Activities in Venice

Culture

Venice, the ‘sinking city’ which has inspired artists, writers and poets the world over, has plenty to offer on the culture front. It is a city preserved in time and still bears a remarkable resemblance to the works of Canneletto and his friends, which you can view in the Gallerie dell' Accademia. The maze of tiny side streets is a shopaholic’s haven. From tiny botteghe where you can buy traditional Carnevale masks, to workshops specialising in Venetian glassware, you’ll find plenty to bring home and remind you of your stay.

Apart from on foot, the only other way to travel in this romantic city is on the water. Take a gondola ride if you’re keen to experience Venice the iconic way, or hitch a ride in a water taxi for a speedier journey through the canals. And visit the Doge’s Palace. As well as all the majesty and decadence of its golden staircase and frescoes, you can walk across the Bridge of Sighs, offering a last glimpse of Venice to prisoners just committed to prison. See if you sigh at the view too…

Why not try -

• A glass of ‘ombre’, which is white wine, but known by this name in the Veneto region because wine sellers had to move with the shadow of the bell tower in St Mark’s Square to keep their wares cool.
• Stroll over the Rialto Bridge and browse the many shops and market stalls that line it
• The Venetians are a busy bunch and like to eat on the go. So to make like a local, graze on various tapas-style cicheti dishes whilst perched on a stool in a bacaro
• Fancy a view of Venice from above? Ride the lift 99 metres up the Campanile tower in the Piazza San Marco for views in Venice from the top of it’s tallest building

Venice City Walking Tour (Daily) from £20
Enjoy a full day in the floating city of charm, history and romance. With elegant palaces, the unique Grand Canal and St Mark's Square with its Doge's Palace and renowned Basilica, Venice is a must-see for all visitors.

Venetian Islands Tour (Daily) from £19
Explore the Venetian Lagoon and discover more hidden islands and archipelagos including the quaint Burano and the beautiful Cathedral of Torcello. Watch the city's history unfold in front of you as you visit some of the prettiest villages of Italy.

Secrets of the Doge's Palace (Thurs, Fri & Sat) from £26
Discover the hidden secrets within this amazing example of Gothic architecture. Explore the hidden passageways as you follow in the footsteps of some of the most important figures in Venetian history.

Evening Gondola Serenade (Daily) from£38