Venice
Explore italy's city of water and its vibrant history.
The city of Venice isn't just steeped in history its past flows through its famous canals and can be seen in every crevice of the city's magnificent architecture. If you're looking for a cultural trip with a Renaissance vibe, you needn't look any further. But don't be fooled into forcing Venice into this corner because it has so much more to offer you.
In the 18th century, Venice was a party city and in some ways it still is especially if you visit in the run-up to Lent. At that time of year, Venice really lets its hair down and goes all out in Carnevale. An already vibrant Venice comes alive as the streets are filled with people in elaborate costumes and masks in an open-air festival that spans the entire city. You'll find live music in the squares, balls and parties to attend, and an endless list of sights to see.
For those looking for something a little quieter, it's important to remember that Venice is an incredibly busy tourist city thanks to its stunning buildings and lively history, but as long as Carnevale isn't on, you should be okay. When the streets aren't full of mask-wearing revellers, you'll find it a lot easier to check out the other attractions Venice offers you.
It's the gondolas that are most associated with the city. You'd regret it if you went all that way and missed out on the experience of riding through Venice's canals via the traditional method. You can book tours of the city from the water or simply go for a ride, but it's best to stay away from the Grand Canal as it can get incredibly busy. It is a must-do experience, as there is no other way to appreciate how to get around in the Floating City. For a cheaper alternative, try the traghetti (public gondolas) that cross the Grand Canal.
For some good Gothic architecture, the Doge's Palace is where you'll want to head next. Built in 1424, it was one of the city's most important buildings, and it reopened as a museum in 1923. During the Venetian Republic, this was where the ruler would live, spending their days in opulent apartments and stunning halls. The palace also has chambers from when the city was administrated from there, and a prison, connected by the famous Bridge of Sighs. For more splendour, check out Saint Mark's Basilica near the Doge's Palace. While the outside is simply stunning, inside really is something to behold. Over 8,000 square metres (86,000 square feet) of mosaics cover the walls, vaults and copulas, telling different stories from the Bible with glittering gold backgrounds.
But Venice has more than history. A littleknown fact is that Venice is the capital of the Veneto region: the home of Prosecco. With tiny wine bars all through the city, it's impossible to go for a drink and not see it on the menu. It's the perfect excuse to try the different flavours as you sit overlooking the gorgeous canals on a warm summer day.