Venice

Oh Venice…the name alone conjures romantic images of gondoliers leisurely cruising down the city’s famous canals. And while this Italian city is most famous for its picturesque waterways, it also holds a historic and cultural treasure that is among the best in the world. So let’s get started planning your holiday in Venice, the fabled city made famous by Shakespeare..

If your Venice vacation starts at Venice Marco Polo Airport, you can reach the city center on the ACTV bus lines or, more appropriately, via one of the Alilaguna water-buses. If flying into the nearby Treviso Airport, there are frequent bus and train connections to shuttle you into Venice. Finally, Italy’s train network is vast and you can visit Venice on train from major cities like Rome and Florence. More nostalgic visitors could even ride the legendary Orient Express which connects Venice with London.

Square one for Venice tourism is Piazza San Marco, the city’s main square and home to St. Mark’s Basilica whose Campanile bell tower offers priceless views of the city, the Grand Canal, and the islands of Lido, Murano, and San Giorgio. Other top sights during your trip to Venice include the Bridge of Sighs, Doge’s Palace, and the remarkable paintings in the Church of San Cassiano.

Venice is also known for both its modern and historic festivals. It’s home to the Venice International Film Festival which takes place in late August. You could also try to plan your trip to Venice around the Carnival of Venice, a festival famous for its elaborate costumes and striking masks. So whether you want to experience the best of the Carnival of Venice or simply soak in the sights and sounds on a gondola, check out the tips below from real travelers and start planning your Venice trip today.