Venice Culture, News & Travel

A Gondola ride in Venice, Italy

2012-01-12T16:52:00.003Z

I am not sure if you have a Travel Bucket List but I made one recently and despite the amount of time I spend in Venice, I still have to take a gondola ride. I have to be honest in that the cost of such an experience has put me off in the past but it is something I am going to have to try once. Has to be done and ticked off of the list. Then next is the Orient Express train to London!

Make sure to ask the guy to sing as he paddles the gondola through the back canals. It must though drive the locals crazy, having a gondola guy singing as he goes past the window all the time?! Learn more about riding a gondola in Venice, Italy.

Making the Most out of Venice at Christmas

2011-12-13T14:25:00.006Z

Venice is a great place to be over the Christmas period with the local Xmas market and the general atmosphere that one enjoys in this holiday season. Below are some tips for making the most out of your trip to Venice at Christmas time.

Visit St Marks Basilica - Don’t forget that as well as being one of the most popular tourist attractions in Venice St Marks Basilica is a functioning cathedral. The Christmas Eve Midnight Mass is a stunning service which is one of the most perfect ways to spend the most festive night of the year. Just make sure you remember the mass actually starts at 2230 and not midnight.

Visit the museums - Don’t write off Boxing Day as an opportunity to visit the city’s many museums and tourist sites. Most will be open on this day, and with most people off celebrating Christmas this could be the ideal day to explore.

The Bells - The bells of the churches and cathedrals in Venice ring out to signal the start of Christmas masses. Find out what time these bells will be ringing and make sure you are outside when it happens. The sound of the many bells echos around the walls and the water making a truly magical sound which will make you feel incredibly festive.

Christmas Market - The best Christmas market in Venice is at Campo San Stefano and is a must visit for anybody in the area at this time. The area is transformed into something of a Christmas village and sells a superb range of Venetian goods as well as local foods and drinks.

Extra useful info:Venecia apartamentos - stays in Venice for Spanish visitors and christmas in Venice from one of your previous posts.

A Short History of St Marks Basilica

2011-11-10T17:32:00.003Z

St Marks Basilica is amongst the most popular visitor attractions in Venice, and a big part of the attraction is its colourful history. If you choose only to visit one attraction in Venice, St Marks Basilica is maybe the one to choose.

Venice has a strong religious heritage and there are many churches spread around the city, but St Marks Basilica is the best known and most exciting to visit due to its sheer size and quite fantastic architectural design. To give it its full name, Patriarchal Cathedral Basilica of Saint Mark, is a Roman Catholic cathedral which has roots leading back to the 9th century when a temporary structure was erected. This initial structure was burnt down during a rebellion in the 10th century before being quickly re-built and eventually transformed into the basis of the impressive structure that is present today.

As the years and centuries went by the work on the basilica continued, which is why different parts of the building differ in design as they were subject to the fashions and ideas of the time. Venice was the returning point for ships travelling the world, many of which would bring back features, such as pillars, which were incorporated into the building.

Amongst the most famous features of St Marks Basilica are the Greek Horses which stand on the outside of the building. These were initially put in place in the 13th century having been returned to Venice as part of loot taken from Constantinople. All in all, the various different features of the Basilica and their intriguing history make for a fascinating visit.

Take a Ghost Tour of Venice

2011-10-11T19:23:00.004+01:00

Venice is a city with a vast and illustrious history, and as with any area of this age, there are a number of ghost tales and legends which have been passed down over the years. For those looking to add a different twist to their Venice visit there is the opportunity to embark on one of the organised walks around the sites of the most significant stories. These extremely fun and insightful tours generally cost below twenty Euros and represent great value for money.

The ghost tours of Venice run at night time and allow you to experience some of the best areas of the city by moonlight, making this tour an ideal option for a couple who want something romantic to do, all be it with a twist. Many of the walks will take you along the rialto bridge and sweep off into many of the eery roads alongside it, with the guides doing a fantastic job of setting the scene and delivering stories in a manner which really add to the experience of the walk.

Although many of the stories told are not about specific ghosts, they let you into the secret history of the areas that you would not hear on standard tours, with tales of gruesome prisons and historic conditions getting the mind wondering about what ghosts could be in the area. These tours really are a great way to expand your knowledge of Venice beyond the conventional tourist information. Book a Venice ghost tour online.

Looking to book Venice apartments in Italy for your ghost tour?

Cafes to Visit in Venice

2011-09-04T10:46:00.002+01:00

With so much beautiful architecture and scenery to enjoy in Venice it is criminal not to sit and enjoy it. A great way to do so is from one of the city’s many cafes, of which some of the best are described below.

Caffè Quadri

This establishment has a cafe and a restaurant, both of which are stunning. The real joy of this cafe is that it has maintained its character despite the changes to the modern world around it. The coffee is of genuinely high quality but is certainly not for those watching the purse strings.

Caffè del Doge

This cafe is definitely worth a visit when near the Rialto Bridge. If you are the sort of person who likes to try different coffees then the variety of this establishments menu will certainly appeal to you. The distinctive sign of this cafe has been attracting visitors for years.

Gelateria il Doge

Whether you are after an ice cream, a coffee or a soft drink you will find something to suit you here. This is not one of the most glamorous cafes in the city but it certainly does the job and does it well.

Florian

This is a truly grand cafe which is amongst the oldest of its kind in Venice. It will come as no surprise that this cafe has been in existence for over 300 years when you view the stunning design features and sample the magical atmosphere inside.

Sports Venues in Venice

2011-08-16T16:04:00.004+01:00

The history, culture and beauty of Venice are undoubtedly the main attractions, but for those who would like to add a different dimension to their visit, below are the best sporting venues in the city.

Stadio Pierluigi Penzo

This is a great old stadium which carries a certain character which cannot be found in more modern stadia. It has been in use since 1913 and is the long term home of the local football team which plays in the third level of the professional Italian leagues. There are other events at the almost 11,000 seater and you should check for more information whilst in the area. This may not be the most glamorous arena you will ever visit, but as your mother will tell you, looks aren’t everything.

Centro Sportivo Comunale

This truly is a mutli sport venue. You can catch (amateur) football, athletics, hockey and various other sports throughout the year. One of the more common uses these days is rugby, with the local side playing their national league games here. Rugby will hardly be a classic from the Tri Nations, but that is the joy of lower level rugby, anything can happen.

The river – regattas

With Venice having such a long standing and intimate relationship with the local rivers and canals it is no surprise that they are used as the venue for some of the most hotly anticipated sporting events in the city. The boat races which take place on these waters are highly popular with locals and tourists alike and can arguably be called the traditional sporting event of the area.

Famous People Who Were Born in Venice

2011-07-11T01:26:00.006+01:00

Venice is famous for so many reasons, including the fact that so many famous and influential people were born there. Below is a list of some of these people who prove that there is something magical about the city

Marco Polo

Polo was one of the most famous and successful explorers and was credited with clocking up more miles than anyone before him.

