the Grand Canal.
Moeche fritte
Our local guides suggest ordering this seasonal seafood delicacy if you happen to see it on the menu. Plucked from the Venetian waters, Moeche are little crabs battered and fried whole. With a crunchy exterior and soft, sweet interior, they’re a treat for shellfish fans.
