Venice

Planning a romantic getaway to Venice?  This city is set in the most beautiful scenery with magnificent architecture sprawled over 117 small islands.  It is also the birthplace of Antonio Vivaldi.
Venice was a large maritime port during the Renaissance and Middle Ages and became the wealthiest city in Europe during the 13th century.  It started to decline during the 15th century after sending ships to Constantinople.  Once Constantinople fell, war was declared on Venice which lasted thirty years.
Venice was also struck by the plague which ravaged the area in 1348, 1575 and 1577, killed a third of the population.
3000 merchant ships operated out of Venice in 1450, these ships were used as fighters or transporters and always carried weapons with them wherever they went.
During the First Coalition, Napoleon Bonaparte conquered Venice in 1797 and Venice became an elegant city in the 1700’s.

The most amazing thing about Venice is that all the buildings are built on wooden piles.  Some of these piles are centuries old and are still in good condition, due to the water.  The city is divided into six main areas.
The 177 canals act as roads and you can visit the area either by walking or taking a waterbus or ferry.  Tourists enjoy the gondola, which is the Venetian boats and they are a great way to tour the city and see the sites.

While visiting you must visit the magnificent Piazza San Marco, this huge square is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Venice and shouldn’t be missed.
Venice is a very artistic city and you can see this when visiting the many art museums in the city.  Some of the most famous art museums that you really must see are Ca’Pesaro, Ca'Rezzonico and Gallerie Dell’Accademia.

Getting a bird’s eye view of the city can be achieved by visiting Campanile, this 325ft building offers tourists a lift where you can go up and enjoy the outstanding views. 
Architecture is predominantly gothic, but St Mark’s Basilica is a church that will take your breath away.  Murals and marble pillars make this a favored tourist spot in the city.

Enjoy St Mark’s Chamber Orchestra at Ateneo San Basse or take a quiet day of hiking on Torcello Island.
If it’s sun you’re after, there are magnificent beaches to choose from, where you can relax and soak up the sun.

This beautiful city attracts about 50 000 visitors a day, it’s a short drive from Rome and has an airport, so travelling is easy.  Being so tourist orientated, you can expect to find some amazing discounted offers on hotels in the area.

One of the most reasonably priced hotels is Antico Panada; this three start hotel is close to St Mark’s Basillica, Bridge of Sighs and St Mark’s Square.  It offers complimentary continental breakfast, a lounge bar, wireless internet in public areas and tour assistance.

Starhotels Splendid Venice is a four star establishment, conveniently located near St Mark’s Basillica and the Bridge of Sighs.  It has an on-site restaurant and offers a complimentary buffet breakfast.  This hotel also has a lounge bar, twenty four hour room service and tour assistance.

There is the luxuriously furnished Hotel Metropole.  This five star hotel is conveniently situated close to the Naval History Museum.  It has an on-site restaurant, lounge bar and offers wireless internet in public areas.  The rooms have city, garden or water views and the air-conditioned rooms come with a mini bar.

With so many excellent hotels all at discounted and affordable rates, you are spoiled for choice.  Whether you are visiting for a romantic getaway or you want to experience the wonder that Venice has to offer, you will never be disappointed when visiting this beautiful city.