He was originally from Venice where he grew up as the son of a famous merchant.

Antonio Vivaldi

The piece of music Entitled the Four Seasons is one of the most played pieces of music of all times, and it was another Venice native, Antonio Vivaldi who penned it.

Vivaldi created a somewhat unrivalled number of operas which he amazingly created alongside his duties as an active priest.

Giacomo Casanova

Casanova is best remembered for his ability to charm his way into women’s affections using a number of different methods before leaving them.

As a matter of fact, he originally became famous for his posthumous book which was a reflection of his life after he was exiled from Venice.

Richard Wagner

Wagner was truly a talented man who is largely known for his musical theories and conducting, although he was also an acclaimed essay writer.

Wagner composed some of the most famous operas of all time and was famed for his seemingly effortless production skills.

So the next time you take a vacation in Venice of just happen to be traveling here, remember you're in a city that has borne some of history's greatest.

Getting Around the City of Venice

2011-06-25T15:39:00.004+01:00

If you’ve never been in Italy before and happen to take a holiday in Venice, you’re bound to get overwhelmed when moving about and below is a brief guide to the two main means of getting around the city of Venice.

Using water buses to get around Venice

This is arguably the most authentic and enjoyable way to move about, that is, getting around Venice city on water.

There are water buses which run through various points in the city and enable you to view the very best of Venice’s architecture which runs along the river banks. It is a somewhat unique method of getting around a city which will leave you with life-long memories.

You can travel around on the water bus as many times as you like if you purchase an unlimited travel tourist ticket, or, alternatively, you can purchase single tickets from various points around the city or on the buses themselves.

If you prefer a more personal experience when going around Venice by water, you can opt for a water taxi, whereby you will be the only people on the boat. This is a much more expensive option but ideal if you have a large budget and/or if you’re in a rush to get to somewhere.

Trekking or walking when getting around the city of Venice

Venice is largely pedestrianized, thus the easiest way to get around the city is by walking, especially as it is a reasonably small city in which the majority of the main tourist attractions lie close together.

Walking around Venice is a pleasant experience as it allows you to take in all of the famous bridges along the Grand Canal and gives you time to fully appreciate all of the wonder and charm of the city. The average person could probably walk from one end of the city to the other in little over an hour.

Regardless of which of the above methods you’ll use in getting around Venice, you’re guaranteed to have such an adventure for with every turn you take in Venice, there’s always a tourist attraction!

Venice for Rookies Travel Guide: A detailed city guide with local insider information. Authentic travel advice, savings tips, travel tips and tourist attraction information for smart phones and eReader devices.

Festivals in Venice You May Not Know About

2011-05-10T16:50:00.003+01:00

One of the best ways to enjoy the real Venice is to visit the city during one of the many festivals which take place each year. Whilst there are certain festivals which are well known, there are also many which do not attract as many tourists and will enable you to experience more of the authentic feel of the city. Below are some of the festivals which fall in the summer months.

Marciliana - This is a historic festival which commemorates one of the city’s most significant events in history, the Genoan siege of Chioggia in the 14th century. There are events which would commonly be associated with that period of history including rowing and archery.

Sagra di San Pietro in Castell - his festival held in the height of summer is a celebration of the feast day of Saint Peter. It is an important day to many of the religious population of the city, with celebrations including dance, food and performances.

Festa del Redentore - This is the modern survivor of a yearly pilgrimage which is made to the Rendetore church which was constructed to celebrate the end of a great plague in the city of Prague in the 16th century. The modern festival sees the city’s residents board boats from which they eat food and enjoy a sizeable firework display.

Best Traditional Restaurants in Venice

2011-04-07T23:46:00.003+01:00

When you visit a well know tourist destination it can be easy to get most in the manufactured tourist spots which have developed especially to cater for that crowd. For many people there is a desire to experience the true tradition of the area, and one particular area of interest in this respect is traditional local restaurants. There are plenty of traditional restaurants in the city of Venice and below are some of the best.

Bistrot de Venice - If you are looking to really splash out on your trip to Venice then it recommended that you do it here. The food here is traditional Venetian food of the very highest quality. If you can’t speak the language be sure to take your dictionary, however, as the menus tend to be in the mother tongue only.

Osteria alla Vedova - Being slightly off the main road this restaurant does not tend to attract the levels of tourist visitors of other restaurants in the area. The food is authentic and good value.

Paradiso - Fish food is high on the list of the best traditional dishes in Venice, and the menu here celebrates the very best of it. This restaurant is a favourite with locals, which is always a good sign.

Osteria de Franz - This restaurant is great not only because of the quality of food, but also because of its picturesque location on the side of the canal.

Learn more about the best restaurants in Venice and find more Venice travel guides online for free.

Taking a Gondola Trip in Venice

2011-03-09T19:30:00.003Z

With Venice being famed as being a city based on water it would be a huge shame to visit the city without partaking in a boat trip, an event which is synonymous with the image of Venice. With the majority of us not being overly accustomed to taking boat trips, and especially not Gondola trips around cities, there are certain guideline you can follow to enhance your experience:

Do not feel pressured into paying if you don’t want to - Whilst you may be keen to go on a Gondola, make sure that you do it on your own terms. You may be propositioned as you walk along the waterfront by people trying to lure you into their boat. Don’t feel pressured to say yes.

Don’t pay over the odds - If you feel you have been quoted too high a price you are within your rights to either barter or look for someone who is offering a better deal. Also, don’t be afraid to book online in advance, this way there will be no surprises when it comes to cost.

Negotiate cost before you enter the boat - If you are going to include extras such as singing or drinks, make sure that you agree the price before you enter to avoid any confrontation.

Do not stand up - There is often not a lot of space in the Gondola so if you stand up you may well find yourself off balance and in the water. The water, whilst pleasant to look at, is not always the cleanest, so entering it is an experience you will do well to avoid.

Practice sustainable tourism in Venice

2011-02-08T15:06:00.003Z

Venice is one of the most beautiful locations in the world. It is famed as a romantic destination where couples can go to wrap themselves up in the romantic scenery and culture. It is also highly historic and boasts a repertoire of glorious buildings and general architecture. If we as tourist do not do our part to conserve this environment it will not exist in years to come. Follow the below simple tips to do your part:

Respect local customs: The local customs are what give Venice its unique identity. By behaving in a way in which respect local customs we can attempt to fit in and do our part to ensure that Venice does not acquire a globalised culture. Research local manners and avoid behaviour which may be considered offensive.

Consider the environment: When disposing of litter, make sure that you do so sensibly. One of the easiest ways to disturb the charm of a place is to drown it in litter. Not only will it attract vermin it will also create a bad image.

Visit local restaurants: All tourists should make an effort to ensure that the bulk of the money they spend goes into the pockets of the locals as opposed to global organisations. You could eat in locally run, private restaurants as opposed to recognised chains and buy souvenirs from back street shops.

