Romance in the City that wrote the Book, Venice.

Description:

This café opened in 1720 and has a long history of feeding arts and culture and its adherents. It is easy to find, as it is bang in the middle of the piazza, underneath the Correr museum and the museum of Archeology. More refined than other cafés, the decor here is sumptuous and elegant. Summer sees outside tables and live music. The menu offers light meals, tea and cakes. Taste the best sacher torte in the city a legacy of the Austrian occupation.

Description:

Discover the famous wines of the Veneto on an informative and appetizing half-day excursion by minivan. Traveling by minivan ensures you'll enjoy the benefits of a small group tour.

The Lison-Pramaggiore DOC wine area is set in the easternmost part of the Veneto, only a short distance from Venice. Vines have been grown here for at least 3,000 years, and perhaps even back to prehistoric times.

On this relaxing morning tour you will visit one of the local family-run vineyards in this rich agricultural area, and see how they these superlative wines are produced today.

A variety of wines are produced, including Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon.

Together with a wine tasting you will enjoy homemade appetizers from the family-run 'cantina', and of course there is the opportunity to stock up on a bottle or two of 'vino italiano'.

Description:

This restaurant, which belongs to Hotel Danieli, is located in Riva degli Schiavoni in the San Marco basin.

Description:

Vivaldi lived here from 1704 to 1738, when it was the chapter house of La Pietà church next door and he was its violin and concert master. The quirky palazzo that has evolved from that church building is now a member of the Romantik hotel association -- and aptly so. The owner has tried to outfit his hotel as a Victorian-style home, packed with quirky collections of curios (fans, purses, bottle openers, crucifixes, cigarette cases), and its public salons are tucked with cozy bars and sitting niches. Personalized service is taken very seriously here; there are 67 staff members for 72 rooms. Accommodations vary widely in true Romantic style; you may find such details as Burano glass lamps and Murano chandeliers, inlaid wood furnishings, Romantic-era watercolors and prints, or even twisting marble columns and frescoed putti behind the bed. Since every room is different, the true choice here is picking a room overlooking the Bacino San Marco, or at least the side canal where water taxis pull up, rather than the courtyard housing the lovely garden restaurant enlivened by nightly keyboard music. To the rates below, you'll have to add 104€ ($135) for that bacino view, but they make it up to...

Description:

Vivaldi lived here from 1704 to 1738, when it was the chapter house of La Pietà church next door and he was its violin and concert master. The quirky palazzo that has evolved from that church building is now a member of the Romantik hotel association -- and aptly so. The owner has tried to outfit his hotel as a Victorian-style home, packed with quirky collections of curios (fans, purses, bottle openers, crucifixes, cigarette cases), and its public salons are tucked with cozy bars and sitting niches. Personalized service is taken very seriously here; there are 67 staff members for 72 rooms. Accommodations vary widely in true Romantic style; you may find such details as Burano glass lamps and Murano chandeliers, inlaid wood furnishings, Romantic-era watercolors and prints, or even twisting marble columns and frescoed putti behind the bed. Since every room is different, the true choice here is picking a room overlooking the Bacino San Marco, or at least the side canal where water taxis pull up, rather than the courtyard housing the lovely garden restaurant enlivened by nightly keyboard music. To the rates below, you'll have to add 104€ ($135) for that bacino view, but they make it up to...

Description:

Good pizza is hard to find in Venice, and I mean that in the literal sense. Tucked away in a northeast corner behind Piazza San Marco on a well-trafficked route connecting it with Campo Santa Maria Formosa, the Canton's wood-paneled taverna-like atmosphere and great pizzas are worth the time you'll spend looking for the place. There is a full trattoria menu as well, with a number of pasta and side dishes (contorni) of vegetables providing a palatable alternative.

Our Local Expert Says:

An amazing journey through the progression of the arts plainly illustrated and laid out in the Galleria dell’Accademia. Even the not-so-artsy type will enjoy the evolution of artistic expression.

Description:

Containing the world's finest collection of Venetian paintings, the Galleria dell' Accademia houses works of art by Mantegna, Bellini, Carpaccio, Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese, Tiepolo and Canaletto - arranged for the most part in chronological order from room to room. A sophisticated tour through Byzantine, Gothic, Pre-Renaissance, High Renaissance, and Baroque art, the Galleria dell'Accademia is easily reached by crossing over the wooden Academia Bridge, having been named after the Galleria itself, residing on the Grande Canal.

Description:

Glass sculpture is a speciality here; objects d'art, sculptures, vases and glasses from the current collection are displayed, as well as pieces from other collections.

Description:

Vino Vino is an informal wine-bar archetype serving simple, well-prepared food, but its biggest pull is the impressive selection of local and European wines sold by the bottle or glass. The Venetian specialties are written on a chalkboard but are also usually displayed at the glass counter. After placing your order, settle into one of about a dozen wooden tables squeezed into two storefront-style rooms. Credit the high-quality food to the fact that Vino Vino shares a kitchen (and an owner) with the eminent and expensive Antico Martini restaurant a few doors down. It's also a great spot for a leisurely self-styled wine tasting (around 3€/$3.90 per glass), with great cicchetti bar food. At dinner the food often runs out around 10:30pm, so don't come too late.

Our Local Expert Says:

The current Palazzo Ducale is not the original built back in the Middle Ages (10th Century), in fact it has been destroyed many times including the fire of 1106.

Description:

Located next to the Basilica di San Marco, the Doge's Palace has been the symbol of Venice's political life and public administration for hundreds of years. The building has been continuously evolving into its present form since 1340, even though its fundations date back to the early Middle Ages (10th century). Considered a masterpiece of the gothic style, it has been destroyed many times, most notably during the fire of 1106. It was rebuilt by Barbarossa in 1177 and modified over the time by the different Dogi reigning in Venice. More than a palace, the Palazzo Ducale is an extensive infrastructure, comprising the apartments of the doge (often used as an exhibition space), the government quarters and the palace of justice. When visiting the palace, many parts are worth the detour. In the Museo dell'Opera, you'll see the remaining pieces of the building's medieval facades as well as a collection of sculptures dating from the 14th and 15th Centuries. Before heading towards the Doge's appartments, you'll enter the magnificent courtyard. Take some time to walk alongside the Loggias to enjoy the various angles of the Palazzo. In addition to the Institutional Chambers and the Prisons, take... read more

Our Local Expert Says:

One of the most famous and popular places to drop in - certainly worthy of a try!

Description:

This is one of Venice's best restaurants and for good reasons. Saying that the service is excellent is an understatement and the menu features only the freshest and best quality ingredients. The Risottos and the Creamy Cod are popular menu selections. The bar maintains the same high caliber, and has excellent Martinis. The space is somewhat small and cozy, so it is recommended that reservations are made in advance, especially in September.

Description:

This historic piano bar and restaurant is a short walk from the ruins of the La Fenice Theatre. It is sophisticated and elegant and its vaguely English atmosphere draws in a nostalgic clientele in the evenings. During the day it attracts crowds of tourists as a run of the mill restaurant. The cuisine is typically Venetian and includes 'cichetti' (small nibbles) as an antipasto, sardines, hard boiled eggs, grilled vegetables, baby octopus salad. There are also pasta dishes and main courses are mostly based on fish. The desserts are also quite good. In the evening cocktails are served creating a slightly American atmosphere.

Description:

First time in Venice? You'll see all the highlights of this magical city on this combined walking and boat tour. Plus, you'll skip the long lines at St. Mark's Basilica - don't waste time waiting in lines when you're on vacation!

Your comprehensive introduction to Venice begins with a two-hour walking tour highlighting all the important monuments, from San Marco Square to the Rialto Bridge. You'll learn the history behind the famous landmarks, including the basilica's Byzantine heritage and the adjoining prisons of the Doge's Palace. Plus, you'll visit the famed basilica of St. Mark's without having to stand in long queues!

Leaving the crowds behind, you'll enter a labyrinth of narrow passageways, alleys, canals and delicate bridges. Highlights include Campo Santa Maria Formosa, Marco Polo's House, an old merchant's warehouse and the most beautiful well-head in Venice, before finishing the tour near the Rialto Bridge.

Next, enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Grand Canal of Venice. Along the way you will learn the history of the stunning palaces and churches that line the famous canal, as well as anecdotes about the famous people who have resided on Venice's most important 'street'....

Description:

This is one of the best known restaurants in Venice, and is easy to reach by land or by sea. The ambience is refined, but not pretentious; and is furnished in a classic style. The service at this restaurant is impeccable. The cuisine incorporates influences from all over the region, from excellent fish to Montello mushrooms and cheeses. Specialties include a Bigoli Pasta with shellfish and a prawn and marrow flan. The wine list is excellent, and includes many rare vintages.

Our Local Expert Says:

Between four and six in the evening, in the square just on the other side of all the lace shops in the center of town, get ready for the animated local Venetian kids to come out and play, kicking the ball around and playing ‘till dinner.

Description:

The 40 minute boat ride to reach the fairytale island of Burano is all worth it when walking through the brightly colored blue, purple, green and pink houses and calm canals lined with rowboats. Burano is most known for the exquisite hand-made lace which adorns many of the shops at the heart of the island, and at times one can watch the masters at work inside the small stores. How those little old Venetian ladies produce such intricate masterpieces, one will never know! The restaurants and bakeries of Burano make the visit to this island complete, when stopping off for a quick snack ask for the Bussolai (pronounced: boos-ohl-eye) fresh out of the oven which also come with a dipping wine specifically used for these tasty cookies specific to the island. (Although the friendly Burano waiters will probably recommend this unique item before you even ask.)

Description:

Anyone who knows Italy will know that the 'Gatto Nero' (Black Cat) is a name which is typical of the old osterie. This is a typical osteria where you can eat excellent fish.

Description:

This tavern is situated close to the jetty at the Fondamente Nove in Corte della Carità. It has a lovely canopy which creates a cool shade in the summertime. The outdoor atmosphere in summer is ideal and the food is good all year round. Because of its location it is patronised mainly by Venetians who enjoy good food with no frills. Service is polite and welcoming. The food is based mainly on traditional fish dishes and is served with a lovely crisp house white. During the warmer weather clients usually sit around chatting until the early hours.

Description:

Vivaldi lived here from 1704 to 1738, when it was the chapter house of La Pietà church next door and he was its violin and concert master. The quirky palazzo that has evolved from that church building is now a member of the Romantik hotel association -- and aptly so. The owner has tried to outfit his hotel as a Victorian-style home, packed with quirky collections of curios (fans, purses, bottle openers, crucifixes, cigarette cases), and its public salons are tucked with cozy bars and sitting niches. Personalized service is taken very seriously here; there are 67 staff members for 72 rooms. Accommodations vary widely in true Romantic style; you may find such details as Burano glass lamps and Murano chandeliers, inlaid wood furnishings, Romantic-era watercolors and prints, or even twisting marble columns and frescoed putti behind the bed. Since every room is different, the true choice here is picking a room overlooking the Bacino San Marco, or at least the side canal where water taxis pull up, rather than the courtyard housing the lovely garden restaurant enlivened by nightly keyboard music. To the rates below, you'll have to add 104€ ($135) for that bacino view, but they make it up to...