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| Venezia, Veneto, Italy |
Venice is the capital of the Veneto Region of the Italian Republic, and is located within the Venetian Lagoon which is on the Adriatic coastline in the north-eastern part of the country. The city is one of the world’s great tourist destinations and is on everybody’s list of places to visit!! Well known for its unique canals, bridges and historic architecture, Venice is an unusual and interesting place to visit, and with its varied art and culture, an appealing destination for all ages.
Once a great maritime city, Venice is one of the world’s great historic centres as during the days of the early Venetian Republic, it became a major influence through its trade and commerce. This lasted for approximately 1000 years, over the eastern Mediterranean area, the islands of Greece and the Middle East. During the late 13th century Venice became the most prosperous city in Europe, and this prosperity led the leading families into vying with each other to build the grandest palaces, and support the work of the greatest and most talented artists, making it an important centre during the Renaissance. Fortunately today this influence is reflected in the culture, the art, the architecture, and the beautiful bridges of this magical city, which is alive with bustling crowds, exuberant locals, waterways and boats!!
Known as the ‘City of Bridges’, Venice has been built over 118 islands and criss crossed with approximately 150 canals, which have an estimated 400 bridges crossing them!! Venice is the largest car-free city in the whole of Europe, and this means free from scooters and bicycles too!! This grand, historic city has been built on wooden piles sunk into the bottom of the shallow lagoon, which support roughly 15,000 buildings, housing approximately 65,000 residents. These buildings, which are usually several stories high, are built close together and create an intriguing narrow network of walkways, alleyways and streets, with the only large Piazza being St. Mark’s Square. ‘La Piazza’ as it is referred to, is the centre point of the city and overlooked by the beautiful Byzantine architecture of St Mark’s Basilica, the patron saint of Venice, the tall brick St Mark’s Campanile (belltower), St Mark’s Clocktower, several other historic buildings and the Doge’s Palace which overlooks the Grand Canal . Once just a market square, today this square is often considered to be one of the finest in the world, as it truly reflects the greatness that Venice once was!!
Venice was once a Republic of its own and was governed by an elected Doge, or Duke, and the Doge’s Palace is simply a breathtaking waterside palace built in the Gothic style. The Accademia Gallery is one of a large number of galleries and museums worthy of a visit, and houses wonderful paintings from the 14th to 18th centuries, from artists like Bellini, Picasso, Titian and others.
There are many places to see and experiences to enjoy on your visit to Venice, so make a quick stop at one of the visitor information centres for a map and details. There is one in the Piazza San Marco and one in the Santa Lucia Train Station.
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| Accommodation | Tours |  |
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Hotel Continental Venice
Venice
 |  Hotel Continental is located in the perfect spot for those who wish to comfortably visit Venice, and enjoy being on Canal Grande in Lista di Spagna. The hotel is located just before the beginning of Strada Nova, one of the city's main pedestrian streets and unquestionably the most picturesque strol... |
Amadeus Hotel
Venice
 | The hotel is located on the historic island of Venice, close to the Grand Canal. It is close to the railway station, the car and airport shuttle bus terminals and the vaporettos. The hotel and the rooms are furnished in an 18th century Venetian style. The common rooms feature Murano mirrors and ... |
Hotel Biasutti
Venice
| The hotel is situated on the fashionable Lido and is a traditional villa style hotel surrounded by flowered gardens. It is only 350 metres from the beach on the Venetian island. Guests can head for the hotel's stretch of private sandy beach, and explore the surrounding area with its rental bicycle... |
Savoia & Jolanda Hotel
Venice
|  This charming and intimate hotel is located in the historical centre of Venice, overlooking the Grand Canal and close to St Mark's Square. It enjoys a truly unforgettable view of Saint Mark's Basin and the Island of San Giorgio. The hotel has been recently renovated and offers guests a truly Venet... |
Hotel Tiepolo
Venice
|  The small charming family-run hotel is situated in a superb location close to St Mark's Square. The hotel is small and elegant, and fuses the Venetian tradition of precious marble, fabrics and Murano glass with a refined minimalist style. A delightful hotel for those wanting a comfortable, afforda... |
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Europe's Highlights
13 days |  This tour will suit those travellers who have a limited time and want to see as much as possible. The tour moves at a fast pace through the first half of the trip and then there are two nights in Rome and ending the trip with three wonderful nights in Paris.
Leave London in the early morning and... |
European Spotlight - Start Amsterdam
11 days |  This tour appeals to the first-time visitors to Europe and gives a good introduction to Holland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and a little bit of France. There are two night stays in Amsterdam, Venice, Lucerne and Paris. Relax on a scenic cruise along the Rhine River, spend time in Heidelberg bef... |
European Magic
9 days |  European Magic takes the tried & tested favourite destinations of travellers through Europe & packs them into 1 awesome itinerary - 7 countries in just over a week. The beauty of this tour is seeing so much in a short space of time & knowing that each day is guaranteed to bring something completely ... |
Best of Italy & Sicily
15 days |  You can never get enough of Renaissance masterpieces in Florence, the legendary landmarks of Rome's glorious past, Sicily's ancient ruins or the warm Italian beaches. Explore stunning Isle of Capri, the fascinating preservations of Pompeii and the understated beauty of Palermo and Sorrento.
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European Whirl
12 days |  European Whirl visits 8 countries in 12 days. See the sights of Belgium, Holland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, France & the United Kingdom. The famous and beautiful cities of Amsterdam, Innsbruck, Venice, Rome, Florence, Lucerne and Paris with all the hidden wonders in between. You'll drive... |
European Interlude
15 days |  This brilliant tour is a fusion of some of the best-loved cities in European, including Amsterdam, Vienna, Rome, Florence, Innsbruck, Lucerne and Paris. See Big Ben and shop in London’s Knightsbridge, view Cologne’s gothic cathedral, visit Mozart’s birthplace in Salzburg and cruise Venice’s canals. ... |
Simple Italy
12 days | Few places dazzle and overload your senses like Italy, where every region teases, tempts, and delivers something memorable. You’re booked to roam in Rome, Florence, Venice, and Vatican City, but to appreciate smaller pockets of pleasure, slow your roll or curb your flow by securing a relaxing gondol... |
Italy's Great Cities
9 days |  This trip will show you the highlight cities of Italy, covering all the notable features from St. Peter’s, the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum and the Forum in Rome to Michelangelo’s David and the cathedral in Florence and St. Mark’s Basilica and Doges’ Palace with the Bridge of Sighs in Venice. Local... |
Italian Escapade
13 days |  This popular tour suits both the first-time and the seasoned traveller who want a well paced and in depth tour of just one country. Italy has so much to offer in history, art and architecture not to mention the shopping. With only one, one night stay in Assisi the tour gives you plenty of time to ... |
Rome to Paris
9 days |  This classic tour provides the perfect introduction to Europe and provides a different way to get from Rome to London. When you arrive, you have the first two nights in Rome. While on your in depth sightseeing tour, you will visit the independent Vatican State, the richest community in the world. ... |
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