Walk: If you can avoid taking a taxi then you should walk to your next destination. This will reduce noise pollution and minimise the effect on the environment. Learn more about Things to do in Venice, Italy.

Rialto Market for the avid Shopper

2010-12-20T18:36:00.005Z

You must visit the Rialto in Venice, Italy for two good reasons: the Rialto Bridge and the markets. It is often said that the Rialto has something for everybody, whether you are looking to admire the architectural beauty of the bridge or go grocery shopping for local produce. Gourmets, tourists, shoppers and locals frequent the Rialto area and it is a wonderful way to feel the pulse of the city.

Getting to the Rialto is easy and you can take the Vaporetto lines along the Grand Canal and then cross the Rialto Bridge to reach the markets. The Rialto markets have been the lifeline of Venice ever since 1097, with people visiting them for their daily fish, fruits, vegetables and other produce. A visit to the Rialto markets is the best way to really understand this fascinating and romantic city. You will be able to spot fresh farm products being unloaded from the barges, food shoppers examining fish for freshness and quality, handcarts packed with vegetables and fruits being pushed around and many more fascinating market sights on your trip there.

I recommend an early morning visit to the Rialto markets. I found my before-breakfast visit quite rewarding because there was hardly any crowd around which allowed me to see the market at its best. The restaurant chefs and the stall owners were the only people around and the fruits, vegetables and fish stocked there were absolutely fresh. In addition to this, some of the stall owners had their music on and were singing along to Opera and Italian songs.

The Rialto market is the very heart of Venice and a walk along the Rialto Bridge in the early morning will grant you some fantastic views of the area. The crowds start pouring in after breakfast and then you can really view Venice at its busiest. The area is also home to San Giacomo, one of the most ancient of Venetian churches dating back to the eleventh century. I purchased some great fruit for a picnic I was planning and enjoyed an espresso in a coffee shop before leaving the market.

Budget guide to Venice

2010-11-17T14:36:00.005Z

Being located on a number of islands, Venice isn't cheap. Food and supplies generally needs to come in via boat which puts an added expense on things. That added with a huge number of affluent tourits, Venice has become one of the most espensive cities to visit in Europe. Below we've complied a short guide to travel to Venice, have fun and not spend a king's ransom to achieve it.

1. Venice is a walking city which is free for anyone but if you need to get the boat, purchase a Venice Connected card online and in advance. It'll save you at least 15 percent from the original price of the public service fees.

2. Not every site in Venice costs. Churches such as Basilica San Marco and Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute are free.

3. Don't stay arond San Marco Venice. Most of the shops charge extra because they're in close proximity to Piazza San Marco. Venture further afield and try out some less touristic area such as San Polo and Santa Croce.

4. When eating, stay away from the touristy areas and eat where the locals do. Try the Strada Nuova in Cannaregio. There are numerous pizzerias and trattorias where you can get a plate of pasta for around 5 euros.

5. If you have to take the gondola and can't afford it, try a traghetto, it's the next best thing. Traghetti are oared passenger boats that cross the Grand canal at seven points between the railroad station and St. Mark's Basin.

Rowed by two oarsmen: one at the back and one at the front and are generally operated by the same family for generations.

The seven crossings are below and the cost is around 50 cents one way.

Fondamente S. Lucia (in front of the railroad station) - Fondamenta San Simeón Piccolo.
San Marcuola - Fóndaco dei Turchi (by the Natural History Museum)
Santa Sofia (near Ca' D'Oro) - Pescaria (fish market).
Riva del Carbòn - Fondamente del Vin.
Sant' Angelo - San Tomà.
San Samuele - Ca' Rezzónico.
Campo del Traghetto - Calle Lanza (near the Salute Church)

Travelling around Europe and seeing more than just Venice? You might also want to read about barcelona apartamentos, read about working holidays in Ibiza and holidays in Agde, France. Heading further afield and love to travel? For Asia Seoul travel and New Delhi, Inde (India) are great travel options also.

A Short Biography of Casanova

2010-10-12T10:03:00.004+01:00

On my recent trip to Venice I was able to read Giacomo Casanova’s memoirs and liked them so much that I recommend them to all avid readers. Although Casanova is remembered today for being a master seducer; he was also a spy, diplomat, soldier, prisoner, adventurer and businessman. He lived a rich and highly interesting life, although some of his activities are nothing short of unscrupulous.

Born on April 2nd, 1725 in Venice as the eldest son of Gaetan Joseph Jacques Casanova and Zanetti Farusi, Casanova was raised by his maternal grandmother. After his basic education, he tried to become a priest, but was found to have too roving an eye.

Casanova’s life was full of illicit affairs and illegitimate children. At one point in his life, he almost married his own illegitimate daughter. He spent a lot of time travelling all over Spain, Italy, Poland, Russia, England, Germany, Holland, Switzerland, Turkey and Austria. Owing to his travels, Casanova came across people from different sections of society, from peasants to aristocrats and got to know kings, popes and other eminent personalities.

During the Inquisition, Casanova found himself imprisoned for 15 months for airing his views about morality and religion; however, he escaped and was able to continue his life. Although he never seemed to really care about money, he lived well and ensured that he always had the best food, houses and clothes. He was good at making money, but poor at saving it; and this ultimately forced him to seek employment with the same people who imprisoned him. Fortunately for him, they decided to employ him as a spy for a few years.

He spent the last 14 years of his life working as a librarian for Count Waldstein in the Chateau Dux, Bohemia where he wrote on a series of topics and compiled his memoirs.

3 events to make sure you do not miss this August in Venice, Italy

2010-08-03T19:59:00.004+01:00

The Venice events calendar has something scheduled no matter when you might choose to visit the city. August is an especially busy month, with many kinds of attractions across the city taking place to suit a variety of different interests. There are some however, that are suited to virtually everybody. Here is a roundup of three important events in the city during August that anyone in the city must attend.

Possibly the most colourful events in the city are the Village Festivals. During the month of August, the city of Venice comes alive with a number of local festivals. These festivals are marked by their colourful fireworks and fanfare and many of them even have boat races. Since there are a number of them across the region, it is possible to find one close to where you are staying.

The second event that is worth attending in Venice in August is the Venetian Jazz Festival. This festival starts in the last week of July and extends to first week of August and sees a number of international and local artists perform at this festival. These performances take place at the Teatro La Venice as well as at the Piazza San Marco. Apart from the concerts, there are a number of exhibitions of artwork, readings and parties around the city.

On the first of August every year, the Pellestrina Regatta takes place on the island of Pellestrina.

It takes place on the day of the feast of Madonna Dell’ Apparizione and is one of the most important regattas during the rowing season in Venice. To watch the regatta, you will have to find a spot on the shore of Pellestrina. Along with the regatta, there are also a number of stalls and general fanfare, which makes it a very exciting day trip idea for the entire family.

