Join us at the Venice Videoart Fair 2009

In case you are not already aware, just a quick blog to let yu know about the Venice Videoart Fair 2009. This is one of my favourite events here in Venice, Italy, and taking place on San Servolo island, this is both an interesting and unusual festival.

The 5th, 6th and 7th June are the dates for this years event and it involves videosfrom a number of galleries. The videos are artistics style creations and thus an arty crowd attend this event which is a stone throws from St Marks Square.

To get to San Servolo Island you get use a water taxi. It is a popular stop for people attending exhibitions or fairs of this type. More information http://www.venicevideoartfair.org/

Venice property of the month - April 2009

Venice property of the month - April 2009

For April 2009 'Palazzo Rialto' in Venice is the Venice apartment of the month.

This apartment has an excellent location near to Piazza San Marco and is luxurious with its interior design ands style. Facilities include:

• Living room
• Kitchenette
• TV without satellite
• A/C
• Dishwasher
• Master bedroom, with king sized bed, King sized soft bed, Single bedroom 2 bathrooms

Up and Down the Bridges in Venice

Su e Zo per i ponti, what means “up and down the bridges” is a traditional event in Venice that will be held on the 19th April 2009. This year will be the 31st edition.It is a non-competitive run that anyone can enjoy; young and old, school parties, companies, sport groups and families. Last year 10.000 to 15.000 people participated this race.

The main goal of this race is to spend some time together with your friends and family and seeing all the beautiful spots that the city has to offer.

Many large groups from all over the world are coming to be a part of this marathon running race. Schools who are participating with more than 100 people will get a €200,- voucher to buy educational and/or sports material.

There are two routes available this year; the first one is 9.8 km (5 miles) and crosses 45 bridges. The second one is the shorter route which is 5.8 km (3,5 miles) and crosses 32 bridges. The race starts at 9:30am and the finish is at 2:30pm local time. Any profit that will be made will be donated to charity.

Collaborating restaurants nearby the marathon race are Ristorante all'Angelo and Ristorante la Valigia in San Marco and Self Service Rialto in Riva del Carbon.

Property of the month in Venice

This month’s property of the month in Venice is this luxury apartment in Venice called Croce Grande. The apartment has been fully restored and sleeps up to 6 people in 3 bedrooms, 2 double bedrooms and 1 twin bedroom. On top of that there are 2 bathrooms.

The apartment comprises of all the necessary amenities you need during your comfortable stay in Venice:

• 2 Plasma TVs
• Air-conditioning
• Dishwasher
• Autonomous Heating
• Vacuum Cleaner

The Santa Croce area here this apartment is located is a typical Venetian area within walking distance of the San Marco square and the Rialto bridge.

Carnival in Venice

Carnival in Venice is experiencing a great experience, you will not soon forget. Nowhere in the world, this Catholic event is celebrated with so much style. It is especially the masked ball (dating from the 13th century) which enjoys world fame, but also the other events of the carnival are worth watching.

During the two-week festival, the city is filled with people in the most beautiful costumes, theater groups and musicians from around the world. In the 18th century, this carnival was world famous and lasted more than a month. Napoleon Bonaparte even canceled the carnival.

It is only since the end of the second half of the 20th century that it is back and now the Carnival of Venice is one of the most famous carnivals of Europe. For more information please visit: http://www.carnivalofvenice.com/

Venice Comic Art Fest (From 12th - 14th Dec. 2008)

If you're in Venice from the 12th December, you might find yourself at the ex Casinò del Lido which is hosting the very first international “Venice Comic Art Fest”. This festival focuses on the world of comic art and provides the opportunity for you to find out more about comics.There are some fantastic designs and storyboards on display and if you're lucky, you'll get to mix with some of the famous guests from the world of cartoon art.

The legendary Milo Manara will be presenting much of his work from “Quarantasei” which is written by the motorcycling champion Valentino Rossi. This work is published as a separate book and in the Rolling Stone magazine. Accompanying this will be a conference at the university of Ca’ Foscari on the genre of comics and much more. The ultimate day of the festival see the opening a separate exhibtion at the Fondazione Querini Stampalia where you'll get to see Manara exhibit up until the 14th January.

