Grand Canal Watch scenes from daily Venetian lift along the main waterway of the city.

Campanile Enjoy the wonderful views from the balcony where Galileo demonstrated his telescope to the doge.

Doge's Palace Magnificent and opulent, this was once the official residence of the 120 doges who ruled Venice..

Make sure you save some time for some aimless wandering so as not to miss the delights that the calles of Venice have to offer.

Eat an ice cream: Italy is famous for its gelato and there's no exception here, with ice cream vendors on most corners.

Venice offers a wide range of eating options from local snacks to elegant and world-famous restaurants where you can dine well and experience local cuisines. The terrace restaurant of the Danieli offers some of the best tables in the city, with incomparable views over the Venetian lagoon, and is perfect for a celebratory meal. Seafood features widely and there are numerous high-quality fish restaurants with a dazzling collection of the day's fresh catch. Wash it all down with the wonderful array of local wine on offer, produced in the Veneto region.

For those with a sweet tooth, the windows of the old Venetian bakers hold delights such as spiced pastries and almond-encrusted tarts. The Burano islands are home to the busolai, sweet S-shaped biscuits with a hint of aniseed, while the rich tiramisu is the most famous of Venetian desserts.

Shopping

The streets just off St Mark's Square are a haven for those looking for designer fashion, with shops such as Lois Vuitton, Bulgari and Versace, whereas the Mercurie and the streets between the square and the Rialto Bridge offer more affordable shopping opportunities.

Alternatively, pick up some of the regional specialities such as the fabulous Murano glass products; head to the island of Murano itself to see the glass-blowers at work. Look out for locally crafted painted carnival masks and hand-painted fabrics.

 

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Excursions

Walking Tour of Venice & Doge's Palace
See the city's highlights from a historical and artistic view, including St Mark's Square, the Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs. Includes entry to Doge's Palace.

Departs: daily 01 Apr - 31 Oct. Duration: half day.
Adult from £49.

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Venetian Islands
A motorboat ride to Murano with its famous glass factory, the islands of Burano where beautiful lacework is still taught, and Torcello with its seventh-century Basilica.

Departs: daily. Duration: half day.
Adult from £19.

Caffe Quadri
Experience the unique ambience of St Mark's Square with a table reserved for you at the exclusive Caffe Quadri, a prime location from which to watch the world go by. Linger over a coffee with cake or a long drink with savoury snack or an ice cream, while live music plays.

Departs: daily except Mondays 01 Nov - 31 Mar 2012.
Adult from £23.

Gondola Serenade & Evening Serenade
A 45-minute gondola ride along the Grand Canal and entrancing waterways with musicians and singers. Collective gondola - up to 6 max per gondola. Gondola ride times are seasonal.

Departs: daily.
Adult (over 12 years) from £42.

A night in Venice
Take a romantic private 40-minute gondola ride along the Grand Canal and the Venetian inner canals. Finishing very near to the gondola stop and enjoy a three-course menu in a typical Venetian restaurant.

Departs: daily.
Adult from £106.