Italy

This is a historical Rialto Market restaurant and its atmosphere seems to date back to a previous age, the whole area seeming to still be a fish market. The staff sometimes are not very polite to their customers, but in the summer, you can eat outdoors and the beauty makes up for it. The wines are excellent and the fish dishes are cooked quickly and taste wonderful.

quiet that reigns around the Villa will transport our guests in far times where the modern frenzy will be only a memory. Hotel Villa Orio il just in front one of the best golf courses in Venice. Before rushing to the center of Venice you may enjoy a golf game. Special entrance fees for our gests.

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.

It's a good idea to book a table before you go as this 'osteria' is very popular. In the evening it is generally full of students and young people. There is a little room with a piano. The fish is always very fresh and the risotto and pasta dishes are excellent. There is a good selection of local red wines and prosecco. The grappa is perfect for after your meal.

In the middle of the piazza, beneath the Procuratie Vecchie, stands a shop whose name is synonymous in Venice with jewelry. Amongst the labels represented are Bvlgari, Corum, Jaeger le Coultre, and Patek Philippe. The customer service is excellent.

Less expensive and crowded than the other restaurants around Piazza San Marco, Ai Canottieri is a good place for a glass of wine and a hearty meal. The menu emphasizes seafood, so be sure to try the Gray Shrimps With Polenta, or the Spaghetti Maritime-style. Don't forget the wine, as they have a good selection to accompany your meal.  The winter special is the sea bass cooked in a bag made of pasta and bread, stuffed with black olives, bay leaves and
spices.

Pal Zileri - the menswear line from the Forall group - has opened its show room here. The selection is good, the sales assistants are very polite, and the décor is in keeping with the label's image.

This snack bar is also one of the few tobacconists in Venice. This place is very popular with tourists and it can be hard to find a table. The cuisine varies from typical Venetian dishes to different types of pizza, sardines, grilled vegetables, and small fish. There is a good range of local wines.

Built in 1076, Ateneo di San Basso is one of the oldest churches in Venice. Restored after the fires of 1105 and 1661, the church has been privately owned, used as a marble and sculpture camp by the Fabbriceria di San Marco and finally reconstructed and furnished as a conference hall during the 1950s. Also used as a classical music venue, visitors can enjoy the sounds of Vivaldi and Mozart in this historical landmark.

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

Photography fans can once more view the hundreds of photographs on display at the Venice Exhibition of Photography. This year the focus is on the "question of photography" itself, i.e. on the importance of the role of photography as a means of artistic communication on its own. Dealers, gallery owners, photographers and buyers from all over the world are expected.

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.

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.

At the beginning of the 18th Century, Armenian monks arrived in Venice. These monks fled from the Moorish country after the Turkish invasion. The Serenissima (Venetians) gave them an island, which was used as a lepers' colony in other times. Under the guidance of Pietro Mechitar, the monks founded a religious order and monastery for the Mechitarists, and a library that became a cultural centre for the Armenian Diaspora. Fortunate enough to be spared by Napoleon, they continued in their work of cultural rescue. They established a typography in Armenian characters and collected the most ancient manuscripts that they could find. Guided tours are also available. Visit the website for detailed information.

This is one of Venice's oldest and best bars. The atmosphere is friendly, and the restaurant is mainly frequented by locals. The menu features fresh fish, grilled meats, antipasti, risotto and pasta. The homemade desserts are good as is the wine, which is mainly local.