Info: Ex Casinò, Lido Venice (Venice) - Information: http://www.venicecomicartfest.it/

Venice Events: The Market of Miracles

One of the events I enjoy here in Venice every year a lot, is the Market of Miracles and it is that time of year again. October 11-2th are the dates for this years event and if like me, you have an interest in antiques, then you will love this market.

Being a market, there is no entrance fee of any kind and even if you are not traditionally an antique dealer or buyer, it can be quite interesting to see some of the items culturally.

The event is enjoyed by everyone and is not necessarily aimed at serious antinue buyers. The market is there to be enjoyed by all and takes place at the Campo Santa Maria Nova. Our friends at Holiday Velvet will also be providing Venice apartments for the event if you need accommodation.

Romance in Venice, Italy

Romance in Venice isn't dead but it certainly doesn't come cheap. One of the most romantic cities in the world has become an overpriced hotspot for over-priced hotels and and restaurants.

However, you don't have to be a millionaire to enjoy Venice with your lover and with a bit of insider knowledeage you can still enjoy a romantic time on a budget.

Go off season - During the winter, Venice is magical city often shrouded in mist. It has less tourists and with it come lower prices both on flights, rooms and also restaurants.

Budget flights to Treviso - Treviso airport is the budget airline destination and is a short bus ride away from the city center.

Rent an apartment - Renting an apartment in Venice provides with a much cheaper alternative than a hotel. It can offer you the same privacy and as they come with their own catering facilities, you can save yourself a little extra by having candle lit dinners at home.

Get lost - Stay away from the usual tourist areas, go wandering around the city and get lost in its unique streets. Find those secret piazza's or hidden away cafe or restaurant, you'll also pay far less the further away you get from the crowds.

Find the real Venice - Dorsoduro will enable to you experience what real life in Venice is like. This lively area, particularly around the Campo Santa Margherita, is full of real venetians and is much more affordable.

Drink at Harry's Bar - Not everyone can hang back and afford the fantastic cocktails at one of the former haunts of Ernest Hemmingway. Rather than pay €14 for a signature Bellini cocktails (peach juice and prosecco sparkling wine), try the ‘spritz al bitter’ (prosecco, soda and Campari or Aperol) which is a favorite with the locals and around just €2 a glass.

Two man Gondola, The Traghetto - Taking the loved one on a gondola is not cheap and can set you back 100 euros if you go at peak time. Try taking the traghetto which are a two man gondola which ferries residents across the Grand Canal where there are no bridges.

It's a very authentic experience for as little as half a euro. - Why have dinner when you can eat lunch! Have a romantic dinner with your loved at lunchtime. Go away from the tourists and restaurants that display ‘menu turistico’ and head for the trattorie around the city (and especially in Dorsoduro). They often have very cheap set menues and you can eat well with as little as €10.

Regatta Storica in Venice, Italy annually

The Regata Storica is one of the most distinguishing and typical celebration of Venice. It takes place on the water, the distinguished element that has always characterized this particular city. It takes place on the first Sunday in September each year and dates back to the 13th century. The race features fast boats with two oars (gondolini), and historical boats containing people in costume that pass through the city.

If you want a good view you should get there at dawn, because the fans of this race get there early and are passionate enough about the festivities to provide an additional attraction to tourists. The admission is free.

There are a number of new Venice accommodations now available for the regatta in Venice, Italy.

The Contemporary Dance Festival in Venice

The Contemporary Dance Festival is taking place right now and you still have 11 days to go to one of the many events talking place as part of the festival. This annual event is on between the 14th and 29th June this year.

Several events are taking place and a number of venues are being used, including the:

• Teatro alle Teste
• Piccolo Teatro Arsenale

Full details of this excellent event can be found on http://www.labiennale.org/en/ in English and there are forms of dance including ballet and contemporary dance. For accommodation for event Holiday Velvet have a number of Venice apartments and accommodation available.