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IN A NUTSHELL
WHAT: Venice, Italian city of canals and islands.
WHERE: Northern Italy, at the top of the Adriatic near
Austria and Slovenia.
WHY: One of the great pedestrian cities of the world.
Food, shopping, and sightseeing, this is truly a romantic city.
WHEN: Any time of year, but the summer will draw a mass
of tourists.
HOW: International and regional flights into Venice's
Marco Polo International Airport or via train up the Italian
peninsula from Rome.
IF YOU LIKE THIS... Then you should check out
Bruges, the "Venice of the
North." |
 Venice
(Venezia) is one of the world's greatest pedestrian cities.
Whether it's sparkling in late spring sunshine or shrouded in winter
mist, this city will enchant you in every way.
No automotive vehicles are permitted within the city of Venice,
which lies offshore on a series of islands. Everything in the
city is transported by boat from the mainland and through the cities
many canals to its destination. The fact that there are no
cars, buses, or motorcycles on Venice's narrow streets make it a
perfect place to walk around and enjoy the old city sights.
For more tips and information, click
here for my
Trip to Venice.
Walking Tours of Venice
The old city is very compact, yet there is much to see and do.
The area is absolutely littered with famous historical sights, the
most familiar of which are the Piazza San Marco and the Grand Canal.
These two locations are must-see sights, yet there is more to Venice
than open squares and markets. The countless churches situated
around the city are all must-visit destinations (we are not
exaggerating here).
Each church boasts a magnificent selection of paintings by famous
Italian Renaissance masters such as Bellini, Tintoretto and Titian.
Each church is quite literally a mini-art museum, with some churches
having each wall (and even ceilings) covered by fantastic paintings
like a patchwork quilt.
Even more enjoyable, perhaps, is walking through the narrow streets
of the old city. In places the streets are so narrow you can
stretch your arms out and touch the buildings on either side of the
street. There are streets down which the sun never shines (a
benefit in the hot Italian summers). This is all part of the
charm of Venice, which has retained much of its old character.
The city has done a good job withstanding the march of time.
Walking down the streets it is not hard to imagine you are seeing
the city as it was seen by Marco Polo and other famous historical
figures in centuries past.
Venice, quite simply, is one of our favorite destinations.
TIP: When you
visit Venice you will do a great deal of walking around the city, so
come prepared with comfortable shoes. In addition, take a few
minutes to map your routes around the city; shortcuts across the
city save valuable time.
For more tips and information, click
here for my
Trip to Venice.
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Around Venice |
 Piazza San Marco
The grandest of Venice's grand squares. This Piazza offers
much to visitors, with the Basilica San Marco, views from the clock
tower, and the surrounding markets.
 Canal Grande
The Grand Canal is
Venice's version of Main Street. The 4 km long canal forms an
'S' curve through the middle of the city, slicing right along
Venice's grandest tourist sights.
 RIALTO BRIDGE
Venice only has three bridges which cross its Grand
Canal. Of these three bridges, the Bridge at Rialto is the
most famous.
 Santa Maria Della Salute
Chiesa Santa Maria
della Salute is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Venice.
It's towering dome dominates the Dorsoduro neighborhood and is one
of the main churches along the Grand Canal.
 Gallerie Dell'Accademia
Venice's greatest art museum boasts masterpieces from the great
Venetian masters such as Bellini, Giorgione, Carpaccio, Tizziano,
Tintoretto, Veronese and Tiepolo. The building housing these
great paintings also once served as a church and a monastery. |
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Venice Travel Tips |
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WHERE TO STAY
Find out which parts of the city to stay
near...and which parts to avoid!
WATER TRANSPORTATION
Tired of
walking? Like any other city, Venice offers several modes of
transportation. The catch is that they all travel on water.
VENETIAN SOUVENIRS
Curious about what to buy in Venice?
LAGOON ISLANDS
Visit
a part of Venice most tourists never see!
MAP
Take a look at our map of Venice, which includes common
Vaporetto routes and points out the locations of the different
highlights around the city!
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Other European
Cities |
 ROME
Visit Italy's bustling capital for a
true walk through the history books. Rome is a delight for all
travelers. Whether you're looking for history, architecture,
art, or just a great meal, you'll find it in Rome.
 Heidelberg
Heidelberg is the very image of
romantic Germany. The city's 17th Century red sandstone castle
ruin and the old bridge are two of the most majestic sights in all of
Germany. |
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Moving to Europe?
Look at out our tips! |
 Moving
to Germany
Whether you are a member of the US Air
Force, Army, or Navy, check out our guide to moving to Europe.
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