Eating well in Venice

2010-07-08T16:15:00.004+01:00

Venice may not have reputation as one of Italy’s culinary hot spots. True, the proliferation of by-the-slice pizza joints and fixed-price tourist menus is astounding. But by digging deeper and choosing restaurants off the tourist trail you can find some authentic, reasonably priced gems.

One of Venice’s great gastro gifts is cicchetti, or tapas-like morsels and crostini that are washed down with local wine in a tradition called the ombra, or appertivo. You’ll find these displayed on the counters of many bars, usually making their appearance mid-morning and mid-afternoon (the bars in the back streets around the Rialto Market are a good place to look).

From the lagoon, seafood and fish is another one, and prawns, octopus and squid can generally be considered local. Again, the restaurants and bars around the Rialto’s Pescheria (fish market) are a good bet for seafood. In fact choose whatever you have seen in abundance at the market that day as its bound to be fresh.

A handful of Venice’s other islands have small agricultural industries, as does the rest of the Veneto. By knowing what’s in season, it’s difficult to gone wrong with a plate of simply prepared vegetables. Watch out for the radicchio di Treviso, a bitter, purple endive that makes its appearance around late autumn (an event celebrated in Treviso by blanketing the town’s main piazza with the vegetable) and artichokes and white asparagus in spring.

By doing a little homework on local ingredients, then choosing a simply-prepared dish such as grilled vegetables and fish or a risotto, you can certainly eat well in Venice. Wine of course is good all over Italy, Venice included. But whilst here choose a local variety, such as a crisp, white soave white or cherry-flavoured bardolino red.

The Lido in Venice

2010-05-31T16:12:00.001+01:00

For a long, skinny island, the Lido has seen many of Venice’s most important events over the centuries. The most famous was the legendary ‘Marriage of the Sea’, when the Pope Alexander III made peace with Barbarossa, the most notorious pirate of the Dalmatian Coast. Fast-forward to the 19th century and the long golden sands of the Lido are mentioned by many of the great British writers passing through Venice on their ‘grand tour’, including Thomas Mann who set his classic story of unrequited love ‘Death in Venice’ on the Lido.

Waterfront hotels such as Grand Hotel des Bains still exude period romanticism on the Lido. You can visit them inside of course, but unless you are staying in on you’ll have to pay to use the prime stretches of beach in front of these properties. (To rent a sun-bed and colourful parasol expect to pay about €15- € 20 per day). Otherwise head to the more crowded (and lets face it, less salubrious) public beaches at the northern and southern ends of the island.

The Lido’s most famous contemporary event is the Mostra Internazionale d'Arte Cinematografica, better known as the Venice Film Festival. Founded in 1932, this is the oldest film festival in the world, and much more accessible than other such as Cannes. Screenings take place at the historic Palazzo del Cinema and, except for the glitzy premieres, it’s rarely too much trouble to obtain tickets. For opening nights, you can make do with watching the stars arrive by water taxi.

Venice’s ‘other’ Biennale

2010-04-26T17:02:00.006+01:00

Most people are aware of the Venice Biennale, the fantastic contemporary art exhibition that every two years showcases representative artists from countries all over the world. But not many people are aware that on the years it doesn’t take place, the city hosts another Biennale dedicated to architecture. Like the main mostra della arte, the Architecture Biennale (this year from August 29th to November 21st) takes place in the Giardini della Biennale, the gardens to the east of the Piazza San Marco that have hosted the event since 1895. Dotted throughout the gardens are 29 international pavilions, each created by a native architect. For some, these wonderful examples of vernacular architecture in miniature are reason enough to come; the Austrian Pavilion, for example, was one of the last works by Josef Hoffmann, a leading figure of the Secessionist movement, whist the Finnish Pavilion was designed by of the ‘father of modernism’ Alvar Aalto. This year, the 12th International Architecture Exhibition goes under the title ‘People Meet in Architecture’ and one of its major projects is ‘Architecture Saturdays’; a series of conversations, led by former curators of the mostra and between architects and critics. The Italian Pavilion, the largest in the giardini, will host a show titled ‘Reflections from the Future’, which will look at the way contemporary Italian architects understand the country’s historical context.

Giudecca: Venice’s Least Visited Island

2010-03-31T18:25:00.005+01:00

It’s not that easy to escape the hoards in Venice. Popular areas, such the Rialto, Piazza San Marco, the Arsenal and around the Academia are pretty much perpetually thronged, at least during the daylight hours. But there is one haven of peace that’s not too far away.

The skinny, worm-shaped island of Giudecca is only a short vaporetto ride from San Marco (the nucleus of Venice) but world’s away in atmosphere. It was traditionally Venice’s ‘industrial belt’, if you can call artisan fishing and boat making ‘industrial’. Other factories, such as those that belonged to the prestigious watch firm Junghans and Fortuny, the luxury fabric manufacturer have long since gone and the northern side of the island is peppered with more abandoned warehouses and workshops.

The southern side, where the riches of San Marco glisten in the distance, is a little better kept, especially around the enclosed, manicured grounds of the famous hotel the Cipriani. The other two note-worthy sites on Giudecca are the Zitelle and the Redentore, two churches built by Palladio.

But I wouldn’t recommend that you come across to the island for these alone. If, like me, you like to see the more work-a-day side of any city then I would suggest that you take an hour or so simply walking around the island, perhaps stopping to have a drink or coffee in one of its working-class hosterias along the fondmenta. You won’t see any grand palazzi or churches (bar the ones I have just mentioned) but instead local Venetians go about their business in non-alarming streets. For me, this takes the myth out of Venice, and makes it all the more endearing.

Two Day Trips from Venice

2010-03-08T23:21:00.001Z

Although Venice and its many islands has enough attractions to keep you busy for days, sometimes you may feel the need to escape the crowds and visit other places in the Veneto region. Many great destinations lie with a comfortable day trip by train from Venice’s Santa Lucia station.

Treviso, about 40 minutes by train, is sort of like Venice in miniature, with canals, and elegant townhouses, many decorated with frescoes, within the old city walls. A lively outdoor market is held on Saturday mornings, selling everything from fresh produce and chacuterie to clothing and even some designer bargains. Swish shops and great, local restaurants are another feature of Treviso. After you have wondered around head to the Piazza del Signori and have a glass of prosecco.

Padua (about 35 minutes by train from Venice) is another handsome town with a strong artistic history. Its most famous attraction is the Cappella degli Scrovegni and the rich frescoes by Giotto di Bondone. Markets are held daily in Padua, in the Piazza’s della Fruta and Erbe. In Padua, take a break in the chic Caffé Pedrocchi (Via 8 Febbraio, 15) a meeting place for the city’s intelligentsia for centuries.

To Market in Venice

2010-02-15T22:34:00.002Z

When it comes to choosing holiday accommodation in Venice, the self-catering option with holiday apartments is becoming popular these days. Being able to cook your own meals. This is particularly beneficial in a city such as Venice that, although has some wonderful restaurants, doesn’t have as good a dining scene as say Rome or Naples. The other is that you will have the opportunity to shop in the wonderful Rialto market.

