Venice holidays and city breaks

Name: Apostoli Palace
Address: Venice
Price range: From €539pp

The city of Venice is simply stunning and completely unique. Founded more than 1,500 years ago on 117 different islands. It is a city of immense beauty.

The maze of tiny side streets and pedestrianised laneways make for a shopping and foodie heaven and once you’re staying in the city, you get a real feel for the place in the evening, once all the “day tourists” have gone home. It is best experienced on foot and offers a wealth of historic monuments, magical piazzas and some incredible museums.

You can see how Venice has inspired artists, writers and poets the world over. It is a city preserved in time where all buildings are supported on slender oak and pine piles (posts) which are driven deep into the ground to create a solid foundation.

Venice is, without doubt, one of the most beautiful and popular cities in the world, and is always admired by the many tourists that visit throughout the year.

Holidays in Venice

Venice’s history

The Correr – history and traditions: With a collection designed to illuminate the history and traditions of the city, the Correr is a must-see. Wander through the Napoleonic-era ballroom and have a look into the suite that Franz Joseph and Sissi occupied in the 19th century.

The Merchant of Venice: Located in a beautiful 17th-century pharmacy in a Neo-Gothic style, the store of The Merchant of Venice is a must-see not only for the perfumes but definitely for the original features of the pharmacy. It’s an upmarket perfume brand.

Venice’s bridges & canals

Grand Canal: With no proper streets in Venice, canals are the main infrastructure. Take a private water taxi and cruise along the Grand Canal, enjoying the different point of view of the city, stop for photos and enjoy the different style of transportation.

Ponte de Chido: Located in a rather untouristy part of Venice, the Ponte de Chiodo is one of the few bridges that have no parapet. This makes it a perfect photo spot. The area of Cannaregio has coloured buildings with some good restaurants around.

Venice Lido: Lido is a separated island that shines with a long stretch of a beautiful beach. As a barrier between Venice and the Adriatic Sea, it is a less touristy part with a laid back feeling, some nice cafes and restaurants.

Bridge of Sighs: A rather tiny bridge with a though important history. Legend says that criminals were taken trough the bridge, catching one last glimpse of Venice and sigh. You can also go inside the bridge and have a look out.

Venice’s architecture

St. Mark’s Basilica: This Basilica is the most famous building in Venice since 1092 and one of the most important religious ones in Northern Italy. It’s built to an impeccable design, with details so carefully done that will make you stare for longer.

St. Mark’s Square: The square in front of the St. Mark’s Basilica, surrounded by ornate buildings with arched walkways, is the perfect location to start your discovery of Venice. While there, head in the St. Mark’s Campanile, the Doge’s Palace and Torre dell’Orologio.

St. Giorgio Maggiore Monastery: Situated on St. Giorgio Island, the Monastery is worth a visit. As there is no connection to the main canals of Venice, take a private water taxi for transportation. Hike the campanile to get great views of the main city of Venice.

Wander and get lost: Venice is easy to walk through and there are too many great buildings to see, so just wander around, get lost in the little streets, find your way to beautiful architecture and stop in museums on the way. You won’t be disappointed.