Venice is a popular destination for good reason. The islands, canals, artisans and architecture are enough on their own, before you even get to the artworks, food culture and fascinating history. As a city and landscape that’s been captured by artists and photographers, the image is familiar, but it can’t compare to seeing it in person.
It’s hardly a secret destination, so how is it possible to enjoy it in luxury and connect to the authentic heart of the city? It’s not about going off the beaten track but about making time for experiences. A Murano glass tour is the perfect example. It involves a visit to Murano Island, connects to a unique local tradition, and gives you a chance to see artisans at work.
Here’s how to take those concepts and apply them to your whole visit.
After Rome, Venice is the second most visited Italian city. That means there will be other tourists around, so identifying the best experiences and making personal connections is even more important.
Since it’s spread across 118 islands, consideration needs to be given to transport in a way that lets you enjoy the ‘Floating City’ in its best light.
These are the top tips for making it a luxury experience.
One key way to connect with all things Venetian is through the architecture. Whether it’s Gothic, Byzantine or Renaissance style, there are impressive buildings to behold. Venice is full of unmissable landmarks, including St. Mark’s Basilica, the Rialto Bridge, Torcello Cathedral and the Bridge of Sighs.
The architecture also helps to tell the city’s history. The Doge’s Palace and the Ca’ d’Oro connect to Venice’s influence and the Western and Eastern architectural styles that have shaped it. To get even closer to that, it’s worth choosing a Ca’ or palazzo hotel to experience the grandeur and luxury that were exclusively reserved for wealthy Venetians of the past.
The architecture isn’t the only link to Venice’s history and distinct character. The city’s 5th-century roots, art and close link between nature and history earned it its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site. While viewing artworks is breathtaking, you can connect to the spirit of the place by observing and taking part in traditions.
There are many artisans still at work in Venice, keeping the traditions alive. When visiting Murano, you can see the Glass Museum, but it’s also worth taking a tour of a glass factory where the craftsmanship is on display. You also get to see them at work using techniques that have been passed down through the generations.
Of course, a drink at the piazza is part of the experience, but don’t miss out on the unique food culture that comes with it. In Venice, the local bars will serve cicchetti with your spritz or ombra. They are small bites of food that display Venetian flavours at their finest.
The lagoon covers 70,176.4 ha and creates a breathtaking landscape. You’ll notice high and low tides, which contribute to intriguing wetland biodiversity. As well as appreciating the natural surroundings, it’s worth taking the time to notice and explore how Venetians have been adapting to the environment over centuries.
It’s the lens through which you view Venice that builds a special connection with the place. Enjoying the culture is sure to lead to a luxurious and celebratory experience. Deeper than that, though, there’s an opportunity to explore human ingenuity.
Witnessing the artisans at work, seeing how a city can be built on top of 118 islands on a lagoon and enjoying a car-free experience will change your perspective.
Looking closer at the legacy of this trading empire, which is a bridge between East and West, also reveals what a unique position Venice is in. The blend of those influences has created a rich heritage and an iconic landscape.