Spilling over the bridge of the same name and into the streets beyond, a visit to the Rialto market is one of those rare in Venice where locals will outnumber tourists.

For the real deal, visit the market in the early morning, as barrels of fish are being hauled off barges and dangerously laden carts of fruit and vegetables are being trawled to the stalls. ‘The light of a Venetian dawn is so limpid and so still that it makes every separate vegetable and fish luminous with a life of its own,’ wrote the famous food writer Elizabeth David in Italian Food, ‘With unnaturally heightened colours and clear stenciled outlines.’

In the Rialto, you can get all the ingredients necessary to try you hand at classic Venetian dishes, such as seafood scampi, Sarde in Saor (sardines in a piquant sauce) and cuttlefish cooked in ink. For recipes, I recommend the website www.epicurious.com or the book Veneto: Authentic Recipes from Venice and the Italian Northeast by Julia della Croce.

The lovely Museo Correr in Venice

2010-02-08T19:10:00.003Z

La Serenísima is single theme of ‘800 Drawings of nineteenth century Venice’, a new show at the city’s lovely Museo Correr. (on until April 11th)

At the height of the ‘Grand Tour’, the city was painted profusely by visiting artists. In this show, Venice is seen through the eyes of artists as diverse as Caffi, Pividori, Giacomo Guardi, Moro, Bosa and Vervloet. Here is both modern and ancient Venice, powerful and crumbling Venice and secretive and exuberant Venice. It is an amazing glimpse into the urban and social fabric of the most romanticised period in Venice’s long history.

The Museo Correr is located in the Piazza San Marco, so after visiting the show shy not pop into the Caffè Florian (see post dated May 3, 2008) arguably the most atmospheric 18th century café in Europe? (It is said that Casanova used to begin his seduction of the local ladies on the café’s now-well-worn velvet banquettes and Goethe and Byron were regulars). Otherwise, at the more everyday Caffetteria Doria, on the opposite side of the piazza, you can share a standing room spritz with hoards of local Venetians.

Venice Carnival in February 2010

2010-01-11T17:18:00.003Z

Although one of the cooler months in the year (and boy has it been cold this last week here in Venice just like in the rest of Europe) February is one of my favourite months in Venice - and Venice Carnival has a lot to do with it.

This year this Carnival is set for the 6th through to 16th February and snow or not, the event should go ahead. There are fewer tourist in Venice in the winter months although carnival time does attract a number. Venice Carnival is a one of the best times to experience some of the local culture and simultaneously enjoy Venice and the bars, restaurants and attractions.

There is normally a special Ball which takes place in conjunction with the carnival and the ball itself is considered by many to be one of the highlights of the whole festival. You can learn more online from the official Venice Carnival website and accommodation in Venice for the event is also available online.

Venice Air Festival 2009

2009-09-14T15:50:00.003+01:00

One of the best events of the year in my view, down here in Venice, is the annual air festival. I like the September weather (not too hot but still warm and sunny) and the air show is a great day out every year and there are always some great performances.

This years event takes place on the 25th, 26th and 27th September at Lido di Venezia. Getting to Lido di Venezia is quite easy with several ferry and boat choices which go to this long strip of land which acts as an island just be Venice.

One of my personal favourite things I have tried in past years at the event is the helicopter ride over the city of Venice. What a way to see Venice. Not cheap but as a one time experience it has to be done!

In case of interest, the official Air Show site can be found online via http://www.festivaldellaria.it/. Venice accommodation should be booked early where possible because the city does get real business during the air festival.

The Glass Museum tour was a surprise..

2009-08-17T16:05:00.003+01:00

I have been here in Venice for a few years now and I have visited and seen most of the attractions and places that people normally like to see.

This last weekend though I decided to try out the Glass Museum as friends had told me about it and alas, I have to admit that I actually enjoyed it. Didn't expect to and I have to admit that my wife was the force behind us seeing this attraction.

The Glass Museum is said to be one of the top in Europe and with its location on the scenic Murano Island, you can use the Museum waterbus (Museo Murano waterbus) to get across to the island (this is a fun part of visiting the glass museum also).

I thought looking at glass would be slightly boring but when you see live demonstrations of glass blowing and design it is quite fascinating. The official Venice Glass museum site online has details of entrance fees and times. The guided tour is worth doing and you can also if you are really into glass, sign up for various workshops.

FREE Venice travel guides online

2009-07-20T14:23:00.007+01:00

There are now some excellent and Free Venice Travel Guides which are now online and they cover all the essentials and some addition and interesting subjects. Titles online so far include:

Designer Shops in San Marco
The Treasures of Dorsoduro
San Marks Square on video

The new travel guides series is being added to constantly and is a new creation by the Holiday Travel expert Vanessa de Souza Lage, who is well known in the travel and tourism industry as the founder of the ROWA (Rental Owners) Awards and as a co-founder of Holiday-Velvet.com

The whole of the Italian series of articles can be viewed online (29 FREE guides to date)

Join us at the Venice Videoart Fair 2009

2009-06-03T00:19:00.004+01:00

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

2009-03-30T16:08:00.003+01:00

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

2009-02-17T17:06:00.003Z

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

2009-01-05T19:44:00.003Z

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

2008-12-02T18:26:00.004Z

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)

2008-11-04T12:50:00.003Z

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

2008-10-05T00:12:00.003+01:00

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

2008-09-15T12:41:00.004+01:00

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

2008-07-21T14:53:00.005+01:00

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

2008-06-18T15:59:00.003+01:00

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.

Venice Boat Race

2008-05-21T14:15:00.003+01:00

This historical boat race and procession (La Regata delle Antiche Repubbliche Marinare) is hosted annually, in turn, by the original four Italian maritime republics - Genoa, Venice, Pisa and Amalfi. On the 8th of June 2008 the event is held in Amalfi.

The event, which was first held in 1956, consists of two sections. First there is a massive historical procession, with costumes and spectacular boats, in which themes and scenes from the medieval history of the four republics are presented. This is followed by a race between teams of contestants from the four cities.

The four cities present themselves in their traditional colors, with banners carrying emblematic animals: blue and a winged horse for Amalfi, white and the griffin for Genoa, green and St Mark's lion for Venice and red and the eagle for Pisa. The last year’s race was won by Venice. Who will be this year’s winner?

Secret Gardens of Venice

2008-05-12T14:40:00.003+01:00

If you think about Venice, the first thing coming up in your mind is water and stone. However, the city also offers hundreds of hidden gardens waiting to be discovered by you. Although the environment is difficult, some of the gardens are the most magnificent ones in the world due to their combination of flowers, plants, rocks and water.

