Venice – 118 islands to explore

Venice, the capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region, is built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. It has no roads, just canals – including the Grand Canal thoroughfare – lined with Renaissance and Gothic palaces. The central square, Piazza San Marco, contains St. Mark’s Basilica, which is tiled with Byzantine mosaics, and the Campanile bell tower offering views of the city’s red roofs.

Having just enjoyed four perfect days exploring the city with fewer visitors than normal and no cruise ships in town we really were lucky enough to see it at it’s best. We were welcomed with open arms and felt relaxed, safe, comfortable and inspired.

We could bore you with our daily schedule but feel it more appropriate to share with your our top tips for a weekend break.

• Arrival by water taxi is a ‘must’ this can be pre-booked in advance. Just a 10 minute walk from the airport terminal you will board your water taxi for a city arrival like no other
• Comfy shoes are essential, the main mode of transport is on foot
• A gondola ride is another must – choose your gondolier with care, do you want a peaceful romantic experience, or a chatty fun guide who will talk you through your journey – do note that the trips are more expensive after 7pm.
• Plan your visit well, you can waste hours walking round in circles.
• Take an extra day to visit Murano and Burano, it would be a travesty to visit Venice and not head out to these islands.

Murano – The island of Murano is renowned for its long tradition of glass-making. Ferry-loads of visitors come to explore the Museo del Vetro, which tells the story of glass through the centuries, and to shop for locally crafted souvenirs. Built in the Romanesque style, the Church of Santa Maria and San Donato has a colorful mosaic floor and supposedly houses the bones of a slain dragon.

Burano – Picturesque Burano is known for its brightly colored fishermen’s houses and its casual eateries serving seafood from the lagoon. The Museo del Merletto has exhibits on the development of lace-making in the area, and shops sell lace products like linens and clothes, as well as the local butter cookies called “bussolai buranei.” The ancient Chiesa di San Martino has a leaning 17th-century bell tower.

• Aperol Spritz is the drink of favour but make sure you sample a Hugo Spritz.
• To visit Venice and not enjoy the local seafood would be a travesty and a MUST visit restaurant is Trattoria Al Gato Nero on Burano. This is the perfect place to spend the afternoon enjoying delicious food and wine in the most exquisite location.
• A visit to a traditional Gelato is a must, with the widest choice of flavours imaginable including the Bellini flavour.
• A visit to Harry’s Bar – Home of The Bellini
• Enjoy a cocktail on the roof terrace of the H10 Hotel overlooking the Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge
• Visit the fish market located close to the Rialto Bridge
• If you want to really learn about local Venetian food the first thing to do is to start sampling the city’s famous cicchetti – little snacks (the Venetian answer to tapas) available in bars called bacari.
• And of course no visit would be complete without visiting all the amazing historical sites of interest, The Doges Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, The Rialto Bridge, The Bridge of Sighs, Piazza San Marco and more!

We highly recommend a visit to this city this autumn before the crowds return, for hotel recommendations please get in touch.