City breaks in Venice
Venice is undoubtedly one of the most fantastic places in Europe for a city break. Whether you explore the city via the Grand Canal, or explore the backstreets and canal bridges on foot, a city break in Venice is the ultimate cultural adventure.
Dream of Venice and you see romantic gondola rides, the bridges of the Castello district and the boisterous cafes of St Mark’s Square. At Future Travel, we have affordable city breaks that allow you to see al this and more.
A city break at St Mark’s
St Mark’s Square is Venice’s most famous tourist spot. Well known for its marble pavements and marvellous Renaissance architecture – notably, the Basilica and the 15th-century Torre dell'Orologio - it is a noisy cacophony of non-stop parades, duelling café orchestras, pigeons and tourists.
The lowest point in Venice, St Mark’s is always the first area to be covered with water at high tide. No city break is complete without climbing the Basilica Campanile bell tower, and viewing the square from above.
Another “must see” is the magnificent Palazzo Ducale, which was for many years the political heart of the city. A gothic fantasy in pink and white marble, the state rooms are progressively more splendid as you climb upwards, and contain priceless artworks by Venetian sculptors and artists like Palladio, Titian and Tintoretto.
Cultural city breaks in Venice
Venice is a city of culture, packed with beautiful galleries, museums and Renaissance artefacts. The Accademia gallery is just one of many that showcases Venetian Renaissance art, while a stroll along the Zattere waterfront gives you marvellous views of the Redentore and San Giorgio Maggiore churches.
There are numerous fabulous palaces (palazzos) lining the Grand Canal, the most famous of which is the Ca' d'Oro (Golden House). This magnificent gothic structure was named for the gilding that once adorned its façade. Today, it houses a spectacular collection of tapestries, bronzes, and paintings.
Venice has a lively arts program of classical music throughout the year, and numerous restaurants where you can enjoy a late supper afterwards. Away from St Marks, there are excellent places to eat at Cannaregio, San Polo, and the chic and lively Santa Margherita square.
The cheapest way to explore the Grand Canal is by water bus, or vaporetto. However, for a truly romantic city break, put aside some Euros for a traditional gondola ride. Nothing can beat drifting up to an intimate Venetian restaurant in your own gondola – well worth the expense.
Whatever your reason for wanting to visit Venice, we at Future Travel have the perfect city break for you there.