Romantic Heaven Trip

This regatta, which takes place on the first Sunday in September each year, dates back to the 13th century. The race features fast boats with two oars (gondolini), and a procession of historical boats containing people in costume also passes 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.

Overlooking the Orseolo Basin, Albergo Cavalletto and Doge Orseolo is located approximately 20 meters far from Saint Mark's Square and 10 miles from Venice Airport. Rialto Bridge, G. Cini Foundation, and Accedemia Galleries are about half a mile away. Hotel amenities include the cocktail lounge and complimentary continental breakfast. The hotel also offers concierge service, 24-hour front desk service, and train/airplane ticket reservations. All rooms feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms, hairdryers, minibars, satellite TV, and safes.

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.

Sottomarina, a few minutes outside Venice by car, on the port of Chioggia, is a peaceful place renowned for its fresh fish. Famous for its open-plan kitchen, Garibaldi da Elda is frequented mainly by locals and some tourists during the summer. The food is typically Venetian; they don't serve any international dishes. The specialties are local. Try the 'risotto di go' (risotto made with a very bony fish) or the tagliatelle with pumpkin, prawns and leeks. The wine list is limited but very good.

Started in the 9th Century, Basilica di San Marco's architecture shows an eastern and Byzantine influence: note the golden altarpiece and the 13th and 14th-century mosaics that illustrate the cycles of the Bible. The magnificent domes date from the 12th Century. The Basilica houses the Marciano Museum, which contains the original bronze horses, copies of which are now on the terrace. Other great artworks are located in the Pala d'Oro, along with masterpieces of Gothic gold-smithing, located just behind the altar.

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.

This restaurant belongs to the Hotel Monaco and Grand Canal, located in Calle Vallaresso, a few meters from the vaporetto stop. The location is appealing; the romantic terrace faces Santa Maria della Salute and gondolas. The romantic dining room is dimly lit by lovely Venetian chandeliers. The cuisine includes many creative fish and vegetable dishes, and excellent starters and desserts. Combining the winning service and menu with a superb wine list, with the possibility of spotting a celebrity or two, and you have the reason behind this restaurant being a top dining choice.

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.

Museo di Storia Naturale di Venezia is a truly enlightening museum covering all the natural sciences. You'll find fossils, minerals, botanical collections, entomological collections, protozoa, mollusks and all kinds of vertebrates on display. There are also models of fishing boats and an antique laguna boat. This makes a good alternative to the numerous museums in Venice.

Walking under the Rialtos arcades you can reach this small typical Venetian osteria hidden in a side street of this busy area. A former member of a local rock band has recently opened it, as you can see from the musical instruments decorating the interior. You can drop there just for an aperitif with a great choice of bruschette, small cheese rissoles, meatballs and really good wines or stay for dinner. The menu changes with the seasons according to availability of fresh, flavorful ingredients of the nearby Rialto Food Market. In the good season is a real pleasure sitting at the few tables on the corner outside the restaurant. - Maria Frullini

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 San Gregorio Art Gallery specializing in modern art is very close to Santa Maria della Salute in a district which is popular with artists. It houses works of art by artists associated with it and promotes them by displaying their works. A number of top artists have had their works displayed here. Their vast collection features eye-catching works in figurative, abstract, sculpture and even multimedia.

This boutique takes its name from the nearby theatre. Among the famous brands stocked are Thierry Mugler, Rena Lange, Cesare Paciotti, and Blumarine. It has an excellent reputation for quality in the city.

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 Risotto and the Cod are popular menu selections. The Harry's Bar maintains the same high calibre, and has excellent Martini. The space is somewhat small and cosy, so it is recommended that reservations are made in advance.

This jewelry shop which is situated on the Piazza San Marco is noted both for the quality of the labour and the choice of excellent raw materials as well as for originality of design and production. The moretti for example, with their diamond clasps (a design inspired by Turkish costumes) are famous.

This shop sells men's clothing. It is situated in the road, which links the Goldoni Theatre to Campo San Luca, very near the Piazza San Marco. It has a twin shop in Mestre, in Piazza Ferretto. The suits, and cotton, silk, and cashmere shirts and jumpers are all on display. The labels are amongst the most famous in the world for classical and traditional male clothing.

This osteria is usually full of Venetians and a few of the more intrepid tourists who have escaped from the more normal tourist areas.

This is not your average Venetian hotspot: Dogado Lounge is a modernly designed restaurant, a pizzeria, and a popular music venue and bar, all in the same place! Dogado opens until late and doesn't offer the typical local menu. Grilled meat, a fine selection of wines, and a huge choice of pizzas are its strong points. In the good season, waiters serve dinner on the spacious terrace on the first floor. Otherwise there is enough space inside to either just dine or have an after-dinner drink listening to music and dancing. DJs play an array of styles and sounds depending on the day, but live music also graces late nights. In the daytime, the ground floor bar/café is open from 7:30 to serve coffees and snacks. - Maria Frullini

Gucci a well known fashion brand all over the world has its store in Venice. The store here is well stocked and the sales assistants are helpful and unobtrusive. Find a tempting collection of trendy clothing, shoes, bags and accessories in styles that are the rage of the season.  Gucci is close to Piazza San Marco.

Bvlgari is located in Calle Large XXII Marzo, which links Santa Maria del Giglio with San Moisè. The jewels on display in the window are stunning, and the interior is beautifully furnished and decorated. The lighting is subdued and soft music plays in the background.