This captivating city may be famous the over world for its charming vistas and unique style, but nothing prepares you for the fairytale beauty you'll encounter on your first vaporetto ride along Venice's famed waterways.
Built on over 100 small islands, the city is home to living history in its ancient architecture as well as a huge collection of art.
Byzantine, Gothic and Renaissance are the principal reference points for the artistic development of Venice. The Basilica of San Marco is a masterpiece of Romanesque-Byzantine style, the centre of Venetian life throughout the centuries, while the 16th-century Rialto Bridge is a splendid example of the Renaissance style. And, throughout the city, the testimonies of great Venetian masters are revealed in paintings from the 15th, 16th and 17th Centuries.
Stroll from the arched Rialto Bridge, a monument to the rivo alto (high bank) where many Venetians first settled, to the Piazza San Marco, the magnificent open square with its toy-town 15th-century clock tower, the long arcades of the procuratie (government buildings of the Republic), and vast open pavements. Here, enjoy a coffee or an apertivo at Florian, Quadri, or any of the stylish cafés that spill out from under the arcades and soak up the surrounding beauty.
It has often been noted that Venetians are enamoured of the surface of things, so it's hardly surprising that Venice can seem like a preposterous stage set, a city almost too good to be true.
Sarah
Travel Specialist
Where to go in Venice
Looking for inspiration?
You'll find expert travel guides, holiday ideas and insider tips now on Other Shores
Short-Haul Sun: Top 10 Short Flight Holidays From the UK
Short flights from the UK to somewhere hot are becoming increasingly popular. Let's face it, the we...
Other Shores Team - September, 2023Luxury Travel Calendar: The Best Holiday Destinations For Every Month in 2023
Welcome to your year of bucket list travel... From private islands to ancient cities and undisco...
Other Shores Team - September, 2023Where are the Best Beaches in Italy?
From the golden sands of Sicily, to the unspoiled shores of Puglia and the striking Amalfi Coast, t...
Ceri - May, 2023Where to Find The Best Beaches in Europe
With so much stunning coastline to explore, listing the top beaches in Europe is no easy task. ...
Other Shores Team - May, 202310 of the Best Infinity Pools in the World
It's not just extraordinary destinations that compel us to travel, but also the incredible faciliti...
Other Shores Team - September, 202310 Filming Locations to Inspire Your Next Holiday
2020 might not have been the travel year that many of us were hoping it would be, but that didn't s...
Other Shores Team - August, 2023Our Top 10 Family Holiday Destinations
Family and travel have both become even more important than ever, recently. So, you might be one...
Sophie - September, 2023Champagne, Lobster and Caviar... The Venice Simplon Orient Express
I was lucky enough to get tickets for a journey aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Unquestio...
Gabrielle - July, 2021Pasta Making and the Ponte Vecchio: Florence by Belmond
Tuscany is considered something of a classic travel experience. After my September visit, I wouldn'...
Gabrielle - May, 2023The Inspiring Difference
Personal to you
- We get to know you personally
- Tailor-made holidays that are unique to you
- Enhancing your escape with personal touches
Experts in luxury
- Expert Travel Specialists with first-hand knowledge
- Only the best premium travel experiences
- Handpicked selection of world-class luxury resorts
Always here
- Speak to us any time with 24-hour support
- Premium concierge service
- Personal relationships with our passionate team
Extensive experience
- Nearly 50 years of bespoke luxury travel
- Strong Relationships with industry partners
- Diverse portfolio and exclusive experiences
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware