Venice trip

Venice, Italy (Venezia in Italian) is one of the most interesting and lovely places in the world. This sanctuary on a lagoon is virtually the same as it was 500 years ago, though it has certainly begun to decay since its heyday. Tourists slightly outnumber residents, but the city’s romantic charm remains.

Venice is made up of different parts. The most famous is the area comprising the 118 islands in the main districts of Cannaregio, Castello, Dorsoduro, Isola Della Giudecca, San Polo, San Croce, San Marco and Lido di Venezia where the main monuments and sights are located.

The Most Serene Republic of Venice dates back to 827, when a Byzantine dukedom moved its seat to what is now known as the Rialto, and for the following 970 years prospered on trade and under the rule of a Roman-style Senate headed by the Doge. In 1797 the city was conquered by Napoleon, a blow from which the city never recovered.

The summer may be the worst time to visit: It’s sometimes very hot, the canals sometimes stink (in the most literal sense), there are occasional infestations of flies and there are more tourists than usual. Spring and fall are probably best. Ride a Vaporetto (water bus) down the Grand Canal right before sunset. The Vaporettos are inexpensive, but the sites are priceless: amazing architecture, soft seaside sunlight, and a fascinating parade of Venetian watercraft. Or shop. Venice is packed full of little stores in every corner and crevice. The most common local specialties are Carnival masks, glass and marbled paper.

The Hotel Cipriani, considered one of the world's best hotels, is located on Giudecca island, directly across from piazza san marco (st. Mark's square). It's location provides a quiet oasis away from the congestion of the city center, and is just a short five minute boat ride from piazza San Marco by Hotel-operated water shuttle. The service operates continously 24 hours per day seven days a week. Located at the tip of giudecca island, guests are afforded views of the water and adjacent islands, as well as the hotel's expansive gardens. Facilities at the hotel include four restaurants, a private boat launch,20,000 square meters of private gardens, clay tennis courts, one of the only outdoor swimming pools in Venice, olympic-sized and heated, business services, hotel-operated water shuttle to san marco, one boutiques, meeting and banqueting facilities, beauty salon, massage, sauna, turkish bath, fully-equipped gymnasium and beauty and wellness center, security services. Hotel Cipriani and the adjacent Palazzo Vendramin and Palazetto Nani-Barbaro offer a combination of 95 accommodations, including 21 suites and 34 junior suites, some with views of st. Mark's and neighboring islands. Room amenities include marble or italian tile baths, mini-bar, towel warmer, work desk, in-room safe, video player and satellite color tv, complimentary video lending library, bathrobes, hair dryer and newspaper. Many rooms and suites feature private balcony or patio, separate bath and shower, jacuzzi bathtub and butler service. All room rates include a full american breakfast daily in the hotel's restaurant or in the room. Year hotel opened.: built and opened in 1958 Number of guestrooms.: 46 Number of suites.: 24 plus 34 junior suites Number of floors.: four floors in the main hotel Wings/buildings in prop.: 3 in main hotel, plus Palazzo and Palazzetto Unique features.

If you like crowds this is the bar for you. It can be found in the thriving Campo Santa Margherita, which is full of people and noise during lunch and dinnertime. In this bar you can have a drink, or have a snack to fill up for the rest of the day. It is quite cheap compared with average Venetian prices so top up that drink. It is quite big by Venetian standards and is usually filled with students and tourists. It is a nice place to come for lunch or to drink an aperitif. The service is good. As well as the snacks, which you can eat with your aperitif, such as, grilled vegetables, sandwiches, squid, octopus salad etc., you can also choose from various pizzas and spaghetti dishes. There is a good range of local wines, and beer.

This shop mainly sells Russian and English silver, Russian icons, and antique glassware. They also offer a good selection of antique jewelry, furniture and paintings.