One of the gardens, the Giardinett Reali, which is located between St. Mark’s Square and the lagoon, is open to the public without any admission charge. You will see pebbled paths, splashes of colour, you will smell heavenly fragrances and high trees and greenery will protect you from the sun. After leaving the garden, you should discover the baroque church Santa Maria della Salute which was completed in 1689.

There is a special walking tour through Venice’s gardens that aren’t easily found by tourists. Here you will visit amongst others two convent gardens and a beautiful renaissance Venetian garden which is located on the grounds of a secluded palace and only few people know that it exists.

You can read more about the 'Secret Gardens of Venice via the book by Cristiana Moldi-Ravenna and available on Amazon. There are many luxury and affordable holiday apartments in Venice to stay in so accommodation shoul dbe no problem. Several budget airlines also fly into Venice including Ryanair.

Coffee with distinction

2008-05-03T16:18:00.003+01:00

Everyone knows how good Italian coffee is but if you ever get the chance to taste the black stuff at the Café Florian in Venice, you’ll know all about enlightenment. Café Florian is one of the most illustrious coffee houses in Central Europe and is located in one of the most beautful piazza’s in the world, San Marco.

Time has certainly stood still at the Florian, who’s owner Floriano Francesconi first opened the doors in 1720 under the name of Venezia Trionfante or Triumphant Venice. Whilst you sip the finest of coffee and wine from around the world, you can immerse yourself in the history, from the rise and fall of the Venetian Republic, to listening in on the conspirators who wanted to end the french occupation to the sweet whispers of love that Casanova used to bewitch the beautiful ladies frequenting the café.

It’s not cheap but nothing really is in Venice. You’ll soon get over the cost when you sit down at one of the tables and look around and contemplate what went on before you arrived through their doors.

Harry’s Bar in Venice, Italy

2008-04-21T15:59:00.004+01:00

Already Ernest Hemingway held court over hearty food and stiff martinis and made this bar his Venice headquarters, mentioning it in “Across the River” and “Into the Trees”.

Nowadays, a sign outside the restaurant states that that Harry’s Bar makes an effort to make “poor” US-Americans who suffer from the sub-prime loans, happier. During the short time of recovery they will get a 20 % discount on the menu which, however, you’ll only get it for the restaurant of the tab, not the bar.

If you’re US-citizen, you’ve to bring your passport and additional the crew will decide by the accent whether you will receive a discount or not. So, if they make a mistake, English guys will get the 20 % discount , too.

So, if you’re US-American (or a British person with US-accent) go and visit Harry’s Bar on Calle Vallaresso in San Marco and try the Bellini – It was here where they made it the first time!

Driving in Venice, Italy

2008-04-02T16:53:00.002+01:00

Being located away from the mainland of Italy, unless your car can float, if you’re driving to Venice you’ll need to park it until you leave the city.

During high season, one option is to park it on the mainland close to either Mestre (the main train station on the mainland) or next to the causeway by the lagoon (where you can catch a boat into the city). This is a good way to avoid getting stuck in km of traffic going between the mainland and the Piazzale Roma in Venice.

If you’d rather not have to get a lift back to your car, you can park it at a few places on the island. One option is the Tronchetto parking garage which is good value and convenient for access to the center of Venice. This is a huge garage build on an artificial island and has more empty spaces than the more central private garages at the Piazzale Rome. It’s also the only place you can park if you have a larger vehicle.

When driving from the mainland, take the causeway toward Venice. Stay in the right lane. Just before you reach the city, you'll see an exit labeled "Tronchetto." Take this exit road to Tronchetto, then follow the signs for the garage and parking lots. The cost is 20 euros a day for a car and expect to pay more for campervans etc. You can reserve a parking space online at their web site http://www.veniceparking.it/

Alternatively there are two city owned spots: the first is on the mainland near to Mestra and the other is at the Piazzale Roma. They both have unlimited space and you can make reservations online at the website. The cost is also 20 euros a day for cars.

Explore Venice’s streets

2008-03-17T12:27:00.003Z

“Dear old Venice has lost her complexion, her figure, her reputation, her self-respect; and yet, with it all, has so puzzlingly not lost a shred of her distinction.“ Henry James’ thoughts are still as true as they were hundreds of years ago.

Forget about the buildings being threaten by decay and rising tides, forget about the dirty Grand Canal and forget about the pigeon on Piazza San Marco but see the piazza like Napoleon once: as the finest drawing room in Europe!

Walk through the narrow streets and follow the signs to San Marco and Ponte di Rialto, even though they don’t seem to make any sense – What a way to pass the time! 150 canals and about 411 bridges connecting the 117 small islands are waiting to be discovered. Venice always wanted to be a bit different to the rest of the peninsula and so even the street names are still from the 11th century. Surely, the waterways cannot be called ‘streets’ but are ‘canale’ for the bigger ones and ‘rio’ for the most.

Walk along the ‘calle’, ‘fondamente’, ‘Ruga’, ‘rughetta’ and many more small side streets. You will truly enjoy the adventurous exploration of the city. If you don’t feel sure to do it on your own, there are various walking tours offered to either explore the past or some special quarters.

Trip on the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy

2008-03-03T13:50:00.004Z

“The finest street in the world, the finest houses“ – These have been the words of the French writer Philippe de Comines in the 15th century and he wasn’t the only one caught by Venice’s charm and beauty.

Even though the best way to explore the city’s romance is to walk through the narrow streets, some things you can only enjoy taking a trip on the Grand Canal. Nowadays, the canal is a little bit dilapidated but still rivals the world’s great boulevards. 3.5 km long, 6m deep and 40m wide, this street weaves through the city and only if you take a vaporett you will see the outstanding buildings on the side and the palazzos which were built between the 12th and 18th century.

Shortly behind the train station and Canale di Cannaregio, the second biggest canal in Venice, you’ll find the famous Veneto-Byzantine buildings, called the Fondaco dei Turchi. Other attraction you will see on your way are the Palazzo Vendramin-Calergi and the Ca’ d’Oro, probably the most beautiful Gothic house in the city. Ponte dei Scalzi, the stone Ponte di Rialto and the wooden Ponte dell’ Accademia are the most famous bridges crossing the canal.
Just before the canal opens into Bacino di San Marco, Chiesa di Santa Maria della Salute comes into sight.

News: Easyjet have a flights sale on right now and fly to Venice.

2008 San Pellegrino Cooking Cup

2008-02-28T17:34:00.003Z

So that you can book in advance you might be interested to know about the 2008 San Pellegrino Cooking Cup which takes place annually in Venice at Lido di Venezia in June and July. If you are interested in cooking and planning to take a trip to Venice this summer, you might want to consider planning around being available for this excellent event.

San Pellegrino Cooking Cup is kind of like a cooking festival combines with a yachtign regatta, whereby the crews from dozens of boats, race across the water whilst also having to cook a 3 course dinner durign their ten mile trip. Many celebrities tend to get involved with this event and it culminates with a presentation for the ajudged winners, in the Piazza San Marco in Venice in the evening. You can find much more detailed information about this event on the San Pellegrino Cooking Cup Website.

