Venice

Must See

• St Mark's Square The focal point of the city, where you can watch the world go by.
• Rialto Bridge Unique architectural design that houses bazaars and an advantageous view over the Grand Canal.
• Grand Canal Watch scenes from daily Venetian life 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.

Must Do

• Take a ride in a gondola and be swept away by the charm of the city as it flows past you at a leisurely pace.
• The wonderful fruit markets of the Rialto and the Cannareggio areas offer an interesting insight into local life.
• Make sure you save some time for some aimless wandering so as not to miss the delights that the calle 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.

Food and Drink
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, whilst 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 Louis Vuitton, Bulgari and Versace, whereas the Mercerie 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.
Where To Stay
Venice is best navigated on foot and St Mark’s Square is the focal point of the city, whilst the area around the Rialto Bridge offers a bustling atmosphere and is just a short walk from the tourist sights. Santa Croce, lying south of the upper stretch of the Grand Canal and close to the train station, is another appealing area, full of local charm and atmosphere.
Things To Do

• WALKING TOUR See the city's highlights from a historical and artistic view, including St Mark's Square, the Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs.
• 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.
• 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.
• GONDOLA SERENADE AND 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.
• 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.

Insider Tip
From 5 – 16 February 2010 the city comes alive with the sights and sounds of the world-famous Venice Carnival. St Mark’s Square fills with glamorous, sinister figures in masks and costumes. Definitely not one to miss!
Celebration
Book a table at the romantic Caffe Quadri, and take in the sights and special atmosphere of the famous St Mark’s Square over an ice-cream or coffee.
Travel to Venice in style on the alluring Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a perfect way to arrive in this romantic city for a special celebration.