Shopping
Quality Venetian goods include exquisite glass, lamps, locally crafted lace, fine fabrics and sumptuous jewellery. For a typical souvenir, venture to Murano Island, famed for its flamboyant, colourful Murano glassware − it was here that the glass-blowers were sent centuries ago when they were deemed a fire hazard to the city.
Food and Drink
Many would argue that Italy boasts some of the world’s very best cuisine, and beautiful Venice is no exception. Sample delicious marine curios such as spider crab, sea snails or mantis shrimps, all washed down with a refreshing Italian Spritz, crisp glass of Prosecco, or Ombra, a tiny glass of white wine. Other traditional dishes include polpette (meatballs), exquisite antipasti, inimitably good coffee, and the country’s delectable gelato, offered in just about every flavour under the sun.
The Venice Carnival
The Venice Carnival, ‘Carnevale’, held annually just before Lent, is a festive season including a variety of events typically involving public parades with people dressed in ornate costumes and masks. There is a magical atmosphere well worth experiencing. Giudecca’s women’s prison produces some amazing goods, including period costumes for purchase or to hire at ‘Carnevale’ time.
Venice Lido
A short boat ride from St Mark's Square is the Venice Lido − a relaxing seaside resort fringed by a long sandy beach which has long been a haven for aristocracy, poets and writers, and still today boasts one of Europe's most exclusive beaches.
Sightseeing
Bordered by the stunning Piazza San Marco, be sure to visit St Mark’s Basilica, admiring the marble floors, domed ceilings, glass tiles and mosaic-lined interiors depicting religious scenes. The immense bell tower, St Mark’s Campanile, dates back to the 9th century, whilst the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute is inimitably beautiful and an important Catholic landmark. The Palazzo Ducale, with a marvelous façade and immense dimensions, is another emblem of Venice’s grandeur, while the Canal Grande is the city’s most important waterway; almost four kilometres-long and in immediate proximity to all major attractions and landmarks.
Art
Artists of the highest calibre have left their mark all over Venice and works by its grand masters − Titian, Tintoretto, Canaletto and Tiepolo − can still be viewed in situ today. See Titian’s glorious 'Assumption' above the high altar at I Frar and Tintoretto's epic masterpiece 'Crucifixion', at Scuola Grande di San Rocco to name but two. Meanwhile, the Glass Museum is in a beautiful Gothic building, entirely dedicated to glass works including the Renaissance gems of Correr, Molina and Cicogna.
Travel Planning
Our Travel Consultants can advise on, arrange and pre-book many things to enhance your holiday. This includes everything from spa reservations and dinner reservations, to a range of special experiences available in our featured resorts that you may not know about.
Cooking Class
If you like cooking, book a cooking class at Belmond Hotel Cipriani which includes a trip to the Rialto Market with the Chef who will show you how to look for the freshest fish before you learn how to create a delicious dish with him.
Something Different
Belmond Hotel Cipriani can arrange private pre-dinner drinks in St Mark’s clock tower, which is normally closed to the public – perfect for romantics. Or, for something a bit quirky, hire a water bike from the hotel to explore the waterways, or join one of its kayak tours around Venice’s secret islands.
Twin Centre
Why not head for the hills and combine Venice with Lake Garda and the stunning Dolomites, just two hours away; a great combination in summer with the mountains lending themselves to hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and rafting, as well as winter when there are skiing and snowboarding opportunities.
Flight Information
British Airways from London Gatwick and London Heathrow to Venice. UK regional departures and charter flights are also available.
Flight Time
From London Heathrow to Venice: 2 hours, 10 minutes.
Travelling With Children or Without an Adult
Children travelling without both parents should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. Please contact the relevant Embassy for the county you are travelling to for further information.
Visa and Advance Passenger Information
All passengers must ensure they have a valid, acceptable passport, any required visa and any other documentation for both the final destination and any stop-off points en route. Please make sure that Advance Passenger Information is submitted in advance to travel for all destinations. Failure to hold correct documentation or submitting incorrect details with Advance Passenger Information or Visa applications may result in refusal of carriage or entry into a country. Please check with the relevant Embassy regarding visa requirements well in advance of your travel date. Charges may apply for some visas.
Passengers not travelling on a British Passport are advised to contact their relevant Foreign & Commonwealth office for individual Visa requirements.
For up-to-date resort information, visit www.fco.gov.uk
Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide and you should take health advice about your specific needs from your general practitioner or a specialist clinic as early as possible before travel. Those planning to become pregnant should discuss their travel plans with their healthcare provider to assess their risk of infection with Zika. For information about Zika, other mosquito-borne diseases (such as Dengue fever and Chikungunya), Lyme Disease (caused by tick bites), and to receive advice on mosquito bite avoidance measures, please visit Insect and tick bite avoidance.
In addition, we highly recommend that you seek specialist advice from your doctor and, where recommended, obtain vaccinations or tablets for protection against, for example: Malaria, Hepatitis A, Polio and Typhoid. In some cases, treatments for Malaria should begin well in advance of travel. Travellers may also be required to show Yellow Fever Certificates on arrival in certain destinations i.e, some African countries. Please note that you are strongly advised against scuba-diving for 24 hours before travelling by air. We would also like to draw your attention to the risk of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) and recommend that you consult with your doctor before travelling.
Visit the FCDO website and select your destination country for the very latest travel advice: Foreign Travel Advice. Additional sources of information include: Public Health England, The National Travel Health And Network Centre, Foreign And Commonwealth Office and your General Practitioner or a specialised clinic.