For accommodation in Venice and San Marco apartments with Holiday Velvet.

Flights from the USA to Venice, Italy

2008-02-06T16:54:00.000Z

Many of you planning your vacation or holiday from USA will be wondering what the best deals are and how to go about getting the best, cheapest flights to the wonderful city of Venice, Italy. Getting the accommodation for Venice is not an issue as you can simply book via a company such as the rentals specialists Holiday Velvet.

For flight though, there are so many possibilities so taking a sample date of Friday April 4th 2008 to 11th April 2008, we found the following were the best.

Flying from Washington DC International, United Airways came in with the best fare of $901 roundtrip, connecting in Frankfurt in Germany. Delta and Northwest came close fare wise. NYC appears to be even more expensive than from DC, with fares starting at $950 with Delta, Alitalia and SwissAir. From Los Angelas, Delta and Northwest came out on top at $1100 roundtrip. The trick is to shop around and check via a price comparison site.

Cheap Flights to Venice, Italy

2008-01-26T20:02:00.000Z

There are various options if you are looking for cheap, budget flights into Venice, Italy so flying to this wonderful city need not cost the earth. There are actualkly quite a few airlines with good offers and these are discussed below, with the UK and Spain highlighted in this blog. In future blogs we will discuss flying to Venice from other countries including from Holland, Sweden and Germany.

From UK

BMI Baby fly from London Heathrow into Venice and prices are quite reasonable, whilst Easyjet fly into Venice from Belfast, Bristol, London Gatwick and East Midlands airports. From London Gatwick you can also choose British Airways and BA often have flight sales which result in prices which match or sometimes beat those of Easyjet. Into Venice Treviso aiport, you can fly with Ryanair from Liverpool and London Stansted.

From Spain

From Spain there are options to fly with Ryaniar from Gerona airport, and from Barcelona with clickair, MyAir and Vueling Airlines. Vueling Airlines also fly into Venice from Seville and Madrid. Once you arrive in Venice you can book Venice luxury apartments including accommodation in the Giudecca area.

Contributor: Paul Symonds

Venice Apartment Highlight: Castello View

2008-01-17T11:39:00.000Z

Apartment of the month in Venice is the Venice Castello which is perfectly located in the centre of Venice and is very close by water taxi from Piazza San Marco (1 stop away). This apartment can accomodate up to four people and covers two floors, whilst comprising of 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom.

One of the wonderful thing about the Castello View apartment is its location and also its view. You have a view of looking out at the Campo dell'Arsenale. This apartment is clssically designed and has a lovely main bedroom and all of the expected facilities.

Learn more about the Castello View Venice apartment. For other Venice accommodation you can also find a number of apartments and hotels.
- Written by Paul Symonds

Venice Boat Show (March 2008)

2008-01-08T15:40:00.000Z

If you are attending Venice Boat Show this year, it is advisable to think now about booking your apartment rental or hotel. If last year is anythign to go by, it can be hard to get the right place to stay, if you leave it too close to the time. Venice Boat Show this year takes place throughout March at Stazione Marittima, between the hours of 10am-6pm and from 10am-7pm).

This year, similar to last year, there will be a huge number of exhibitors and boats present and every corner of the baoting industry will be respresented. There will also be a number of organised events and displays at the Venice Boat Show, including a jet ski display, an underwater show and other events.

You can find out more about the show on Venice Boat Show site the official site and you can book your Venice Boat Show accommodation with Holiday Velvet short-term rentals.

Record visitors to Venice, Italy in 2007

2007-12-19T18:05:00.000Z

If you are one of the property owners in Venice, Italy, you might well have noticed the trend for visitor numbers in 2007: A record year with an amazing twenty million plus visitors to this small city, within the last 12 months, with over 1.1 milion Americans spending at least one night in this capital of romance.

One group of visitors whose number were down were the Japanese market. The number of Japanese visitors fell 7%. From other countries one of the biggest increases was the thirty one % increase for visitors from Russia.

If numbers continue next year, as they have this year, it is sure to be another busy year in Venice. If you are not a property owner in Venice, then you can search for Venice apartments.

Tell us about your Venice, Italy events!

2007-12-11T13:31:00.000Z

If you are holding an event in Venice, Italy in the next 12 months then we would love to hear from you. We are happy to include all Venice events, shows, news, workshops and fairs etc on this blog, provided it is to do with Venice in Italy.

Get writing and send us your Venice event details and we'll include it within 7 days on this blog for free. Just email us anytime at paul@holiday-velvet.com

Get ready for Venice Carnival!

2007-12-06T11:01:00.000Z

The Venice Carnival in Italy is taking place this coming year between the dates 26 January and 5th February 2008. If you have never attended the Venice Carnival you absolteuly must if you are goign to be in Venice at that time.

Last year it was a great event, with a massive parade, many live performances and stalls (selling a variety of foods and items) and the great thing is is that it all goes on for two weeks. This carnival is one of my favourites and I particularly enjoyed the live musicians who play in the street, in some venues and bars.

Each Venice carnival usually has a theme and for the coming 2008 carnival you can check the Venice Carnival Website. For holiday rentals for the Venice carnival you can search for Venice holiday apartments.

Christmas in Venice, Italy and the lagoon

2007-11-28T16:05:00.000Z

Venice always in my view, has a great atmosphere at Christmas time, even more so than at other times of year. Certain events make it a great Christmas place to visit and one event I particularly enjoy is the annual Christmas market and village at Campo Santo Stefano.

The Venice Campo Santo Stefano is transformed into an amazing Xmas village for December and the village becomes an excellent market area. If you are from abroad then you will appreciate even more than ever the amazing array of foods on sale and for sampling.

Take a look at the Christmas in the Lagoon Website and also you can search for Xmas apartments in Venice.

New Venice apartment

2007-11-19T19:51:00.000Z

Latest Apartments News: An apartment which is now available in Venice for short-term holiday and vacation bookings, and which I have stayed in twice is the Venezia Vista apartment.

This classy apartment is located in the quite central and popular San Polo area of Venice and it is close to many decent restaurants, bars and it is relatively close to the Rialto Bridge.

Another holiday apartment in Venice worth checking out is the Mini Palace apartment, Venice.

New flights from Belfast to Venice

2007-11-19T19:39:00.000Z

Latest Venice flights news: Easyjet have just announced their summer 208 schedule and the good news for travellers and property owners to and in Venice, is that Easyjet now have flights between Belfast, Northern Ireland and Venice. The flights are into Marco Polo airport in Venice and leave from Belfast International aiport. You can find out more with http://www.easyjet.com/.

Rialto Bridge Food Market in Venice

2007-11-13T10:58:00.000Z

Now one of my favourite thing to do in Venice every time I am there is to visit the Rialto Bridge food market Mondays through to Saturday, in Venice. Venice is already a wonderful city in its own right, but also knowing about the Rialto Bridge food market, adds even more to the Venice experience.

The Rialto Bridge market starts from 630am and normally ends around 1pm. To get the freshest and best fish etc though then the earlier you get to the market the better in my personal view. I used to go there are about 8am and woudl get lovely fresh fish, straight out of the sea.

You can also by a wide variety of goods in the Rialto Bridge Venice market. You can find a wide range of vegetables, fruits, cheeses, all types of food and a number of other goods. Even if you do not buy anything it is well worth visiting the market with the market a fantastic photo opoortunity, with the array of colours and goods on offer. You can find Rialto apartments in Venice, including Ponte Venice apartment.

Best places to eat in Venice, Italy - (Italian food)

2007-11-05T22:42:00.001Z

Like all areas in Italy, Venice is no slouch when it comes to food. As it's by the sea, fish is the main ingredient and most of the restaurants specialise in sea food. Being in the north of Italy though, there are still some that focus on meat dishes and stews which can be a treat when trying to warm the bones from the cold weather in thw winter months.

Many of Venice’s restaurants are expensive and touristy especially in the San Marco area but it is still possible to eat well, but you will have to look around, avoiding the main tourist area. When it comes to eating, Cannaregio, San Polo and Dorsoduro are three areas that offer good value for money and there are many restaurants that cater for the real locals. Some of our favourites are Trattoria Dona Onesta (Calle Dona Onesta, Dorsoduro), Ai Gondolieri: (Ponte Del Formager, Dorsoduro) Algiubagiò (Fondamente Nuove, Cannaregio) Al Fontego dei Pescatori (Sotoportego del Tagiapera. Cannaregio)

If drinking is more your thing, the locals inhabit the bacaro, which are the wine-only Venetian pubs, where a series of little snacks (tapas-like cichètti) are on offer to patrons. A good choice is Osteria alla Botte (campo San Bartolomeo, San Marco).

Lastly, you have to get into the tradition of cichetti in Venice. Cichetti are small dishes served in bars all over the city, usually with an ombra, which is a small glass of wine. Most of the locals eat cichetti before lunch or before dinner and it's a great way to hang out with the locals and to eat some great food at reasonable prices. Try some of our favourites. Some of the best are Vivaldi (Calle della Maddonetta 1457, San Polo), Ai Promessi Sposi (Calle dell'Oca 4367, Cannaregio, Venice), Ruga Rialto (Vecchai San Giovanni 692, San Polo Venice) and Cantina do Mori (Calle dei Do Mori, San Polo). The real enjoyment though, is just to stop where you're hungry and jump into one of the many trattorias on offer.

The Feast of Good Health in Venice

2007-10-31T15:52:00.000Z

You have your Venice apartment rental sorted, flights booked and now you are planning what to do in Venice. If your trip to Venice will mean that you will be in the city on 21st November2007 then I strongly recommend to you the 'Festa della Salute' which can be translated as the festival of good health.

We all know how great the Italian food is and it is no suprise that food is a part of many festivals throughout Italy. This festival is worth seeing because it is a true Venetian festival and one which involves thousands of Venice locals visiting the Chiesa della Salute church. At the church they pray to the Madonna for good health. This festival dates back 1630 and remains popular in Venice still.

It is best to book your Venice accommodation a few weeks before the festival to be sure of having a good place to stay. One Venice apartment worth considering is Accademia in Venice.

Venice water taxis for local residents

2007-10-24T17:24:00.000+01:00

For owners of Venice apartments there is some good news with the local city rulers deciding that there will be water taxis in Venice which will be for local residents only.

Locals will now be able to benefit from water taxis on the Grand Canal in Venice. There are over 55,000 local residents and with an estimated twenty million tourists a year, this will ease the frustation which locals sometimes bear.

The new locals water taxi service will start running from January 2008 and will run between Piazzale Roma and Piazza San Marco.

News: Check out our highlighted Venice apartment called the Botticelli. For Venice boat tours you can try http://www.city-discovery.com/venice/venice-canal-boat-tours.php

Venice Treviso airport

2007-10-15T21:08:00.000+01:00

Flying into Venice can be quite cheap of you fly with with Ryanair but the airport they fly into for Venice, is Treviso airport. Some of you will be wondering if Treviso airport near Venice is close enough to the centre if Venice or not so let us discuss this below.

Treviso airport is situated in Treviso and this airport is not as close to central Venice as what the main airport, Marco Polo airport, Venice is. The fact is is that Marco Polo airport is easier if you want to get to and from Venice more easily. If your priority is cost then Treviso via Ryanair can offer the cheapest flights.

Treviso airport is very small and transport is offered whilst by car rental you can follow the signs to the autostrada (A4) and Mestre and Venice. When you do get to Venice check out the new Holiday Rentals at Croce Courtyard, Venice and Venice apartments.

Lido di Jesolo near to Venice

2007-10-09T16:25:00.000+01:00

The Venetian coast is a lovely region which has some beautiful coastline and some great areas to relax whilst on holiday. If you are staying in a Venice apartment then taking a day trip to Jesolo or even a weekend there is worth considering.

Lido di Jesolo neat to Venice is sat on the North Eastern coast , situated perfectly on the Adriatic Sea. Lido is very much a tourism area; the tourists attracted by the long beaches, shops and hotels. The beaches here are actually more than ten miles long and

If you are looking for museums and architecture then this is not perhaps the ideal place to visit. If you are looking though for a place to escape to a beach for the weekend, whilst staying in Venice, then Lido di Jesolo is perfect! You can also learn more about Venice http://www.timeout.com/travel/venice and for Venice accommodation here.

Venice apartments rental

2007-10-02T17:18:00.000+01:00

I often get asked what the best area of Venice is for renting a holiday or vacation apartment in Venice so just to mention it briefly now. Then I'll expand on this in coming blogs. Well the truth is is that it really does depend on what you are lloking for. Do you want somwhere lively with lots of restaurants and bars. Do you want somewhere quiet or somewhere right next to the main attractions? Or maybe a combination of different things.

The easiest way perhaps is for me to explain something about each area in each blog and then you can have an idea of all areas. Venice accommodation rental in Accademia is one area you might be looking.

Accademia, Rome - This is a lively area where there are many tourists and the area is often bustling and has a godo atmosphere. There is a lovely Piazza appropiately names Piazza Accademia. The Accademia area can be good for live music in April of every year, in the Teatro Olimpico.

Newsflash: Ryanair fly into Venice!

Venice apartments

2007-09-25T19:18:00.000+01:00

Welcome to this new blog which is all about Venice and everything to do with staying and visiting Venice in Italy.

In the coming blogs we will be looking at the areas of Venice, things to do and see in venice and places and Venice apartments for your holiday and vacation. Venice is realloy a wonderful city to visit and you do not have to be a couple to appreciate this fascinating city.

Coming in the next blog: Places to stay in Venice, Italy.